Why Soft Skills matter to your employability

Posted on November 5, 2013 | 13 comments
“The only thing worse than training people and having them leave, is not training them and having them stay”

“The only thing worse than training people and having them leave, is not training them and having them stay”

The hard truth about softskills

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed
CEO AVPT Global S.a.r.l

Though the benefits of soft skills training may be hard to measure in the short term, individuals and organisations need to look beyond simple pain relief, from a symptom of a much bigger problem and toward a long term, system-wide wellness approach. Soft skills training is the key to job security and a healthy organisation, a successful economy that help people into work. There is a quick, effective and surprisingly quick solution offered by the Academy of Professional and Vocational training. Read on…

You may have heard the saying, that in business that you are either selling aspirin (making a customer’s pain go away) or vitamins (by making the customer’s existing situation better). The work at the Academy of Professional and Vocational training (AVPT) involves helping individuals and organisations with soft skills or behavioral competencies; things like interpersonal communication, self-awareness, conflict negotiation, collaboration and leadership. These soft skills are typically considered vitamins more than aspirin. But why should they?

Many organisations suffer a great deal of pain because employees lack proficiency in many of these interpersonal skill and all too often the only thing that has been transferable is bad habits, poor performance and ineffective execution of tasks.  The pain may be as obvious and sometime quantifiable, but that doesn’t lessen its impact on the bottom line both for the company and the individuals earning power.

The downturn in the UK and global economy resulted in slashed budgets of training and development departments, and many departments jettisoned altogether. But what is the cost of not focusing on these people skills both now and in the near future? So which is more important: technical skills or soft skills? It seems that you need technical skills to get taken on by a company (which can be a big ‘if’) or to do an apprentice course, but soft skills are what help you succeed once you are hired. Both are ultimately important, but technical skills get a lot more attention, especially in a poor economy where securing a job is paramount.

Indeed it has been suggested by various people that in a number of professions soft skills may be more important over the long term than occupational skills. The legal profession is one example where the ability to deal with people effectively and politely, more than their mere occupational skills, can determine the professional success of a lawyer  (See the rather marvelous article by Giuseppe Giusti: Soft Skills for Lawyers, Chelsea Publishing ([2]), 2008)

A recent survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council found that although MBA’s were strong in analytical aptitude, quantitative expertise, and information-gathering ability, they were sorely lacking in other critical areas that employers find equally attractive: strategic thinking, written and oral communication, leadership, and adaptability.

To get, and keep, a job you typically need a repertoire of technical skills. Dentists need to know how to fill cavities. Secretaries need to type 100+ words per minute. Accountants need to take long term qualifications. But beyond the technical skills, though, which dentist do you go to?

The current state of Europe

At least 26 million unemployed people have been looking for work across Europe during the long, hot summer of 2013. They will not be the only ones looking. Millions of school and university leavers will join them in the search. Millions more are looking for more work than they already have – another part-time job, or a full-time job in place of part-time work.

Have you planned to join that group  or stay a member of that group or are you planning to solve your problem?

While your technical skills may get your foot in the door, your people skills are what open most of the doors to come. Your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, your emotional intelligence and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills that are crucial for career success.

Albert Einstein

Interact with Soft Skills and get the new Hard Skills of the future

Traditionally, people don’t receive adequate soft skills training – either during vocational instruction or as part of on-the-job training. That’s why services like those of AVPT are great for helping people build great people-skills. What is a huge bonus for employers is that courses in soft skills are cheap, quick (none last more than 4 weeks), effective and have global accreditation.

As an apprentice, development of these skills should be encouraged alongside regular training and study. The development of these skills is about learning through guidance, practice and working out which areas you could improve on. Excellent online courses in communication can be very important in gaining a vital interpersonal skill.

Just take a look at what the future is going to look like with big data?  What type of jobs could you create for yourself\/

Working as a team is key to the success of any company and something that you can be taught by the latest online courses. If you are not used to it, it can be difficult to cope with people with different personality traits who you may clash with in the outside world. Teamwork development will come as you work on different projects and learn the best ways to negotiate and liaise with others.

For an apprentice it is essential that they have the opportunity to develop their soft skills and through an online (but guided system of virtual tutors) like that offered by AVPT) it can be done quickly and cost effectively alongside the technical training.  Being proactive is a personality trait that some people are born with while others have to work on its development. It is the difference between being the person who is always being told what to do or being the person that goes out there and figures it out for themselves. It is a skill that is valued amongst employers as it makes companies more productive.

Although building workforce competency is generally focused on first-time employees, human resource professionals say in Critical Skills Needs and Resources for the Changing Workforce—a poll released in June 2008 by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that many workplace soft skills have become more important for experienced employees than for new workers. These skills include critical thinking/problem solving, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, teamwork/collaboration, and adaptability/flexibility.

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Proficiency in these soft skills separate organisations who may survive yet another year versus those who grow, adapt and are able to compete in a global economy. Employees proficient in soft skills demonstrate higher employee engagement, greater productivity, and help make an entire organisation more competitive in the marketplace. It makes sense to look at the new training paradigm offered by Academy of Vocational and Professional Training Ltd.

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The Will to Succeed: Why So Many Businesses Fail in their First Year

Posted on November 5, 2013 | 15 comments
The Ultimate 3 hour Jumpstart Business Bootcamp Cover

Join us during GEWUK week. Book your place now

If you’re going through Hell, Keep Going – Winston Churchill

By Tim T Dingle BSc (Hons) PGCE MBA
Chief Development Officer at the Academy of Vocational and Professional Training

In 2013, 62 per cent of all start-ups will fail within their first year of trading.

We have evidence to support this and yet we see that many people are now being forced into self employment as a result of the most intense financial economical downturn. Yes we are all going through economic hell in the United Kingdom at the moment; but  there is a need for us all to keep going.

This astonishing statistic, and one that becomes even worse in certain parts of the country. In parts of the UK business failure rates have reached almost 85 per cent.

Yet the truth is that half a million people per year set up new businesses.

They do so for a number of good reasons including

  • being in ‘control’,
  • ‘being their own boss’,
  • ‘getting a better work / life balance’
  • ‘freedom’.
  • only way to earn some money

Do any of these thoughts resonate with you? Most business owners work very long hours, for very little reward. Having met with many owners and business people I think that is universally true.  They often cannot afford ­or have not planned ­ to take on anyone else. In the United Kingdom, nearly 99 % of business is made up of SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprise with less than 250 people), amounting to almost 4 million SMEs. Of these, the staggering fact is that­ 97% of which have fewer than 20 people and 70% are one-person owner managed businesses.

AddThis Social Bookmarking Sharing Button WidgetBut here is the really stunning fact you may recognise; most of these business owners end up investing all their money (or family savings) and giving up the very reasons they started the business: freedom, work / life balance and control. Far be it from being in control, most businesses and business owners are in fact spinning out of control, being highly reactive rather than proactive, with no real goals, no clear vision and many being so time deficient that there is no time to think, let alone have time for a plan.

So why do so many business fail and so quickly?  Consider this quotation from Sidney A. Freidman (I have it over my desk),

“You can achieve anything you want in life if you have the courage to dream it, the intelligence to make a realistic plan, and the will to see that plan through to the end.”

The ‘courage to dream’ is essential and business owners have without question been courageous.

However that dream must be qualified by a very sound non-emotional understanding of money and finance.  From cash flow to paying too many people too much, most people start out in business without any idea of how much money is really required. They don’t then make a plan or even an intelligent business plan. Those brave souls who start their own business and take all those risks then fail as they give up far too quickly.  Any new business will be lucky to break even in their first year. Many people new to business often assume that they are going to make a fortune within 12 months. The truth is less than 80% of new start-ups make a profit in their first year. You need to have the will to see that plan through to the end.

jumpstartbusinessbootcampnotimetowastegewuk 3      Years ago you would have been looked up for having a ‘vision’. Now it is considered essential for business owners.  But having a vision is not enough.  Failure starts when the manager is incompetent. Most small businesses fail because the owner does not have the knowledge to run a business properly.

AVPT is supporting Global Entrepreneur Week in 2013 with a series of Business Jumpstart Bootcamps. Get qualified and do the basics! Take one of our brilliant Boot Camps or train on line- sign up now at www.avptglobal.com

Must business don’t get the importance branding; their own personal brand or their business brand. Every single piece of your company has to scream out your brand including your brochures, websites, delivery vans and the uniforms that you and your staff wear. Everything has to congruent.

I am continually surprised that most people that are afraaid to sell. This essential soft skill (which I teach and we have brilliant short online courses waiting for you) of how to close the sale is a MUST HAVE item. This is an art form that needs teaching. Some people are naturally good closers but others have to learn by reading and studying. The more you practice the better you will become. So make a note to self: learn how to sell!

One really crucial understanding for all employees and the owner is understanding what the true demand is and the companies own Unique Selling Point. Small businesses often overestimate the demand and usually have no unique selling proposition built in to their products.

Now here is the crucial point so often ignored by new business owners. You need the ability to get on with other people. A brilliant ‘soft skill’ that can be acquired. We all know that we have to treat our customers with respect but what about our suppliers? I am amazed that I have to explain to intelligent people that this is an essential of business success. If you do not pay your suppliers on time they will start quoting you higher prices. If you are rude to them they might stop doing business with you altogether. I like the Tony Robbins thought that,

‘The degree to which you manage your relationships is often the degree to which you will be successful’.

In my experience from commercial mediation (a sensible alternative to conflict) a huge proportion of a manager’s time is wasted on managing unwarranted conflict, misunderstanding and so on, that could amount  to over a full working day per week. ­So, could you be more productive if you used this ‘conflict time’ for ‘selling time’? Want more money?

jumpstartbusinessbootcampnotimetowastegewuk 7Finally, a large number of businesses fail because they are over-reliant on a very small number of clients. This is the hidden danger that lurks for all business owners. It takes just one unexpected closure to result in significant financial hardship. Short-term future earnings can be massively reduced, and invoices for completed work can go unpaid. While maintaining caution about spreading yourself too thin, try not to rely on a very small client base. If you deal with a very few clients, or if a small number make up most of your turnover, you must start finding and bringing in new clients and business. Right now.

A business needs a good business plan that covers all these issues and makes them part of a living, working document. If you want back control of your life and your business then write a plan and get help (with writing or implement it). Business failure can be quick and unexpected. Make sure that you are totally aware of the major risks facing your company and ensure that you are in the best possible position to avoid them.

Churchill was right. Make sure when you have the courage to dream that you make an intelligence to plan and have the will to keep going. If you’re going through hell, keep going.

3 HR JUMP START BUSINESS BOOTCAMP WITH GEWUK 18 NOV 2013

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Social Media – Delivering targeted messages Part 1:

Posted on October 29, 2013 | 32 comments

 Localise, segment and personalise your social media engagement for more effective marketing

By our Guest Blogger:  Tamsin Oxford on Sep 24, 2013

For organisations to effectively engage with their consumers, segmenting and then personalising social media content is vital

The core of any business is the customer. What corporations and their brand stakeholders have realised is that the traditional broadcast model for engagement is no longer effective or efficient.

Organisations need to gain insight into audiences, segment their social engagement into specific groups and appeal to a diverse demographic without compromising brand integrity or messaging.

This feature is the first of three examining how to create customised experiences for customers across different platforms. In this feature we are considering how a business can accurately identify core groups, get to know their audiences and segment customers into niche collections. Sound complex? Not necessarily.

“Social media offers interaction that traditional media could never give to the marketer,” says Devon Stanton, PR and Promotions Manager at Megarom [www.megarom.co.za], “In addition, there is an impressive range of toolsets available that can analyse your social media audience and pull out vital demographic and interaction data. By utilising this information, you’ll be able to craft your social media to best suit your audience.”

A white paper by Experian offers a superb breakdown as to what segmentation is and why it is of value to the business. They define it as “the process of dividing your database into groups based on single or multiple criteria.”

This offers value in that you can drill down into the essentials of the client for improved targeting and flexibility. What better way to locate and address the most profitable customers and ensure that there is relevance in this communication? The right message to the right people at the right time – it works, that’s why it’s a cliché.

The business can no longer afford to be generic. A bland message directed across all social platforms may hit one or two people along the way, but it is unlikely to generate brand loyalty or encourage customers to identify with the brand itself.

“Take the time to understand what motivates people to share and talk about topics,” says Scott Gray, Head of Planning at Quirk [www.quirk.biz], “Interests are so fragmented that being generic doesn’t work anymore. To get messages to spread across social networks, brands have to have a point of view and get this to the most relevant group of people. If you’re not relevant, you’re dead.”

Steps to segmentation

Jeremy Waite, Head of Social Strategy at Adobe EMEA, offers a four-step process by which organisations can identify core groups and segment them efficiently that include:

  1. Influence – build relationships with key influencers
  2. Data – data helps brands identify which content drives conversation
  3. Optimising content – using this information helps to streamline content development that says the right things
  4. Measuring impact – stay aware of the impact of social efforts to continually drive conversation and stay relevant and targeted

The many faces of influence

“Building relationships with key influencers is vital,” says Waite, “Data shows that only 6% of fans regularly engage with companies they like on Facebook. By identifying the people most likely to drive conversation, and the types of posts and messages that engage these influences, this helps to increase engagement.”

Veronica Gross del Rio, EMEAI Social Media Manager at Interface  [http://www.interface.com/neteffect], agrees and adds, “Begin determining which social sites you should participate in and what topics are trending or popular. Track how your customers are using social media. We are a B2B company that designs and makes carpet tiles, for us interior designers and architects are the key people who specify our products so we need to convince them more than we need to convince the final buyer. Having the most accurate profile of them on social media is vital.”

It may be obvious that a business needs to identify its core markets and platforms to ensure it markets products effectively, but social media analysis and communications are not the forte of every organisation. It is here that solutions such as Quirk, Codestar and Adobe Social come into play. These companies have made it their business to understand the market and what the organisation needs in order to effectively understand, track and target their customers.

“Successful brands like Starbucks, Xbox and Dell have reduced most of their reporting to only one page that includes all the relevant metrics and information that they need to know about their customers,” says Waite, “These are known as the five ‘W’ – a strategy that Adobe Consulting has also adopted.”

These five ‘W’ are:

  • Who
  • What
  • When
  • Why
  • Where

Who are people talking about, what are they saying, why are they talking about you, when did the conversations begin and where did they take place.

“We design specific apps and landing pages for various products and services advertised on Facebook and often for specific consumer groups,” says Vinny Pianna, Director of Facebook specialists Codastar. “We find that ads for specific customer groups are far more successful than general ones. To segment this effectively we have looked at where we are successful and worked hard to build on this. The key to success is to tailor your messaging, advertising and landing pages for each group.”

Understand the core

To succeed in creating an effective marketing strategy across social media your organisation must ensure it is relevant, targeted, on trend and specific. To do so you need to listen to your customers and understand what they are interested in and make sure that you are communicating with them on the right platforms.

“The web has allowed people to form groups and communities around common interests,” says Gray, “If you’re into dressing up like Batman and singing karaoke, there’s probably a community of people like you. I think that more effective targeting is driven along lines of interest and passions rather than race, gender or age. People are the new conduits of media.”

Interface used these tactics to develop a targeted social media campaign to launch a new product. They created specific content for each social media channel that tapped into their unique qualities and the campaign has been a huge success as a result. Gross del Rio believes that it is this very targeted approach that has made all the difference to the success of their campaign.

“I think that knowing who your audience is and understanding the goals of the campaign will net you far better return on investment,” concludes Stanton, “The data is there to help you make better marketing decisions so use it to maximise results.”

In part two of this series will ask the experts how to take this concept one step further to tailor social media messaging to ensure you appeal to different needs, motives and preferences.

The 4th annual Corporate Social Media Summit Europe

Dec 4, 2013 – Dec 5, 2013, London

Become a social business: For superior marketing response, sharper corporate decision-making, enhanced innovation and a happier, more loyal customer

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Can the Law of Reciprocity Make or Break Your Business?

Posted on October 29, 2013 | 28 comments
We mean to help you so that in turn you help us

We mean to help you so that in turn you help us

Understanding the Law of Reciprocity

article by: Tim T Dingle BSc (Hons) MIBiol PGCE MBA
CDO  Academy of Vocational and Professional Training

Have you ever wondered why some people seem luckier than others? Have you ever been (mildly) annoyed that others attract more referrals than you? There has got to be a reason, hasn’t there? Well a good definition of ‘luck’ is when action meets opportunity. People that help other people every chance (they get) almost always come out on top. I am amazed by the simple gestures of holding a door for someone, returning a lost wallet and giving someone a referral produces 2 things:  First, the feeling that the person on the receiving end of your kindness is compelled to reciprocate; and second, you create a positive thoughts/feelings about your self-image. There’s something very powerful at play that causes this phenomenon.

Psychologists call it The Law of Reciprocity and it says that when someone does something nice for you, you will have a deep-rooted psychological urge to do something nice in return. It is buried deep inside our DNA and is an evolutionary survival mechanism. As a matter of fact, you may even reciprocate with a gesture far more generous than their original good deed. You can try and resist this law, but your DNA will intervene and you will more than likely still feel that you need to respond in kind to a good deed. If that’s true (and it is) then it would be to your advantage to understand the right way – and the wrong way to take advantage of this powerful law.

Do you think that the Law of Reciprocity can make or break your business?

Diane Shawe the CEO of the Academy of Vocational and Professional Training states “the law of reciprocity is like a karmic “piggy bank”. What you broadcast into the universe, whether it is positive or negative, is a deposit due to be returned to you. Your deposits may be returned quickly, without the effects of past and future deposits added”  but then she goes on to say “How then do we define the purpose of Business Etiquette?”  interesting combination.

For this reason, it is wise to bank positive deposits often.

As someone who is running (or is aspiring to run) their own business, there are a couple of ways you can invest in the use of reciprocity: the Constructive Way and the Destructive Way.

The Constructive Way

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One of the hardest parts of a new business relationship is building trust and rapport. To do that, there are some things you have to establish up front with a potential client to show them you’re one of the good guys. These fall in the area of intent, empathy and credibility. So, if you really are one of the good guys, you can show people what you’re made of simply by being friendly, honest, and helpful. That’s the idea behind a lot of the freebies that bloggers give away all the time. By giving something that’s of legitimate value away with no expectation of compensation, you’re achieving several things.

  • If the material or help you’re giving away is of high quality, you’re establishing yourself as a person of credibility – someone who knows what they’re talking about.
  • You’re demonstrating empathy by showing the recipient that you understand they’re looking for answers. You understand that they need help – and you’re someone who’s willing to give it to them.
  • You’re showing that your intent is not just to get into their wallets – but to sincerely help.

In the process, you stimulate the DNA program of The Law of Reciprocity. When you establish yourself as an honest, sincere, and giving person – you make it much easier for people to buy from you when you have something to offer. It is at that point they already like you, they have seen that you know your stuff, and they trust you. All that makes it much easier for them to choose you.

The Destructive Way
3 HR JUMP START BUSINESS BOOTCAMP WITH GEWUK 18 NOV 2013While responding to The Law of Reciprocity is hard-wired into us, most people aren’t stupid, but can often be inexperienced or too trusting. If the Law is exploited as a tactic, they often experience a lot of discomfort and dis-ease about the situation. Even though I use the word ‘exploiting’ ( I don’t believe that most people conspire to use this law) you might best understand it as someone being false’ pretense, a front; you are pretending to be sincere and helpful, therefore only to trick people into feeling a sense of obligation. Poor salespeople are easy to find – and when someone is using reciprocity as a pressure tactic, it’s obvious. You’ve been there as a consumer.

I’ll bet you don’t have to go back very far in your memory bank to remember a time when someone seemed a little too nice. Even though they were doing something positive for you, you still instinctively didn’t trust them. That’s because their intentions weren’t sincere and you sensed it. Using the Law that way may trick someone from time to time, but it likely won’t lead to repeat sales, good will, or referrals. Pressured prospects tend to disappear quietly.

So the right way to gain maximum benefit from the Law of Reciprocity is to use it sincerely and for the right reasons: to help others and to grow your relationships. There are a lot of aggressive sales and marketing people out there, but listen to them with caution. Consumers are smarter than ever before. Being aggressive tends to offend and alienate. Instead, aim for active and inclusivity. What’s the difference? Aggressive is relentless and pushy. Active and exclusivity is, well, active listening and keeping them involved.

If what you’re selling is truly of value, you don’t have to be a bully to get people to buy. You just have to work hard to get your name out there and develop your brand. Since you are one of the good guys, ask yourself; What small thing can I provide today that my customers can really use?

When you come up with an answer – give it to them. It’s the right thing to do – and because of The Law of Reciprocity, your customers will gladly return that generosity when you do have something to sell.

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ISSUU – Vtf newsletter nov 2013 issue 1 by AVPT GLOBAL

Posted on October 23, 2013 | 17 comments

ISSUU - Vtf newsletter nov 2013 issue 1 by AVPT GLOBAL

ISSUU – Vtf newsletter nov 2013 issue 1 by AVPT GLOBAL.

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Posted on October 22, 2013 | 2 comments

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AVPT  is back for more after being awarded A High Impact Badge of Honour by the Global Entrepreneur Week in 2012

AVPT awarded High Impact Badge of Honour by Global Entrepreneur Week 2012

This year we have set up a range of 3hr ‘Jump Start’ your business bootcamp in support of the Global Entrepreneur Week starting on the 18th – 24th  November 2013

3 hour business startup bootcamp 2012

Last year 361 organisations ran activities in 2012 that met the

High Impact criteria set by Global Entrepreneurship Week – AVPT along with other High Impact providers was congratulated this week and awarded their high impact badge of honour.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship, taking place in 115 countries.  In 2012, the campaign took place 12-18 November and Academy of Vocational and Professional Training supported the week by launching a 3 hour Business Startup Bootcamp which was attended by a group of candidates who enroled on the GEW website.

In the UK, the campaign is hosted by Youth Business International, a global network of initiatives that help young entrepreneurs to start their own business, in partnership with Barclays.

The theme for 2012 was: Pass it On!  AVPT supported Global Entrepreneurship Week UK to pass on the practical help & support needed by early start-ups and individuals who are considering taking the plunge. GEW’s aim was to create a collaborative, local and practical week which enables people to learn more about the wealth of support that is available to entrepreneurs in the UK.  Read more…

 PLEASE SEE TIMETABLE BEFORE BOOKING YOUR BOOTCAMP!

Timetable for November 2013

TIMETABLE

 

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Three Ideas to Simplify Your Digital World

Posted on October 7, 2013 | 3 comments
Information management courses with avptglobak

Information management courses with avptglobal

Sharing a Little Bit of Magic that we have just found

By Tim T Dingle BSc (Hons) MIBiol PGCE MBA

Chief Development Officer at the Academy of Vocational and Professional Training

If you are a small business owner or a serial entrepreneur then I’m guessing you don’t have a lot of time on your hands because you wear too many hats and juggle too many tasks. Agreed? So, in order to be really successful, you have to be both efficient and effective. You should try to set your mind free of mundane tasks and be dedicated to being high on creativity, innovation and execution. The three areas in which I spend the vast majority of my day are communicating, analysis and researching information. If you can streamline this management of information, learn to adapt quickly to the changing digital world and work effectively, then you have the key to efficiency. Here are my top 3 ideas for improving your efficiency:

1. Learn to schedule emails.

If you truly understand email marketing, you know that there is an optimal time to send an email, depending on who is getting it. In order to ensure your email is actually read (rather than ending up in the bin) you need to send it when the recipient is most likely to read it.  The solution is to crank out the email, and then queue it up to send first thing in the morning. I no longer have to remember to send the email in the morning, have less concern that the email will be buried in the inbox and don’t ruin anyone’s evening with an email request from me.

2. Online Training Courses

Save time and simplify- train online. Today there are mnay thousands of eLearning (and more importantly mLearning, m for mobile) courses for everything from painting to digital photography and journalism. There is a plethora of online training courses for various aspects of business, from building a web enterprise to business accounting. These courses have benefits for existing organisations and for people dreaming of starting up their own business empire. The phenomenon of the internet means that people can be trained online as easily as they can learn at a training centre saving time, money and energy. But make sure it is a proper accredited course. To gain access to an online course all you need is to subscribe and have an internet connection. This means you can learn new business skills from your office, your armchair at home or perhaps, for a few lucky people, from a beach front café.

The variety of business courses available continues to increase and this is great news if you want to eLearn, anytime and anyplace. Some course providers offer training in financial reporting for people requiring time management and everything from writing reports and proposals to How to be an entrepreneur. The excellent range of online courses means that prices are generally quite competitive.

3. Cloud Magic to find and retrieve information.

For many years I have used my inboxes as catch all storage repositories, only to find the search and retrieval process cumbersome, if not impossible. How frustrating is it, knowing that you stored some digital notes about a client meeting, but you have no idea where?  I have starting using the excellent CloudMagic (www.cloudmagic.com ) where you have one interface to search through all of your personal data repositories like Gmail, Outlook, Evernote, Dropbox and more. If you’re one who worries about your digital privacy, this service may not be for you.  Of course, make sure you read and are comfortable with their privacy policy before proceeding.

 In a small or medium size business it is clear that the amount of information created will continue to grow exponentially. Without tools, training and technologies helping you cut through the digital noise, you will damage your ability to innovate and grow your business.

Don’t let yourself drown in information or let the world change before you very eyes. Organise and improve the structure of your digital communications, digitial learning and retrieval with these three ideas.

Mobile Learning, Mobile Earning

Mobile Learning, Mobile Earning

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Have you every wondered why people shy away from solving problems?

Posted on September 26, 2013 | 6 comments

banner bbb aug 2013 avptglobalDo you spend a lot of time frowning?  are you even aware that you frown?

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed
CEO Academy of Vocational and Professional Ltd.

Do you think more people focus on the half empty glass or the half full. Which are you? At times, it would seem that we have more problems then we can handle, but this all boils down to self responsibility critical thinking skills and optimism. Taking the bull by the horn can be a scary things, so check out a few well know secrets?

1.      Smile!  It is impossible to hold a frown and smile at the same time, try it, you will be amazed at how your brain will help you look and keep on the bright side of life.

2. Separating negative feelings from positive thoughts. This is an important step in solving problems. Only after you have cleared your mind with unnecessary thoughts can you start solving your problems accordingly.

3.      Treat each problem as a challenge an opportunity for self-improvement.

4.      Lose the scapegoat attitude. Are you pointing your finger or blaming others for mishaps? Take responsibilities for your mistakes. No one is perfect, so never put the blames on others unless your trying to say that they are much smarter because they got you to do something you did not intend.

5.      Commit your problem with a pen and paper, and rate the depth of the problem and state the worse that could happen. Face the fear and then write down all the options of solving it.

6.      Keep a journal and treat it as a “secret friend” who is always willing to listen to your grievances. Write your feelings freely.

7.      Develop a noteworthy hobby, for this will help you lessen or minimise stress in your life.

8.      Take time off from work and create variations of your daily schedule. Relax and check out the best movies in town. Travel and meet new wonderful people. You will find these activities worthwhile in the long run.

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

 4 Steps problem solving tools

1.      To determine the root cause of the problem. Ask a question, answer it, then ask why, answer that, then ask what if, and so on until you run out, that might likely be the root of the problem.

2.      Draw up a strategy, then act upon it. (Pretend you was advising a friend and follow your own advice)

3.      Give yourself a deadline, and reward yourself when you have completed the task

4.      Reflect so you can avoid repeating the same mistakes .

Problems are problems. They are there not to annoy you; but problems are created when you fail to act upon them. Learn to  Let go and you will free yourself of  worry. Remember, less worries mean less stress, so you won’t just spend your time looking at problems, but working to solve them.

If you think that you really want some time out because of problems, visit the next room called “improvement.”

Why not take a look at some of our problem solving courses now.  Click here

AVPT HAIR EXTENSION DEPARTMENT LOGO JULY 2013

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Glossophobia: The number one fear in the UK!

Posted on August 25, 2013 | 6 comments
fear of public speaking course

Speaking presentation survival school course

Got to make a presentation? Make a wedding speech? Say something at an event? Nervous? How AVPT Global can help you right now with the fear of public speaking.

Tim T Dingle BSc (Hons) MIBiol PGCE MBA

Chief Development Officer, Academy of Vocational and Professional Training

Having trained hundreds of people in brilliant public speaking (and many more to be Standup comics) I am often asked about the causes of Glossophobia. This is a type of speech anxiety and is most commonly the fear of public speaking or of speaking in general. An estimated 75% of all people experience some degree of anxiety and nervousness when public speaking. I am lucky and don’t suffer- whatever size the audience. The good news is it can be cured and overcome.

The more specific symptoms of speech anxiety can be grouped into three categories: verbal, physical and non-verbal. The verbal symptoms include, but are not limited to a tense voice, a quivering voice, and vocalised pauses, which tend to comfort anxious speakers.

The symptoms I see the most in training are the physical ones. These result from the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system responding to the situation with a fight-or-flight adrenalin reaction. Since the sympathetic system is all-or-nothing, adrenaline secretion produces a wide array of symptoms at once – all of which are supposed to enhance a student’s ability to fight or escape a dangerous scenario. These symptoms include acute hearing, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased perspiration, increased oxygen intake, stiffening of upper back muscles and the classic dry mouth. None of which are much good when you are about to give a wedding speech. The good news is they can be relieved with training and some skilled guidance.

learning to speak under pressure

Looking good when speaking under pressure

Public speaking experts agree that one of the most important steps in preparing for a speech is practice. Yet after giving the same speech so many times, it can be difficult to maintain an authentic voice, especially once nerves kick in. More than anything, a successful speech hinges on your ability to know your audience and establish a connection. Shape your speech around a subject that you genuinely care about and try to focus on what you have to offer your audience.

Your concentration will naturally shift away from what is at stake for you personally, calming your nerves and allowing you to connect to your audience in a real way. Then, tell a story. Take the audience on a journey. While there are many aspects that will contribute to the success of your speech, it is the authentic, heartfelt moments that will be remembered most.

The importance of learning to speak in front of an audience is undeniable; invariably intertwined with leadership, motivation, and change. While Glossophobia is common, in fact the most common phobia in the UK, it is certainly a fear that can be overcome. But the power of spoken word is reason in itself to push past that fear.

So remember that nerves are natural: use your nerves to propel you through the speech, and know that your physical response to stress will only make the speech all that much more rewarding once you finally step down from that stage. Remember to be authentic: pick a topic that you truly care about, and the audience will be stirred to care as well. And finally, don’t be afraid to aim big. You were chosen to speak for a reason, and you have a meaningful story to tell. So take slow, rhythmic breaths and change the world- and take this course in conquering your fear of public speaking!

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AVPT Supporting the Global Entrepreneur Week November 2013 after being awarded a High Impact Badge in 2012

Posted on August 16, 2013 | 7 comments

AVPT  is back for more after being awarded A High Impact Badge of Honour by the Global Entrepreneur Week in 2012

AVPT awarded High Impact Badge of Honour by Global Entrepreneur Week 2012

This year we have set up a range of 3hr ‘Jump Start’ your business bootcamp in support of the Global Entrepreneur Week starting on the 18th – 24th  November 2013

3 hour business startup bootcamp 2012

Last year 361 organisations ran activities in 2012 that met the

High Impact criteria set by Global Entrepreneurship Week – AVPT along with other High Impact providers was congratulated this week and awarded their high impact badge of honour.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship, taking place in 115 countries.  In 2012, the campaign took place 12-18 November and Academy of Vocational and Professional Training supported the week by launching a 3 hour Business Startup Bootcamp which was attended by a group of candidates who enroled on the GEW website.

In the UK, the campaign is hosted by Youth Business International, a global network of initiatives that help young entrepreneurs to start their own business, in partnership with Barclays.

The theme for 2012 was: Pass it On!  AVPT supported Global Entrepreneurship Week UK to pass on the practical help & support needed by early start-ups and individuals who are considering taking the plunge. GEW’s aim was to create a collaborative, local and practical week which enables people to learn more about the wealth of support that is available to entrepreneurs in the UK.

Through the week, they wanted to: Encourage those people who are not yet entrepreneurs to think about starting up their own business Improve entrepreneurship skills for aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups Help people to access practical support – locally, regionally and nationally We did this by passing on: skills, contacts, knowledge, confidence and resources.

Ruth Onuoho who attended the 3 hour bootcamp wrote on her feedback form: “That they should bring their brother, mother, sister, everyone! I would tell them to bring a dictaphone, note pad and pen and use it until their hands bleed” Abigail Shillingford also wrote: “Informative and professional and the business advice is different and more resourceful than the local government or high street agencies”. Antony Berry said ” “The bootcamp provided a masterclass in the ways to think about yourself & your business.

In the UK, the campaign is hosted by Youth Business International, a global network of initiatives that help young entrepreneurs to start their own business, in partnership with Barclays.

At this years campaign they  believe that a large national campaign to promote entrepreneurship is a vital part of making the UK more entrepreneurial, to encourage more people to start up their own business.

GEWUK’s aim is to create a collaborative, local and practical week which enables people to learn more about the wealth of support that is available to entrepreneurs in the UK. 20% of UK adults have heard of Global Entrepreneurship Week and it remains by some margin the nation’s largest entrepreneurship-focused campaign.

Very practical advice given”. Find out about our forthcoming events by visiting our http://gewuk-jumpstart-3hour-business-bootcamp.eventbrite.co.uk/

http://www.academy-of-vocational-and-professional-training.com Global Life Long Learning 0203 551 2621

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

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