Tag Archives: business advice

Why a New Training Needs Analysis is Required To Manage Over Whelmed Remote Workers by Diane Shawe

Here’s Help for the bosses on how to help staff to manage stress when working remotely after and during the coronavirus outbreak by restructuring there training needs analysis.

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When you (the boss or your board members) think about thriving in a digital world, you probably think first about technology. It’s evolving so fast that your business constantly has to adapt. But the greatest challenge is not the tech itself: It’s developing a knowledgeable, strategically adept, cognitively flexible, and proficient workforce.

You want people who can command artificial intelligence, analyse data, invent and apply solutions on the fly, and slide effortlessly into new roles as needed.
All the while, they should keep their skills sharp with mobile apps and online self-taught courses. Ideas should flow from all corners of the company, whether from full-time managers or a pool of gig workers who jump in when work heats up.

The demand for a more talented workforce goes beyond adapting to the new digital world. CEOs of fast-moving organisations – enterprises with bold strategies, innovative cultures, inclusive workforces, and great expectations – need highly skilled people.

Unfortunately, in nearly every industry, the best talent is in perilously short supply. At the 22nd Annual Global CEO Survey, 79 percent of chief executives around the world said that a lack of key skills threatens their business growth. Retailers need interface designers who understand customer experience. Banks and insurance companies need data visualisation experts. Energy, automotive, and industrial companies need team leaders who can manage interoperable platforms.

Helping remote workers draw a line between work and timeout

Just about everyone is looking for employees adept in robotic process automation, materials science, or simulations with machine learning that can predict outcomes and streamline processes.

They also need people who can master softer skills, such as managing teams effectively, gaining trust, working across boundaries, or applying neuroscience findings to increase their own stature and influence.

Upskilling is part of the answer. But you also need to rethink your jobs: redesign the workflow, combine some positions, add others, and probably eliminate some. You need to be more creative in finding and onboarding people, including through acquisitions, partnerships, gig economy–style freelancing arrangements, and talent pools oriented to flex work.

Finally, you must fill your enterprise with opportunities for continual self-renewal via modern learning strategies and digital technologies, so that becoming adept in new technologies is just part of everyday life.

Many business leaders realise that they can’t just hire the workforce they need. There aren’t enough prospective recruits, and the expense would be enormous. Instead, companies must upskill their existing employees or members of their communities.

This means expanding people’s capabilities entrepreneurial thinking, employability, often using adult learning and training tools, to fulfill the talent needs of a rapidly changing economy. But the old training needs analysis does not sit well in this every changing cog and an increasing number of remote workers.

A remote workforce transformation brings all these elements together, oriented specifically to your organisation. Your initiative must be led directly by the CEO and the other top executives of the enterprise, because your company’s success depends on the ability and commitment of all your employees.

In a successful initiative, you’ll do more than approve a budget and hold the leaders accountable; you’ll take part in the learning efforts yourself, engage in teaching others, and use this transformation as a genuine opportunity to improve your own skills and those of your direct reports.

Online, Workbooks, Zoom Training available now

Because no two organisations have the same circumstances, there is no single recipe to follow. But together, the 10 principles below can help you ready your company’s remote workforce for the future.

  1. Focus on a few concrete business outcome
  2. Foster emotional commitment
  3. Design a compelling experience
  4. Start with the highest-impact roles
  5. Change behaviour first
  6. Promote citizens led wellness groups
  7. Plan and commit to a comprehensive journey
  8. Engage with cultural influencers
  9. Include everyone but the unwilling
  10. Track results and course

Visit https://www.virtualpersonalassistance.com/training-courses-store

10 Ways to Boost your Hair Extensions Business by Diane Shawe

Article by Diane Shawe Author: Extracts from Getting Started in the Hair Extensions Business

Sometimes you find things are going great and then the big slump takes a hold. How can you evaluate what you have done right and where you are going wrong?

Doing a SWOT analysis will give you a true picture of how your hair extension business could or should be running. It is essential to work out why some things are working in your business and why some are

SWOT stands for ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats’. It is a well-known term in business and marketing. Performing a SWOT analysis is a very important part of running the business. It must be taken seriously

It is your own audit of your business no matter the size of it and should be done on a regular basis, at least annually. It’s not very complicated but could help keep you ahead of your competitors.

You may discover problems that you had no idea even existed. These can be addressed before they get out of hand. It will also highlight many assets, which could be utilised better, even opportunities, which could be taken advantage of.

The results of your SWOT analysis will be the basis for your marketing plans and decisions.

‘What they don’t tell you about getting started in the hair extension business’ summary from page 20 – 35 author Shawe D 2007

1) Form business alliances

Join up with other businesses to help each other build a bigger clientele.

Form an alliance with another business that has the same type of clientele as yours, for instance a business which involves beauty, nails, tanning, or fashion.

You can take this alliance as far as you like. You could set up shop together, or just refer clients to each other. You could do some advertising together and share the cost. Another idea is to hand out gift vouchers for each other. Each gift voucher could be for a free service.

It’s best if you both cater to clients who are at the same end of the market.

There’s not much point in marketing to people who simply can’t afford to come to your hair extension studio or pay for your services.
2. Choosing a Business

Choose a business where the people have the same business ethics as yours and a good database of clients.

3) Network

Throw the occasional cocktail party and invite the surrounding business owners, managers and employees of your choice. If you can build relationships with these people you may gain them as clients. Remember most men have girlfriends or wives and most women have other lady friends also.

They might also refer some of their customers and friends to you. Do this especially with the staff of beauty and fashion shops in your area. They are ideal people to get referrals from.
4) Get Quality Training

There are over 36 different hair extension techniques in the market place. If you really want to plan to be a success in this market, then you have to choose to become totally proficient in several techniques. There are many types of clients out there with varying hair problems, plan to be of service to you target market. Restricting yourself is restricting your potential income.

5) Be Classy (even if your working from home)

It’s best to set your hair extension studio up so that the right impact is made right from the moment the clients make an entrance or you make an entrance. Remember that the more professional the hair extension studio looks, the more you will be able to charge, as you will attract a more up market clientele. I always advise that the overall look must not out way the warmth and welcome of the studio. Clients like to feel relaxed with the staff and environment, not as if they are on show.
6) Flowers at reception or at your home always add a touch of class.

So does a smiling face, which helps to make each client’s, visit a welcoming visit right from the start. You can make the waiting area more impressive by including a great retail area, some hair extension brochures, and a book containing before and after photos. Provide some new, interesting magazines and hair books. Toss the old or torn ones out.
7) Always protect the clients clothing.

There should be a cupboard or rack for coats, or like some hair dressers have, a small dressing room for clients, who are given a gown to wear. This is a great idea as it removes the problem of high collars being in the way and clothes being ruined.

8) Get rid of shabby items.

Make sure there is a place for everything and enough storage space, so that the hair extension studio can be kept tidy. Get rid of the old wraps, used or shabby towels, and worn brushes. Never have dirty combs or tongs lying around. All of these things make a bad impression on clients.
9) No Carrier bags or damaged cases.

If you are mobile don’t turn up with carrier bags or a damaged beauty case. Make sure you are presentable and that your hair looks emaculate.
10) Don’t be afraid to change with the times.

If your hair extension studio starts to look outdated give it a facelift. Invest in the latest equipment. Make sure that the chairs not only look good, but also feel comfortable. If you are mobile make sure your equipment is up to date in line with your techniques.

The most valuable ebook for your hair extension business Click to order

What they don’t tell you Visit www.needahairmakeover.co to view a selection of 1 day courses.

Call us on 0121 318 2880 to discuss our courses we train in over 14 different techniques or if you would like to book an appointment to have your hair extensions done

Guarding your Hair, Beauty and Hair Extensions business reputation online

There’s more to adding hair

Your reputation and brand are linked.

Article extracted from ‘Getting started in the hair extensions business by Diane Shawe
Guarding your brand encompasses your personal reputation, business name and appearance of your salon or even your mobile business. 

Your staff and their performance, how they treat and look after clients, the quality of products you use and the level of service you deliver are also linked to your brand.  

All of these are your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and your USP is your promise to deliver a benefit to your clients who expect you to live up to your promise.

Six ways to help yourself protect your brand

1. Avoid using profanity. You may think that swearing is cool, but you would be surprised at the number of people it offends. Express yourself simply and clearly.

2. Always give your clients your undivided attention. Try not to spend time texting or speaking on your phone whilst doing a clients hair. 

3. Be dependable, keep commitments, practice honesty and show no form of disloyalty. Do not gossip or slander.

4. Do not ever take ethical shortcuts; always do the right thing. Maintain a high standards and keep the clients happy. Once a reputation has been shattered, it is very hard to fix the damage. Bad word of mouth spreads like wildfire. So make sure to protect your reputation.

5. Keep your prices and terms and conditions up to date. Make them available and accessible.

6. Ask your clients for reviews, people forget to post a review when they are happy, but when annoyed they go to  the internet to tell everyone else but you. 

Dishonourable Competitive Complaints (DCC)

Competitors have found a dishonourable way to rubbish another competitors name whilst promoting there own business or services.

Be aware that there are many DCC complaint websites that are not policed in anyway and allows anyone to post a destructive message without any real link back to them.

Messages can also be posted against your Youtube videos, facebook, Google, blogs and articles, so it is sometime worth ticking the box that allows you to approve any messages before they are posted against your name or business.

Get the brush your hair deserves

None of us have the time to go through the internet with a fine toothcomb, but bear in mind that when people use to talk about each other behind each other’s backs, it was all word of mouth and often without your knowledge.

The internet has changed all this and it can be very devastating for small businesses when a client decides to wage a campaign against you and your only sources of income is from your business.

So my advice is to keep posting positive articles, blogs and testimonials from happy clients.

Hopefully in the not too distant future the same rules that apply to newspaper defamation will also apply to the internet.

How answering 77 questions could help you avoid business failure

Out Now: 77 Ways to avoid Potential Business Failure77 Questions to avoid business failure by Diane Shawe white background

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” –Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple

Like you I Never Thought I Could answer 77 questions that would help me  avoid business failure  – But I Finally Discovered The Secret! Here’s How…

article by Diane Shawe Author

Are you ready? Is Entrepreneurship For You?
Are you the right person for your business idea?

In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business – but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business. Carefully consider each of the following questions.

  • Are you a self-starter? It will be entirely up to you to develop projects, organise your time, and follow through on details.
  • How well do you get along with different personalities? Business owners need to develop working relationships with a variety of people including customers, vendors, staff, bankers, and professionals such as lawyers, accountants or consultants. Can you deal with a demanding client, an unreliable vendor, or a cranky receptionist if your business interests demand it?
  • How good are you at making decisions? Small business owners are required to make decisions constantly – often quickly, independently, and under pressure.
  • Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business? Business ownership can be exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. Can you face six or seven 12-­hour work days every week?
  • How well do you plan and organise? Research indicates that poor planning is responsible for most business failures. Good organisation ­ of financials, inventory, schedules, and production ­ can help you avoid many pitfalls.
  • Is your drive strong enough? Running a business can wear you down emotionally. Some business owners burn out quickly from having to carry all the responsibility for the success of their business on their own shoulders. Strong motivation will help you survive slowdowns and periods of burnout.
  • How will the business affect your family? The first few years of business start­up can be hard on family life. It’s important for family members to know what to expect and for you to be able to trust that they will support you during this time. There also may be financial difficulties until the business becomes profitable, which could take months or years. You may have to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets at risk in the short-term.

So Before you start – Do you know the answer to these 77 questions?  Download your copy today it will be the best £3.99 you spend? 

I recommend you get a little notebook and start working on each question. For those you cannot answer, find the answer and make a note.  This is also an invaluabe excercise if you are already in business, it can help you clarify where you are today and help you plot where you need to get too and how to do it.

Get your exclusive copy today and save £3.00

Get your exclusive copy today and save £3.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to find out if you are right for your business, we have a surprise link hidden inside this little ebook.  All you have to do is Answer 10 questions and we will send you a full report which will also include your Personal Training Needs Analysis to develop your Entrepreneur skills.

Diane Shawe Author of 77 Question to avoid business failure Available from Amazon

Diane Shawe Author of 77 Question to avoid business failure Available from Amazon

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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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