How Head Office Staff can Cause Problems

Let me explain about a recent event that illustrates why we have such difficulty creating safer workplaces. No doubt, incidents similar to this occur every day.

This particular company has a large number of trucks and there was an incident that resulted in a driver cutting his head. Read more…

Categories: Articles, Health and Safety Tags:

If we want a safer workplace, we have to address these questions

March 5th, 2011 No comments

I want you to use all your experience, all your common sense and all your knowledge of human behavior to answer the question. “Who has the most interest and concern about being hurt, injured, maimed or killed at work?” Read more…

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To Say Business Success Comes from Teamwork is a Myth

February 27th, 2011 No comments

In just about every business book that you read, teamwork is touted as the magical ingredient for success. Read more…

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Testimonials

February 16th, 2011 No comments

Dear Peter

I am writing this letter to thank you for the amazing outcome of the project you have just completed with us at Marshall Profiling Ltd.

The first success was the introduction of strategies that gave us an increase in productivity that exceeded our expectations of 5%.  Furthermore, you have identified other ways to give us a further increase in productivity of at least 10%.

Overall, through a series of low cost changes you have identified, we now have the opportunity to increase our net profit by a considerable amount.

Longer term, the comprehensive marketing plan and the way we promote our company will again add hundreds of thousands of dollars to our bottom line.

Personally, I am amazed at the number of ideas and opportunities you have identified to improve the profitability of Marshall Profiling Ltd.

On behalf of myself and the staff I would like to thank you for the quality and quantity of the information you have presented to us so that we can fulfil our goal of achieving a major increase in profit level.

Regards

Brent Young

Manager

Marshall Profiling Ltd

“As a result of your programme, our average transaction has increased by 20%, our gross profit has climbed to new highs and our net profit has increased.  What more could you ask for in retailing?”

Andy Field.   General Manager Pet City

“Thanks to your training and coaching I discovered an extra potential $330,000.00 in net profit.”

Lyndon Kapoor Director Metrology Group

When I went onto this programme, I thought I knew how to make profits ‘in my own way’.  During the course I heard other people’s views and ideas in a completely confidential environment.

You have genuinely changed the way I look at business.  We’ve since jettisoned low-profit lines, concentrated on higher profit lines and the results have provided much better cashflow.  We have also increased the value per invoice markedly, which has saved us much of the tedious and costly administration.

The program simply pays for itself from increased profits…But, the profits continue after the program has finished

Bernie Hanvey Director International Packaging  846-0144   021-395-052

Categories: Testimonials Tags:

The Myth of “You need a qualification to start a business”

This is a self-serving myth that is put about by institutions promoting MBAs and courses on business management. It is perpetuated by people with qualifications who run businesses. It’s almost like they want you to join their exclusive club. Read more…

Categories: Articles, Growing your profits Tags:

The Myth of Teamwork in Small Businesses

In just about every business book that you read, teamwork is touted as the magical ingredient for success.

Many consulting businesses have been built on the concept that teamwork is essential for business success. They have been very successful in creating the enduring myth of teamwork and feeding their bank accounts.

Unfortunately, the consultants and the business school professors fail to understand that when you put your team to work on the assignment, no one is responsible or accountable. Read more…

Categories: Articles, Growing your profits Tags:

Do salespeople annoy you?

February 11th, 2011 2 comments

I am  currently writing a chapter in my latest book about customer service. What sort of things annoy you when you are buying?  What do salespeople do or say that ensures you will not return to buy from them? Write down the most irritating habits as comments and I will include them in the chapter.

When I have a reasonable list, I will post them on this website with the name of the person that contributed them.

Categories: Blog Tags:

Business testimonials

“I am flat out, extremely busy and making much more money.  Thanks to your training and coaching programme.”

Graham Aish.  Owner of 0800 2 FIX IT Windscreen Specialist.

“As a result of your programme, our average transaction has increased by 20%, our gross profit has climbed to new highs and our net profit has increased.  What more could you ask for in retailing?”

Andy Field.   General Manager Pet City

“Thanks to your training and coaching I discovered an extra potential $330,000.00 in net profit.”

Lyndon Kapoor Director Metrology Group

When I went onto this programme, I thought I knew how to make profits ‘in my own way’.  During the course I heard other people’s views and ideas in a completely confidential environment.

You have genuinely changed the way I look at business.  We’ve since jettisoned low-profit lines, concentrated on higher profit lines and the results have provided much better cashflow.  We have also increased the value per invoice markedly, which has saved us much of the tedious and costly administration.

The program simply pays for itself from increased profits…But, the profits continue after the program has finished

Bernie Hanvey Director International Packaging  846-0144   021-395-052

Categories: Articles, Testimonials Tags:

Some training testimonials

February 9th, 2011 No comments

“What I found most useful are the tools given.  They are very practical and lots of hands on examples that helped me immensely.  The group discussion was very beneficial but most importantly, the follow up session that makes the course really stand out from the others.  Thank you to Peter, the coach, who came out to our work place and helped with not just the course material taught, but also continuous support on other material required in areas outside the course.  I can see that I can apply the knowledge that you’ve given me and I will be very successful from here on.”

Naresh Sreedharan – Production Supervisor, Ecolab Ltd

“I’ve improved on my listening skill even when I thought I was pretty good in the past.  Most importantly, I now lead instead of manage my team and have learned how to invite input from staff.  This has improved relationships and their output. This course played a very big part in the dramatic increase in production which, in turn, has led to greater customer satisfaction and substantial profit for my company.”

Stephen Harrison – Production Supervisor, Steel & Tube Roofing Ltd

“A dynamic course that allows a group to be very comfortable with each others, makes learning very easy.  Interactive homework creates commitment yet no peer pressure.  This course gave lots of practice which is most unlike other courses where you usually just sit there and listen.  Generally, only 5% of what you’ve learned sticks.  Knowing that you can always get help from your coach after the course is one of the most valuable benefits.”

Richard  Francis – Director, Bruntwood Consulting Limited

“Good timing and very relevant with my new management role.  Good variety of examples used which helps me learn how to apply them in the community mental health that I work in.  I found the exercises in between sessions extremely valuable because it enabled me to actually put my new skills into practice at once.”

Vicki Coddington – Program Manager, Life Unlimited

“Very useful and enjoyable with the small group from different organizations and backgrounds.  Great interaction and learning environment hearing other people’s problems. I liked the gap in between each course day because it allows us time to apply what we’ve learned and solve problems.  Also lots of opportunities to ask questions and not a ”sit there and listen course” like most others that I’ve been to. “

Peter Ireland – Project Manager, Opus International – Thames

“This training is really wicked, I found it really interesting with the self analysis and also discussing other people’s problems and the different approach we use to deal with them. Everyone in a leadership position should attend.”

Bruce Maunsell – Production Manager, Laminex Industries Ltd

“It has been a wonderful program.  At Pet City, it’s great that there were 4 of us who had been to the course, we now have a different shop after 9 months since attending the course and the results was absolutely amazing.  I’ve been to quite a few courses and I’ve never been to one that had actually taught practical material like this one.  It had also helped me to be more organised and the staff are more organised as a result.  This had allowed me to work in a zone that I am a lot more comfortable and I can now plan in advance with my new knowledge.  I have much more confidence that the changes I am making are going to be successful.  My relationships with staff, my boss and customers have all improved substantially as a result of this training programme.  Thank you.”

Robin Archer – Manager, Pet City Ltd

“I really appreciate the fun and the effective tools we learned and practiced during the course.  It was great to learn from each other.  This course has enabled me to sort out so many issues at work and given me immense confidence to face future challenges  It was very relevant unlike some of the other courses I’ve been to that were not practical.  My confidence levels have gone up and I have established a new relationship with my management as well as staff.  As for the future, the team has already changed as I have used the new tools learned on this course but we are not quite there yet.  However, I’m going to draw on your continuous support and turn our team into the best team.”

Meg Bryant –Manager, Hamilton City Library

“I’ve been on many courses and received lots of information in one day.  This course that was spread over six months was wonderful giving me time to work over issues.  The support, follow up and coaching has given me great resource in handling my work and personal problems.  It has also helped with my family’s communication as well as work.  The self-assessment exercises were very insightful.”

Greg Kelly–Sales Manager Steel and Tube Roofing Products Ltd

“The reason why I came on the course was because I’m new in the management role.  I was struggling as I had no management skill and it was so bad that I was going to go back onto the technical role.  The last six months has taught me really important tools that have helped considerably with my job.  The business side has improved a lot now that I’ve applied what I’ve learned.  I’ve also lifted my listening skills.  I have gathered a lot of information and understanding from this diverse group of people.  My confidence had now been built up with the coaching and support that I’ve gained from the course.  The timing and support had helped our business to create a higher income.”

Tony Bonetti–Manager Opus International Consultants Ltd

“I’ve not only learned leadership skills but also gained confidence in myself and learned to utilise my time so much better.  During the programme I have gained knowledge about myself and about the behaviour of other people.  My staff have benefited from my attendance and development during the programme.  I consider this training very good value for money.”

Brendon Holmes Owner Quicker Net Ltd

“A truly worthwhile programme.  Exceptional value for money.  I believe that is a must for every business person.  I have now gained a very positive attitude to everyday life as a result of the training programme.  It is helped me to improve my planning and to make much better decisions at work.  This means that I am much more productive and so are the people around me.  Our increased productivity means that we are doing a much better job.  My communication skills have improved to the extent that I am getting so much more from people.  The programme was presented in a very practical and fascinating manner.  This process helped me to visualise my goals and achieve them.”

Karen Truter Practice Manager Old Villa Dental Centre

“This programme changed the way I think.  During the six months I was able to develop a range of tools and skills that helped me with dealing with staff.  At the same time my emotional intelligence increased and as a result I got a definite rise in productivity from my staff.  I am now so much more confident and as my behaviour changed so did the behaviour of my staff.  I attribute all this to the Practical Leadership Programme.”

Basim Taher Production Supervisor  Ecolab Ltd

“I was really impressed with the programme.  Last year I had problems with staff and now I have changed my approach to decision making.  As a result of the programme I involve my staff and listen to their points of view before I make a decision.  This means that everybody has an input to change.  As a result of the programme, work is much easier and without stress, staff are finishing the task sooner and a much happier.  For me personally, I am much more confident and able to communicate with customers which is a great advantage for my company.”

Roy Tengu Store Supervisor Ecolab Ltd

“I thought that this training programme was extremely very beneficial and a good investment for people in business.  I have learned how to deal better with other people.  And for myself I have learned to think before rushing into things at work and have developed a better understanding of myself and other people.  I am able to put things into perspective.  The benefits I have gained from this programme had helped me personally and will be of value to my company.”

Glenda Harvey Administration Manager Credit Union Waikato

“It was valuable to have people from different sized companies and different organisations to gain their knowledge, to mix with them and learn about their experience.  I found this valuable because it is possible to become quite isolated if you hold the key position in a company.  I think that what I learnt about influence was the main benefit I gained from the course which was totally different from all the other courses I’ve done.  This course challenged our thinking and I found this extremely valuable.  It gave me the practical knowledge and skill which I was lacking because my field is in the theoretical area.”

Robert Truloff National Operations Manager Lucent Technologies (NZ) Ltd

“Very valuable programme.  I was told by my boss and HR manager to come and do this course.  Of course I was reluctant to start with.  The programme has extended me and my attitude is changed the way I deal with my staff and my boss.  The number one benefit for me was the principal of dealing with expectations.  As a result of that I got a considerable amount of increased respect and credibility from my team.  Now I have a range of people on the course with whom I can share issues because they know what I’m talking about and understand my situation.  I think that the relationships I have developed with my team have given me the confidence to coach now that the relationships are far sounder.  I will definitely review the material and the principles I have learned from the course.”

Don Williams Manager Opus International Consultants Ltd

“It was excellent to be in a group of totally different people with the same goal of getting better results from people.  It was good to learn from young and old.  The programme has made me slow down and prioritise.  To introduce clear working procedures so that my people know what they’re doing.  I learnt to look at my business through different eyes and this increased my profit.”

Mark Jolly Owner Lettuce Tempt You

“I have been on many courses before during my working lifetime.  All courses I’ve attended have not eventuated into anything.  Peter came to see me and told me that this course was different.  He persuaded me to attend so that I could decide whether or not it was worthwhile to put my staff onto it.  I found the follow up most valuable.  Personally, it has given me confidence and new tools at the same time.  I am convinced of the value of this course and have now put all my managers onto it as a result.”

Murray Pratt  Regional Manager, United Cleaning Services Ltd

“As a result of this training course, I now understand my staff’s behaviour.  I used to think that they were stupid or thick, however now, I realise the reasons why they behave in a certain way and no longer jump to conclusions.  I am happy to use my staff’s skill to assist me and to delegate much more than ever before.  I am able to get commitment from my staff, which is great.  My boss is also doing a course here which will make it easier for us to become aligned in improving the company performance.  I’ve also learned what my clients really want from us rather than what I thought they wanted.  As a result of this course, I have learnt to be more tolerant with other people.  What has really helped me in my work is what I have learned about managing my time and planning.  I have also learned how to be liked by other people and that is great.”

Hamish  Dean   Construction Manager, Schick Construction and Cartage Ltd

“I have been looking for someone to do training with for long-time now, someone who will give me the support that I need.  I’m thrilled with the confidence that I’ve gained through this course.  The tools that I’ve been given here have given me more goals from my managers and myself.  I’m also looking forward to further courses with you.”

Monica van de Weerd  Health 2000

“This course was recommended by my manager who attended 18 months ago, he promised me that it would be valuable.  Well, this course is really different and it certainly works.  I didn’t have the tools to handle difficult staff before attending.  Now with what I’ve learned from this course I am able to delegate more as well as deal with people I thought previously were difficult.  The bottom line is that I am much more effective in my job than before the course.”

Theresa Williams Office Manager McDonalds Lime Ltd

“I thought that this was going to be one of those courses where you just get heaps of paper but I found out that it was nothing like that.  I’ve enjoyed the entire course during the last six months.  The practicality of the programme has provided immense value making me more skilled and informed as a leader.  It has made me more tolerant with my staff but also given me practical tools to deal with everyday problems at work.  In other courses I’ve never come across such a valuable information of how to deal with difficult people.  We covered lots of topics that are extremely valuable to me in my work.  I can certainly recommend this course to everybody in a leadership position because of its relevance to our everyday work.”

Vijay Kumar  Senior Production Supervisor Ecolab Ltd

“It was very interesting to be able to stand back and look at myself as a person.  Today, I am a different person than I was six months ago when the course started.  The one thing that helped me the most is now I am able to understand other people which, in turn, has helped me to be understood.  I see the course as a must for not just for management, but also for any other level.”

Nigel Svelstrup – Team Leader, Ecolab Ltd

It’s a no pressure course that gave me heaps of new ideas.  Timing of once a month makes it easy and allows information to sink in.  Follow up at our place was also very worth while.”

Willie Verstraten – Contract Manager, Concord Technology

“I found the follow up and assignment very helpful, it helped me learn and the small group was also very encouraging.”

Egbert Salvatierra – Planning Manager, Ecolab Ltd

“Over the years I’ve been to different types of courses and this is the only one that really excited me.  This is the only course that deals with situations relevant to our day to day business activities.  The development of skills to deal with different situations was excellent.  I am now a much better leader because I can recognise potential problems and deal with them using skills I’ve learnt from the course.  I highly recommend the course and have told many people how this has helped me to develop my leadership skills at work.”

Gary Brown – Works Supervisor, JP Marshall & Co Ltd

I started off working on the shop floor learning my trade, and now I am a manager and we have got 29 staff.  I decided to come on this course to learn more about managing people.  What I’ve learned is how to improve staff motivation and lead them to input ideas which has proved very beneficial for our company.  I have also gained a lot of self-development end a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses.  I never used to think about influencing people as being a necessary skill.  Now I’m armed with a lot of useful resources and skills to help me deal with all sorts of staff situations and customers.  I have learned how to manage my time better as well as to get more from my staff.  This has had a positive effect on my company.  The presentation of the course was very professional and Peter kept me alert and on my toes.

Lyndon Kapoor Director Metrology Group Ltd

Categories: Testimonials Tags:

Testimonial letter 1

Peter Mitchell

The Learning Company Ltd

P O Box 20-132

HAMILTON

Dear Peter

I am writing this letter to thank you for the amazing outcome of the project you have completed with us at Marshall Profiling Ltd.

The first success was the introduction of strategies that gave us an increase in productivity that exceeded our expectations of 5%.  Furthermore, you have identified other ways to give us a further increase in productivity of at least 10%.

Overall, through a series of low cost changes you have identified, we now have the opportunity to increase our net profit by almost seven figures.

Longer term, the comprehensive marketing plan and the way we promote our company will again add many thousands of dollars to our bottom line.

Personally, I am amazed at the number of ideas and opportunities you have identified to improve the profitability of Marshall Profiling Ltd.

On behalf of myself and the staff I would like to thank you for the quality and quantity of the information you have presented to us so that we can fulfil our goal of achieving a major increase in profit level.

Regards

Brent Young

Manager

Marshall Profiling Ltd

Categories: Articles, Testimonials Tags: