http://www.trainingnews.co.uk en-us http://www.trainingnews.co.uk N/A info@trainingnews.co.uk Sat, 10 May 2008 00:12:43 MSD 20 http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/52/v47-Training-provide-Orchard-arcHouse-training-to-Ribble-Valley-Homes.html   As part of the recent stock transfer from Ribble Valley Borough Council to Ribble Valley Homes, we provided Orchard arcHouse training for all staff. We had a delivery timescale of two weeks prior to the launch of Ribble Valley Homes in April 2008. Our custom-designed courses consisted of an introduction to arcHouse session, day-to-day repairs, voids and allocations, planned maintenance, arrears pursuance and reporting. Adele Curtis, Housing Assistant at Ribble Valley Homes, attended four of the five courses, "I found the training very interesting, to the point and well structured.  The sessions I attended gave me the confidence I need to move around the system and also understand how everything fits together, especially between different teams."  Adele found our social housing trainer of great assistance throughout the sessions, "Dave [the trainer] could answer any questions that I had, was very confident in what he was doing and was very good at putting us all at ease.  "He understood how different processes worked and in turn could relate the system directly to my job.  The Quicktip cards we were given on each session were brilliant and will certainly jog my memory when back in the office." Another delegate, Phil Thompson (Senior Building Surveyor), was unsure what to expect prior to training, "Having never used a housing system prior to this training, I didn’t quite know what to expect.  I found the training very useful, especially the day-to-day repairs and planned maintenance sessions. "The training was very good – I liked the idea of being shown through individual parts of the system to see how things work before undertaking the exercises.  The trainer was very clear, precise and easily understandable.  He knew what he was talking about, had a great knowledge of what Orchard [ArcHouse] does and how that applies to us at Ribble Valley Homes. " Most of our cleints tend to prefer training delivery on-site. Phil said, "I enjoyed having the training on-site rather than travelling to a training centre as it was more relaxed. Looking ahead, I feel that day-to-day work should be easier to manage and am particularly looking forward to sending out standard letters of notification for planned works, rather than our currently system of managing everything manually." Christine Grimshaw, Managing Director at RVH said, "We had a massive advantage as the trainer understood the process from both sides. Sometimes people with detailed technical knowledge find it difficult to appreciate things from a user perspective" Brian Smith, Housing Maintenance Officer adds, "I found the training very useful, especially the repairs session.  "The training has allowed us all to see the impact our work has on others and we will now be looking at entering and accessing more information than we currently do on [Northgate] iWorld when we move over to Orchard [ArcHouse]." To find out more about what v47 Training can offer your housing company, plaase contact us on 0845 686 4747. We would love to have a chat with you on the phone, arrange a meeting, or give you the contact details of some of our clients should you wish to hear first hand what impact we could have on your organisation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.   v47 Training Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/51/The-Living-Brand.html Brands – brands everywhere.  Take a moment look to your left – look to your right - look in the mirror and tell yourself how many brands can you see. From waking up to the alarm on your ‘carefully chosen’ mobile phone to your first designer skinny latte served in your ‘carefully chosen’ favourite coffee shop.  As you walk down the street feeling fantastic in your ‘carefully chosen’ designer outfit on your way to your ‘carefully chosen’ life – ask yourself, ‘did you choose the brands or did the brands choose you?’  Don’t feel dismayed if that question seems to hurt somewhat as there is no real logical answer to it.  However, if we can begin to separate and clearly understand the power that brands have over our society, and learn from this power when making our own living brand, then success beyond your wildest dreams is waiting around the corner. In today’s busy brand environment what separates the winners from the mediocre is a question that needs addressing if we are going to use this status for both your career and in building key relationships with other living brands.   Wikipedia defines brands as labels of ownership: name, term, design, and symbol.  To me that sounds like your own personal business card and somewhat too simplistic for such a huge unconscious environment.  However, today it is what brands do for people that matters much more, how they reflect and engage them, how they define their aspiration and enable them to do more. Powerful brands can drive success in competitive markets, and indeed become the organisation's most valuable assets.  Harnessing this unconscious power and applying it to ourselves, staff and friends, lies in the simple understanding that brands are alive.  They are created to exist in the hearts and minds of their users and in so have penetrated the two most valuable assets needed to assist in their growth. It is easy to play it safe and happily glide under the radar for most of your life. Some people walk into a casino and head straight for the penny slots, ‘just playing not to lose’- others will take the chance to head for the pound slots.  The risk will be higher but if they win the rewards will be much greater.  These people – like brands – are playing to win.   , Note that playing the game to win has never been more complicated as people have higher expectations of the brands they both respect and trust.  The secret behind successful brands is setting clear expectations and consistently managing and delivering them.  The brands market is constantly being put under the microscope to ensure that they are living up to their brand expectation.  Great brands, like successful leaders, are playing to win. They have a clearly defined plan of words and actions required to achieve their goal. Their success lies in their delivery and ensuring that you as a consumer are getting what you have come to expect. If you have ever been disappointed, dismayed or even disgusted with one of your respected brands then you may have found yourself saying ‘I would have expected more from brand x’. This is the dangerous side of brand development, as if you set the expectation line to high then the further that you may fall if you are unable to maintain it.  The loss of respect can far outweigh any gains that the success of the brand may have accomplished. If you want to grow your living brand, you must first decide the ‘key defining words’ that you would want to have attributed to you.  You as a brand need to give a clear message to the world of what you want to represent.  This is the easy part! Later you will be asked to do something with those words.  Take a moment to think of who you are now and who you want to be in the future using ‘key words’.  The great thing about building your personal brand is that it can start today and with a little work you can leave some of the negative past behind you.  Come up with the words that you would like to have attached to you in both your work and personal life.  Many people will start with professional, intelligent, talented, humorous, generous, and motivated etc.  This list will be the foundation for your living brand – however, remember it is just a list.    Once this list is set you have just completed the ‘prepare it’ stage one of your living brand. Let’s move on to ‘be it’ as work at this stage will get a little more intense and you will need to spend more time setting in place your actions.  We are an action-based species and so if you want something you must do something, and more importantly if you want something different they you will need to do something differently.  Like the famous quote from Albert Einstein “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”  It is important at this stage of your living brand that you put manageable and achievable actions against the words that you have established as your living brand guidelines.  If you have ‘professional’ on your list, ask yourself what it means to you and what actions do you currently posses that will deliver this and what else can you add into your rebrand to ensure that your living brand emanates this word.  If one of your statements was ‘outgoing’ – run through the same process.  Once this exercise has been completed you now have a clear brand guide of what you need to do to launch your new living brand. Now here comes the challenging part, ‘own it’ - however please remember that all our great and good, our local and global, our best of the best brands have not been built over night.  They take time to cultivate their environment; they market research and test their ideas, look and feel before moving full steam ahead.  More importantly they ensure that once they have set the expectation lines of its customers they will deliver time and time again.  The pulse of our great brands move with the times.  They ensure that their core values are consistent and true to the brand.   Once you have developed your list of actions you must firstly ensure that they are manageable and you will commit to them for the long term.  Your living brand does not need to be complex, in fact the simpler the better, however, it must be able to give you the satisfaction required to continue to the final stage.  It is better to spend the time to truly understand what each brand word means to you and how you will deliver it to your audience in the future. Once you have your clear living brand values, your achievable plan of how those words will be manifested through your actions and more importantly your commitment to deliver them ask yourself a few final questions.  What gives my living brand the edge in our competitive business and personal relationship marketplace?  What makes me different and what is at the real core of who I am and how do I want to be remembered?  With these final questions answered you are now ready to launch your living brand into the market. You have now reached the final stage of ‘living it’. As with all brands, never lose sight of your core values and the actions that you must manifest in order to show your brand.  Just saying the words without deliverable actions is the main difference separating the winners from the mediocre.  Saying it and living it are two very different sides of your living brand. Bridge Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/50/Presentation-training-gift-vouchers-too.html Booking is now open for Positive Comedy Learning's next comedy-based trainings event; gift vouchers can be obtained for this or any of our public seminars....Self-presentation, using comedy and improvisationBrighton March 19th 2008 10.00 - 16.40This fun one-day seminar is for anyone who wishes to address an audience, conduct an interview, make a pitch or sale, or otherwise present themselves, with confidence, creativity, charisma and humour. It's very much a hands-on session, using principles from the world of comedy and improvisation. Each individual has the chance to develop her or his own natural, instinctive style, in an unforced and organic way. For full details including booking, go to:www.positivecomedy.com/presentation_workshop.htmGift vouchersPlease telephone if you'd like to order a gift voucher, which can be redeemed against any public workshop.Training for organisationsGerry Thompson is available to run tailor-made trainings for businesses and organisations, using methods from the world of comedy and improvisation. Common themes are self-presentation and communication skills, team-building, creativity, future vision, and exploring issues.Please telephone Gerry on the number below.Gerry Maguire Thompson Positive Comedy Learning www.positivecomedy.com info@positivecomedy.com Positive Comedy Learning Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:23 MSK http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/49/Seasonal-comedy-based-trainings.html Positive Comedy Learning is pleased to announce these seasonal comedy-based trainings and events:Seasonal organisational eventsWe offer celebratory comedy-based training events/teambuilding/awaydays/festive self-entertainment - geared to your organisation or businessPlease e-mail info@positivecomedy.com or telephone 01273 463611 to discuss your needs.Training for Trainers, using comedy and improvisationLast call for innovative one-day workshop in Brighton on November 28thFor full details, go to www.positivecomedy.com/TfT_open_workshop.htmComedy writing workshopHalf-day workshop in Brighton on December 1stFor details or to book a place, go to:www.thesouth.org.uk/workshops.html#GERRYTHOMPSONComedy performanceIf you live in Sussex you might be interested in seeing Gerry Thompson's comedy spot with guitar maestro Richard Durrant in the legendary Airport Club's monthly cabaretFriday December 7th, Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham by Sea, near BrightonFor details or to book tickets, go to: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/products/14th_December_Richard_Durrant_s_Airport_Club/3119 Positive Comedy Learning Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:23 MSK http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/48/Training-for-trainers-workshop---with-comedy.html TRAINING FOR TRAINERS WITH COMEDY AND IMPROVISATIONWed 28th November in Brighton 10.00am - 4.30pmThis innovative, fun workshop is popular with trainers, teachers, coaches and anyone who runs groups. We will look at how absolutely any type of facilitation can be enriched by using interactive activities drawn from improvisational comedy. You will experience a wide range of such fun activities, and learn how to apply the principles of creative improvisation more broadly to your own brand of training and learning. Full details including booking information can be found online at www.positivecomedy.com/TfT_open_workshop.htmA resource explaining the rationale behind this event can be freely downloaded at www.positivecomedy.com/why_comedy_for_training.pdf. Other free resources can be found on the website at http://www.positivecomedy.com/resources_useful.htm One or two last-minute places still available on this course:SELF-PRESENTATION SKILLS WITH HUMOUR, CONFIDENCE & PANACHEThurs 11th October in Brighton Positive Comedy is available to run based training events to meet the individual requirements of organisations and businessses - please call to discuss possibilities. Positive Comedy Learning Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/47/Better-self-presentation---with-comedy.html SELF-PRESENTATION WITH HUMOUR, CONFIDENCE AND PANACHE!Thurs 11th October in Brighton 10.00am - 4.30pmThis fun one-day seminar is for anyone who wishes to address an audience, conduct an interview, make a pitch or sale, or otherwise present themselves, - with confidence, creativity, charisma and humour. It's very much a hands-on session, using principles from the world of comedy and improvisation. Each individual has the chance to develop their own natural, instinctive style, in an unforced and organic way. Full details including booking information can be found online at www.positivecomedy.com/presentation_workshop.htm A useful document incorporating the main learning principles on self-presentation can be freely downloaded at www.positivecomedy.com/learning_principles.htmOther free resources can be found on the website at www.positivecomedy.com/articles.htm “I presented to my team in Paris in front of my new boss yesterday.  I am sure I added extra panache! Thank you for your help.”- Marilyn Williscroft, American Express Positive Comedy is available to run comedy based training events organisations and businesses - please call to discuss possibilities. Positive Comedy Learning Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/46/my-skills-launches-free-member-resources-for-account-holders.html my-skills is delighted to announce the launch of its free resources for customers and website users who sign up for a member account. No purchase is required, and the resources include free business templates for essential documents required by project managers, trainers, sales people and anyone looking to manage their own personal development. Account holders also have access to regularly updated free articles and extracts from the my-skills portfolio of learning resources in project management, training practice, sales techniques and personal development, plus regular newsletters with product updates and related news.   my-skills is a family run business publishing books and electronic learning resources including ebooks, learning modules and presentation tools designed to develop core skills in training, project management, sales and personal development. my-skills also offers consultancy services in business development, sales, marketing, and training needs analysis. Further details are available by visiting our website at www.my-skills.co.uk or by contacting us directly at admin@my-skills.co.uk my-skills Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/45/Comedy-based-training-events-coming-up.html Booking is now open for the autumn roll-out of Positive Comedy's two most popular workshops:ENHANCE YOUR, SELF-PRESENTATION SKILLS WITH NATURAL COMEDYThurs 11th October in Brighton 10.00am - 4.30pmThis fun one-day seminar is for anyone who wishes to address an audience, conduct an interview, make a pitch or sale, or otherwise present themselves, with more confidence, creativity, charisma and humour. It's very much a hands-on session where each individual has the chance to develop their own natural, instinctive style in an unforced and organic way. Full details including booking information can be found online at www.positivecomedy.com/presentation_workshop.htm “I presented to my team in Paris in front of my new boss yesterday.  I am sure Iadded extra panache! Thank you for your help.”- Marilyn Williscroft, American ExpressTRAINING FOR TRAINERS WITH COMEDY AND IMPROVISATIONWed 28th November in Brighton 10.00am - 4.30pmThis innovative workshop is popular with trainers, teachers, coaches and anyone who runs groups. We will look at how absolutely any type of facilitation can be enriched by using interactive activities drawn from improvisational comedy. You will experience a wide range of such fun activities, and learn how to apply the principles of creative improvisation more broadly to your own brand of training and learning. Full details including booking information can be found online at www.positivecomedy.com/TfT_open_workshop.htm"I never knew training could be so much fun!"- Julian Gregory, MD Business Traveller magazineA resource explaining the rationale behind these learning events can be freely downloaded atwww.positivecomedy.com/why_comedy_for_training.pdf. Other free resources can be found on the website at http://www.positivecomedy.com/resources_useful.htm Gerry Maguire Thompson is available to run comedy based training events to meet the individual requirements of organisations and businessses - please call to discuss possibilities. Positive Comedy Learning Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/44/World-of-Learning-2007.html 14 & 15 NOVEMBER 2007 NEC, BIRMINGHAM World of Learning, the UK’s key conference and exhibition for business learning, will attract the country’s top training professionals when it takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 14 & 15 November 2007. Now in its fifteenth year, the World of Learning is the must-attend event for training, personnel and HR professionals as well as those responsible for learning and development within their companies. World of Learning 2007 will include:- A world-class conference programme featuring leading international speakers and innovative high profile case studies- Invaluable features including free seminars, interactive workshops and product demonstrations - Over 100 major industry suppliers demonstrating the latest products and solutions to hit the training market- The prestigious World of Learning Awards Over 3,000 visitors will attend this comprehensive showcase, which will feature a wide selection of learning and development solutions ranging from instructor-led training, coaching, blended solutions, training venues and management development to e-learning, distance learning, training software and HR/training management systems. New for 2007, the World of Learning will include a variety of free educational seminars where visitors can learn about the latest in training innovations and best practice as well as the Conference Centres of Excellence (CEE) sponsored Pavilion and VIP Lounge where visitors will be able to meet with members of the CCE. The Experiential Learning Zone and product demonstrations throughout the event will also provide visitors with the opportunity to see, experience and test for themselves thelatest training solutions. Leading industry players already confirmed to take part in World of Learning 2007 include British Computer Society, Empower Training Services, Kognita, The Training Foundation, Atlantic Link, Academee, Ashridge Management College, The Matchett Group, Balance Learning, Walkgrove and The Outward Bound Trust. The major highlight of the event is the high level conference, which focuses on the key strategic issues currently facing training professionals, as well as the practicalities of implementing integrated solutions.  The conference will be supported by a range of high profile case studies that will provide an insightful demonstration of how to put these ideas into practice.  The full programme will be announced in early August. In addition, the prestigious World of Learning Awards, which recognise the highest standards of achievement within the training industry, will be presented during a black-tie dinner on 14 November 2007 at the ICC in Birmingham. This promises to be the highlight of the training industry’s year with awards across several different categories including Bespoke Solution of the Year, Online Solution of the Year, Training Venue of the Year and the coveted Training Provider of the Year Award. Notes to Editor:•        To exhibit, pre-register or to book conference sessions visit www.learnevents.com or call +44 (0) 20 8394 5171•        For more information on all aspects of the event please visit www.learnevents.com •        World of Learning 2007 is organised by Venture Marketing Group Clareville Communications Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:23 MSD http://www.trainingnews.co.uk/news/43/Aspire-to-Succeed.html Aspire Business Service Ltd is a new business focusing on supporting the Training Industry. The services offered support Training Providers, College, Consultants, Trainers and Assessors to look at their businesses, identify areas that are not performing and then get the experienced support to develop and hit their goals.Services are tailored and flexible to suit the company's needs. JackieNorthedge Managing Director has started this business after spending thelast 10 years in the industry working for Essex based Training Providers. Jackie said "After working in the industry I have been given the opportunity to build a wealth of industry knowledge, gained a range of professional qualifications and have had the chance to establish a strong business network, all of whom have been extremely supportive in this new venture."As a new member of the Essex Chambers of Commerce, Jackie is looking forward to networking with Essex businesses to build the business and drive his dynamic company forward.We Aspire To Inspire... Aspire Ltd Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:23 MSD