They say that one’s entire life is a learning curve, so you would hardly expect any single year to be different would you! 2008 has been a very interesting, tough yet rewarding year in so many ways. On the professional and personal fronts there’s been a lot to contend with which has left me quite jaded.
You see, I find it difficult to say “no” to certain projects and have to remember I’m no longer 19, on the other hand one must be active in several areas. “Why don’t you do more voice-overs” is the latest clarion call of some of those around me. I not so sure one can dart from camera to voice-work easily as the two require quite different skills. Such are the vicissitudes of being a freelancer.
During 2009, I’ll be holding more seminars for “Communicate With Clarity” and hope to work with business-guru, Geoff Burch. LSQ TV continues as will some radio projects. Vlogging (video blogging) will feature next year as will podcasting.
Geoff Burch continues to present his tv programme this evening at 7.30pm on BBC2. All Over The Shop has been successful, inasmuch that Geoff has received many enquiries from retailers and other businessmen all seeking his business advice.
You can still see last week’s programme by clicking on the BBCi Player:
What are your feelings on this thorny subject? The issue was raised by Rick at his business blog, FlipChartFairyTales following his attendance at my Communicate With Clarity seminar yesterday at Barnet.
Rick may have a point, the British are a reserved race and traditionally have seen the role of the salesman as a “low breed”. Totally unfair of course, let’s face it we’re all salespeople in one form or another. If you’re not selling a product or service, then your probably selling yourself (in the case of presenter auditions), or ideas to others.
Rick had this to say about yesterday’s event:
Yesterday, I went to one of Jeremy Jacobs’s seminars. The subject was the thorny issue of selling and the fact that most of us are crap at it. OK, Jeremy didn’t exactly say that; he’s far too polite. But when we did some simple selling exercises, it’s fair to say that many people in the room felt uncomfortable. We have this very British reserve that makes us feel reticent about approaching people and asking them for business.
For me, the most interesting thing about the session was that I sort of knew a lot of it already, yet I still didn’t do it. Like managing performance, selling is another one of those business activities that is simple but not easy. The theory might be straightforward but when we try and do it, all our hangups get in the way.
That’s where Jeremy comes in. He and his guest speaker Geoff Burch not only gave me some hints and tips but also inspired me to actually go away and do something different. It seems to be working too because I’ve tried some of their suggestions today.
In the meantime you can catch Geoff in action on the television. His series “All Over The Shop” continues for another four episodes. The fifth show will be broadcast next Tuesday, November 18th at 7.30pm on BBC2. Anybody in retail sales or who runs a small business will find Geoff’s business advice invaluable.
You can see last week’s episode by going to the BBC iPlayer which you can access via Geoff’s site.
If you missed Geoff Burchpresenting his tv series last Tuesday, there’s an opportunity to see the first episode of “All Over The Shop” once again. Click here to see the show on the BBC iPlayer.
