Geoff Ayling, in his superb book, "Rapid Response Advertising," provides wannabe guerrillas with a full fifty reasons why people buy. There are really far more than fifty, but I have a feeling that these fifty will get your creative juices flowing. People make purchases for these, among many reasons:

1. To make more money – even though it can’t buy happiness
2. To become more comfortable, even a bit more
3. To attract praise – because almost everybody loves it
4. To increase enjoyment – of life, of business, of virtually anything
5. To possess things of beauty – because they nourish the soul
6. To avoid criticism – which nobody wants
7. To make their work easier – a constant need to many people
8. To speed up their work – because people know that time is precious
9. To keep up with the Joneses – there are Joneses in everybody’s lives
10. To feel opulent – a rare, but valid reason to make a purchase
11. To look younger – due to the reverence placed upon youthfulness
12. To become more efficient – because efficiency saves time
13. To buy friendship – I didn’t know it’s for sale, but it often is
14. To avoid effort – because nobody loves to work too hard
15. To escape or avoid pain – which is an easy path to making a sale
16. To protect their possessions – because they worked hard to get them
17. To be in style – because few people enjoy being out of style
18. To avoid trouble – because trouble is never a joy
19. To access opportunities – because they open the doors to good things
20. To express love – one of the noblest reasons to make any purchase
21. To be entertained – because entertainment is usually fun
22. To be organized – because order makes lives simpler
23. To feel safe – because security is a basic human need
24. To conserve energy – their own or their planet’s sources of energy
25. To be accepted – because that means security as well as love
26. To save time -- because they know time is more valuable than money
27. To become more fit and healthy -- seems to me that’s an easy sale
28. To attract the opposite sex – never undermine the power of love
29. To protect their family – tapping into another basic human need
30. To emulate others – because the world is teeming with role models
31. To protect their reputation – because they worked hard to build it
32. To feel superior – which is why status symbols are sought after
33. To be trendy – because they know their friends will notice
34. To be excited – because people need excitement in a humdrum life
35. To communicate better -- because they want to be understood
36. To preserve the environment – giving rise to cause-related marketing
37. To satisfy an impulse – a basic reason behind a multitude of purchases
38. To save money – the most important reason to 14% of the population
39. To be cleaner – because unclean often goes with unhealthy and unloved
40. To be popular – because inclusion beats exclusion every time
41. To gratify curiosity -- it killed the cat but motivates the sale
42. To satisfy their appetite – because hunger is not a good thing
43. To be individual – because all of us are, and some of us need assurance
44. To escape stress – need I explain?
45. To gain convenience – because simplicity makes life easier
46. To be informed – because it’s no joy to be perceived as ignorant
47. To give to others – another way you can nourish your soul
48. To feel younger – because that equates with vitality and energy
49. To pursue a hobby – because all work and no play etc. etc. etc.
50. To leave a legacy – because that’s a way to live forever

I must add one more area about which you should be creative, one more reason that motivates people to make a purchase, and that area deals with pain. Thomas Jefferson said, "The art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset." More recently, Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman, who wrote "Close The Deal," teach the importance of pain and the ways to learn where it resides. If you know exactly, you’ve got a heckuva great starting point for your creativity.

There. Now that you've got 51 ways to win the hearts and business of your prospects, I think you'll have an easier job of winning sales and profits.

Thanks.

Compiled by;

Juliana Mpenzi, Marketing Dept...Dolphins Group

Being politically correct means saying what's polite rather than what's accurate. I like to be accurate.

So I'll continue in the politically incorrect vein of my insights, "Lazy People Don't Get Rich" and "Go Forth and Multiply -- Your Money," and tell you more reasons why people aren't rich.

It has to do with three more L words. And, as you'll remember, all that separates "God" from "gold" is one little "L" -- as in "lazy," "looting," and "loser."

Big, Fat Liars

The first "L" stands for liar. Many people aren't rich because they're liars. For example, one of the biggest lies people tell themselves about investing is that it's risky. Investing isn't risky -- being incompetent is risky.

Being a lazy investor is risky, too, and so is turning your money over to a financial advisor who's a salesperson, not an investor.

People who lie to themselves about investing are the same as overweight people who blame their genes for their obesity. The other night, I watched a TV show about a man who weighed more than 1,050 pounds -- that's over half a ton. When he was a kid, he believed his weight was due to baby fat. Then, in high school, he claimed he was "big-boned." Later, he blamed his weight gain on his marriage.

Even after stomach-stapling surgery, he blamed some other factor for his weight. The show's producers did a good job of not arguing with him or challenging him. Instead, they showed him gulping down gallons of sugary cola, fried foods, and pizza.

Mea Culpa

The reason I relate weight to money is because I, too, have been that liar. I blamed my genes, my family, and my wife for my being overweight, and used any other lie I could think of to help find comfort with my sorry reflection in the mirror.

It wasn't long ago that I considered having my stomach stapled. When my doctor told me I wasn't obese enough, I considered gaining another hundred pounds so I could qualify for the operation. Thankfully, I found the discipline to change my diet and start exercising instead.
I've lied to myself about money, too. I often wished that my parents were rich so that I didn't have to work so hard to become rich. I often wished someone would recognize my talents and give me the big break I deserved. I often blamed others for my losses and failures in business. I have, on occasion, even bought a lottery ticket. (Notice that "lottery" starts with an "L," too.)

So I'm not placing myself beyond the boundaries of any of the L words that separate "God" from "gold." I'm just as guilty of laziness, looting, being a loser, and lying as most people. I face those character flaws in myself every day.

The Blame Game
The next two Ls in this week's politically incorrect list stand for "lousy" and "leader." One of the biggest lies businesspeople tell is that it's hard to find good employees. In other words, they lie about their lousy leadership skills by blaming their employees for being bad workers.
I've heard many business owners say this, and I've heard professional people such as doctors, attorneys, and accountants say, "It's not like the old days, when young people wanted to work for older, established professionals." Blame is running rampant.

In my training as a military officer, one of the most important lessons drummed into my head was this: "There are no bad soldiers, only bad leaders." When you look at the war in Iraq, you see the truth in that statement.

It's my belief that the best way to be a better investor is to stop blaming the investment as the problem -- that is, to stop saying investing is risky. And the best way to grow a business is to stop blaming your employees or the economy or your competition for your problems. As long as you blame someone or something else -- something outside you that's bigger than you are -- as the source of your problems, the problems won't get solved.

A Losing Encounter
 

As if to illustrate this, a loser came up to me the other night at a book signing and said, "I took your advice and got a job in sales."
"That's good," I replied.
"Yeah, but I quit," he said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because I didn't want to make my boss rich," he said in a wimpy tone.
I nearly lost it. Raising my voice, I said to Larry the Loser, "How can you expect to get rich if you don't want to make someone else rich? Did you even sell anything?"
 

"No," he said, "I didn't. I couldn't sell because I didn't like my boss. I couldn't sell because of him."
To this I replied, "Don't make your boss the fall guy for your inability to sell. You need a personality transplant. You act like a loser, and nobody wants to buy from a loser. And who wants to make you rich if you don't want to make others rich? Grow up!"

Go for the Gold

Two of my favorite stories are of the alchemists, proto-scientists who searched for a way to turn lead into gold, and of Midas, the legendary Phrygian king who had the ability to turn whatever he touched into gold.

It is my sincere belief that we all have the power to be alchemists, as well as to develop our own Midas touch. All we have to do is stop lying to ourselves, and stop being lousy leaders who blame others for our problems.

Compiled by

Angela Mwai

Business Develpoment,Dolphins Group.

All from Robert Kiyosaki Exclusive..

The Killer Secrets Behind Success

What do you do when one of your best customers has been hunting around for a better price? The customer makes it clear to you that they see no difference between your product and a much cheaper competitor. You’re told that they all look the same. Sound familiar...

How do you handle a situation like that? What do you do? What are the sales negotiation skills you should employ? Should you drop your price to win?

NO!

Sales negotiation Skills #1: Leverage- Never negotiate without it

You need more negotiating “leverage” and POWER....Right?
First, recognize that this is a ploy. The customer is deliberately trying to undermine your position. Don’t Worry. Just following these simple Steps!

Start off by understanding the awesome power of “Perception”. Then you can create an infinite amount of power out of thin air. The first skill towards getting all the power back is to realize that all negotiation is – is just a game of PERCEPTION

. Sales Negotiation Skills #2: Recognize that successful sales Negotiation is all about PERCEPTION
Who holds the high ground in negotiation?

The customer? The person with the best product, cheapest price, the best value product or the best relationship with the customer???
NO! ALL WRONG

In negotiation the person who THINKS they have all the power has all the power. Therefore if you think you have 'no power' or let the customer convince you into believing that you have 'no power'. Guess what you have 'no power'.

Sales negotiation Skills #3: The person who THINKS they have all the POWER has all the POWER
Let's just repeat that again because it's so important;

"The person who THINKS they have all the power has all the POWER ".

Take the power back. Start believing you've all the power. The customer will then start to believe that you've all the power.

By doing this you become master of a very powerful 'psychological' game. It's like playing a game of 'poker' but a lot more fun....
This is because all negotiation really is – is a game of managing perception and expectations. Mastering the invisible forces is such an important skill to successful selling but very rarely talked about by 'Old' School Sales Trainers.

For completeness, let's just look at what not to do?
It's a deadly sin in sales to come across as over keen to make a deal. You'll look a little needy. The customer will sense this and use it against you at the negotiation table. They will perceive you as weak.

Sales negotiation skills #4: Never be too keen to make the deal

You've inadvertently sent out signals saying you are weak. They'll then feel that the balance of power lies with them as you have communicated that you need them more than they need you.

In this instance it should come as no surprise when the customer demands a big discount. The sad thing is you will probably feel obligated into giving a large discount because you've let the customer con you into believing you hold a weak position. The Customer has actually outsold you, but you’re the sales professional. Don’t fall prey!

Take your 'power' back today learn to master the 'invisible forces'....

Sales Negotiation Skills #5: Perform trial negotiations early in the sale

Sometimes it is worthwhile performing trial negotiations with the prospect during early stages of the sales campaign. Deliberately introduce something small to negotiate over.

The purpose of the trial negotiation is to see how they react and approach the negotiation process. Do they approach it in a win-win mind set? What attitudes do they have? Do they make sure you have won? Did they try to browbeat you? Did they try to squeeze every last bit of value out for themselves? What ploys did they employ?

Sales negotiation Skills #6: Never negotiate with an unmotivated buyer

If there is no compelling reason forcing the customer to act you can risk giving away some of your power. However, if an impending event is looming ever closer the pressure is all on the prospect to make some firm decisions and fast.

So never negotiate with an unmotivated buyer. If they are not motivated to buy from you do not enter the formal negotiation phase. It would be better to do some more motivating by creating a sense of urgency. Remind them what they have to lose or miss out.
Timing is one area closely related to motivation level.

Timing can be one of the most powerful levers you can have. So learn to time the negotiation right. Look for outside factors or forces that make timing important. For example, this could be an impending event, end of financial years, internal goals and deadlines or projects that have tight deadlines. Then time your negotiation as close as possible to the impending event. Delay and stall if appropriate. By doing this the pressure is ALL on the prospect to take action.

Sales negotiation Skills #7: Open by getting the other side to justify their position

If the other side states an opening position then it is a good habit to ask them to justify their position. This shows the prospect that you are paying attention and will not easily fall for any fast ones. This also gives you the opportunity to spot any weaknesses. When the prospect responds see if you can spot any areas of uncertainty or weak justification. These could be non- issues that the prospect is trying to introduce to undermine your position.

NOTE: Your objective is not to beat the prospect. It is always to reach a Win-Win scenario. But Professional selling is no place for the naive or stupid.

Prospects will want you to believe that there are many other people chasing them for their business. If you do not come up with the goods then somebody else will. This ploy can be defused by having the prospect justify why they want to buy from you. Get them to quantify any value difference they see from the out-set.

Sales negotiation Skills #8: Always be on the look out for shifts in aspiration levels

If you have negotiated well you should be able to observe the aspiration levels of the other party shift. Look for these shifts in aspiration levels. For example, if the prospect uses words like "We will never agree to this …" and then shifts to using words like "In most cases this would not be possible…" this is a good sign of shifting aspirations. This is positive feedback that you are moving forward. The prospect is softening up. It also indicates that the prospect is willing to compromise. If they are willing to compromise then they are willing to negotiate. Go ahead and get bartering.

Sales negotiation Skills # 9: Learn to use the Power of 1%
One percent of anything is a believable number. Try to make one percent difference to the prospects overall business. This will be a big number and the prospect will more readily believe that it is achievable. Frame your benefits as making at least a one percent difference.
It can be very persuasive to frame your arguments as making 1% difference. What would happen if this solution makes 1% difference to your bottom-line? What would happen if it makes 1% difference to your budget in this department? When you frame what you will add as making only 1% difference it is very believable and has credibility.

It is much more believable than making lofty claims particularly if you struggle to provide evidence of those lofty claims. Think about it 1% seems like a small amount and that is why it can be easily believed. When in reality it isn’t and the prospect will be able to figure that out. One percent of a $10 million pound company is $100,000.

Keep changing lives,Keep Selling..

Micheal Muthama, Corporate Sales Trainer,  Dolphins Group.

Number 1.Sending out the right signals

HAVE YOU EVER WALKED into a presentation to see a sea of uninspired faces gazing back at you? The Practice Manager is looking repeatedly at her watch, one GP has already rushed in and out of the door twice, and everyone else is staring longingly at the sandwiches – knowing that they will have to sit through your presentation before they are given a few precious minutes to eat?

Faced with the adversities of diverse audiences and strict time limits, you may feel uncertain or anxious before you start your presentation. So it is important that you send out the right signals when you begin, in order to create a friendly environment that allows you to build rapport with your audience.

Remember: You are your best audio and visual aid. Your audience picks up signals from how you present yourself, your voice and your body language. You need to project yourself in a positive way in order to influence them. Although some people are naturally good communicators, everyone can learn communication skills and use them to their advantage.

Number 2.Command with your voice.

Most people rarely use the voice to its full potential as a means of communication. When they start to make more use of the voice, they are surprised at how empowering this feels in helping them to influence and engage with their audience.

The starting point for anyone working on their voice is to create a relaxed physical state, since any tension in the body inhibits vocal power. Before starting your presentation, take a couple of deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. As you breathe out, think of releasing tensions with the breath. This simple breathing technique will also encourage you to slow down – which is very helpful at the start of a presentation, when your nerves can easily make you go too fast.

Your voice should command your audience as soon as you say the first words. To provide your voice with support, it is important that your posture is strong. Always check that you are standing with both feet firmly on the ground – or if you are sitting, that the small of your back is firmly supported by the back of the chair.

Number 3. Pace yourself
A complaint I often hear from medical sales representatives is that they are always fighting against the clock. They struggle with the strict time limits imposed on them, especially when lunch has to be included in the time slot. So there may be a tendency to speed up in order to get all the information across. But this is counter-productive. Too much information given too fast can overwhelm your audience, resulting in a complete ‘switch-off’. Restrict the amount of information the audience has to take in: limit your presentation to no more than three key messages.

Keep the pace of your delivery steady by inserting pauses into your presentation. Pauses act as a brake pedal to stop you ‘free-wheeling’. Try to pause for three seconds after your first sentence to help you control your pace at the start. You will be less likely to speed up as you continue speaking.

Number 4. Enhance your messages
Another challenge is holding everyone’s attention and interest for all of the time. It is important that you speak with passion, even if you have delivered the presentation many times before.

When you speak, emphasize your most powerful words to help you sound more convincing and have greater influence over your audience. Emphasize the first word of your sentence to grab their attention, and emphasize the last word to help you avoid trailing off and losing energy. If you feel that someone has ‘switched off’, try emphasizing your next word while looking at them. This will help to regain their attention and make them feel more included. Our moods are expressed through our tone of voice. You may be giving a presentation late on a Friday afternoon, when you are tired – and your voice will sound flat, dull and lifeless.

You need to put more energy into your voice, so that it sounds enthusiastic and is more likely to inspire the listener. One way to help influence your tone of voice is to adopt a role. For example, a highly successful approach is to take on the role of a storyteller and imagine that your message is an exciting story. This will help to ‘lift’ your voice and create greater energy and variety in your tone. Finally, always remember to smile: when you smile, your voice smiles! This is always a good way to build rapport with your audience.

Number 5. Look good, feel good
Body language is important to consider when you want to send out the right signals. We all subconsciously read the body language of others – their posture, facial expressions, gestures and eye contact – and react accordingly. If you slouch, avoid eye contact and speak with an impassive or stern face, your audience may conclude that you are unmotivated or impatient, and be unlikely to receive your presentation with any enthusiasm.

You want to aim for a relaxed but professional image. To achieve this, make sure that your posture is strong without being tense. Share your eye contact around the audience to help you connect with them. A useful rule is to give three seconds to each person at any one time. This will allow you to engage with individuals and keep them all involved in the presentation.

Try to use gestures while you are speaking: this helps to create a stronger presence, and enhances your voice. When you use a strong gesture with a powerful word, you cannot help putting greater emphasis into your voice.

Number 6. Polish the practicalities
You also need to think about practicalities in order to ensure a polished, professional performance. Five key points to consider are:

1. clearly state your schedule at the start. It will help you to control your audience if they know how long the presentation and the following lunch break will be. You must then stick to your times in order to keep their attention.
2. Be conversational with your audience – ask them a few questions at the start to ‘open them up’ and find out more about them. This will help to create a more personal, relaxed environment, and you will be able to pitch your presentation more effectively to those present.
3. Make it clear at the start what you hope your audience will gain from the presentation. Ask yourself why should my audience listen to me? What are the key benefits to them?
4. Ensure that you are properly set up before you start – don’t waste precious presentation time setting up equipment while your audience are waiting
5. Try to walk around the presentation space before your audience arrives.
This will help you to feel more familiar with the space, and to look as though you have ownership of it.

Number 7. Finally, enjoy your presentation. A presenter who looks as if they are going to enjoy the meeting will send out the right signals. And if you enjoy it, your audience is more likely to do the same!

Good luck next time and don't forget to train and sharpen your skills,remember all professionals have coaches,amateurs have none.

Compiled by;

Makena Mugane,

Clients Relations, 

Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

A popular Internet battle cry states that “the money is in your list”. It’s true that you can make a lot of money by building a list of opt-in subscribers, establishing trust with those subscribers and sending those subscribers’ special offers promoting your products. But you must do it correctly.

Here are a few tips that will help you get the most bang for your buck out of your list-building activities:

Collect Only Relevant Information

While requesting a visitor to sign up, collect information that is relevant to your business. A recent study lamented that most of the corporate probing was unnecessary, given that most companies never act on the information they extract from their customers. It is crucial that you know exactly what you intend to do with the information you’re going to collect. Moreover, you should also be able to prove to your visitors that information you would be collecting from them is actually vital for your business.

Don’t Make Your Customers Repeat Information

Most customers don’t mind telling their banks the ages of their children if they think the bank will use the information to help them sort through the myriad of college savings plans or make them aware of estate planning issues. But nothing irritates customers more than having to repeat the same information to each channel as if it’s the first time they've ever heard the information. This is especially true in the case of email lists on websites.

Focus Your List

We’ve discussed the importance of focusing or targeting customers earlier as well. Current customers are the most important email addresses to collect, much more so than prospects. They’ll be more receptive to your communications and likely to respond, since they’re familiar with your company and its products. Don’t waste your time running campaigns that attract a high number of visitors who have no interest in your products or services.

Special Offers and Discounts

Special offers like coupons and discounts are classic direct marketing techniques that translate extremely well to email. In order for an offer to be effective, it must provide something of real value to the recipient. Minimal discounts are not enough to get the reader’s attention; you have to offer something of substance. Of course, don’t discount lower than your profit on the transaction. Having a time limit on discounted offers is also very important in order for the call to action to work effectively.
Apart from using the Internet, there are also ways you can use your marketing efforts in the real world to help build your email lists.

Networking Meetings

From your local chamber of commerce, to specialized industry groups, the meetings of many organizations are great opportunities to make contact with new people. You are exchanging business cards with interested prospects or possible referral sources, so make sure that you send appropriate email communications to these people. Start with a personal email recapping your conversation with them, and ask them if they would like to be added to your monthly email list. Don't just start sending a barrage of email to every person that you come in contact with. Make sure that the person indicated their interest in what you have to offer first, or your contact will become quickly unwanted.
 

Trade Shows

Whether you have a booth, are one of the presenters, or are simply attending a trade show, you have an excellent potential opportunity similar to networking events, but on a much greater scale.

Organizing the follow-ups to people you actually spoke to yourself then adding the person to your personal contact list is a given.
The general information requests gathered by associates at your booth can be handled in a similar way. Lastly, you may have organized
a giveaway or contest to gather more leads at the show. These people are frequently less interested in what you have to say, and more interested in whatever they might be getting or winning. As a result, it may require secondary contact to obtain the permission to add them
to your regular communications. In general, hitting contest winners with a "hard sell" is not usually effective.

Seminars

Organizing informational seminars is a great way to build a healthy relationship with prospects and potential referrers. One effective technique is to have advance registration and to ask permission to send regular emails at that time. This way, even if the person is not able to attend the seminar, you still have an opportunity to stay in touch with them. After all, they were interested enough to register for the seminar.

Events

Concerts, parties, art openings, or any other occasion that gathers people together provide an opportunity to build your email address lists. Having a registration or check-in location, or associates with clipboards working the room are just two ways to make contact. In the case of events, it is a good idea to offer some kind of incentive to boost signups. However, make sure that the person can only receive the incentive via email. This way, you will improve the quality and accuracy of the lists you are collecting.

Post Cards/Direct Mail
When a company has an existing database of postal addresses, direct mail may be the best way to get the email addresses of your existing customers and prospects. Again, offering an incentive always helps stimulate a greater response and is particularly effective when there is a pre-existing relationship. This helps increase the typical response rate of converting postal address recipients to email recipients. Publish a specific website address on your mailing to direct people to a landing page with the list signup form on your site.

Next week we will explore more ways to keeping your valuable list growing everyday..

Keep marketing and remember to arm youself with over 50 emarketing weapons from our upcoming emarketing training,Nairobi,Kenya

Mike Ndegwa,eMarketing Coach,Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd.

So, your resume has gotten you a job interview; it's the first big step toward the job you want. When your interview begins, however, job skills become secondary. You're now being interviewed largely on the kind of person you are. Your resume tells people who you are, but your manners -- good or bad -- show them.

the "e" word
Don't panic over the "E" word. Etiquette is nothing more than the grand set of all good manners. Put simply, etiquette is a language used to relate your respect and consideration to others. For the sake of this article, the "others" are the interviewers of the world, the ones who typically matter no more (or less) than anyone else in our lives, until one day when, instantly, their opinion of us matters most.

Therefore, the day of your interview is not the time to appear uncouth, disrespectful or inconsiderate by violating any of the following etiquette tips.

Be punctual
Like anyone at work, your interviewer is in the midst of a busy workday. Show them that their time is valuable to you -- after all, aren't they showing you that same respect with this chance to come in and present yourself off of the printed resume page?

Being late tells others that you're self-centered, disorganized, rude, or all three (qualities only sought after by the recruiters of reality television. So, unless you're seeking a spot on the next The Real World, leave home with plenty of time to account for delays otherwise beyond your control.

Dress accordingly
At an interview, proper etiquette dictates that your manner of dress should by and large fit in with the scene around you, but in a show of respect for the occasion, you should dress just a step above the norm of that environment. The reason is because inappropriate business attire -- in either direction, up or down -- creates an unacceptable distraction. When the focus should be on you and all your skills, your clothes shouldn't be stealing the show.

Consider these examples, in which a pattern is clearly visible: If everyone at the workplace wears jeans and T-shirts, wear slacks and a long-sleeved button-down shirt. If they're in slacks and button-down shirts, wear a coat and consider a tie.

Take note of that handshake
A handshake is a physical interaction. At an interview, it's a physical interaction between strangers, making it a prime moment for etiquette. A firm handshake -- in which you pump the hand once or twice with a secure, steady grip, then release -- conveys affability and openness, and can create an immediate feeling of comfort between two people.

On the other hand, a meek, milky handshake or a flesh-grinding cinch can make a person uncomfortable. Before they have the chance to get to know you, you've already given them an unpleasant feeling. Making people comfortable around you is an essential aim of all etiquette. Think about it: Do you really want to make your interviewer uncomfortable?

More..

During the job interview, countless moments will come up when etiquette is required. Getting them right gives you a confidence visible to your interviewer.

Enunciate, as well as animate, your language. An interviewer shouldn't have to ask you to repeat yourself, or wonder if they heard you right.

Look the interviewer in the eye. It's a trusting gesture to which people always respond positively. Anything else is simply rude.

Use engaging, non-threatening body language. Good posture alone can convey your interest in being there, while slouching conveys disrespect and indifference.

Use your interviewer's name, but in moderation. It proves you're involved and listening. It also helps establish rapport, which goes a long way in making for a successful interview.

Thank them "twice"
At the end of the interview, when you will invariably thank your interviewer, make sure to thank them both for their time as well as for your own opportunity. Much like arriving on time, thanking them in this way sends a message that you understand and appreciate the value of one's time.

Don't consider the interview completely over until, that evening, you have written a short thank you note. Keep it short. E-mail is acceptable but snail mail is preferred. Since this is a business communication, it shouldn't be handwritten.

3 definite "don'ts"

Don't get caught unprepared
Learning as much as you can about the company and about the position for which you're applying is a sign of respect. As simple as it sounds, don't forget that your interviewer works for this company; it's a big part of this person's life. Therefore, a modest but competent display of your commitment to this interview through prior research makes you look good while flattering them at the same time.

Don't disparage past employers
If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything. It's disrespectful to take shots at former employers and companies (in part because they're not around to defend themselves), and doing so can seem cheap and offensive to others.

Furthermore, the interview is about you and about this company, and how you fit together; don't leave your interviewer with descriptions of former bosses and coworkers who have nothing to do with it.

Don't lie -- about anything
For all the many reasons not to lie or to wildly embellish anything, remember that a gentleman / lady never lies. He doesn't need to.
the bottom line
In their many publications over the years, the Post family (they who man the Emily Post Institute of etiquette) have pointed out that, all told, good manners actually tend to go unnoticed. What's noticed is their result: a smooth and enjoyable social connection between people.

What's impossible to miss, however, is the lack of etiquette. In this case, you want to leave the interviewer thinking about how friendly, intelligent and engaging you are -- not how obnoxious you are, what a ridiculously painful handshake you give or what you were thinking when you put on your dirtiest jeans before leaving the house.

Good Luck,

Compiled by

Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd,

Dolphins Group..

Speaking to the media has become far more common in recent years for people from all kinds of industries. If you have a media interview coming up, here are some tips to help you feel more prepared and thus present yourself more confidently.

Managing the Media

The prospect of being faced with a media interview – whether it is with the print media, radio or television, can be rather daunting.

Common concerns you may have are:

* You will be mis-quoted
* You wont be able to get your message across properly
* You will be made to look stupid
* You wont make the best of the situation

The worst thing you can do is just try to ‘wing it’ on the day, especially if you are not used to being interviewed. Preparation beforehand is important, so that you can be ready for whatever questions you are asked and you are able to respond in a way that promotes yourself, your company or organisation in the best possible light.

Know your facts

You may be an expert on the topic that you are going to be interviewed on but it is also important to have your facts ready to hand when questioned, as when nerves kick in it’s easy for your mind to go blank. Key facts that may be useful to refer to are facts concerning your:

* Company/organisation
* The product or service you provide
* Financial information
* Current issues concerning your sector etc.

It is useful to prepare a factsheet to help you remember the most important detail to use in the media interview. You will then be more likely to provide an accurate and clear response when you are questioned on points such as turnover, how long your company has been trading for, how many employees your company has etc.

Know your media audience

A journalist will always be thinking about their audience and what story their audience will be interested in, so it’s also worth you considering this. The more you understand the intended audience, what they are interested in and what are their main issues, the better you will come across in the media interview.

Think about the language you use in the interview- avoid any jargon or abbreviations that your audience will be unfamiliar with. Make it interesting and remember that most interviews are very short, so keep your sentences succinct to avoid waffling on.

Anticipation

Some interviewers act like interrogators who are out to give you a hard time. The key here is to anticipate the difficult questions you may get asked. Think about any current contentious issues that have been recently highlighted in the media.

Write down as many difficult questions as you can think of. Then consider how you might respond to these questions in a positive light. Write down your responses as well. The more you do this, the more equipped you will be to manage any hostility by your interviewer in a calm, measured and confident way.

Your Key Message

It’s easy to allow yourself to get sidetracked in a media interview, especially if you are inexperienced and the interviewer is experienced at manipulating the situation. That’s why it’s important that you establish your key message beforehand. This is the most important message that you want to get across to the audience in the interview.

To help establish a powerful key message – here are some guidelines to follow:

* It should be simple – the one most important idea you want to convey
* It should be succinct – so that it’s easy to remember and easy to communicate.
* It should be memorable – with words or phrases that grab the audience attention

A media interview doesn’t have to be something to dread. With the right preparation it can be a very positive experience and a great way to promote yourself and what you do to a much larger audience.

Good Lucy next time and dont forget to train. Remember ;All professional have coaches amateurs have none.

Lizz Walubengo, Essential Media Trainer,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

Historically, there are four economic ages of humanity.

1. The Hunter-Gatherer Age:

In the Hunter-Gatherer Age, humans relied on nature to provide wealth. They were nomadic and went where the hunting was good and the vegetation plentiful. You had to know how to hunt and to gather—or you died. For the hunter-gatherer, the tribe was social security. Socio-economically, everyone was even. They were all poor.

2. The Agrarian Age:

The Agrarian Age saw the rise of classes between people. Due to the development of technology to plant and cultivate the land, those who owned the land became royalty, and those who worked it became peasants. The royals rode horses while the peasants walked. Socioeconomically there were two groups, the rich and the poor.

3. The Industrial Age:

While many people would place the beginning of the Industrial Age in the 1800s with the rise of factories, I actually think of it as beginning in 1492 with Columbus. When Columbus struck out to find the New World, it was to find new sources of valuable resources such as oil, copper, tin, and rubber. During this time the value of real estate shifted from growing crops to providing resources. This led to the land becoming even more valuable. And three classes emerged: the rich, the middle-class, and the poor.

4. The Information Age:

Today, we are in the Information Age, where information leveraged by technology and inexpensive resources like silicon produce wealth. This means that the price of getting wealthy has gone down. For the first time in history, wealth is available to just about everyone. There are now four groups of people: the poor, the middle-class, the rich, and the super rich.

Thislast month I read about one of the major successes of the Information Age, Facebook. According to The Wall Street Journal, Facebook has struck a deal with Goldman Sachs and others to raise $500 million dollars in funding. The website is now valued at $50 billion. It's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is worth an estimated $6.9 billion. He's now part of the super rich. Not bad for a 26-year old college dropout.

In my travels, I've literally seen local people texting on their cell phones while riding on the back of a donkey cart. In classrooms all across the world the Internet is readily available and technology is second nature to most kids. Regardless of socio-economic class, information is largely free and abundant. For the first time in history, people can access information and learn about anything no matter whether they are rich or poor.

And while information is valuable, it's not as valuable as knowledge. Knowledge gives you the ability to filter out unimportant information to find the important information. Knowledge gives you the power to act on information. Knowledge is what makes you rich—not information.

My rich dad once said to me, "Oil is valuable. Many people would love to own lots of oil. But owning lots of oil won't make you rich. It's understanding how oil can make you rich that brings wealth. For instance, crude oil is of little value until it is refined. That is a complicated process that requires science and equipment. It takes knowledge to refine oil and make fuel. Fuel is valuable and will make you rich. But you can't have fuel without oil."

Today, it's no different in the Information Age. You could have all the information in the world, but without knowledge, you would still be poor. The reason Mark Zuckerberg is such a success is because he has knowledge of what to do with information and knowledge of how to build technologies to leverage information.

For instance, Mark Zuckerberg has knowledge of Internet technology that enabled him to build Facebook. He also knows how to build a team and find people smarter than him to make Facebook bigger and better. Finally, he has knowledge that information is valuable for selling. Facebook excels at collecting your information, processing it, and selling it to advertisers who target their ads to make money off of you.

It is not the information that makes Mark Zuckerberg rich, it's his ability to process and leverage it. That takes knowledge. And knowledge comes from education.

Today, amidst the gloomy economic news, there is hope for you. We live in an age where wealth is abundant and accessible by everyone—including you. But you have to be financially educated to be able to process and leverage it.

I encourage you in this New Year to increase your financial IQ by increasing your financial education. Then you will be able to find the important information and have the knowledge to act on it.

Compiled by Sam, Dolphins Group ,Nairobi, Kenya

From Rich Dad Information.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words; now picture yourself, a prospective client, walking into a board meeting or a party. How do you look? What message do you communicate the moment you walk into a room? What are your eyes, hands and shoulders saying? What information can people gather about you before you ever say a word? Never thought about it? You should. And you can start by perusing our top 10 tips to show confidence with body language.

 People read your body language, often via instinct and without thinking. It’s because our poses and postures are a great source of information. They reflect our mood and our confidence level. We stand and walk a certain way when we’re confident and another way when we’re nervous. In a glance, most people can discern if we’re apprehensive or outgoing, relaxed or aggressive. With a little practice, we can learn the tips to show confidence through body language so that we always appear confident, capable and ready.

No.10 Avoid your pockets
The first tip on our list of the top 10 tips to show confidence with body language is to keep your hands out of your pockets. We put our hands in our pockets when we’re uncomfortable or unsure of ourselves. And as long as you have your hands stuffed down your pants, that’s how other people will view you.

Instinctually we tend to hide our hands when we’re nervous; keeping your hands out in the open indicates confidence and shows people you have nothing to hide. Also, recognize that putting your hands in your pockets encourages slouching, which isn’t good. As an alternative, try putting your hands on your hips; it’s a far more confident posture.

No.9 Don't fidget
Fidgeting is a clear sign of nervousness. A man who can’t keep still, is a man who is worried, tense and certainly not confident. Your hands can be your worst enemies -- fight to keep them still and steady. You can definitely talk with your hands, but keep your gesticulations calm and under control. Also, when seated, avoid that rapid leg-vibration thing that some guys do.

No.8 Keep your eyes forward
Keeping your eyes level might be one of the trickiest ways to show confidence in body language. When you’re walking anywhere by yourself, it often feels natural to lower your head slightly and watch your step, but this posture communicates to others that you don’t want to engage in conversation or interact. And if you’re not careful, you might get into the habit of doing it all the time. Keep your chin up and your eyes forward, even when you’re walking down the street by yourself.

No.7 Stand up straight with your shoulders back
Standing up straight is one of the most important of our top 10 tips to project confidence through body language. It can be a challenge especially if you’ve been a sloucher all your life, but get over it. Standing up straight is perhaps the most important means of communicating confidence. Concentrate on pushing your shoulders back slightly when standing and walking. Nothing major, just a little. That one simple motion does wonders for your posture. Try it in front of the mirror -- you’ll be surprised how much more confident it makes you look.

No.6 Take wide steps
A confident man will never be described as “scurrying,” “creeping” or “sneaking,” so pay attention to the way you walk. If you want to show confidence with body language you want to take large steps. Wide steps make you seem purposeful and suggest a personal tranquility, which denotes confidence.

No.5 Firm handshakes
Another of our top 10 tips for showing confidence with body language has to do with the firm handshake. There are few things worse than reaching out your hand during an introduction and getting a palm full of dead fish. Don’t be that guy. Instead, grip the other person’s hand firmly and confidently. If shaking hands with someone you’ve already met, you might even consider the two-hand grab: placing your free hand on the other person’s elbow adds warmth and enthusiasm to the handshake. Just don’t get carried away. A handshake is not a contest. Don’t try to crush the other person’s hand and don’t hold on too long.

No.4 Proper grooming
Imagine yourself walking into a room, maybe there are lots of potential/your clients or maybe the room is filled with respected colleagues. Now consider your appearance: four days' worth of scruff, bad skin, hair crispy and pointy like a Backstreet Boy’s. The point we’re trying to make is that grooming is an essential component of communicating confidence through body language. You want your hair, face and even your smell to work for you, not against you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new products to find the ones that work for you.

No.3 Smile
Confident people smile because they have nothing to worry about. Try this as an experiment: smile at someone as you pass them on the street or walking around the office. Chances are good that they’ll smile back. Now wouldn’t you like to have that effect on people all the time?

No.2 Don’t cross your arms when socializing
Crossing your arms is a protective posture. We do it when we’re cold, nervous or on guard. Think of those big, burly nightclub bouncers, crossing their 26-inch pythons while standing guard at the door to a club. Do they look like guys you want to talk to, joke with or work with? No, right? Their job is to look intimidating. Your job is to look likeable, open and confident. So relax a little and keep your arms uncrossed.

No.1 Use contact to show appreciation
The pat on the back is a lost art. Don’t be afraid to pat a buddy or a colleague on the back when he or she delivers a perfectly timed punch line or nails the big presentation. Most people aren’t freaked out by a hand on the shoulder and they’ll likely be appreciative of your sign of affection and respect.

Good Luck and have fun...

Complied by,

Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd,

Dolphins Group..

I won’t wait. I’ll tell you right off that marketing’s greatest ally is your patience. More extraordinary marketing has bit the dust due to impatience on the part of the business owner than for any other reason.

You watch as the powerful stonecutter raises his hammer to hit the huge stone. He hits it hard, again and again. On the third blow, the stone splits in two and the magnificent statue inside is revealed. Think that means it took three blows of the hammer to do the big job?

You know it didn’t. It took 500 and maybe 5,000 blows. That final blow wasn’t crucial all by itself, but only as one of many blows that combined to achieve the stonecutter’s goal. To a clueless neophyte observing, it took only three blows. But you, the stonecutter and me know the real truth.

The real truth is that marketing is a whole lot like stonecutting. Your dynamite website might not do the job. Your aggressive mailings might fall short as well. But your website and mailings, combined with your telemarketing, trade show booth, advertising, publicity and patience get the job done very nicely.

Which blow of the stonecutter gets the credit for the masterpiece? Which marketing weapon gets the credit for moving the prospect from off the fence and onto your customer list? It’s the stonecutter’s patience that gets credit for what he has hewn from the rock. It’s your patience that wins the laurels for the profits generated by your marketing.

It takes a unique person to stay the course while blow after blow fails to hit home. It takes remarkable talent to remain with the marketing program when instant results are not produced. Yet, for many members of a time-conscious public, instant gratification is not quite swift enough. This is a characteristic of many people, the guerrilla marketer not included.

Great stonecutters know that there is no rock they cannot split. They have more patience than any rock. Great marketing people know there is no challenge they cannot surmount. They have more patience than their competition.

Their behavior is demonstrated in both their restraint from making changes in their marketing programs and their willingness to continue executing a marketing strategy despite the absence of quick financial strokes.

The stonecutter picks a spot on the rock and hammers at it over and over. You pick a niche and aim for it, marketing over and over. Eventually, the rock splits. Eventually, the niche is occupied and dominated, the marketing goals attained. It didn’t take genius as much as it took steadfastness.

Your life will be filled with frustration and anxiety if you expect your marketing, brilliant or otherwise, to produce superb results instantly. But if you give your program the time to penetrate minds and motivate behavior, to persuade and create desire, you will discover that marketing does indeed work and that patience is the age-old secret of success.

Marketing and stonecutting are different from most human activities. No stonecutter expects results in a hurry. But all stonecutters are positive that they can do the job they set out to do if they concentrate upon the results down the road rather than the hard rock surface facing them. Many small businesses are run by people who gaze intently at the rock surface. So short a gaze results in prematurely abandoned marketing campaigns.

Guerrillas do not even acknowledge the surface. It’s insignificant compared with what they will hew with their patience. This farsighted approach illuminates the way to their goal. They see that the way is not so much a route as an attitude. This is the attitude of the stonecutter. This is the mindset of the guerrilla. Both have what appears to the innocent as an impossible task. Both know that there is no way they will fail.

Success comes to those who market if they begin with a plan, if they continue breathing life into it, and if they have the patience to move beyond the need for instant results.

Keep going.. and Make your Good Luck in this gift of life.

Compiled by;

Sam Muchai -smuchai@dolphinsgroup.co.ke , Business Development

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.
 

How does one get over their fear and start talking and networking with those that can help your business and career, from VC, directors, CEOs to possible partners?

Nothing in my life has created opportunity like a willingness to ask, whatever the situation.
Sticking to the people we already know is a tempting behavior. But unlike some forms of dating, a networker isn't looking to achieve only a single successful union. Creating an enriching circle of trusted relationships requires one to be out there, in the mix, all the time. To this day, every time I make a call or introduce myself to people I don't know, the fear that they might reject me is there. Then I push ahead anyway.

Most of us don't find networking the least bit instinctive or natural. Of course, there are individuals whose inherent self-confidence and social skills enable them to connect with ease.

Then there are the rest of us.
Mustering the audacity to talk with people who don't know me often simply comes down to balancing the fear I have of embarrassment against the fear of failure and its repercussions. For my father, either he asked or his family didn't have. For me, I either ask or I'm not successful. That fear always overrides my anxiety about rejection or being embarrassed.

Ultimately, everyone has to ask himself or herself how they're going to fail. We all do, you know, so let's get that out of the way. The choice isn't between success and failure; it's between choosing risk and striving for greatness, or risking nothing and being certain of mediocrity.
For many people, the fear of meeting others is closely tied to the fear of public speaking (a fear that consistently beats out death as the one thing we dread most). Some of the world's most famous speakers admit to feeling similar anxiety. As Mark Twain said, "There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars."

The best way to deal with this anxiety is to first acknowledge that our fear is perfectly normal. You are not alone. The second thing is to recognize that getting over that fear is critical to your success. The third is to commit to getting better.
Here are a few things you can do today to make good on that commitment and get more comfortable at being audacious in social situations:

• Find a role model.
We're predisposed to seek out people like us--shy people tend to congregate with other shy people, and outgoing people congregate with outgoing people--because they unconsciously affirm our own behaviors. But everyone knows that one person within their group of friends and associates who seems to engage others with little or no fear. If you're not yet ready to take the big leap of addressing new people on your own, let these people help you and show you the way. Take them with you, when appropriate, to social outings and observe their behaviors. Pay attention to their actions. Over time, you'll adopt some of their techniques. Slowly, you'll build up the courage to reach out by yourself.

• Learn to speak.
Many businesses have responded to the nearly infinite number of people who recognize they need to become better speakers. These educational organizations realize you're not looking to give speeches to an audience of a thousand people (at least initially). Most people who come to them for help are looking to gain self-confidence and some trusty tools for overcoming shyness. They don't offer one or two simple quick-fix cure-alls. What they do offer is a chance to practice, in a non-intimidating environment, with an instructor who can guide and push you. There are hundreds of coaches devoted to this type of training. One of the most well known is the Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd who also have a Top Skills Public Speaking Club. It has helped many people hone their speaking skills and overcome their fears.

• Get involved.
You'll feel most comfortable when you're doing something you enjoy with others who share your enthusiasm. Any hobby is an opportunity to get involved: book club, singing, sports, literature. Clubs develop around all of these interests. Join up. Become an active member. When you feel up to it, become one of the leaders of the group. This last step is crucial. Being a leader in life takes practice--so practice! The possibilities for making new contacts and reaching out to others will grow and grow.

• Get therapy.
I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "He wants me to go to therapy to become better at talking to people?" Let me explain. One, I think merely acting on the desire to be better than you are now, no matter the venue, is a very important commitment. Two, some of the most successful people I know have been to a therapist at one point in their lives or another. I'm not suggesting therapy will make you a better people person, but it might help you address your own fears and social anxieties in a more productive way.

• Just do it.
Set a goal for yourself of initiating a meeting with one new person a week. It doesn't matter where or with whom. Introduce yourself to someone on the bus. Slide up next to someone at the bar and say hello. Hang out at the company water cooler and force yourself to talk to a fellow employee you've never spoken with. You'll find that it gets easier and easier with practice. Best of all, you'll get comfortable with the idea of rejection. With that perspective, even failure becomes a step forward. Embrace it as learning. As the playwright Samuel Beckett wrote, "Fail, fail again. Fail better."

Fear debilitates. Once you realize there's no benefit to holding back, every situation and every person--no matter how seemingly beyond your reach--becomes an opportunity to succeed.

Compiled by,

Makena Mugane,Business Development, Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

You may think you know why your customers buy from you, but there's a good chance they buy for reasons other than the reasons you think. Or they don't buy for reasons that may escape you.

People seek a wide array of benefits when they're in a buying mindset. If you are communicating any one of those benefits to the people who want them this very instant, you've virtually made the sale. People do not buy because marketing is clever, but because marketing strikes a responsive chord in the mind of the prospect, and its resonance makes that person want the advantages of what you are selling.

Your customers do not buy because they're being marketed to or sold to. Instead, they buy because you help them realize the merits of owning what you offer.

They often buy because you offer them instant gratification -- such as I sought when El Nino flexed his muscles and my roof began to leak. Sprinting to the yellow pages and Google, I called the one roof repair company that offered emergency service, for there I was, smack dab in the middle of an emergency.

It was an easy decision for me. The company offered just the benefit I needed. I was in the market for a specific benefit and there it was, grinning up at me from the directory. If the company's ad heralded their new roofing materials, I would have ignored it.

Like most people, I was looking to buy a benefit, not a feature. Everybody knows that. But the truth is that people don't always buy benefits. They buy a whole lot more:

* They buy promises you make. So make them with care.
* They buy the promises they want personally fulfilled.
* They buy your credibility or don't buy if you lack it.
* They buy solutions to their problems.
* They buy you, your employees, your service department.
* They buy wealth, safety, success, security, love and acceptance.
* They buy your guarantee, reputation and good name.
* They buy other people's opinions of your business.
* They buy expectations based upon your marketing.
* They buy believable claims, not simply honest claims.
* They buy hope for their own and their company's future.
* They buy brand names over strange names.
* They buy the consistency they've seen you exhibit.
* They buy the stature of the media in which you market.
* They buy the professionalism of your marketing materials.
* They buy value, which is not the same as price.
* They buy selection and often the best of your selection.
* They buy freedom from risk, granted by your warranty.
* They buy acceptance by others of your goods or services.
* They buy certainty.
* They buy convenience in buying, paying and lots more.
* They buy respect for their own ideas and personality.
* They buy your identity as conveyed by your marketing.
* They buy style -- just the kind that fits their own style.
* They buy neatness and assume that's how you do business.
* They buy easy access to information about you, offered by your website.
* They buy honesty for one dishonest word means no sale.
* They buy comfort, offerings that fit their comfort zone.
* They buy success; your success can fit with theirs.
* They buy good taste and know it from bad taste.
* They buy instant gratification and don't love to wait.
* They buy the confidence you display in your own business.

It's also important to know what customers do not buy: fancy adjectives, exaggerated claims, clever headlines, special effects, marketing that screams, marketing that even hints at amateurishness, the lowest price anything (though 14 percent do), unproven items, or gorgeous graphics that get in the way of the message.

They also do not buy humor that hides benefits, offerings heralded with unreadable type, poor grammar or misspelled words, salespeople who don't listen, or things they don't fully understand or trust.

The best marketing of all involves prospects and informs customers. It builds confidence and invites a purchase. Best and most unique of all -- it gets through to people. That's why knowing the truth about them will help you to stand apart from your competitors and shine in the minds of your prospects and customers.

Thanks.

Compiled by;

Juliana Mpenzi, Marketing Dept...Dolphins Group

These marketing weapons should all be considered for promoting your product, service or website offline. Notice how more than half of them are free.

Thanks.

Compiled by;

Juliana Mpenzi, Marketing Dept...Dolphins Group

You think you have it made with your mid-level position; you rank above the bottom-feeders while avoiding heavy responsibilities. But do you think you're immune to public speaking? Think again; nobody can hide from that possibility.

What if your memo on incentivizing methodologies made waves in the higher echelons of your company and you were given an award for your ideas? What if you had to give the toast at your best friend's wedding? Worse still, how would you handle the eulogy at his funeral?

Public speaking is stressful for most people, so we are often judged on how we handle the situation. The best defense is preparation. If you get ready ahead of time, you'll avoid looking like a fool. Once you overcome your fear of public speaking, you can get started on learning the skills that will turn you into a gifted orator.

general tips

Write a speech
The worst thing you can do when speaking in public is to wing it. No matter how short your speech is supposed to be, you must prepare in advance. If you don't, stress and distractions might cause you to freeze or utter something that sounded better in your head.

Don't read
Writing a speech isn't enough; you must be able to speak without sounding like you've rehearsed. If you're afraid to forget key comments, bring notes and refer to them sparingly.

Know your topic
It can be embarrassing for everyone when the speaker doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. Research your material and double-check your facts so you appear knowledgeable.

Know the crowd
Boardroom stuffed shirts will react differently than a roomful of drunken coeds. By assessing the kind of crowd with which you'll be confronted, you can evaluate what you can and cannot say.

Surf the crowd
You should look at different people in the crowd rather than a single fixed point. If that makes you uncomfortable, look above their heads rather than directly at their faces.

Project your voice
Even if there's a microphone, you want to be sure the folks in the last row are able to hear you as though you were standing next to them. Don't shout; speak from the lungs.

Find your rhythm
You must find the proper speed in which to deliver your speech. If you go too fast, people will think you're in a hurry to leave their graceful company and they probably won't catch everything you say. If you go too slowly, you might hear snoring before it's over.

Now that you know the basics, fine-tune your skills for every situation.

Toast
A toast is the simplest version of public speaking. It merely involves offering a few words before letting the booze flow when you're celebrating an important or special event.

Consider the crowd
Toasts can be given at family gatherings and business celebrations, but they are especially popular at weddings. Again, you must adapt your material so as not to offend your crowd (or worse, the subject).

Defer to the host
The host gets first dibs on toasting. If you're not the host, wait until he has given his speech or has waived his right to do so.

Raise your glass and wow the crowd..

Stand up and politely ask the others to raise their glasses or announce that you'd like to toast the guest of honor. Do not signal your intention by beating a utensil against your glass. Face your subject and raise your glass while you speak. If you're giving a long speech, simply raise it at the end of your toast.

Praise your subject
Take a moment to refer to the person you're toasting and celebrate what he means to you. Your friend just got married? Let everyone know why he's your friend.

Use humor
Opening your toast with a joke is a good way to lighten up the atmosphere. Just make sure you're not being too racy; there's no need to be rude. It's also a good idea to relate an anecdote about your friend that shows a side of him not everyone is familiar with. Just don't embarrass him or his loved ones.

Be brief
Everyone's listening with their glasses raised; you don't want them to pay more attention to their tired arms than to your speech. Get right to the point without ranting aimlessly. Be short and sweet, then sit down.

Eulogy
This is an occasion for public speaking no one wishes for. The stakes are also much higher since it involves someone's passing and a celebration of his existence.

Summarize his life
The main theme of your speech should be the positive impact the deceased had while he was alive. Recount his life story, especially how he touched others, and the roles he played as parent, friend and business partner.

Use anecdotes
Don't be afraid to talk about a fishing trip you once took together. Simple stories that are easy to relate to often help the audience better understand the person's character.

Be natural
This is an instance of rhetoric that shouldn't sound rehearsed; the idea is to recall the good moments as if they were so plentiful that you can remember them on the fly. As well, remember that it's okay to appear emotional, but since this is a tribute to the deceased, try to breathe and maintain your composure.

Give a memorable acceptance speech..

Remember that is isn't about you
You're not the central character in this discourse. This is not about making yourself appear brave, smart or generous; it's a time for pride and bidding farewell to a loved one.

Acceptance speech
You may suffer from stage fright, but if you must give an acceptance speech, at least you'll receive a cool reward for getting up there and speaking.

Be gracious
Wow, you've been given an award. Hopefully, it's the Nobel Prize or an Academy Award. Take the time to thank the organization and people who are giving it to you. Praise them and the great work they do.

Be humble
You're not a god and nobody owed you this honor; be modest and grateful. You can be a little self-deprecating without going overboard; otherwise, those presenting you with the award could see you as unworthy after all.

Make sure the length is appropriate
When you discover that you've been nominated or that you'll receive an award, ask the powers that be how long your acceptance speech must be. This way, you can tailor your address so it includes just the right amount of information.

Prepare
If you have some words written in advance, the bestowing organization will realize that you take the award seriously and that it's truly an honor for you. You should study it before the ceremony so you appear natural and don't forget any important names.

Be prepared
Before that dreaded occasion comes along and forces you to display your oratory skills, you must remember that what makes a good speaker is confidence.

Confidence, in turn, stems from good groundwork. If you practice until you are self-assured, your speech will be entirely natural and the spectators will be active in their listening. You'll be regarded as a pro.

Compiled by,

Tony Kagiri

Events Management

Dolphins Group
 

Different Colors and Their Meanings

Do you know every color has a certain meaning associated with it and that certain colors can actually change your mood for the better? Read on to learn about the different colors and their meanings.

Colors have been an integral part of our lives for a very long time and so perhaps we are not aware of the profound impact that colors can have on our emotions and our psyche. Different cultures have always had different meanings associated with these colors and that in turn has shaped our traditions and practices in many ways. In fact researchers and psychologists have also tried to understand the impact that colors can have on our life and our emotions so that these can perhaps be used as a way of therapy and enhancing the well being among people. Over a period of time humans have been able to identify the different colors and their meanings. Here is a brief description of the meanings associated with different colors:

Dark Color Meaning
Dark Colors(Dark Navy Blue,Grey) has always been regarded as a powerful color and therefore has been associated with authority and power. In fact fashion experts often advise professionals to wear dark since it is inordinately stylish and has a timeless elegance.  A seemingly contrasting aspect of this color is that it also symbolizes submission in many ways and perhaps that is why it is worn by priests as a symbol of their complete submission towards God. People who wear black also carry an air of aloofness around them and therefore this color may also mean sophistication and an overpowering attitude. Black also evokes emotions of mystery and emptiness. Black also has a deep relationship with grief and loss.

White Color Meaning
White is a neutral color that has always been associated with purity, innocence and freshness. Perhaps this is why white is worn by brides as it symbolizes virginity and a new beginning. It also implies sterility and safety and is therefore worn by doctors for its association with healing. Houses also have white picket fences signifying safety. This color symbolizes fresh beginnings and is supposed to help in clear thinking and purification of thoughts.

Red Color Meaning
Red is an extremely intense color that immediately evokes passionate emotions. This color is associated with the heart and perhaps that is why it symbolizes matters of the heart or love, passion and desire. But since this color is so intense it also can mean danger and is therefore used in stop signs and lights. This color is recognized as a stimulant and immediately draws attention. This color is also associated with enthusiasm and energy and helps in increasing confidence. Pink which is a derivation of this color symbolizes romance and is considered tranquilizing.

Blue Color Meaning
Blue is among the most popular colors and can be seen generously in nature. Blue is associated with peace and tranquility. This color also symbolizes loyalty and is often painted in bedrooms as contact with it makes the human body produce chemicals that have a calming effect. Blue also signifies dependability and commitment along with trustworthiness. The expansiveness and constancy of this color can be seen from the fact that the sky and the ocean are both blue. It therefore symbolizes serenity and calmness and can evoke a feeling of resting among people. However blue is also sometimes associated with depressing and cold feelings. Electric or brilliant blue color is dramatic and has an exhilarating effect. Blue is a favorite among many people and is the least gender specific among all the colors. Blue can have a calming effect and is supposed to increase the quality of intuition among people.

Green Color Meaning
As soon as someone talks about green the one most common association that everyone can notice is that green is the symbol of nature. It therefore has relaxing qualities. Green also has the meaning of fertility and in many cultures brides wear green. The darker shade of green is considered rather masculine and signifies wealth and a conservative attitude. It also signifies tranquility and is regarded as a symbol of freshness since the greenery of nature is rather refreshing. Green also means peace and is a symbol of the ecosystem but green is also associated negatively with the feeling of jealousy. Green can be used for relaxation and harmony as well as to heal from depression, nervousness and other physical problems.

Yellow Color Meaning
Yellow is a color that easily attracts attention and is regarded as a positive color. However it can be rather overpowering and irritating. Yellow can enhance concentration and help increase the speed of the metabolism. It also symbolizes enlightenment, happiness and an optimistic attitude. It also signals towards a positive future and energy along with creativity. This color can stimulate the nervous system and aid in communication and creativity.

Orange Color Meaning
Orange which is a relative of red has a strong positive as well as a negative association. This color signifies warmth and a lot of energy and can stimulate activity and encourage socialization.

Purple Color Meaning
This color is often regarded as the color that signifies royalty and wealth. It also has a very large feminine appeal to it and is therefore closely associated with romance. It however seems artificial at times. This color signifies balance and mystical qualities. It can calm the mind and encourage creativity.

Brown Color Meaning
Brown can be seen everywhere in the form of the ground and is an earthy color thereby implying qualities of dependability. Brown can bring about a feeling of connection with everything organic and has a sense of orderliness and stability around it.

 Good Luck..

Compiled By,

Derek, Image Consultant.

Dolphins Group

 Facebook announced some significant changes to how its Pages look and act. We’ve already told you three things we like about the changes. Now, after spending some significant time getting to know the new Pages, we’re even more excited about the opportunities small businesses and organizations have to promote themselves and engage with customers, members, and fans — and each other.

Here are five things to note about the new Page layout, and some tips for using Facebook effectively.

1. Interacting with other brands is easy

In the past, if you wanted to comment on another business or organization’s Page, you had to do it as yourself, not as your brand. With the change to Facebook’s functionality, now you can choose to network and engage as your business or organization, or as yourself. This allows you to create and build relationships with other brands in your industry, local area, or area of expertise, with chambers of commerce, or any other Page in Facebook’s network, and to increase your own brand’s exposure. When you’re using Facebook as your Page, you’ll see a news feed just like you do when you’re logged in as a personal profile. Facebook will even suggest other Pages to Like based on what’s most popular among your fans. One thing to note, however, is that you can’t post on a person’s personal profile as your brand, just on other business or organization’s Pages that your brand Likes.

Tip: Be careful whenever you sign on to Facebook to make sure you know who you’re posting as. If you want to use Facebook as yourself and not as your Page, or vice versa, be sure to click the appropriate link. At the top right of your Page, there’s a link that says “Use Facebook as [Page Name].” (See the screen shot above.) Click that link to go back and forth.

2. You can put a face on your brand

One of the more compelling changes to Facebook’s Pages is the fact that now, photos are much more prominently featured on the Page, just like they are on personal profiles. That gives you a chance to put a real human face on your business or organization, and to show your fans who you are.

Tip: Think you have nothing to take photos of? You can use photos of your team, your products, your location, your events, and more. Or, you can ask your fans to post photos and tag your business or organization. (And if you’re really creative, you can do something fun like these people have.)

3. Your most engaging content will last longer

As before, whenever you post something on your Page, it will show up in your fans’ news feed in chronological order. However, on your Page, the content that engages your fans the most (i.e., that’s Liked, shared, or commented on most often) will remain in a featured position at the top. That’s great if you post a particularly notable article or if a photo or video really grabs your fans’ attention, because it will have what’s known as a “long tail,” and will have a longer life on your Page. In addition, Facebook will now notify you of comments and activity on your Page, just like it does for personal profiles.

Tip: The more engaging your content, the more people will comment on it. And the longer your content stays on the top of your Page, the more comments you’re going to get. Want your content to be more engaging? Try posting it on weekends and in the mornings; those are the most popular times for engagement.

4. Your tabs have moved

You’re probably wondering where the tabs that were at the top of your Page have moved to. They’re now on the left side of the screen. That includes the Join My List app, which hasn’t gone away and is still at the top of the page — it’s just over to the side now. (See the screen shot to your left.) In addition, if you have a welcome screen to greet people before they Like your Page, that will still exist.

Tip: Keep using the Join My List app to build your email list, of course. And focus more on your Wall, not on the separate tabs.

5. Only you can see who Likes your Page

Used to be that anyone who visited your Page could see pictures of those who Liked it. Now, they just see a number. (Chalk one up for people who like privacy!) But you, as the administrator, can still see everyone. Below the number of Likes, you’ll notice the line “people like this” is blue. When you click on that, you’ll get the full list.

Tip: Keep on promoting your Page to your email list and anyone else you come in contact with, so that number grows and more people will want to be a part of your Facebook community.

Chances are good that Facebook will keep evolving over time. But no matter what changes are in store, the site continues to be a great place to engage with those people who like you and want to promote you to their friends. We’ll keep watching and adapting to any changes that may be introduced, and we’ll keep you in the loop so you can make the most of the site in the future.

NB

The fact that Facebook keeps changing, and that it does so in ways that may not be in your business or organization’s best interests, just reinforces the fact that you can’t rely on it as your sole marketing channel. Smart businesses and organizations will utilize multiple channels to reach and communicate with customers and members — including email, where you have much more control over your list and how your message is represented. I’m not saying Facebook isn’t valuable; it definitely is. It just shouldn’t be anyone’s primary mode of business communication.

Have Fun and Good Luck..

Sam (smuchai@dolphinsgroup.co.ke)

Business Development;

Dolphins Group.

We're all presenting virtually all the time. Interviewing for a new job? That's a presentation, and you're the brand. Giving a PowerPoint demonstration to your supervisor or board? That's a presentation, quite possibly one that could catapult your career or set you back a few notches. Don't let those opportunities go by without maximizing your chances for success.

Here are some ideas to help you stand out when you're speaking to a professional audience.

1- Involve your audience early... & often
Listeners want to be engaged, not bored. Right out of the gate, give them a reason to sit through your presentation. You have 30 to 90 seconds to grab their attention. Throw out the old rule of starting with a joke. Bad idea. I've got news for you: You're not Chris Rock.

Don't get me wrong -- injecting a humorous aside is perfectly acceptable. But throwing out such an aside is a lot different than starting with, "Two guys walk into a bar...". Instead, start by asking a question. I've seen this technique work wonders. It brings your listeners into the discussion, and sets an informal, but positive tone. Another technique used by master presenters is to refer to one or two people in the audience by name.

2- Be animated
The best presentations are given by people who are animated in both body language and vocal delivery (we'll get to the latter in a moment). Resist the temptation to hide behind a podium or to stand in one place. When I work with clients, I place a video camera in one fixed position. If they move out of frame consistently during the course of the presentation, they're animated.

Try this next time: When speaking to a group of 20 people or more, walk among your audience as you speak. Stop every once in a while, placing your hand gently on one of your listeners' shoulders (it might help to know the person the first few times you do this). Walking in the audience will help you retain their attention and create a special bond with them.

3- Deliver the goods
Spend time working on your delivery. Nobody expects you to sound like a television anchor, but it does help to have a pleasant and engaging vocal quality. There's no need for acting or voice lessons. Simply work on these four areas during the course of your presentation: Varying the tone of your voice, varying your volume, varying the speed at which you talk, and learning to pause... for impact.

Shake your distracting habits and keep it fresh---

4- Avoid distracting habits
Nothing kills a presentation more quickly than distracting habits. I watched as a CEO lost his audience by constantly playing with the change in his pocket for an entire hour. After the presentation, nobody talked about the content, but they all told me how annoyed they were by the jangling coins. Most habits are easy to break. That's why it pays off to videotape yourself every once in a while, so you can take note of poor habits that you may otherwise not pick up on.

Do you jiggle coins? Do you repeatedly scratch yourself? Or play with pens or pieces of paper? By catching yourself making annoying movements, you can easily avoid them.

5- Dress the part
Dress like the leader that you are. I once spoke to a leading CEO recruiter who said that wardrobe was the first thing he noticed upon meeting someone. He explained that, upon introductions, he wants to mentally check off a box that says, "This guy looks like a leader I want to follow." Wear clothes that are appropriate for your industry culture, but a little nicer than those of your peers in the audience.

In one of his books, real estate mogul Donald Trump admitted to formerly wearing cheap shoes because he didn't see the reason for expensive ones. He quickly learned, however, that cheap shoes wear out quickly. Trump's conclusion was that, if you want to be taken seriously, do away with cheap shoes, sneakers, ripped jeans, and stained clothes at work. The same goes for presentations. Pay attention to the clothes you wear. What are they saying about you? Look a little better than everyone else.

6- Keep it fresh
Avoid repeating the same stories and anecdotes time and time again. Change it up. A famous venture capitalist once told me that the best presentations are timely and topical. The speakers he likes best are the ones who weave current events into their presentations -- perhaps something that happened that day or that week that reinforces the reason for the discussion.

Every presentation should be modified slightly to appeal to a particular audience. The presentation you used for last week's customer might not work for today's. Staying fresh also means keeping up on trends and popular culture. One particular CEO was said to be an engaging speaker, because he could refer to everything from the latest hip-hop songs to the hottest management theories over the course of his presentation. Of course, you don't have to like Kanye West, but it might help to know who he is.

7- Rehearse to get it right
Rehearsing your presentation will certainly set you apart because so few of your competitors do the same. Most people glance at their notes or slides a few minutes prior to taking the podium, but great speakers take the time to talk it out. They know how they're going to start and how they're going to end. They know when to walk into the audience and when to place their hand on someone's shoulder. They know when to pause and when to speed up. They know where to look and when. Rehearsing will help you look and sound more polished.

command an audience
These tips will help you win over any audience -- investors, employees, customers, or colleagues. Apply them and be a star in the boardroom.

Compiled By,

Anne Kangethe

Business Development Unit.

Dolphins Group

Former British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin hated rhetoric (the art of public speaking) and blamed its overwhelming force and power for having spilled so much blood throughout history. He believed that “to tell the truth needed no art.”

That’s artfully put, but not only does a speaker have to want to tell the truth, an audience has to want to hear it. Simply put: Great speeches come across as passionate and authoritative voices of the truth; they never read like excerpts from the World Almanac. If they did, nobody would listen.

In achieving that authority, legendary speakers utilize a wide range of both rhetorical and oratorical traits. Some of those traits are inherent, but others are available to any public speaker who can put them to proper use, whether it be in a modest business presentation or an important professional speaking engagement. Here are a few of those lessons we can all take from some of the greatest orators in history.

Winston Churchill
“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’"

As Prime Minister of England during World War II, Churchill gave his most electrifying speeches over the radio. He spent weeks crafting them with a rhetorical precision that is virtually extinct today. His favorite tactic, which he relied on again and again, was to appeal to history. He contextualized his most important points and ideas with allusions or direct references to the past and to the future, giving his message an intoxicating and inspirational timelessness.

Lesson: Position your goals within a grand context
Few professional speaking engagements will lend themselves to contextualization on the level that Churchill did. Nonetheless, it can serve as a reminder to make certain you raise the stakes appropriately when you speak. The fate of our civilization doesn’t depend on your firm’s fourth-quarter results, but if jobs and livelihoods do, make the most of it in your speech.

Ronald Reagan
(Following the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle) “We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’”

Reagan earned the epithet “The Great Communicator” on the disarming efficacy of his tone. He drew listeners in and won them over with a homely, personable style of delivery that felt conversational but paternal, informal but authoritative, and always vigilant in its aims.

Lesson: Be affable, but have a backbone
To some extent, because it is a matter of tone, Reagan’s affable style is beyond the capacity to borrow or mimic. But abstractly, it becomes a matter of steady seduction, of employing a more relaxed tone to snap out of the stiffness of a prepared text.

One very simple way to achieve this is to first write your speech as you normally would. Since what we write in preparation can often be at odds with how it will actually sound, practice it extensively, but without fear of wandering from the written material. As your familiarity grows, your tone should relax into something more conversational while your actual grasp of the material -- and consequently your authority in delivering it -- tightens up.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
“ … we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Whether he spoke from a pulpit or a podium, King sermonized and mesmerized, infusing even the most mundane words with a seemingly spiritual origin. Yet he also used easily recognized allusions to well-known sources to brilliant effect; by attaching his new and radical ideas to old and well-established ones, he gave them an unimpeachable prestige and authority.

Lesson: Align your words with a tradition
Sermonizing like a Baptist preacher or alluding to the Old Testament may not go over well in a PowerPoint presentation, but making appropriate allusions to past successes or visionary goals can work to convince your audience of both your credibility and of the feasibility of your aims.

Franklin D. Roosevelt
“… America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by forces of the Empire of Japan… the United States was at peace … Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong, Japanese forces attacked Guam, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands…”

Roosevelt’s 12 years in the Oval Office coincided with some of the country’s most tumultuous times, thus affording him more than a few occasions for great speeches. The best-known of these was the so-called “Infamy Speech,” delivered the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Utilizing the active and passive voices of verbs, he portrayed Japan as an unprovoked aggressor that attacked the passive, innocent and peace-loving people of the United States.

Lesson: Structure your phrasing strategically
There are literally hundreds of rhetorical devices at your disposal, and voicing your verbs properly is one of the easiest ones to apply this tip. It’s also one of the easiest to neglect, especially if you don’t do much formal writing. The passive voice weighs down most trade manuals and tech books; many seem convinced that it sounds more professional, but this is the sound of detachment and laziness. Check your speeches for “was” and “has,” then try repositioning the words so that your meaning hasn’t changed but the verb is now active (e.g. “doing” versus “done”).

John F. Kennedy
“ … let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on Earth God’s work must truly be our own.”
Kennedy was a good public speaker but his speeches are remembered largely for their memorable content. In 1960, he debated Richard Nixon in the first presidential debates ever broadcast on television. According to legend, if you heard them on the radio, you thought Richard Nixon won. If you watched them on TV, you thought Kennedy won, in part because Nixon looked pale and sickly, while Kennedy looked sharp.

Lesson: Don't neglect self-presentation
Your audience shouldn’t be asking themselves why you couldn’t bother to comb your hair, whether you even appear healthy enough to make it through your speech or even why you had to wear the flashiest outfit you own. How you present yourself should quietly impress them, although it shouldn’t overshadow you or the points you’re trying to make.

say it like you mean it
Momentous occasions and turbulent times have generally proven the most fertile soil for good speakers to become legendary ones. Yet, even if your reason for public speaking is less than consequential, you can make it far more memorable if you take a page from the playbooks of legends.

Compiled by,

Juliana,

Marketing Dept

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd.

Magic words propel great ideas towards profitability. Tragic words doom great ideas to failure. Great marketers know the difference.

A lot of people realize that a great idea must be expressed with great words. But only guerrilla marketers know those words. If you're creating or judging marketing, you ought to start becoming aware of these words, and enrich your marketing vocabulary, not to mention your bank account, by using them liberally. I have this suspicion that magic words in your marketing materials lead to magic numbers in your financial statements.

Great marketing is concerned not only with what you say in your marketing, but also with how you say it. Saying the right thing with the wrong words is a waste of time and money, in addition to being a preventable error. Ouch!

One of the more intriguing aspects of the magic words is their durability. Hard- nosed marketers have been using many of these words since the turn of the century -- and here we are npw in the information age, with these words still generating sales for guerrillas across the world.

Most of these words have been verified in daily usage since Day One of marketing, yet they maintain their magic. "I love you" will never sound trite.

Certain words have the power to turn prospects on and motivate them to think tthe right thoughts. Other words have the power to turn prospects off and cause them to think thoughts detrimental to your business. Can you write potent marketing copy without magic words? Yes. It's also possible to walk from one city  to  another on your knees.

In this period, these are words guerrillas are using to win profits and influence people:

FREE      LOVE            SAFE            NEW           BENEFITS

RIGHT       YOU       ALTERNATIVE        SECURITY      SALE

NOW          WINNINGS         VALUE         ONLINE        FUN

SAVE           GAIN               MONEY         HAPPY         ADVICE

HOW TO     DISCOVER       WANTED     INTRODUCING

EASY          YOUR       PROVEN     SUDDENLY

PROUD        PEOPLE    HEALTHY     GUARANTEED

NATURAL       FAST        PRECIOUS      SECRET

SOLUTION     MAGIC             WHY   COMFORTABLE

There words carry far more than the weight of one word. Use them in your advertising, brochures, signs, letters, telemarketing, presentations, wherever you can. They describe what people want. They make people read on. They offer things that people are looking for.

As there are magic words to speed you to entrepreneurial Nirvana, there are tragic words that lead somewhere South of that hallowed place. Non-guerrillas know well the pain of marketing that didn't pull. But few of them know that one tiny word may have been the reason. So as not to be guilty of word abuse, stay on the alert for these tragic words in any of your marketing:

BUY     DIFFICULT        DEATH           OBLIGATION

WRONG          ORDER          FAILURE          DECISION

FAIL         BAD             DEAL                 COST

SELL           LIABILITY                   WORRY               LOSS

HARD        DETAILS              HARD           CONTRACT

These words make readers lose interest, stop reading. The can undermine your marketing effort. Undoubtedly, there are uglier words than these in the language as well as more beautiful words than the magic words. But in marketing, beautiful refers only to the looks of your financial statement. The marketing battlefields are littered with dead marketing campaigns that were undermined by words that were trendy or faddish. It is very uncool to use such words. Not groovy at all. Greats maketer stick with the magic, avoid the tragic.

Compiled by,

Juliana Mpenzi,Marketing Dept.

Dolphins Group
 

There's a tremendous opportunity to create events where people connect. Unfortunately, it's also easy to turn these events into school-like conferences, not the emotional connections that are desired.

You can create an advance with a team that knows one another from work, or even more profoundly, with a bunch of independent thinkers who come together to energize, inspire and connect.

I've been to a bunch and here's what I've learned, in no particular order:

• Must be off site, with no access to electronic interruption

• Should be intense. Save the rest and relaxation for afterwards

• Create a dossier on each attendee in advance, with a photo and a non-humble CV of who they are and what they do and what their goals are

• Never (never) have people go around a circle and say their name and what they do and their favorite kind of vegetable or whatever. The problem? People spend the whole time trying to think of what to say, not listening to those in front of them (I once had to witness 600 people do this!!)

• Instead, a week ahead of time, give each person an assignment for a presentation at the event. It might be the answer to a question like, "what are you working on," or "what's bothering you," or "what can you teach us." Each person gets 300 seconds, that's it.

• Have 11 people present their five minutes in an hour. Never do more than an hour in a row. The attendees now have a hook, something to talk to each presenter about in the hallway or the men's room. "I disagree with what you said this morning..."

• Organize roundtable conversations, with no more than 20 people at a time (so if you have more attendees than this, break into groups.) Launch a firestarter, a five minute statement, then have at it. Everyone speaks up, conversations scale and ebb and flow.

• Solve problems. Get into small groups and have the groups build something, analyze something, create something totally irrelevant to what the organization does. The purpose is to put people in close proximity with just enough pressure to allow them to drop their shields.

• Do skits.

• Have a moderator who is brave enough and smart enough to call on people, cut people off, connect people and provoke them in a positive way.

• Invite a poker instructor or a horseshoe expert in to give a lesson and then follow it with a competition.

• Challenge attendees to describe a favorite film scene to you before the event. Pick a few and show them, then discuss.

• Don't serve boring food.

• Use nametags at all times. Write the person's first name REALLY big.

• Use placecards at each meal, rotating where people sit. Crowd the tables really tightly (12 at a table for 10) and serve buffet style to avoid lots of staffers in the room. Make it easy for people to leave boring tables and organically sit together at empty ones

• Do something really interesting after 10 pm.

• Serve delicious food, weird food, vegan food, funky food. Just because you can.

• Don't worry about being productive. Worry about being busy.

• Consider a tug of war or checkers tournament.

• Create an online site so attendees can check in after the event, swap email addresses or post promised links.

• Take a ton of pictures. Post them as the advance progresses.

Here's the goal: new friends. Here's the output: a new and better to-do list.

Have fun and Good Luck...

Join the next training as we explore more amazing tips..Here is the way..

- View & Earn by Referring your friends, workmates, colleagues or contacts...to Upcoming Trainings or..Click Here..►

Complied by,

Juliana Mpenzi,

Client Programs Management

Dolphins Group - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

Up until a few years ago, technology was not something associated with all business entities and units. Perhaps it was connected with databases or inventory control, possibly with electronic spreadsheets and word processing. Anyhow, it was complicated and expensive -- and its affect on many business didn't stretch into the arena of marketing.

My oh my, how times do change!
Technology is currently in the process of revolutionizing many business, enabling businesses to dream new dreams, then attain them in surprisingly brief time spans. Sure, technology helps all businesses in many ways. But it helps many businesses in the biggest ways.

The price of credibility has plummeted while the achievement of credibility has become more precious. Technology provides many business owners with the tickets to credibility -- in fact, season tickets -- in fact, lifetime tickets.

Up till now, the advantages that small and medium business could boast over big business were gained by utilizing the weapons of more personalized service, extra flexibility, and speed. Today, top smart business owners--that is, those who want conventional goals using unconventional means-- have a secret weapon. That weapon blasts open the doors to increased profits.

The secret weapon is technology -- though the secret is getting out as those who know it are unable to hide the grins on their faces. Technology is more simple than ever -- so simple that high-tech is becoming easy-tech. It's also becoming so inexpensive that in recently you can invest a low four figure sum to purchase what in some years back took a mid six figure sum.

Technology has not only evened out the playing field, it has also removed the dome from the top and opened the entire world to the entrepreneur. Online, that practitioner of free enterprise can connect up with allies and customers anywhere in the community and anywhere on the planet. That many business owner has learned that virtual is a state of mind and that it really means "connected" for technology makes teamwork easier than ever possible. Being connected has never been so low in cost and high in value.

To many top smart marketers, technology is to be lauded because it has put them online -- giving them access to the speed of email, the power of fresh information, the warmth of closely connected people, and the marketing muscle of the World Wide Web. To others, technology is the hero because it allows them to flourish in a home-based business.

Examining just those areas where technology adds potency to marketing, I find 25 that are especially intriguing to me and should be intriguing to you if you take seriously the business of earning consistent profits.
• The first way is in the area of marketing online. A computer can help you design and then post your own website online. But before you rush off and do that, heed this:
• a website cannot help you unless you know marketing.
• It is a marketing medium, perhaps the best and most comprehensive ever -- but it is not marketing all by itself and it is no guarantee of success. You must be an ace marketer in order to market online successfully.
• You've got to know how to market what you sell as well as marketing your website.
• The moment you think of going online is when to start thinking of promoting your website offline. That process should never stop.

To market online with the certainty of success, you must place equal emphasis on eight elements. Ignore any one of them and you're doomed to cybergloom.

1. The first of the eight is planning & Strategy which means you should know what you want your website and all other online resources to accomplish for you before you put it up.(Be Brilliant @ emarketing)

2. The second is content because that's what's going to bring people back again and again.

3. The third is design because there's a "stay-or-bail" moment where people see your site and decide in an instant whether to see what youhave to say or get the heck out --- and your design influences that decision.

4. The fourth element is involvement which determines what you want visitors to do, dictate how they will interact.

5. The fifth is production which simple software enables you to do yourself -- putting all the elements together and posting it on the Web.

6. The sixth element is follow-up which means responding instantly to those visitors who contact you.

7. The seventh is promotion which means letting the world know that you are and where you are in cyberspace.

8. And the eighth is maintenance because a website is a living, breathing thing that should fascinate people into returning so they can see what's up this week.

Marketing online doesn't merely mean the Web.

It means emailing, posting notices at forums,engaging in chats, accomplishing research, gathering market data
having a website or websites,microsite,social media strategy,online advertising plan/action,leverage tools and solutions and much more.

The keys to succeeding online are in creating compelling content, changing that content regularly, responding at nearly the speed of light, and by personalizing your messages. There may be 3.8 billion people on the Internet but your prospects must feel you're talking to them one at a time

I promised you 25 ways that technology helps you market and then I went off on a tangent because I want you to use technology the right way online.

I always want you to be aware of 24 ways technology can help you offline as well:

2. Newsletters -- Good ones are mailed to customers and prospects on a regular basis and follow the rule of 75-25.
3. Flyers -- Distribute them in a variety of ways, as signs, in orders, to fusion marketing partners to distribute as you distribute theirs.
4. Direct mail letters --Have an inventory of proven letters in your computer, set to print, personalize and mail.
5. Postcards -- They take away from the recipient the decision of whether or not to open the envelope.
6. Letterheads and envelopes -- Desktop publishing lets you produce professional looking stationery, lowering the cost of gaining credibility.
7. Business cards --- Include your name, company name, title, address, phone, fax number, email address, website, logo, theme line; your card may open up to reveal a list of benefits offered and services available.
8. Invoices & PO forms -- These marketing opportunities should have valuable data in addition to names and numbers.
9. Brochures -- Perfect forums for including all the details; they should be offered for free in your other marketing and posted online.
10. Catalogs -- You can increase revenues through catalogs, now easy and inexpensive to design and produce, a potentially big profit-center.
11. Invitations -- Top smarts print formal invitations to customers to private sales, parties and special events. They always play favorites.
12. Gift certificates -- People are on the lookout for gift ideas and a gift certificate might be perfect. Mention them on signs, in brochures.
13. Coupons -- Offer discounts, free merchandise, services, anything to intensify prospect's desire for your product. Coupons are very versatile.
14. Contest entry forms -- Smart many businesses hold contests in order to get names for their mailing lists.
15. Club ID cards --Form a frequent buyer club or VIP customer club: sealing your relationship with the customers with an attractive ID card.
16. Greeting cards -- Let anniversary cards celebrate the anniversaries of customers being customers, also for holiday cards and birthday cards.
17. Signs -- Because so many towns have community bulletin boards, top smarts are sure to post their signs on those boards. Top smarts know that computers can transform some signs into posters.
18. Point-of-purchase materials -- Top smarts produce POP materials that tie in with their other marketing. Their computers do the hard work.
19. Trade show materials --You can produce compelling graphic presentations of sales stories strictly for use at trade shows.
20. Audio-visual aids -- Create powerful AV support for presentations -- diagrams, before-and-after photos, illustrations, and graphs.
21. Flipcharts -- Audio-visual aids are built-in and your sales story has an order and flow. These can be portable, economical, and flexible.
22. Research questionnaires -- Obtain customer data and simplify finding people who fit their exact profile. Act upon what you learn.
23. Books -- Technology helps top smarts from producing labels and tags to self-publishing their own books, proving they're the experts.
24. Proposals -- Computer-designed proposals add credibility, visibility, and excitability while instilling confidence in you beyond any price tag.
25. Multi-media presentations --These once complex and now simple forums let you demonstrate your benefits with extraordinary impact.

Technology lets many business gain credibility and provide speed and power in an age when credibility is crucial, speed is revered and power comes from being part of a team. Speed comes from website(s),online solutions,online contact and support,cellular, wireless, fax, email, and voicemail technology. Power comes from networking and sharing technology.

If you're top smart marketing with technology, you're headed in the right direction. If you're top smart marketing without technology, you're not really top smart marketing at all.

Have Fun and Good luck..

Thanks.

Compiled by;

Sam Muchai,  smuchai@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Business Development Unit...

.Dolphins Group

 In the business world, we need to constantly focus on expanding our network of contacts. Networking in business is not always about moving up the corporate ladder, although that is an important byproduct. It's about obtaining information and making contacts that could help you in your day-to-day business life. It's an essential tool in your professional life, even if you're not looking for a new job.

Networking is also about passing it on; helping others as they, too, strive to get ahead in the business world.

It seems like networking events are popping up in every major city these days, but savvy businessmen already know that there's an opportunity to network anywhere and everywhere. The following tips can be applied to any type of setting including a cocktail party, a conference or a trade show -- you name it. You never know who you'll meet at your girlfriend's son's Little League game.

Here are some tips to improve your networking skills.

be prepared

1- Always carry business cards
Make sure you have business cards with you at all times. Keep your cards in your left pocket, because this allows you to reach for them as you're shaking hands. Be sure to keep the cards that you collect in your right pocket. It is very unprofessional to fumble through a pile of cards trying to find one of your own.

2- Carry a nice pen
Be sure to have a good quality pen in case you need to write anything in front of your new contact. A nice pen has been known to garner an important person's direct phone number or personal e-mail address.

3- Always look your best
Appearances count for a lot. Shave and groom yourself. Always expect to see someone important. No matter how badly you need something to complete a home improvement project, do not run out to the hardware store in your torn, paint-covered sweatpants.

4- Have your elevator pitch ready
Know who you are, and be comfortable describing yourself. "I'm Jack Brown of XYZ Consulting. I'm a corporate trainer and my focus is on increasing productivity and performance by inspiring employees to enjoy serving customers." Or "I'm Charlie Sanderson and I lead the I.T. team at ABC Industries. We create business solutions for small- and medium-sized companies." Be sure to introduce yourself in a confident and calm manner. You want others to ask you questions and you want to be remembered.

Do you have interesting conversation starters

5- Have a plan
Are you seeking advice or requesting a referral? Whatever the case, communicate it clearly. Tell your new contact that you'd like 20 minutes of his time to discuss whatever it is you'd like to discuss -- be specific. Ask how his schedule looks next week. If you leave it open with a "Let's do lunch," you may wait a long time to meet with your new contact.

6- Think of interesting conversation starters
Stay up to date on world and local news and pay attention to current affairs and new business ideas. This way, once you meet your contact, describe who you are and obtain a business card, you will have things to talk about. It is wise to avoid discussing politics.

make the contact

7- Help others
At a social or business function, seek out a guest standing on the sidelines and introduce yourself. If he's not the outgoing type, he will probably be grateful and remember you. Together you might even work the room, with you taking the lead by introducing him to others.

8- Pick your targets
Approach people who will likely want to talk to you and be sure to do it at the right time and place -- people might not want to listen to you when they're having dinner at a restaurant on a Friday night. Even at a designated networking function, if two men are involved in a deep conversation, keep your distance until a natural break occurs.

9- Introduce yourself
Give your name (and that of your company, if you represent one) and repeat the other person's name so you'll remember it. Shake hands. Make eye contact. If you must wear a nametag at a social or business function, place it on your right lapel, as the eye is automatically drawn there while shaking hands, and this will help a contact remember your name.

10- Have a question ready
Approach with a question or lead-in that expresses interest, such as, "Aren't you John Stanfield from ABC Technologies?"; "Weren't you part of the team of developers for that new project?" or "I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet someone from the 321 Company." Being interested in them will make them interested in you.

11- Be clear
Whether you're promoting yourself or your company, you want to do it right. If you're presenting an idea or product, adjust your pitch to the person you are speaking with. Focus on their particular interests and needs, and how what you want to do will benefit them, rather than just extolling the quality of the product or service.

12- Show interest
Show an interest in your new contact, without overdoing it. When you get people to talk about themselves and you listen intently and actively, you will be remembered as a fascinating conversationalist, even if you say very little.

Do you know how to leave on a high note?

13-
Know when to end a conversation. Excuse yourself from the conversation before it begins to die down. Adopt the show business motto: "Always leave 'em wanting more."

14- Make notes
Use the back of business cards you collect to jot down notes about your new contact. Write down where and when you met, a project you discussed or an interesting tidbit he shared, such as where he was about to go on vacation. If he described a special hobby or interest, write it down as it might offer you a great lead-in to contact him again.

15- Rate yourself
Assess yourself afterward. Be honest. Do you feel that you talked too much or too little? Do you need to develop some more anecdotes or change your elevator pitch? Successful networking takes both planning and practice.

be professional

16- Treat everyone with respect
Treat everyone well. Never discount someone as unimportant. In some companies, the receptionist is asked her opinion of how a salesperson treated her. You want to be identified as respectful and polite at all times, and by everyone.

17- Don't be pushy
Listen for opportunities in which you can interject with a factual anecdote or two in a conversation -- it needs to be something your new networking contact can relate to. "When I went to London last year to design and implement the new marketing program, I had an opportunity to play tourist..." or "That reminds me of the teamwork involved when our department developed a product that saved the company over half a million dollars per year."

Don't brag. Your goal is not to derail the conversation but to participate in it, while offering some memorable information about yourself that will be of interest to your new contact.

18- Give your full attention
While engaging in a conversation with a contact, avoid looking over their shoulder to scan the room. This is a sure-fire way to annoy your contact and be branded as insincere or rude. At your next business or social function, take a moment to watch the body language and disinterested eye movement of people in the room. If you can see it, as a casual observer, you can be sure that the people they are talking to are feeling disrespected.

19- Be entertaining
Use humor wisely. Ensure that your jokes are tasteful, inoffensive and actually funny, otherwise avoid telling them. You have an image to uphold and it can be ruined in a split second via a misguided attempt at humor.

Keep your hands to yourself

20- Don't try to impress women -This applies to the gentlemen for the sake of this topic.
Never hit on a woman at a networking function. Never. Even if you're convinced that she's your soulmate, do not ask her out. If she wants to pursue you at a later date, that's great, but keep it on a business level until she clearly makes the move. You never know how powerful she is, either by position or association.

Follow through,

21- Keep in touch
Maintain contact with your network. E-mail or call them from time to time just to touch base. You can forward them articles which may be of interest because of their line of work, or congratulate your contact (or his company) about some positive news you've heard.

Make a habit of following up; strive to keep in touch with your contacts on a regular basis.

If you're in a job search, ask your networking contacts for names of friends in other departments or companies. When you're hiring, ask people on your networking list if they know of any suitable candidates. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your contact list at home, just in case of unexpected job loss or a need for information or assistance on weekends.

22- Build new relationships
Strive to build relationships. You never know when you might need information or assistance from your network of friends, colleagues and business acquaintances.

people will remember you

Recognize all the opportunities you have to increase your network of contacts. You will earn new customers, learn new business ideas, obtain sales leads, and make new friends. If you are prepared and open to actively network on any occasion, you will be at ease in every setting.

Apply your newfound networking skills and you will uncover new self-confidence and improve your business image. Business success and personal satisfaction will follow.

Compiled by

Anne Chebet,

Business Development,Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.
 

You're taking the elevator back to your office after lunch. It stops at another floor and in walks the vice president of a major company -- a company that you were hoping to sell your brilliant new business idea to. He's standing right in front of you, but will be gone in 30 seconds. You won't get another chance like this.

What do you tell him?

Allow me to introduce the elevator pitch, an essential tool in a business world where time is short, stakes are high and opportunities can present themselves at any time.

what is an elevator pitch?
Think of the elevator pitch as your personal 30-second television spot: an easy to understand and concisely delivered summary designed to promote you and your company to potential business associates. It should impress your listener enough to stay lodged in his mind, and open up the door for a future meeting. Think of it as speed dating for City Street.

In spite of its name, the elevator pitch need not be restricted to elevators. It can be used anywhere your time is limited, such as at networking events or during breaks at conventions. Regardless of circumstances, however, it should take no longer than an elevator ride to the top floor -- hence the name.

what to include in your pitch
The successful elevator pitch isn't just a list of good things about you -- it's not a job interview. Your goal is to paint a broad portrait of your business and outline the potential benefits to your listener.

Your pitch should start with a hook, a pithy comment that draws him in. Good hooks appeal to a need or suggest a future benefit, like dreamy profits. It should be immediately followed by one sentence that explains succinctly how you can create that outcome.

Having captured his attention, it's time to back up your claims. This is where your knowledge of the industry will come in. Know your market, your competition, industry leaders, and latest trends. How will your partnership succeed in this environment? This is a great time to throw in a figure for potential profits.

List the reasons why your company is better than the competition. What technology do you use? Who are your current partners? What exclusive distribution channels do you have? Stick to the essentials. You can bore him with details later when you score a meeting.

If you can tie your pitch to a present concern, such as security, medical needs or debt, do so. Your priority is to keep him interested, not necessarily persuaded right off the mark. That will come later.

How to deliver the goods.

Prepare your elevator pitch;
Once you've formed the ideas that you want to incorporate into your elevator pitch, sit down and write them down. On paper, it should run between 150 and 225 words. Read it aloud to yourself. If it sounds unnatural, or you stumble on certain words, rewrite it.

Once you have a better draft of your pitch, create some critical distance by recording yourself saying it. Listen closely. If it still doesn't sound quite right, redo it. You want to treat your pitch as ad copywriters do, and refine it to perfection.

Finally, have a trusted friend or family member listen to your delivery and provide feedback. Take their comments as invaluable help. Remember; you want to be understandable to anyone and everyone, not just a company boss.

Practice.

It will sound stilted at first, but soon it will become as effortless as saying "Good morning." The key in sounding natural is to become comfortable with it. You don't need to memorize it word for word, but having a firm sense of its structure and key points will keep the message and impact intact, and the words flowing smoothly.

length of an elevator pitch
The elevator pitch should be at least 30 seconds, but no longer than a minute and a half. Keeping it under a minute is a good rule of thumb.

Keep in mind that you might need to shorten it on the spot -- some opportunities may last only 10 or 15 seconds. It's a good idea to keep a priority list of the most germane points in your head -- list those ones first should time be tight. Additionally, have a closing line ready for a gracious exit.

Deliver your elevator pitch
If you don't have full confidence in your business, you shouldn't expect others to. Let your enthusiasm show. Be dynamic and use powerful words. You've seen dozens of presentations. What was it about the good ones that made them memorable?

At the forefront of your mind throughout the pitch should be the question: What's in it for him? If you gear your pitch toward his needs, you're more likely to gain his trust. This is key.

Your words should come out like they're your own. People can detect a rehearsed script, and it sounds fake and disingenuous. Your tone should be easy and conversational. Avoid jargon. Getting technical will only lose your target's attention.

And, just like in speed dating, you have to leave him wanting more. Don't talk too much, but enough to make him say to himself, "Hmm... interesting." Never, ever look desperate. You're not pushing anything, just suggesting a business association of mutual benefit.

close your elevator pitch
Ever notice that TV ads end with, "Call now," "Hurry while supplies last," and "This offer not available in stores"? They make a call to action or hint at a sense of urgency. The elevator pitch should be no different. A good closing line might be, "I would love to tell you more about how you can profit from our company." This cues your target to arrange a meeting to learn more.

Offer your name and contact information, then leave on a good note. Be grateful that he allowed you some of his time. You could even thank him the next day with a brief, courteous e-mail. Play your cards right and he'll have a reason to talk with you again.

When to pitch
Opportunities, like telemarketers, can come at the most inopportune times. You have to be ready and confident when they do. Catch a person on their way in and out of a building, a restaurant, a meeting, anywhere.

You shouldn't, however, expect a warm greeting from your target every time. You could be catching them in a hurry or in a foul mood. Be ready for this. Likewise, you should develop an "approach radar" that tells you if it's a bad moment to make your pitch. If your target is busy or distracted, doing your pitch may actually harm your chances.

If your "bad timing" sense starts tingling, pull your emergency chute. Just hand the person your business card and say you'd love to talk about a lucrative opportunity in the future.

Perfect your pitch
Everyone wants to be associated with successful people. Your pitch has to exude success. Assume your idea is already profitable, and your confidence will be infectious.

Of course, you should always look professional and presentable when you set foot outside. You never know when you may have to pitch yourself to someone.

Compiled by,

Makena Mugane,

Business Development,Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.
 

Blogging has certainly come a long way! It has grown to become a highly effective technique being used by many as part of their online marketing efforts. It’s a great way to promote a business. Nowadays all types of businesses are creating blogs to stay connected with their target customers and spread awareness about their products or services. The main reason behind the growing importance of blogging is its interactive nature. There are so many blogs out there, and so many different types, that users have tons of options for looking up information that interests them.

Blogs act as a link between a business and its customers. They are especially helpful with increasing traffic to a business’s web site. Here are some ways you can increase traffic to your site via a blog.

* Write relevant content that matches the readers’ interest.

It is essential to always keep in mind what information your target audience is looking for. The relevancy of blog posts with reader’s interest is important as it will attract them to read it. They might even refer it to others. Search engines favor blogs that have user relevant content.

* Make titles appealing.

Having catchy titles to posts help in attracting both readers as well as search engines. Always write articles that can pull people to read the post, and include important keywords if possible.

* Use the right keywords.

Undertake keyword research to find the most appropriate keywords and effectively place them in the posts. Highlight the keywords to attract the readers’ attention.

* Post regularly and often.

It helps in retaining the interest of the visitors if you post often. Readers like to be welcomed with a new entry! To keep readers as well as search engines updated about new posts, make use of RSS Feeds.

* Allow for easy commenting.

Comments are the best way to get feedback and thus may provide some vital information on areas that a business needs to improve upon. Make sure that readers are able to comment on the posts easily.

 Tips for Article Marketing....

The main purpose of online marketing is to drive as much traffic to your site as possible. Providing fantastic content is one of the most effective ways to attract users to your site. Article marketing is an important part of your SEO strategy.

Article marketing is when businesses promote their products and services to their target customers by submitting informative articles to online directories. These online directories usually have a very large user base and also a strong reputation in the online world, so articles published on them bring in a lot of traffic to a site.

How does it work?

Every article published on these online directories contains a resource box which contains the name and contact details of the business, along with a link to its website. Therefore, when someone reads the article, they will see the business information and link, and will hopefully click the link and be directed to the web site. The goal is to bring in customers to increase online sales. In this way, article marketing can achieve the objectives of an online business.

To make article marketing efforts effective, you have to write relevant and user centric articles. In other words, in order to entice the users read your article, it should cater to their area of interest and must present valuable information. If an article is able to do this, the chances of a user visiting the company’s site become much higher.

You also want to create an effective resource box. The resource box is the opportunity for a business to advertise itself effectively. Therefore, the information in it must be made interesting enough to make the readers visit the website. The resource box must be updated regularly to make it further appealing to the readers.

Lastly, it is highly important to write articles using the appropriate keywords. It is wise to undertake keyword research to find the relevant keywords and use them in the right amount.

Highlight.

Writing an article builds trust. When you are communicating through articles, whether it is in a blog, forum or even Facebook, it gives your target audience an image of you in a professional way. You become reliable and dependable. People want to hear what you have to say. I have found that in blogging, people subscribe to my RSS feed and are looking forward to my next article.

Article writing also builds a relationship and creates your reputation. People will start to remember your name. This is why it is extremely important to have a vanity URL in your name. You might change jobs or even careers but you will never change your name. Your name is your reputation.

Good Luck..

Mike Ndegwa ,eMarketing Coach,Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd
 

For nonprofit organizations, exposure to potential donors, supporters, and volunteers is critical to success and sustainability. Social media marketing is a great way to gain that much needed visibility and put a human face on your organization at virtually no cost. You can use social media sites to not only promote your efforts, but your hard-working team as well.

Of course, while the easy way to get started with social media marketing is to post links to blog and newsletter content on Facebook and Twitter, the real value is derived from becoming part of the conversation on these networks and engaging with your fans, followers, supporters, volunteers, and donors.

Find out why these people are supporting you, or ask them for suggestions about how they might get more involved. Share stories about the people on your team, or the people who have benefited from your hard work and your donors’ financial contributions.

Discuss with other organizations the challenges of being a nonprofit in a tough economy, and solicit for ideas on how to raise money and encourage volunteering.

Once you’re a part of the social media conversation, your organization can then use the tools to:

  Promote upcoming events:

Tell your followers and fans about upcoming events, or how they can register, volunteer, and donate.

  Ask members/donors/supporters to share their actions:

If you’re accepting donations through an online system, prompt donors to share the news through their own social networks that they’ve donated, and to ask their own followers to do the same. The same thing can be done when people register for a fundraising event.

Spread your content further with Share, Like, and Tweet buttons:

Facebook and Twitter both have buttons you can add to your website, blog, or email newsletter that make it easy for visitors and readers to quickly post links to your content to their social media networks.

  Brand your tweets with a hashtag:

When using Twitter, you can further brand your tweets with a hashtag. If you have an ongoing fundraising drive or are hosting an event, use a hashtag in each post about the drive or event and encourage your donors and attendees to do the same. Doing so makes it easier for you to find people you’re not currently following who are talking about your event.

Stop Staring at Your Screen: Three Tips for Creating Great Social Content

One of the biggest barriers to getting started with social media is the seemingly daunting challenge of creating great content on a regular basis. In fact, according to a study conducted last year, producing engaging content is the No. 1 challenge facing content marketers. Even for professional writers (like my mother, who is just getting started with Facebook to promote her new book) this can be a real struggle. And while not every blog or Twitter of Facebook post needs to be mind-blowing or all-inclusive (spread long content over time!), you do want to deliver something of value to your customers, members, investors, and prospects every time they see your organization’s name.

So, how do you make life easy for yourself? Here are three tips.

1. Don’t think too hard.

Obviously, being thoughtful is really important. You want to show the world how smart you are. But you don’t actually need to think too hard to provide people with something of value. Remind yourself that no one knows your business or organization better than you do, and that the people who will be consuming your content are already pre-disposed to see you as an expert. Proactively providing answers to questions they might have, summarizing industry articles or books you’ve read, or sharing insightful videos with some key takeaways can all get you moving in the right direction.

2. Capture your own conversations.

One of the best sources of social content is to play back interesting conversations you’re having with your friends, family, customers, or colleagues relating to your business. Creating content is about telling stories, and you have stories in your life every day. Share a customer’s success story or suggest a way this person could be doing something different, relay a discussion about a product you recently had, or highlight key takeaways from an event you attended. Your life is full of great stories that your readers could find interesting.

3. Know your audience.

Every organization is different and every audience has its own set of needs, goals, and preferences. Whether formally (a survey) or informally (casual conversations), you need to find out what people are looking for from you via your social networks. Are they looking for coupons? For inside information? Advice? Short tips? Long articles? All of those insights can help narrow down the number of options you might have and tell your stories in the most appropriate way.

So stop staring at the blank page and start creating great social content. Start by sharing the tricks that work for you...

Good Luck...

Mike Ndegwa ,eMarketing Coach,Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd
 

Social Media Glossary

Learn the language of social media marketing

Are you confused by all the social media marketing lingo and terms? We're here to help with this glossary of terms. Master these and you'll be a social media know-it-all.

• Aggregator
• Angie's List
• API
• App
• Avatar
• Bit.ly
• Blog
• Blogroll
• Comments
• Crowdsource
• Embedding
• Engaged
• Facebook
        o Commenting
        o Fan
        o Friend
        o Like
        o Message
        o News Feed
        o Page
        o Personal profile
        o Places
        o Privacy Settings
        o Share
        o Tabs
        o Tag
        o Unfriending
        o Wall
        o Wall to Wall
• Flickr
• Groups
• Foursquare
        o Badge
        o Check in
        o Mayor
• Geo-location
• Geo-tagging
• Google Alert
• Gowalla
• HootSuite
• LinkedIn
      o Companies
      o Connections
      o Groups
      o Job Posts
      o Q&A
      o Status Update
• Live-blogging
• Lurker
• Microblogging
• MySpace
• Network
• Ning
• NutshellMail
      o Digest
      o Quitters
• Podcast
• Poke
• RSS
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Sentiment
• SEO
• Share
• Share Button/Bar
• Slideshare
• Social Bookmarks
• Social Media Marketing
• Social Media
• Social Networks
• TweetDeck
• Twitter
       o DM/Direct Message
       o Follow
       o Following
       o Handle
       o Hashtag
       o Lists
       o Live-tweeting
       o Photo sites
       o RT/Retweet
       o Search
       o Timeline
       o Trending Topics
       o Tweet
       o Tweetup
       o Twitterverse
       o Unfollow
• Unconference
• URL
• Vlog
• Viral
• Webinar
• Widget
• Wiki
• Yelp
• YouTube
        o Channel

Social Media Definitions

Aggregator
A web-based tool or application that collects syndicated content.

Angie's List
A site, founded by Angie Hicks, where users can rate and review service companies in their area.

API
Short for Application Programming Interface, this is a programming format that a website or piece of software uses to allow other websites to interact with it.

Short for Application, this is a program or add-on, usually for Facebook or for a mobile device (i.e., an iPhone or Blackberry). Its purpose is to deepen user interaction and provide greater depth of functionality and engagement. An example is the Dolphins Group Join My Mailing List app for Facebook (http://apps.facebook.com/ctctjml), or the Facebook app for the iPhone and Android phone.

Avatar
An online picture that's associated with your social media accounts. Business people typically use a headshot for personal accounts, while companies and organizations use their logo.

Bit.ly
One of many sites that generate shorter URLs that can be used for posting links on Twitter, and other sites where users are limited to specific character lengths. Users paste the long URL into a text box and the site generates one that is shorter. The service is free, but businesses can sign up for an account that will let them create a more personalized short URL. For example, Dolphins Group links are shortened to http://dolns gp.cc/. (Other URL shortner websites include tinyurl.com, ow.ly, and is.gd.)

Blog
There are a lot of different definitions for a blog, but put simply, a blog (short for "web log") is a website or part of a website where you can post regular entries of opinion pieces, news, case studies, your email newsletter archive, or anything else you want to share with your customers or prospects. The best blogging platforms provide an indexable content management system that makes it easy for you to categorize and publish content (ie: "posts"). Your blog posts can provide the content you need to fuel your email newsletter and other social media marketing efforts. Blogs can also be distributed outside of a website context by RSS feed.

Blogroll
A list of recommended blogs on a person or business' blog site.

Comments
Many social media sites encourage readers and viewers to leave comments on what has been posted, whether it's a quick status message, a video, an article, or a picture. Some sites, like Facebook, use the number of comments to determine how a post is included in a person's news feed. On YouTube, video "owners" have the ability to turn off comments for an individual video.

Crowdsource
The practice of asking a collection of individuals online for opinions, suggestions, or submissions. For example, you might not be able to choose between two newsletter articles, so you'd ask the people who Like you on Facebook or are following you on Twitter which one you should include. Or you can simply post both stories to Facebook and Twitter and discover which one resonates most based on the number of Likes, shares, comments, or retweets. Crowdsourcing can also be helpful if you're planning an event and can't decide on a date or location, or if you're looking for suggestions for a vendor.

Embedding
The act of adding code to a website so that a video or photo can be displayed on that site while being hosted by another. For example, YouTube provides a simple snippet of HTML code that can be used to embed a copy of any video on a website or blog. The video will play inside a YouTube-branded player. Owners have the ability to turn embedding off, but that limits the viral potential of a given video.

Engaged
People who interact with a business or organization or an individual (on social networks, in email, etc.) by posting comments and sharing content are said to be engaged. (See also "Lurker.")

Facebook
The largest of the social networks (it boasts more than 500 million active users), Facebook has become a favorite destination for people, businesses, and organizations to connect and share information because of its easy-to-use interface and interactive features. It's the most multimedia-friendly of the big three networks as members can post text, pictures, audio, and video. It also offers tons of applications and widgets that can make your Facebook Page engaging and fun.

            Commenting
Just about everything posted to Facebook has a comment field below it for you, Friends, and fans to post a response and facilitate a conversation. When comments are left on personal profile updates, the owner gets an email notification. However, Page comments do not have email alerts associated with them, so it's vital to check back regularly to see if customers are leaving comments and to respond appropriately. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free NutshellMail account, to receive a daily update of new comments and activity posted to your Facebook Page.

            Fan
This is the term that was used for someone who chose to connect with a Page. Facebook no longer uses the term; currently, when someone chooses to connect with a Page, he or she "likes" it, rather than becoming a fan. (See "Like.") While most people will know what you mean when you ask them to "Become a Fan" on Facebook, the preferred terminology is for you to ask someone to "Find" or "Like" you on Facebook.

          Friend
When you want to connect with someone on Facebook through a personal profile, you "friend" them. The friend connection is two-way, meaning both parties have to agree before the connection is made. (See also "unfriending.")

           Like
The "Like" button is now ubiquitous on Facebook (and off). The Like button provides a simple way for Facebook users to share their approval or endorsement with their network of friends. Users can Like a Page as a way of providing a recommendation or they can simply Like an individual post, picture, or video to provide a virtual thumbs up. You may have noticed Like buttons on non-Facebook websites. This is a great way to get visitors to your website or blog to recommend your business or an individual post with their Facebook network. (You can learn how to add a "Like" button to your website here: http://www.facebook.com/badges). You can also add a "Like" button to your email newsletter to help amplify your voice and extend your message beyond the inbox; but we make it easy for you by automatically adding a Like and Share button to any newsletter you send through Dolphins Group.

         Message
Messages are private notes sent between users. They're only viewable to the sender and recipients. It's pretty much like sending an email but with an address book that is limited to your Facebook friends. Note: Facebook does not allow you to send a private message to anyone who Likes your Page.

        News Feed
What Facebook calls all the items that your friends and the businesses/organizations you Like have posted. Users have two ways to view this content: You can see "Most Recent" items (i.e., everything that's been posted) or "Top News" items (i.e., those that have been most commented on).

         Page
A Page (previously referred to as a Fan or Business Page) is the recommend platform for your business or organization to connect with new people and engage with your existing customers in an open dialog. The benefit of a Page is that customers can follow it by hitting the "Like" button without the connection having to be reciprocated. When you post a comment to your Page, it will show up in your fans' news feed, for all their friends to read and share. You can create an incredible network effect by posting interesting and valuable content and promotions to your Page.

        Personal profile
Any individual who is on Facebook has a personal profile: it's the focal point for the entire network. Your profile page dolphins groupins all your pertinent information and is how others find and connect with you on Facebook. Through your profile, you can share status updates, photos, videos, links, and other content. Plus, friends can comment on your posts. Businesses, organizations, and celebrities are recommended to create a Page rather than a personal profile.

        Places
Facebook's geo-location feature allows users to check in wherever they are. As opposed to similar services like Foursquare and Gowalla, Facebook Places allows users to tag their friends who are also at a location, giving businesses and organization an even better indication of who is visiting their establishment or attending their event. (Note: Facebook users can choose to block themselves from being tagged if they wouldn't want that kind of information to be revealed.)

        Privacy Settings
Facebook has a myriad of privacy settings that you can use to control who sees what. Note that Facebook changes the range of settings and their defaults from time to time. It's good to keep an eye on any changes to Facebook's Terms of Service.

        Share
Sharing is synonymous with posting or publishing. You can publish text, links, photos, videos, and events on Facebook using the share box at the top of your profile (it says, "What's on your mind?" inside the box). After entering your text, you have the option to upload a photo, video, or insert a link. When sharing a link, Facebook will automatically include the title, description, and an image (if available) from the page you're linking to. If there are multiple images on the page, you have the option to select which image you want to use as the thumbnail. You can also change the specific text that is displayed by clicking on it. In addition, when you share content to your Wall, your fans and friends can then Like, comment on, or share the content with their friends. The share feature is what makes publishing content to Facebook so powerful. By sharing great content, you can encourage your friends and fans to syndicate your message, creating a powerful network effect.

       Tabs
Along the top of a Facebook profile or page, tabs separate out areas of content. Customers can add additional tabs using pre-built applications or by building their own. [To find interesting tabs to add to your Page or Profile, check out Appbistro (http://appbistro.com)]

        Tag
You can tag friends in pictures, places, videos, and in text, which places a link from the item to their profile. Tagging a person's face in one of your own photos will allow that person's friends to see your photo, depending on the tagged person's privacy settings.

        Unfriending
Disconnecting with someone on Facebook. When you unfriend someone, the person does not get notice that you have done so.

        Wall
This is your own profile page and the updates it dolphins groupins. People can write updates on your wall that are viewable by all your friends.

Wall to Wall
Notes written between you and someone else that are viewable to anyone who is connected to you and the other friend. Think of it as being able to eavesdrop on a public conversation; writing on someone else's wall means that anyone you're connected to can read what you wrote.

Flickr
An online photo sharing site owned by Yahoo!, Flickr lets individual users upload photos and short videos to their account and share them in photo groups based on a certain subject. Free accounts have monthly upload limits and other usage restrictions.

Groups
Areas in Flickr where people with similar interests can share their photos with other like-minded people. Groups also have a discussion thread function for sharing ideas, tips, and more.

Foursquare
A geo-location service that allows users to check in at businesses and other locations, earning badges and other virtual rewards along the way. Users can share their check ins with fellow Foursquare friends as well as through their social media networks if they choose. Businesses can use Foursquare to see who their regular customers are and offer special deals to them. Foursquare is a competitor of Gowalla.

Badge
A fun virtual "token" that Foursquare awards its users for certain behaviors, or for attending certain events. For example, users can unlock the "Bender" badge if they check in four nights in a row. Businesses can also sponsor badges for those attending special events.

Check in
The act of saying "I'm here" on geo-location services like Foursquare and Gowalla

Mayor
The person who checks in at a given location the most on Foursquare is deemed the "Mayor." This can entitle the person to special deals and discounts, if the business has established them. Other Foursquare users can "oust" the Mayor and claim the title simply by checking in one more time.

Geo-location
Term used to track the physical location of people or objects. Typically used in mobile applications and services such as Foursquare and Gowalla.

Geo-tagging
When you add location-based data to a photo, video, or tweet to identify where the content was posted.

Google Alert
A service offered by Google that allows users to save specific searches and receive an update whenever a new result appears on the Internet for that particular search, typically delivered by email or RSS. This is particularly useful for businesses or organizations that wish to monitor mentions of their brands on blogs and websites.

Gowalla
A geo-location service that allows users to check in at various businesses and locations, while sharing their adventures with friends and earning badges and rewards in the process. Business can use Gowalla to see who their regular customers are and offer special deals to them. Gowalla is a competitor of Foursquare.

HootSuite
A service that allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to monitor, manage, and schedule their social media marketing activity.

LinkedIn
Often described as the more professional of the big three social media networks, LinkedIn lets you connect with friends, colleagues, and other people you've worked or done business with. Your profile on the network is akin to an online resume, complete with the ability for others to write recommendations for you. Like with Facebook, connections made on LinkedIn must be verified by both parties. Companies can have their own profile pages on the site, and there are group features available to build discussion areas around a central topic.

          Companies
Pages designed for businesses that want a presence on LinkedIn. Company pages can be used to list all employees of an organization with accounts on LinkedIn.

           Connections
There are three degrees of connections on LinkedIn. 1st-degree connections are people that you have mutually agreed to connect with on the network. 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections are people that are connected to your 1st-degree connections, but not directly with you. One of the benefits of LinkedIn is that 1st-degree connections can be used to introduce you to 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections.

            Groups
Groups connect people with a similar interest and include shared discussion threads and other tools. Some groups require verification to join, but you do not have to be connected to everyone in the group.

           Job Posts
LinkedIn runs its own job board. Users can post or search for jobs on the site. When searching for jobs, LinkedIn will automatically show you any connections you might have in common with the company looking to hire.

          Q&A
Allows users to post questions to their network of connections. You can also answer questions posted by friends and colleagues on the site. Answering questions is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in a given area.

         Status Update
Like with Twitter and Facebook, you can write a quick post to update your network of connections on what is happening. LinkedIn users can also set their Twitter updates to feed their LinkedIn status updates.

Live-blogging
Term used to describe when someone reports "live" from an event by posting short entries to a blog during the event. (See also "live-tweeting.")

Lurker
Someone on social networks who simply listens and watches, but doesn't participate in conversations or the activity on the site.

Microblogging
The act of broadcasting very short messages to an audience, such as on Twitter, where posts are limited to 140 characters each. Other microblogging services include Plurk and Jaiku.

MySpace
One of the first big social media networks, it's now mainly used by music acts and other entertainers. MySpace uses many of the same conventions as Facebook. It's not recommended for businesses outside the entertainment industry.

Network
This can refer to a social network like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, or the people you are connected to on those sites.

Ning
A fee-based online community site that lets customers create their own social networks. Customers can create blogs, video sharing sites, show photos, create user forums, hold group chats, and more with Ning.

NutshellMail
A free Dolphins Group service that is a like a digital video recorder (DVR) for your social media networks. NutshellMail keeps track of all the happenings on your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace accounts and emails you a digest of updates on a schedule that you choose. For example, it eliminates the need to keep checking into Facebook 20 times a day. All the latest updates are right there in your inbox to read on your time.

          Digest
The scheduled NutshellMail email that dolphins groupins all the recent updates from your social media networks.

          Quitters
Nutshellmail lets you know when people unfollow you on Twitter.

Podcast
Audio programs or recordings that are syndicated online. They can be streamed or downloaded. Many are posted on and downloadable from iTunes.

Poke
A very low-impact touch on a social network, often used when two people aren't officially connected, but one of them wants to be.

RSS
Literally, this stands for Really Simple Syndication. An RSS feed allows the content from regularly updated websites (like blogs or podcasts) to be aggregated and posted to one website (often called a "reader") or mobile device. Choosing to follow an RSS feed is often referred to as "subscribing" to it.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
A marketing tactic that, when combined with SEO, helps a business or organization attract customers, generate brand awareness, and build trust by increasing its website's visibility. This is done through the purchase of pay-per-click advertisements and paid inclusion in search engine results.

Sentiment
A level of assessment that determines whether the tone of an article, blog post, tweet, or other content is positive, neutral, or negative.

SEO
Search Engine Optimization. This is the process for improving the chance that a webpage will rank high in the results for a specific search query. Different search engines use different algorithms for how they rank results, but some ways to improve results include using qualified keywords (i.e., frequently searched-for keywords) in headlines and first paragraphs of blog posts, and naming photos and videos with those same keywords. There are also many on- and off-page technical considerations.

Share
To post or re-post content on a social media site is to share it. Facebook specifically has a Share option, which allows you to post someone else's content on your page. On Twitter, this is called re-tweeting.

Share Button/Bar
A feature that people can add to their website or an email that will allow the content to be easily shared on a variety of social media sites. Popular, free share buttons/bars have been created by Addthis (http://addthis.com).

Slideshare
An online community for sharing presentations. You can upload PowerPoint and Keynote presentations, Word and PDF documents, and video to the site for sharing publicly or privately.

Social Bookmarks
Websites where users can store, search, organize, and share web-based content. Some examples are Delicious (http://delicious.com), Digg (http://digg.com), Posterous (http://posterous.com), and StumbleUpon (http://www.stumbleupon.com).

Social Media Marketing
Building your social network fans, followers, and connections using relevant and interesting content that is shared, allowing you to reach and engage more people and drive more business.

Social Media
Tools that allow the sharing of information and creation of communities through online networks of people.

Social Networks
The social media sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) where people connect and interact with friends, colleagues, businesses, and organizations.

TweetDeck
A service that allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to monitor, manage, and schedule their social media marketing activity.

Twitter
The social media network based on 140-character micro-blog posts. Users post short updates that can be seen by anyone, even if they are not logged into the site. Posts can only include text and links; any multimedia content (photos, video, audio) must be linked to. The people who follow you will see your updates in their timeline when they log in. Unlike with Facebook, you do not have to confirm or reciprocate the follower connection, meaning people can follow your updates without you have to see theirs.

         DM/Direct Message
A private note between two users on Twitter. The person receiving the message must follow the person sending it and the message is bound by the 140-character limit.

         Follow
The act of connecting with someone on Twitter. People who have elected to follow you will see your tweets in their timeline. You are not obligated to follow people back and you have the ability to block followers (usually used only for spammers) from seeing your posts.

         Following
Electing to see someone's tweets in your own timeline. Follow people and companies that you're interested in hearing from.

         Handle
Your Twitter username is referred to as your handle, and is identified with the @ symbol. For example, Dolphins Group's handle is @constantdolphins groupct. The @ is used to refer to a specific person and link to that account on Twitter within a tweet. If you want to reference Dolphins Group within a tweet, you would use our handle in your post. (Advanced tip: When you use an @ reference as the first word in a tweet, only those of your followers who follow you and the user you're referencing will see the tweet. If you want all of your followers to see a Tweet that references another user, use another word prior to the @ reference.)

          Hashtag
Words preceded by a # sign (i.e., #ctctsocial) can be used to tie various tweets together and relate them to a topic, be it a conference, TV show, sporting event, or any happening or trend of your choosing. Twitter automatically links all hashtags so users can search for other tweets using the same tag.

          Lists
A way to combine select people you follow on Twitter into a smaller feed. A list can be made up of friends, competitors, people in the same state: anything you want. Lists let you view a slice of your followers at a time and are a great way to focus on specific folks when you're following a large number of people.

         Live-tweeting
The practice of documenting an event through tweets that are posted while an event is in progress. (See also "live-blogging.")

         Photo sites
In order to share photos on Twitter, you have to upload them somewhere and link to them. Sites like twitpic.com, tweetphoto.com, and yfrog.com are all popular for quickly uploading and sharing pictures on Twitter. You can use the links to these photos on sites other than Twitter.

         RT/Retweet
This is the Twitter equivalent of forward-to-a-friend. When someone posts something you find interesting, you can retweet it and share it with all the people who follow you.

        Search
Since the majority of tweets are public, you can use Twitter's search feature to look for tweets dolphins groupining a keyword or phrase. The search results will update in real time with any new tweets that dolphins groupin the word or phrase searched on.

        Timeline
The chronological listing of all tweets in a given feed, be it your own, in a list, or another user's.

       Trending Topics
Along the right side of the main web interface, Twitter lists 10 topics that are "hot" on Twitter at the given moment based on certain algorithms. You can see trending topics for all of Twitter or for certain geographic areas. Beware: trending topics are sometimes gamed by people trying to promote pop culture references that aren't truly trending topics. And some businesses now pay for their product to be a trending topic (Disney was one of the first, for Toy Story 3.)

        Tweet
What posts are called on Twitter.

       Tweetup
A term for events (i.e., meetups) that spring from Twitter connections. Tweetups are typically informal gatherings that let Twitter followers meet in real life, and coordinators often use a hashtag to unite tweets related to the event.

      Twitterverse
A fun term used to describe the world of Twitter

        Unfollow
By unfollowing someone, you no longer receive their updates in your own timeline.

Unconference
A collaborative learning event that is organized and created by and for its participants.

URL
The technical term for a web address, e.g.: www.constantdolphins groupct.com. (URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.)

Vlog
A blog that dolphins groupins videos instead of text entries.

Viral
When a piece of content on the Internet is shared organically, without prodding or encouragement from the business, organization, or person who created it, it is said to have "gone viral." This means it has been shared on social networks, posted and reposted, tweeted and retweeted multiple times.

Webinar
A web-based seminar, where the presentation, lecture, or workshop is transmitted over the Internet instead of in person.

Widget
Similar to an app, a widget is a small block of content that one provider can offer to another, for use on another blog or website. Widgets have a specific purpose such as showing weather forecasts, stock quotes, or news updates and are constantly updated by the creator of the widget, not someone who hosts it on his site.

Wiki
A type of user-generated and -edited website where multiple people can write and manage the content. A great example of this concept is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia.

Yelp
An online directory that lets customers review local businesses, including restaurants, dentists, mechanics, and more. The site is free to join for users and business owners.

YouTube
A video sharing site owned by Google. Users can freely upload their own video content to the site (you must have the rights to the content), as long as it is less than 10 minutes in length and the file is less than 100MB is size. YouTube makes it easy for people to embed videos on their own site or blogs, which helps with viral marketing efforts. Google results include YouTube videos as well.

Channel
The home page for each account's own video collection .You can customize a channel with your own logo, description, and colors. YouTube does have premium options for greater channel branding, customization, and promotion.

Keep visiting this section for more updates...

Good Luck...

Mike Ndegwa ,eMarketing Coach,Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

When you are interviewed on radio you have an incredibly short amount of time to make an impact. So it’s important that you don’t waste a second or mess up – as you probably won’t have time to recover from a mistake.

This can put you under a lot of pressure – which doesn’t help your performance! But there are some simple things you can do to help avoid falling into some of the obvious traps.

Don’t rush your radio interview

Even though time is limited and the natural tendency may be to speak as quickly as possible in order to get your message across, this can have an adverse effect. If you speak too quickly on radio the following things may happen

* You will trip up over your words
* You will um and err
* You will ramble on and on………….

Tips for sounding clear in your radio interview

It’s important to sound clear and succinct on radio as any hesitancies are emphasised on air and they are an immediate switch off for the radio audience. To help achieve this when you are being interviewed you need to speak at the correct speed without rushing. To help speak at the right speed try to follow the following points:

* Speak in short sentences – one thought per sentence.
* Take time over the first three words of the sentence – so that you don’t rush into the sentence.
* Don’t rush any syllables – make sure each syllable in the word is pronounced.

By adopting these three vocal techniques, you will feel in more control of your voice so that you don’t speak too fast or too slow. You will sound clear, and your voice will have the required energy needed to sound interesting on the radio.

Listen to the radio interviewer – don’t panic!

It can be especially nerve racking when you are waiting to be interviewed on ‘live’ radio.

There is that awkward moment when you are waiting for the radio presenter / interviewer to speak to you. The nerves can build up while you are waiting.

So use this time to focus on what the presenter is saying before he/she gets to your interview. You may pick up on some useful information or background context to the interview topic that you can use in your responses to the questions you get asked.

Contolling nerves in your radio interview

Listening is also a very effective way to help control nerves and prepare your responses to questions.

More often though, we tend to start planning our responses to the question rather than just focus on the question in hand. So when you are being asked a question by the radio presenter, to help listen carefully, try to do the following:

* Don’t butt in to the question – wait for the presenter to finish asking the question before you respond
* Focus on understanding the question, rather than rehearsing your response in your head
* Buy yourself time at the start of your response with a phrase such as “that’s a very interesting question” – if you need time to think about how to start your answer

These listening techniques will help you to stay calm and prepare your response to the question.

Keep your radio interviews interesting to your audience!

It’s easy to lose energy in your voice when you are being interviewed on radio. Nerves can make a voice tense and dull.

And even though you may only be speaking for a very short amount of time, the need to maintain an interesting voice is very important.

To help achieve this, try the following techniques when you speaking on the radio:

* Telling a story – if you imagine each of your responses are a short story – this will automatically inject more energy and expression into your voice
* Emphasise important words – these are the key words that make up the essence of your sentences and will help you to sound more convincing
* Smile – when you smile your voice smiles and it comes across more appealing and personable to the listeners.

Pactise beforehand and develop your media interview skills

You can also practise these three vocal techniques beforehand – so that it becomes natural to speak in this way when you are being interviewed on the radio.

It is common to feel nervous about being interviewed on the radio. But by using the techniques we have discussed in this article, you don’t have to fear messing up your interview. So, to help give successful radio interviews remember to:

* Avoid rushing
* Be clear and succinct
* Listen carefully
* Maintain your energy

These simple but effective radio techniques will help you to stay in control of the interview and deliver your responses with confidence and impact.

Good Luck...

Compiled by,

Julianna M Katana,

Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

Some people insist that the true test of a salesperson is their ability to overcome objections. Many Top Skills Salesmen welcome the challenge of an objection while others dread them. The best way to overcome an objection is by being prepared. Objections occur when there is lingering doubt or unanswered questions in the mind of the prospect. The prospect may be favorably inclined to make a purchase but needs clarification, more concessions, or approval by another party.

It is almost guaranteed you will get objections if you’ve failed to established need, rapport, credibility or trust. Have you qualified the buyer and determined need and interest level? Here are ten strategies for identifying the true objection and then conquering it:

1. Establish mutual trust and confidence and let the prospect know that you are there to be both an advocate and a consultant. If you can establish the rapport to build a friendship, that’s certainly valuable, but not essential.

2. Listen carefully to the objection being raised. Is it an objection or just a delaying tactic?. A prospect often will repeat an objection if it's real. To uncover the truth, try asking "Don't you really mean . . ." or "You're telling me. . . but I think you mean something else."

3. Qualify it as the only true objection. Ask the prospect if it is the only reason he/she won't buy from your company.

4. Confirm it again. Rephrase your question to ask the same thing twice. For example, ask "In other words, if it weren't for the price, you'd buy my service. Is that true?"

5. Phrase a question in a way that incorporates the solution. "So if I were able to get you a longer warrantee," would that be enough for you to make a decision?"

6. Answer the objection in a manner that thoroughly resolves the issue. Pull out your Guerrilla ammo here. You can submit a testimonial letter, a competitive comparison chart , or a special time-sensitive or price-related offer.

7. This is the time to demonstrate value, list comparisons, and prove benefits. If you cannot answer the prospect in a way that's different or sets you apart from others, you'll never close this (or any) sale.

8. Ask a closing question or communicate in an hypothetical way. Ask a question, the answer to which confirms the sale. "If I could do X, Y or Z , would you give me your order ?" is the classic model for a close.

9. Describe similar situations when you close; people like to know about others in the same situation.

10. Confirm the answer and the sale (in writing when possible). Get the prospect to transform into a customer with a confirming question like: "When do you want it delivered?" or " When is the best day to begin?"

Product knowledge, creativity, sales tools, and confidence in yourself, your product, and your company must call some together if you are to overcome sales objections and close the sale. You must combine technique with honesty and conviction to get the prospect to resolve any lingering doubt or conflict.

Good Luck...

Compiled by,

Julianna M Katana,

Sales & Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

Do you know how many repetitions of your message it takes for all of us to move from absolute apathy towards your product or service to making a buying move, like calling your 800 number to get that "FREE brochure?"

Well, the easy answer is seven, plus or minus two. In other words, it takes from five to nine times for us, to see your ad and pick up the phone and call you. But wait, like your typical reader, we're not paying attention all that often. Usually only about one in three occasions are we even semi-consciously inspecting your ad.

This means that for your ad to be maximally effective it needs to show up in my newspaper, on my TV, or whatever twenty-seven times. Three times the nine we talked just about. So, you can put together a killer ad, but you'll have to wait for about a month for that phone to start ringing! Marketers must learn to be patient. But guerrillas aren't very patient.

There is a way to cut into that number a bit. The answer lies in being consistent, in being consistent with a passion. Let me explain.

After you've decided how you wish to serve the public with your product, products, and service; identified your niche within that public; selected your business name clearly describing what you do; chosen your marketing colors and logo shapes based on your prospective customers' preferences; developed your sub-conscious buying message, your slogan; and, ordered business cards and stationary. Stop!

Before you go on, all of this must be coordinated together. Remember, consistent with a passion! Meaning that your primary and secondary colors must always remain exactly the same. Always and exactly the same. Your type font, type style, and relative type sizes must be the same on your business card and stationary as on the sign in front of your store, as in your future TV, magazine, and newspaper ads. Always the same.

If you decide to advertise inexpensively on local cable TV, for example, you will want the last few seconds of that ad to show your business name, your telephone number, and your slogan. This visual should look exactly like everything else in your marketing. So later, when your future customers are looking through the yellow pages, a sub-conscious part of them will be attracted to your ad because it will be familiar to them. And, many of them won't even remember the TV spot where they first saw your offer.

Said another way, you can shorten the number of needed exposures from twenty-seven down to fourteen or so by having a consistent, clear, consistent selling proposition. This number shrinks even further to about nine, when you use several different marketing vehicles for us to see your consistent message. It looks like you're everywhere. And it looks like everyone, like me, is buying from you, 'cause we probably are!

Keep it going...

Diana Muli

Sales & Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

1. Explain to your followers what retweeting is and encourage them to retweet your links. Retweeting pushes your @username into foreign social graphs, resulting in clicks back to your profile. Track your retweets using retweetist.

2. Fill out your bio. Your latest tweets and @replies don’t mean much to someone that doesn’t know you. Your bio is the only place you have to tell people who you are. Also, your bio is displayed on Twitter’s Suggested Users page. Leaving it blank or non-descriptive doesn’t encourage people to add you.

3. As @garyvee says, “link it up.” Put links to your Twitter profile everywhere. Link it on your Digg, LinkedIn, Facebook, blog, email signature, and everywhere else you live online. Also, check out the great feedburner-like badges from TwitterCounter for your blog.

4. Tweet about your passions in life and #hash tag them. Quality content coupled with an easy way to find it never fails. If others enjoy your content, they’ll add you. Learn more about #hash tagging here.

5. Bring your twitter account into the physical world. Every time I give a talk, speak on a panel, shoot a podcast, present slides, or hand out business cards, I figure out a way to broadcast or display my twitter account.

6. Take pictures. Pictures are heavily retweeted/spread around.One from US Airways Flight 1549 has been viewed 350,000+ times. For mobile pics use iPhone apps such as Tweetie or Twitterific, both which support on the go uploading.

7. Start a contest. @jasoncalacanis offered a free macbook air if he reached the #1 most followed spot. That never happened, but Jason added thousands of followers…brilliant.

8. Follow the top twitter users and watch what they tweet. Pay attention to the type of content they sent out and how they address their audiences.

9. Reply to/get involved in #hash tag memes. search.twitter.com lists the hot ‘trending topics. Look for the #hash topics and jump in on the conversation (see #4 for links to #hash instructions).

10. Track your results. TwitterCounter will show you how many new users you’re adding per day and Qwitter will email you when someone unfollows you after a tweet.

If you enjoy this content, please feel free to add Dolphins Group  twitter.com/dolphinsgroupk .

Thankyou and Good Luck...as you keep tweeting..

Makena Mugane,

Sales & Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

This week I saw an interesting stat in The Wall Street Journal. According to the International Monetary Fund, a 10 percent increase in global food prices equates to a 100 percent increase in government protests:

Despotic leaders, entrenched inequality and new forms of communication have all played a role in the political turmoil now shaking the Middle East. New research by economists at the International Monetary Fund points to another likely contributor: global food prices. Looking at food prices and instances of political unrest from 1970 through 2007, the economists find a significant relationship between the two in low-income countries, a group that includes Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and Yemen. To be exact, a 10% increase in international food prices corresponds to 0.5 more anti-government protests over the following year in the low-income world, a twofold increase from the annual average. Given the recent trend in food prices, leaders of low-income countries, including China, might have reason for concern. In February, global food prices were up 61% from their most recent low in December 2008, according to the IMF.

In other words, when people are hungry, they'll roast their leaders.

This is an interesting stat to me because I've been saying for years that inflation will cause global unrest. The reason for this is that when people are afraid for their lives, they will fight for them.

In my book, Increase Your Financial IQ, I write about the fight or flight mentality that all people have as a result of our reptilian brain, or the subconscious. Most people are controlled by their subconscious brain, which can be your best friend or your greatest enemy. The problem is that most people don't know how to tell the difference and thus are ruled by their reactive subconscious.

Many people, when possible, run from their problems rather than fight them. Only when backed into a corner do they fight. And because they are reactively fighting, rather than proactively fighting, they often don't think through their strategy.

Rising food prices is a good example of this. Most people don't like their government, but they are too afraid to do anything about it. It's much easier to go about your business and stay out of trouble, even if you're unhappy.

But when people get hungry, they get desperate. Hungry people are backed into a corner and have no choice but to fight. In this case, rising food prices can lead to government protests and the overthrow of governments—it is often fear, not conviction behind these protests.

But the problem is that once the battle is won, there's no strategy for where to go from there. That leaves the void for those in power to sweep in and take advantage both politically and financially.

The reason for this is that people who are rich and powerful have often learned to master their subconscious and use it to their advantage. Rather than be reactive, they are proactive. Often, the difference between the rich and poor, the powerful and the weak, is the ability to overcome the urge for flight and to proactively fight.

This is true for anyone. While you may not be facing starvation and a totalitarian government, you are facing challenges that force you to decide to either fight or take flight.

That business you want to start, what's holding you back? That investment you know is perfect, why haven't you pulled the trigger? That exercise program you know you need, why are you sitting on the couch instead?

The answer to most of our lost battles is that we haven't overcome our subconscious brain. It rules us with fear. We reactively take flight when we should be fighting, taking our challenges head on.

I don't know what battles you're fighting today, and I certainly don't know what kind of battles we'll all face as the global economic crisis continues, but I do know one thing: You have a choice.

Today, you can choose to fight or to take flight. I encourage you to proactively fight for those things you know are right and that will benefit you and your family both in happiness and in wealth.

As the old saying goes, it's time to take the bull by the horns.

From Robert Kiyosaki Exclusive..

Compiled by

Diana Muli

Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

Facebook is the most rapidly growing social networking platform, with over 500 million active users (and climbing quickly). With so many users and with people's preoccupation with Facebook, it makes sense to use the "Like" button to help virally spread the word about what you do to others who are interested in you.

Once the button is on your page, any time a Facebook user visits your site and clicks on it, a link to your page is added to their activity stream. Then, all of their friends can see that link, and if interested, click on it and be sent directly to your page. When that second person clicks on the button, the button is personalized for them by showing which of their friends have already clicked it. And then, when your friends click on it, a link to your page gets added to their stream, as well. Easy viral marketing!

Here's how you can install the "Like" button on your site:

1. Visit the Facebook page to create the button, found here.

2. Copy the URL of the page where you want to install the button to the form in Facebook.

3. Pick your features. This is where you choose your layout style, whether you want to show faces, the width of the button (the default 475 pixels is fine), what you want the button to say (Like or Recommend), the font of the button, and the color scheme.

4. Click "Get the Code." You'll discover you have two options here, an i-frame or JavaScript (HFBML) version. Here are the difference between the two:

Because the content inside the i-frame is hosted by Facebook, Facebook can determine whether the user is logged in or not using a cookie. If the person is logged in to Facebook, the information in the i-frame is personalized for that user, like showing a list of your friends who have also "liked" the page. If you're not logged in, you'll be prompted to log in or join.

The JavaScript version offers some extras. When you use this code, clicking the Like button will also show the profile pictures of your friends who have clicked on the Like button, as well as gives your visitors the chance to add a comment to the link when they click on the Like button. There's also some extra programming involved if you select this option.

I suggest you use the i-frame because it's easier to configure.

5. Highlight and copy the button code provided on the page for you.

6. Return to the page where you want the button to appear. In your HTML editor, you need to paste the code where you want it to appear on your page. As you look at the code, you'll see that it references the page you selected on which your code will appear. You'll also notice that the width of the box is set to 475 pixels (if you chose that width at setup) but there's no height set. You might want to set the height at 75 pixels so that the button doesn't take over your page.

7. Publish and "like" your page. Save the page with the code and publish it to your site. Go to your updated page and "Like" your page. Your page must be accessible to any viewer. If the content is password-protected (like in a membership site), an error message will appear when someone clicks the "Like" button on a page.

Connect the pages of your blog or web site with Facebook via the "Like" button. Share them with your friends and followers and watch the viral marketing happen!

Now, lets practice by liking this page .

Makena Mugane

Marketing Dept - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group
 

If you are an average speaker, it suck.So do all of your colleagues with average presentation skills.Let’s see why this is so…

Cookies and the Cookie Police..

Suppose you are baking cookies. After mixing up the dough, you scoop up a bit with your fingers, roll it into a ball, and plop it on the cookie sheet. Repeat this 50 times, and you’ve got an oven full of cookies. Repeat this 500 times, and you’ve got a freezer full of cookies — or, perhaps, enough for a bake sale.

Now, suppose that you were being investigated by the Homemade Cookie Police. After you plop each cookie onto the sheet, they carefully lift it up and weigh it. For all 500 cookies, they record the weight. When they finish, they prepare a chart (presumably for their PowerPoint presentation back at Headquarters).

If you are a normal human being, the chart would look something like this:

• Most of the cookies would have a weight very close to the average, give or take a few tenths of a gram.
• Small numbers of cookies would be either very small or very large.

The very small cookies might burn in the oven, and the very large cookies might be raw, but the vast majority of cookies would be delicious!

Humans and the Bell Curve

Why did the cookie weight/frequency chart turn out the way it did? Because you’re human!

You may have recognized the shape of the chart as the Bell Curve. (You might know it as a normal distribution, or some other name.)  It has many fascinating applications in mathematics and statistics, but perhaps the most fascinating is that if you consider any variable in a large population, the histogram (the chart of values versus the count) tends to follow the Bell Curve.

In the case of cookies, the weight is a variable because you aren’t a robot.

As another example, consider adult heights. The average height for North American men is about 69 ½ inches. (North American women are about 64 ½ inches.) Height is a variable, and the distribution of heights follows the Bell Curve.

• A large majority of male adults have heights around 69 ½ inches, perhaps a little above or a little below.
• There are, of course, some really tall people and some really short people. Relatively speaking, however, there are fewer of these people.

When it comes to height, being average is good. In fact, it’s preferred. Clothes, cars, and airplane seats are all designed for you. To be extremely short or extremely tall means a life of physical inconvenience.

As another example, consider a sport like golf and let’s look at how well people can hit the golf ball.

• Professional golfers can really smoke it, but there aren’t many professional golfers.
• Some people can barely hit it at all (perhaps they are too frail or maybe just too clumsy to swing a club). There are only a few of these people, too.
• The vast majority of us are in the middle. We’re just skilled enough to avoid injuring ourselves.

When it comes to golf, we’d like to be able to hit the ball at a professional level, but it’s okay to be average. Being average is mediocre, and that’s fine for golf. It’s understandable because most of us never received any golf lessons. Your golf skills are only used a few times per year (or in a lifetime), and your career success doesn’t depend much on your ability with a golf club.

Public Speaking and the Bell Curve

It’s a little more complex to quantify presentation skills, but suppose for a moment that you could. (Perhaps the number of minutes you can speak without anyone getting bored? Maybe the number of listeners who are motivated by your call-to-action?)

On the high end, you’ve got Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, and Steve Jobs.

On the low end, you’ve got hermits and people who cannot communicate at all.

In the middle, you have the majority of people with average presentation skills. Is this good? Or is this bad?

Here’s the key to this article: The line between being an effective communicator and an ineffective communicator is not down the middle of the chart. It’s over to the right. That’s where you want to be. That’s where you need to be.

Statistically speaking, you can suck and still be an average speaker. Most of your colleagues are. This is the Death by PowerPoint abyss. This is the 15 filler words per minute zone. This is the “What the heck is this speaker talking about?” zone.

• Presentation skills are not cookies.
  Chocolate chips won’t compensate for you being an average speaker. Your audience spends a lifetime in meetings listening to people who are average speakers and wishing they were somewhere else.
• Presentation skills are not like height.
  The world is not designed for average speakers to excel. People do not rally around you if you have an average ability to convey your ideas.
• Presentation skills are not like golf.
  It’s not okay to be a mediocre. Your communication skills matter!

To Be a Good Speaker, You Can’t Be Average

Why is the average speaker so bad? Like golf, most people in the world never receive any formal communications training, and they never pursue any informal training either. We all pay the price. Think of the last 50 presentations you have attended. How many kept you interested throughout? Ten? Five? Fewer than five?

The small fraction of the population who strive to improve their skills (that’s you if you are reading this article) has a huge advantage.  If your communication skills aren’t already above average, they will be. And above-average communication skills give you a huge advantage in life. Your ideas get communicated and noticed. You excel in interviews. You are seen as a leader.

The good news is that anyone can improve their skills with dedication, effort, and time. Join the next high impact public speaking and presentation skills training here. Volunteer to speak whenever you can. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Don’t be an average communicator. Be effective.

Compiled by,

Makena Mugane

Business Development Unit - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

You can design attractive visuals by following simple guidelines.  One of these simple guidelines is the Rule of Thirds — a composition technique borrowed from photography and other visual arts that works wonderfully in PowerPoint.In this article, you will learn:

• What is the Rule of Thirds?
• How do photographers use the Rule of Thirds?
• How can you apply the Rule of Thirds to Your PowerPoint slides?

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a guideline for composition that suggests placing key graphic elements along lines which divide your image into thirds, or at the intersections of those lines.

What does that mean? I’m glad you asked.

Imagine your PowerPoint slide is divided both vertically and horizontally into thirds, like this:

PowerPoint Tip: You can use the guides feature to draw these four lines into your PowerPoint template. They will then appear on every slide to help you compose your slide.

• The vertical lines divide your image into thirds.
• The horizontal lines divide your image into thirds.
• Together, they divide your image into 9 equal areas.
• These lines intersect at four points — known as Power Points. (Seriously! They really are!)

How do Photographers Use the Rule of Thirds?

Rule #1 – Place Key Elements of Your Composition at Power Points

In this example, the key element is pretty obvious — the tree.

Rather than centering this element in the photograph, the artist has chosen to center it on over the top-left Power Point.

Even in an image with more elements (i.e. not just a “grass” background), the viewer’s eye is drawn to these Power Points. By placing key elements at one or more of these Power Points, you achieve maximum impact.

Rule #2 – Place Key Elements of Your Composition Along Horizontal Lines

Novice photographers are tempted to place the horizon in the middle of the frame. This is generally not the best approach.

In this example, the photograph has placed the horizon (and also the line formed by the tops of the horses) along the lower horizontal line.

Additionally, the upper horizontal line conveniently divides the upper dark blue sky from the lower cloud-covered sky.

The overall effect is balance between the three horizontal bands of color from top to bottom: dark blue, white, and brown.

Rule #3 – Place Key Elements of Your Composition Along Vertical Lines

This example shows the book cover of Nancy Duarte’s excellent slide:ology

This isn’t a photograph, but the designer has (consciously or unconsciously) applied the rule of thirds.

Here, the white silhouette of the presenter is bisected by the left vertical dividing line.

Appropriately, Duarte writes this in slide:ology about the Rule of Thirds:

Composing your photos based on a simple grid of thirds is a trick used by movie producers, graphic designers, and professional photographers. Using the rule of thirds leads to aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking imagery.

Rule #4 – Place Key Elements of Your Composition at Power Points and simultaneously on Dividing Lines

In this example, the upper horizontal line lies across the horizon, separating the sky in the upper third from the water in the lower two thirds.

Simultaneously, the woman in this photograph is placed on the upper-right Power Point.

Furthermore, consider the line that is formed from the top of the woman’s head, down the middle of her back, and right through to the reflection on the water. Where is it? Centered on the right vertical dividing line.

So, this photograph blends elements on two of the four lines and one of the Power Points.

Does the Rule of Thirds Really Result in More Pleasing Compositions?

Are you skeptical?

I was. So, I decided to perform a simple test with the audiences of a PowerPoint seminar that I have given several times.

My test photograph is a landscape photo shown in the upper left of the four images below.  By zooming this image slightly, and then moving it up and down on a slide, I created the three slides shown below (without the rule of thirds dividing lines that you see here, of course).

• Slide A shows the tree line down the middle of the photograph.
• Slide B has the tree line lying along the upper horizontal dividing line.
• Slide C has the tree line lying along the lower horizontal dividing line.

Each time I give this seminar, I ask the audience a simple question: “Which of the three slides is most pleasing to you?”

The result?

Less than 5% of audience members choose Slide A. Some say “It’s boring.” Others remark that “I couldn’t decide what was important in the photo.”

Slides B and C were chosen roughly half of the time. Audience members found one or the other (or both) to be “pleasing” and “interesting.” Is it a coincidence that both of these slides use the Rule of Three, while slide A did not?

Which of the three do you like best?

How Can You Apply the Rule of Thirds to Your PowerPoint Slides?

1. Look for photographs which obey the Rule of Thirds
   If you are using photographs which bleed right to the edges of your slides (a good way to achieve maximum impact), try to choose photographs which use the Rule of Thirds.
2. Scale, crop, or position photographs to follow the Rule of Thirds
   When scanning photographs, use your mental viewfinder to find a small area within a larger photograph that you can use. For example, suppose the tree/grass example above were originally a much larger photograph with a tree in the middle. By cropping asymmetrically, you can create a more pleasing image using simple photo editing tools. This is easily done in Photoshop or any photo editing software.
3. Combine images with text so that one or both obey the Rule of Thirds
   Two great ways to do this are to choose photographs with either:
   • Large areas of uniform color on top of which you can place text with good contrast, OR
   • A solid color background (white works best!) so that you can move the photograph around seamlessly on top of the slide background.

The example below is the title slide from one of my presentations.  I used a stock photo which provides a visual metaphor for my topic (i.e. the blue piece stands out among all the yellow pieces). Since this photograph has a white background, I was able to place it off-center so that the blue piece landed on the upper-left Power Point. I then placed my slide text (in a matching color) centered on the lower horizontal line, anchored on the right vertical line.

Below are two more examples taken from my presentation design course.

On the left, I cropped a much larger photograph so that the stream of water falls along the right vertical line. Further, it hits the overflowing glass at exactly the lower horizontal line. Since the image background is out of focus, it provides good contrast for black text which I centered on the upper horizonal line.

On the right, I took a photograph of a trash bin and a white background and placed it on top of the lower-right Power Point. The white background of the photograph blends perfectly with the clean, white slide background. The text is positioned carefully with the most dramatic word — disaster — bolded and placed on the upper-left Power Point.

Will Using the Rule of Thirds Take More Time?

When you first become conscious of it during slide design, it may take you longer to choose and lay out your slides. However, it will save time and improve your visuals in the long run.

You need to limit your choices so that you do not waste time adjusting every single design element to a new position. I recommend that you create some sort of clean, simple grid to build your visuals on. [...] Grids can save you time and ensure that your design elements fit more harmoniously on the display.

Join the next training as we explore more amazing tips..Here is the way..

- View & Earn by Referring your friends, workmates, colleagues or contacts...to Upcoming Trainings or..Click Here..►

Compiled by,

Diana Muli

Clients Communication Unit - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

The most important things you need to know about marketing are in this column. In the few minutes it takes you to read this, you'll learn more basic truths about marketing than you'd pick up with a score of MBA degrees under one arm and all the marketing books ever written, including mine, under the other.

As marketing continues to change, the secrets of Top marketing continue to change. Originally, there were three secrets, then seven, then twelve. Now, I'm going to clue you in on the 15 secrets that guarantee you will exceed your most optimistic projections, however dreamy they may be.

MEMORIZE THESE 15 WORDS THEN LIVE BY THEM.

I'm giving you a memory crutch so that you'll never forget these words, each one representing a majorTop marketing secret. All 15 words end in the letters "ENT." Run your business by theTopconcepts they represent and your marketing dreams will come true.

1) COMMITMENT
You should know that a mediocre marketing program with commitment will always prove more profitable than a brilliant marketing program without commitment. Commitment makes it happen.

2) INVESTMENT
Marketing is not an expense, but an investment -- the best investment available in the World today -- if you do it right. With the 15 secrets ofTopmarketing to guide you, you'll be doing it right.

3) CONSISTENT
It takes a while for prospects to trust you and if you change your marketing, media, and identity, you're hard to trust. Restraint is a great ally of the guerrilla. Repetition is another.

4) CONFIDENT
In a nationwide test to determine why people buy, price came in fifth, selection fourth, service third, quality second, and, in first place -- people said they patronize businesses in which they are confident.

5) PATIENT
Unless the person running your marketing is patient, it will be difficult to practice commitment, view marketing as an investment, be consistent, and make prospects confident. Patience is aTop virtue.

6) ASSORTMENT
Top Marketers know that individual marketing weapons rarely work on their own. But marketing combinations do work. A wide assortment of marketing tools is required to woo and win customers.

7) CONVENIENT
People now know that time is not money, but is far more valuable than money. Respect this by being easy to do business with and running your company for the convenience of your customers, not yourself.

8) SUBSEQUENT
The real profits come after you've made the sale, in the form of repeat and referral business. Non-Top Marketers think marketing ends when they've made the sale. Top Marketers know that's when marketing begins.

9) AMAZEMENT
There are elements of your business that you take for granted, but prospects would be amazed if they knew the details. Be sure all of your marketing always reflects that amazement. It's always there.

10) MEASUREMENT
You can actually double your profits by measuring the results of your marketing. Some weapons hit bulls-eyes. Others miss the target. Unless you measure, you won't know which is which.

11) INVOLVEMENT
This describes the relationship between you and your customers -- and it is a relationship. You prove your involvement by following up; they prove theirs by patronizing and recommending you.

12) DEPENDENT
The Top Marketer's job is not to compete but to cooperate with other businesses. Market them in return for them marketing you. Set up tie-ins with others. Become dependent to market more and invest less.

13) ARMAMENT
Armament is defined as "the equipment necessary to wage and win battles." The armament of Top Marketers is technology: computers, current software, cellphones,website,social media sites- If you’re technophobic, see a techno-shrink.

14) CONSENT
In an era of non-stop interruption marketing, the key to success is to first gain consent to receive your marketing materials, then market only to those who have given you that consent. Don’t waste money on people who don’t give it to you.

15) AUGMENT
To succeed online, augment your website with offline promotion, constant maintenance of your site, participation in newsgroups and forums, email, chatroom attendance, posting articles, hosting conferences and rapid follow-up.

These 15 concepts are probably the reason that many start-up Top Marketers now run highly successful companies. They are the cornerstone of Top marketing, now the most popular marketing series in history, published in 37 languages, and required reading in many MBA programs worldwide. Just 15 words, but each one nuclear-powered and capable of propelling you into the land of your dreams.

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini

Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

Unleash Your True Potential...!

If you’re using social media, you probably already know that it’s filled with people who love to talk and interact with each other. For example, according to Facebook’s latest statistics, the site’s users share more than 30 billion web links, photos, status messages, videos, and other content every month. Twitter claims that its users post 140 million tweets per day. While there are some people who join social media sites just to listen and observe, it’s clear that most do it to engage, converse, and participate.

So how do you, as a small business or nonprofit organization, get in that mix? How often should you post, and when? The specific answer is different for everyone; it depends on who you are, what your goals are, and who you’re trying to reach. Like with email marketing, knowing your audience will help you determine how often to post. That said, here’s some good conventional wisdom for two of the most popular social sites:

Facebook: Best practices suggest posting to your Facebook Page at least a few times a week so you have a consistent presence. Unlike with Twitter, a single post of an item is enough since those posts tend to have a little more stickiness in a user’s news feed. It’s important to note that most Facebook users spend the majority of their time reading their news feed, not visiting specific Pages. With this in mind, you’ll want to post compelling content often enough to get noticed. Using photos and videos in your posts can be a huge help in this area.

Twitter: 140 million tweets sure is a lot, so to get noticed in that fast moving stream, you want to make sure you’re posting more than once in a given day, and at different times in the day. It’s alright to post a link to the same blog post or article multiple times in a single day or week, but do so at least a couple hours apart and change up the wording of your tweet each time to freshen up the content. Otherwise, you’ll look like a spammer that repeatedly posts the same content, and people may unfollow you.

The good news is that services like HootSuite let you schedule tweets and Facebook updates, so you don’t have to be sitting at the computer all the time posting to your social networks. This way, if you want to post something in the morning and afternoon, you can do that. And then, whenever your customers log in, you’ll be there, ready to greet them with great content.

Good Luck...

 Commpiled by,

Makena Mugane,

Business Devt Unit - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

We all love the power of email connecting people across continents. But... we're drowning in it.

Every year it gets a little worse. To the point where we can get trapped spending most of our working week simply handling the contents of our in-boxes.

And in doing so, we're making the problem worse. Every reply, every cc, creates new work for our friends and colleagues.

We need to figure out a better way.

But how?

 Here are some insights to consider...

1. Is it going to just one person? (If yes, jump to #10)

2. Since it's going to a group, have I thought about who is on my list?

3. Are they blind copied?

4. Did every person on the list really and truly opt in? Not like sort of, but really ask for it?

5. So that means that if I didn't send it to them, they'd complain about not getting it?

6. See #5. If they wouldn't complain, take them off!

7. That means, for example, that sending bulk email to a list of bloggers just cause they have blogs is not okay.

8. Aside: the definition of permission marketing: Anticipated, personal and relevant messages delivered to people who actually want to get them. Nowhere does it say anything about you and your needs as a sender. Probably none of my business, but I'm just letting you know how I feel. (And how your prospects feel).

9. Is the email from a real person? If it is, will hitting reply get a note back to that person? (if not, change it please).

10. Have I corresponded with this person before?

11. Really? They've written back? (if no, reconsider email).

12. If it is a cold-call email, and I'm sure it's welcome, and I'm sure it's not spam, then don't apologize. If I need to apologize, then yes, it's spam.

13. Am I angry? (If so, save as draft and come back to the note in one hour).

14. Could I do this note better with a phone call?

15. Am I blind-ccing my boss? If so, what will happen if the recipient finds out?

16. Is there anything in this email I don't want the attorney general, the media or my boss seeing? (If so, hit delete).

17. Is any portion of the email in all caps? (If so, consider changing it.)

18. Is it in black type at a normal size?

19. Do I have my contact info at the bottom? (If not, consider adding it).

20. Have I included the line, "Please save the planet. Don't print this email"? (If so, please delete the line and consider a job as a forest ranger or flight attendant).

21. Could this email be shorter?

22. Is there anyone copied on this email who could be left off the list?

23. Have I attached any files that are very big? (If so, google something like 'send big files' and consider your options.)

24. Have I attached any files that would work better in PDF format?

25. Are there any :-) or other emoticons involved? (If so, reconsider).

26. Am I forwarding someone else's mail? (If so, will they be happy when they find out?)

27. Am I forwarding something about religion (mine or someone else's)? (If so, delete).

28. Am I forwarding something about a virus or worldwide charity effort or other potential hoax? (If so, visit snopes and check to see if it's 'actually true).

29. Did I hit 'reply all'? If so, am I glad I did? Does every person on the list need to see it?

30. Am I quoting back the original text in a helpful way? (Sending an email that says, in its entirety, "yes," is not helpful).

31. If this email is to someone like Seth, did I check to make sure I know the difference between its and it's? Just wondering.

32. If this is a press release, am I really sure that the recipient is going to be delighted to get it? Or am I taking advantage of the asymmetrical nature of email--free to send, expensive investment of time to read or delete?

33. Are there any little animated creatures in the footer of this email? Adorable kittens? Endangered species of any kind?

34. Bonus: Is there a long legal disclaimer at the bottom of my email? Why?

35. Bonus: Does the subject line make it easy to understand what's to come and likely it will get filed properly?

36. If I had to pay 42 cents to send this email, would I?

Good Luck,

Compiled by

Mike Ndegwa,

E-Marketing Consultant

Dolphins Group.
 

Marketing is part art, part science and part business. Because it's such a subjective thing, there are few hard and fast rules. But here are five new ones to guide you in your quest to boost your profits with a minimum investment and avoid nasty surprises along the way.

1) The 10/30/60 Rule
All guerrillas know they have three markets. The largest of those markets and the one that represents the least profits to you is called your universe -- everybody within your marketing area regardless of whether they match your customer profile. Top Marketers invest 10 percent of their marketing budget talking to their universe, attempting to move them into their second largest market, one that ranks in the middle for generating profits.

That market is called your prospects, those members of the universe who do fit your customer profile. Your job: invest 30 percent of your budget in an effort to nudge these people into your third market -- your customers, easily your most lucrative source of profits.

Top Marketers invest 60 percent of their budgets marketing to their customers, knowing it costs them one-sixth as much to make a sale to an existing customer compared with marketing to a non-customer. By investing the most in the market that produces the most profits, yet costs the least to reach, guerrillas maximize their total marketing investment.

2) The 1/10/100 Rule
Now that you know the value of customers, don't overestimate their importance even though it ranks very high. Other marketing investments are even more worthwhile. When guerrillas think of marketing, they know where the real power resides and invest accordingly.

A rule guides them to where they should be putting their time and money. It dictates to guerrillas that $1 spent communicating with their own staff is equivalent to $10 spent communicating with the trade and $100 spent talking to their customers. Customers are glorious and the trade very helpful, but never overlook the marketing power of your own people.

3) The Rule of Thirds
Almost every business is now marketing online. Top Marketers have learned how to budget their online investment. They invest one-third of it in designing and posting their website, making it look attractive and be very simple to find.

They invest another third of that online budget to attract people to that site, knowing that marketing that site offline is a key to succeeding with it. online. The final third of their online budget is used to improve and maintain their site, keeping it fresh and fascinating. By allocating their online budgets realistically, guerrillas make the most of the Internet.

4) The Rule of Twice
I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but even though the price of technology is dropping and will continue to drop, you've still got to face up to the reality that it will end up costing you twice what you think it will cost to remain truly competitive online as technologies advance and evolve. And you've got to know that you're kidding yourself if you're not staying competitive in that arena.

5) The Rule of The Ruler
You may consider yourself just too busy to attend to run the marketing show. You may have followed in the footsteps of other guerrillas and delegated the marketing function to a designated guerrilla. Still, I think you should know that the very best CEOs in The World are deeply involved in marketing and take full responsibility for it.

-

While you can delegate the function, you can't really delegate the passion and the vision, making it necessary for you, as the ruler, to take command of the process and keep your eyes on it all along. Follow that rule and you'll never be lead down a garden path by well-meaning but misguided marketing types whose goals may not be quite the same as yours.

Keep Marketing,Keep Winning,Keep Growing...

Compiled By,

Makena Mugane,

Business Development.

Dolphins Group.

Most of us have heard the phrase “health, wealth and happiness.” But what actually brings health, wealth and happiness? Is it success, and success alone?

My poor dad was a successful man. He had a Ph.D. and was well-respected and accomplished. But he had poor health, very little wealth and was rarely happy. He smoked two packs of cigarettes a day, eventually dying of lung cancer. He made a lot of money as a government official but never invested it. He wasn’t happy with his success. In his mind, he needed to accomplish more.

So, my thought for you this month: Are you becoming healthy, wealthy and happy? Or are you sacrificing these ideals for success?

Most of us know what to do when it comes to our health and our wealth. Health is primarily about diet and exercise, and wealth is about earning and investing. But happiness is a bit more mysterious. We know to think positively, but thinking positively instead of realistically can have tragic consequences. For example, positive thinking won’t prevent you from going bust if you’re foolish with money, and it won’t reduce your percentage of body fat.

In fact, it’s often the pursuit of happiness that causes the most problems with health and wealth. Many people are obese because they eat and drink to feel happy. And others shop to feel happy, even if it means maxing out credit cards.

Many books discuss the subject of being happy and the factors that affect happiness. One factor in particular helps entrepreneurs lead happier, healthier and wealthier lives: self-control. I’m happier if I have the self-control to do the right things even if I don’t want to do them. In business, sometimes that means studying more instead of working more.

Sometimes we make business decisions because they make us feel happy in the short run. But in the long run, we become less healthy and less happy. Sometimes doing the right thing might not make us happy temporarily, but we feel better later.

To me, doing the right things, even if I don’t want to do them, is one of the keys to being truly happy. Today, whenever I feel unhappy, I simply ask myself, “What am I not doing?” or “What am I avoiding?” Then hopefully, I have the tenacity to do what I know I need to do. That’s the only way we won’t forfeit our health, wealth or happiness in our pursuit of success.

Thank You and Good Luck

Compiled by

Makena Mugane- From Rich Dad Exclusives..

Business Devt

Dolphins Group

It all started because of the discovery problem.

Too many things to choose from, more every day. No efficient way to alert the world about your service, your music, your book. How about giving it away to help the idea spread?

The simplest old school examples are radio (songs to hear for free, in in the hope that someone will buy them) and Oprah (give away all the secrets in your book in the hope that many will buy.)

There's a line out the door of people eager to spread their ideas, because in a crowded marketplace, being ignored is the same as failure.

Most people, most of the time, don't buy things if there's a free substitute available. A hundred million people hear a pop song on the radio and less than 1 percent will buy a copy. Millions will walk by a painting in a museum, but very few have prints, posters or even inexpensive original art in their homes. (In the former case, the purchased music is better--quality and convenience--than the free version, in the latter, the print is merely more accessible, but the math is the same--lots of visits, not a lot of conversion).

We don't hesitate to ask a consultant or doctor or writer for free advice, but often hesitate when it involves a payment. ("Oh, I'm not asking for consulting, I just wanted you to answer a question...") And yes, I'm told that some people cut their own hair instead of paying someone a few bucks to do it.

None of this is news. Two things have changed, though:

1. As more commercial activity involves digital goods (websites, ebooks, music, etc.), the temptation to spread the idea for free (to aid discovery) is actually economically possible--if you believe that the free spread will lead to more revenue in the long run. The cost of a single copy is zero, so you can choose to set the digital item loose without bankrupting yourself.

2. A culture of free digital consumption has evolved and is being adopted by a huge segment of the most coveted consumers (teenagers, the educated, the upper middle class).

The bet a creator makes, then, is that when she gives away something for free, it will be discovered, attract attention, spread and then, as we saw in radio in 1969, lead to some portion of the masses actually buying something.

What's easy to overlook is that a leap is necessary for the last step to occur. As we've made it easier for ideas to spread digitally, we've actually amplified the gap between free and paid. It turns out that there's a huge cohort that's just not going to pay for anything if they can possibly avoid it.

Radio thirty years ago was simple: everyone hears it for free and a few buy it.

For a time, one could use free to promote an idea and have leverage to turn that attention into paid sales of a similar item (either because free went away or because the similar item offered convenience or souvenir value).

I think that might be changing. As the free-only cohort grows, people start to feel foolish when they pay for something when the free substitute is easily available and perhaps more convenient.

Think about that--buying things now makes some people feel foolish. Few felt foolish buying a Creedence album in the 1970s. They felt good about it, not stupid.

This new default to free means that people with something to sell are going to have to push ever harder to invent things that can't possibly have a free substitute. Patronage, live events, membership, the benefits of connection--all of these things are outside the scope we used to associate with the creative business model, but that's changing, fast.

Lady Gaga's music is basically free. It's the concerts that cost money. McKinsey's consulting philosophy is free in the library, it's the bespoke work that costs money. Watching a movie on Netflix is free--once you pay to belong. Playing golf at the local public course is pretty cheap, it's membership in the fancy club that costs money...

There's a growing disconnect between making something worthwhile and getting paid for it. The digital artifact is heading toward free faster and faster, and the inevitable leap to a paid version of the same item is going to get more difficult.

Creators don't have to like it, but free culture is here and it's getting more pervasive. The brutal economics of discovery combined with no marginal cost create a relentless path toward free, which deepens the gap. Going forward, many things that can be free, will be.

[Worth a side note to talk about the 'shoulds'. Some commentators have argued quite forcibly that things shouldn't be free, that creators should always be paid, that 47% of our economy is based on intellectual property...

Of course, free has always been part of the equation. These commentators, the ones arguing in interviews or in blog posts, are already sharing their ideas for free. The bestselling book of all time has no copyright and has been shared freely for thousands of years. Musicians gladly show up to play for virtually free on American Bandstand or the Tonight Show.

Most ideas have never been something one could monetize. The inventor of the knock knock joke, for example, or the two college kids who coined Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon have put ideas into the ideastream, and they spread without much thought for cash compensation.

I'm certainly not arguing that content should be free, it's clear that the argument on the either side isn't absolute. My argument is that the line for using free as a discovery tool is shifting, and the best (and perhaps only) way to monetize in the future is for the idea to be encased in something that could never realistically be free. Products and services with a marginal cost of more than zero, for example.

Should consumers be willing to pay for great content? You bet. In fact, paying for content is a great way to ensure that more of it gets made.

Does the game theory of the market make it likely that those in search of discovery will accelerate the use of free to get attention? Of course.

Creators have trained the most coveted, biggest spending and intelligent portion of the market to expect that many digital items will be free. Now it's up to us to wrap those items in such a way that they're worth paying for again.]

Keep your game up..

Compiled by.

Sam Muchai - smuchai@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Business Development Unit..

Not even the most ardent believers in equality or the notion that a book cannot be judged by its cover can reasonably refute the power of appearances. We draw several conclusions about others within seconds of first meeting them, conclusions we will find hard to shake in the future, even if we see evidence to disprove them.

Yet, when these conclusions are positive ones, when through our appearance we send visual cues that people receive in a positive light, something amazing happens, what researchers term the "halo effect." According to the halo effect, when people pick up positive visual messages and cues from your appearance, they will assume that other aspects about you are equally as positive.

This snowball effect has the capacity to transform your life, and you can get it rolling simply by looking your best.

To that end, we've gathered together a top 10 highlighting the benefits of being as attractive as you can be and looking your very best -- benefits that aren't just assumptions or common sense, but ones supported by independent data.

No.10 Boost Your Salary 5%-10%
According to "Beauty and the Labor Market," a paper by Daniel Hamermesh and Jeff Biddle that was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, men who are attractive enjoy a premium on salaries, upwards of 10%, compared to their less appealing colleagues, a finding largely independent of occupation.

So can looking your best really make an impact on your current salary? There is only one way to find out: Upgrade the way you present yourself at work.

No.9 Get A Second Interview
A guy can rely on his persistence and on the strength of his resume when landing an initial job interview, but assuming he's qualified, what factor may end up being the tipping point? The thing that either lands that second interview or sinks any chance of it? You guessed it: personal appearance.

According to a study reported on by corporate image consultant Susan Bixler in The New Professional Image, the No. 1 reason given by over 150 employers for rejecting a job applicant following the first interview was poor personal appearance.

No.8 Land A Higher Starting Salary
A researcher from Fairleigh Dickinson University wanted to know if appearances would have any influence over starting salaries offered by employers. To find out, she sent identical resumes to over 1,000 employers asking what starting salary would be offered. Half of the resumes included a picture of the "applicant" before being made over and given a more professional and polished look, and the other half included a picture showing the person with the polished look.

The applicant with the polished, professional appearance did much better than his mediocre self, receiving starting salary replies upwards of 20% higher than his counterpart.

No.7 Be More Persuasive
You would think that nothing could be more persuasive or succeed in changing the minds of others than an airtight argument presented in a marching, logical fashion. This does not appear to be true; rather, some studies have shown that appearance alone is more than enough.

Attractive people, by virtue of their appearance alone, have been found to be more persuasive (especially in the advertising setting) than their unattractive counterparts. Curiously, people tend to confer upon attractive people the quality of being an independent thinker, someone whose opinion is beyond undue influence.

No.6 Enjoy Greater Credibility
People who are perceived as more attractive than others are also regarded as being more credible and more reliable than their less attractive peers. While this is difficult if not impossible to accurately quantify, studies carried out by researcher A.G. Miller on the formation of impressions in others showed that attractive people are perceived as having a sense of purpose to their lives and act according to their will and conscience, lending them a greater degree of credibility in the eyes of others.

No.5 Amplify How Others Percieve Your Accomplishments
Attractive people do not, as a rule, perform tasks or projects at work or elsewhere any better than unattractive people. Yet the work of two economists, entitled "Why Beauty Matters," showed that people do not perceive things in such an unbiased manner. Rather, they tend to have higher expectations from attractive people and they tend to overestimate their productivity.

In other words, simply by amping up your appearance, you can amp up how people perceive the things you do.

No.4 Raise Your General Self-Confidence
No one disputes the incredible effect self-confidence can have on a guy. People are drawn to confident people, and when they find it in others, they buy into it. Now, there are several ways to gain self-confidence, and one of them is in presenting yourself in the most attractive manner, in part because it'll make you feel good but also because, according to published estimates, we have the occasion to see our reflections in windows, mirrors and other surfaces as many as 50 times a day.

What is the effect on self-confidence and behavior if one's reflection is showing a guy who you know could be a whole lot more attractive if he just put a little extra time and effort into it?

No.3 Be A Happier Person
Can being the most attractive person you can be also make you a happier person? Though this is the only entry on our list not directly supported by data, this benefit is nonetheless backed up by a preponderance of evidence, namely by the many other benefits named in this list: earning a better salary, enjoying more self-confidence, being regarded as credible and authoritative by others, having your accomplishments viewed in a light that perhaps is more aligned with your own perceptions of them.

All these things necessarily point towards a happier, more fulfilled person -- and it's all simply from paying closer attention to the way you present yourself to others.

No.2 Make Better First Impressions With opposite…

"What's the biggest potential turnoff when first meeting a man or a lady?"

The top answer, given by 36% of responding women, was bad hygiene. And while bad hygiene can refer to many things -- bad breath, ill-fitting clothes, unkempt hair -- all those things can be nullified by presenting the best possible version of yourself.

No.1 Expand Your Network
Arguably the best benefit of being as attractive as you can be is the ability to expand your network professionally and personally -- an ability that can be seen as the sum of all the other benefits, since it is through networking that we are introduced to new, interesting and potentially influential people.

Researcher Karen Dion and her colleagues found that people seek out and expect to find more socially desirable traits in attractive people -- traits such as strength, sensitivity, poise, modesty, and character. Such a perception will undoubtedly draw people to you, allowing you to expand your network and open up new and exciting avenues in your life.

Now you know,we all got one life to live,go ahead and make the best from your days..Start Today..

Good Luck..

Compiled by

Juliannah M Katana

Business Development

Dolphins Group.

Customer service is an integral part of our job and should not be seen as an extension of it. A company’s most vital asset is its customers. Without them, we would not and could not exist in business. When you satisfy our customers, they not only help us grow by continuing to do business with you, but recommend you to friends and associates.

The practice of customer service should be as present on the show floor as it is in any other sales environment.

The Ten Commandments of Customer Service

1. Know who is boss. You are in business to service customer needs, and you can only do that if you know what it is your customers want. When you truly listen to your customers, they let you know what they want and how you can provide good service. Never forget that the customer pays our salary and makes your job possible.

 

2. Be a good listener. Take the time to identify customer needs by asking questions and concentrating on what the customer is really saying. Listen to their words, tone of voice, body language, and most importantly, how they feel. Beware of making assumptions - thinking you intuitively know what the customer wants. Do you know what three things are most important to your customer?

   Effective listening and undivided attention are particularly important on the show floor where there is a great danger of preoccupation - looking around to see to whom else we could be selling to.

    

3. Identify and anticipate needs. Customers don't buy products or services. They buy good feelings and solutions to problems. Most customer needs are emotional rather than logical. The more you know your customers, the better you become at anticipating their needs. Communicate regularly so that you are aware of problems or upcoming needs.

 

4. Make customers feel important and appreciated. Treat them as individuals. Always use their name and find ways to compliment them, but be sincere. People value sincerity. It creates good feeling and trust. Think about ways to generate good feelings about doing business with you. Customers are very sensitive and know whether or not you really care about them. Thank them every time you get a chance.

   On the show floor be sure that your body language conveys sincerity. Your words and actions should be congruent.

    

5. Help customers understand your systems. Your organization may have the world's best systems for getting things done, but if customers don't understand them, they can get confused, impatient and angry. Take time to explain how your systems work and how they simplify transactions. Be careful that your systems don't reduce the human element of your organization.

 

6. Appreciate the power of "Yes". Always look for ways to help your customers. When they have a request (as long as it is reasonable) tell them that you can do it. Figure out how afterwards. Look for ways to make doing business with you easy. Always do what you say you are going to do.

 

7. Know how to apologize. When something goes wrong, apologize. It's easy and customers like it. The customer may not always be right, but the customer must always win. Deal with problems immediately and let customers know what you have done. Make it simple for customers to complain. Value their complaints. As much as we dislike it, it gives us an opportunity to improve. Even if customers are having a bad day, go out of your way to make them feel comfortable.

 

8. Give more than expected. Since the future of all companies lies in keeping customers happy, think of ways to elevate yourself above the competition. Consider the following:

    

   • What can you give customers that they cannot get elsewhere?
   • What can you do to follow-up and thank people even when they don't buy?
   • What can you give customers that is totally unexpected?

 

9. Get regular feedback. Encourage and welcome suggestions about how you could improve. There are several ways in which you can find out what customers think and feel about your services.

    

   • Listen carefully to what they say.
   • Check back regularly to see how things are going.
   • Provide a method that invites constructive criticism, comments and suggestions.

    

10. Treat employees well. Employees are your internal customers and need a regular dose of appreciation. Thank them and find ways to let them know how important they are. Treat your employees with respect and chances are they will have a higher regard for customers. Appreciation stems from the top. Treating customers and employees well is equally important.

Compiled by

Angela Muli

Clients Relations,     Dolphins Group

Your business would not exist without customers. And if you have customers, you have to have customer service. Everybody talks about the importance of good customer service, but few seem to follow through on it.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask a few questions of communications expert  in Africa I found out why she says, "Good customer service is no longer enough."

jr:Why is customer service so important to a successful business?

db: Customers have more options than ever before-and feel less loyalty. They want products and services fast, cheap, quick-from whoever will provide them. That means that the competitive advantage is now in your ability to KEEP customers and build repeat business. And the email mindset makes it even easier for customers to spread out their dissatisfaction. Make Customer Jones angry and chances are you've got a nasty rumor going around to ten of his colleagues that you're a lousy firm to do business with.

jr: What's your definition of good customer service?

db: Good customer service is no longer enough. It has to be superior, WOW, unexpected service. In a nutshell, it means doing what you say you will, when you say you will, how you say you will, at the price you promised-plus a little extra tossed in to say "I appreciate your business."

jr: How do you quantify it and measure it?

db: There are as many ways as there are businesses. You can use several criteria as your scorecard-decrease in written customer complaints, decrease in oral complaints, more referrals generated from your current customers, increase in the repeat business of your current customers, faster response time/turnaround time on orders, increased productivity and less rework on customer projects. There are many, many options. Part of our customer service consulting and training is to lead clients to determine how they personally want to evaluate. Evaluation costs time and money, but it's well worth it to see how you score.

jr: Is good customer service different on the Internet?

db: The primary difference is that you have difficulty in building rapport with customers because there are fewer occasions of real-time interaction. A second difference is that customers seem to be more fickle and hostile because they can chose to remain anonymous. They're in; they're out; they move on without a second thought. First impressions about how user-friendly your site is, for example, get translated to how user-friendly your products and services are in general.

jr: If good customer service is so important to a business' success, why do so few businesses have it?

db: Customer service is dependent on three things: customer-friendly policies set by the organization's executives, training offered to the staff, and the attitude of the staff about their own organization as generated by the way their company treats them. Let me elaborate on what happens if any of these are out of whack. If executives don't actually know/see how their policies get executed on the frontline, they're often shocked to discover the actual results of how the policies get carried out/enforced. If people aren't trained on specifics (not just smile and use people's names), they don't know how to build customer loyalty even when they want to. For example, you may tell a frontline staffer to acknowledge customers when they walk in the door. But they have to know HOW to acknowledge them. Is it appropriate to say, "Next" to the next person, thereby making them feel like a number rather than person that's being "processed." And finally, let me elaborate on how customer service becomes the result of poor employee treatment. In a nutshell: employees can be spiteful. If they get pushed around and treated unfairly, they "get even" by doing things to drive your customers away (act sullen, air your dirty linen, forget to call back or follow up).

jr: I often feel the retail industry has the worst customer service. Is this supported by fact?

db: I don't know about any research that says retail customer service is worse than that, say, offered in a stockbrokerage firm. But the reason a retail environment pops into mind so often when mentioning poor customer service is that their customer base is so broad and poor service is so easy to spot. For example, you don't realize that the stockbrokerage firm didn't send you the correct paperwork on your new account until two weeks later-and they may or may not admit fault. Behind-the-scenes foul-ups are difficult to trace to discover who did or didn't do/communicate what was needed. But with retail, all the foul-ups are readily and immediately apparent when you walk in the door: The sales associate is on the phone to her mother. No one called/asked my name. No one asked the right questions to discover my needs. No one smiled. The clerk didn't know the merchandise. Nobody could make a decision when I asked for an exception to policy. All those issues glare at the customer immediately.

jr: What are some examples, which you have encountered, of really good customer service? Of really bad? What could the bad ones have done differently?

db: We recently had a great example of above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty service. One of our trainers was staying in a hotel in Kampala. When she went to her rental car the first morning of our workshop, she discovered a dead-battery. The hotel desk clerk heard her make a desperate call to the rental car agency and heard them tell her it would be two hours before they could come out. They offered no other option for her to get to the seminar. The hotel desk clerk overheard the conversation and volunteered to lend our trainer her personal car for the day, saying it would simply be parked in the lot all day and she had no use for it. My bad example-the same situation. The rental car agency. In effect, they've said, "You've got a problem. Here's our policy. Like it or rent elsewhere next time. Instead, they should have had in place a system for faster response time. In lieu of that, they should have had approval and foresight to offer other options such as suggesting the guest take a taxi to work and offering to reimburse the fare.

jr: If I, as a manager, have just taken over an operation with a reputation for less than ideal customer service, what can I do about it? What should I do first?

db: Fix it and then brag. Not the other way around. The mistake most new managers make is to take over the job and announce to their public/customers their intentions to improve customer service. But they don't yet have new systems and policies and training in place, so nothing really changes for the customer. Customers' high hopes are dashed. Then they become even more hostile and disappointed in the service. So, the first step is to fix the problem, train the staff to deliver better service, and THEN announce the change to your customers as you set about proving it to them.

jr: If I have had responsibility for that operation for some time, and this interview shows me I need to improve, is the plan any different than in your previous answer?

db: Same. Just put your money, time, and commitment where your mouth is. That's often the difficulty. Everybody believes in good customer service--in theory. The real difference develops when people actually commit to carry out their intentions.

Here is your opportunity to really make a difference in the customer service your company provides. Make sure your people actually commit to carrying out their intentions

Good Luck!

Compiled by,

Daisy Wairimu..

Clients Relations

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd    -    Dolphins Group.

Most businesses and organizations spend more time and energy trying to find new customers than they spend retaining the customers they have. The logic behind customer retention is simple - it costs far less money to keep current customers happy than to spend much more money to recruit new customers. Loyal customers tell their friends about your business and will spend more money than new customers.

I dread eating at airports. If you travel as much as I do, you are probably familiar with the "3 b's" as they apply to airport fare: bad food, bad attitudes, and bad timing. I had an early flight to catch at  Kigali- Rwanda. I found myself standing outside the closed and gated doorway to this restaurant ten minutes before they were scheduled to open. I just knew they would be late and expected to receive the usual grumpy service common at most airports the world over. But, I was wrong.

Bam! The clock struck five, the lights popped on and this charming lady opened the doors. She greeted me with a smile, a warm "hello" and told me to sit anywhere I wanted. I had never seen such a positive attitude at 5:00 in the morning. For the next hour, I watched Felicia cheerfully greet customers, many of whom she called by name. They were the "regulars" she said. Felicia was the remarkable person who made that small restaurant pleasant and memorable. Next time I return to the same Airport, I guarantee you this is the restaurant I am going to visit first.

Here are seven steps to build this kind of customer loyalty.

• Select the right people. In the book, From Good to Great, Jim Collins said, "People are not your most important asset, the RIGHT people are." Most businesses do a poor job of hiring people. They hire just anyone and place them on the front-line with customers. Spend more time recruiting and hiring the right people with good personalities. Focus on those who are friendly and demonstrate an interest in and enthusiasm for the job. Consider using personality profiles as part of the hiring process. These profiles help identify the true personality characteristics of your applicants. They'll help you find your next Felicia.

   

• Sensationalize the service experience for your customers. Good service is not good enough. A recent Gallup survey showed a customer who is "emotionally connected" to your place of business is likely to spend 46% more money than a customer who is merely "satisfied" but not emotionally bonded.

   

• Set performance standards. Outline the behaviors you expect from your employees; tell them your requirements for how employees should act, speak, and respond to customer needs and requests. One of our clients developed a list of twenty customer service commandments that outline actions he wanted his service people to demonstrate. Develop your own that fit your business.

   

• Sustain on-going training and reinforcement. Good customer service skills are not natural for most people. Effective customer service training must be reinforced and taught on a recurring basis. For example, some hotels provide a thorough customer service training program for all of its employees during their orientation. Then each supervisor conducts a daily "line-up" to review one of the commandments with his employees ten minutes before each shift.

   

• Specify incentives for demonstrated good customer service behavior. Yes, employees want to be paid well, but they also want to be treated with respect and shown appreciation. The front-line supervisor has the greatest impact on motivating and retaining employees. Reward those who exceed the standards and provide development for those who do not.

   

• Survey your customers and reduce your defection rate. On average, businesses lose 15-20% of their customers each year to their competition. All businesses encounter this defection rate, but few do much about it. To improve customer retention, one client sends out a customer service report card to its top customers every month. This requires the customer to make an evaluation based on four specific criteria. They tally the results and make sure employees see the scores. This motivates the employees to do a better job.

   

• Seek customer complaints with enthusiasm. For every complaint you receive from customers, there are at least ten other customers who visited your business who have the same criticism - they just didn't share theirs. A portion of those ten people just took their business to your competitors. Look at customer complaints as a golden opportunity for improvement.

Keep it going,

Compiled by

Angela Muli

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd      Dolphins Group.

Manu’s funny brilliance aside, this collection of org charts might help you think hard about why your organization is structured the way it is.

Is it because it was built when geography mattered more than it does now? Is it an artifact of a business that had a factory at its center? Does the org chart you live with every day leverage your best people or does it get in their way?

Lets talk..
Sam Muchai…smuchai@dolphinsgroup.co.ke
Dolphins Group..

Take a reality check to determine how clearly you understand what your prospects are thinking each time they look at your advertisement.

The business takes a leap of faith and contracts to run a weekly ad in the local newspaper with a frequency of once a week for a full year. After five weeks, the results displease him so much that he cancels his contract.

Five ads in five weeks seems like a lot of frequency in marketing. Five exposures do, indeed, establish some momentum. But they don't even come close to create enough desire to motivate a sale. To truly comprehend how much frequency is enough to spark that sale, you've got to know just what your prospects think from each exposure. Here is exactly what each one thinks as he or she looks at the ad you've run:

1. The first time a man looks at an advertisement, he does not see it.
2. The second time, he does not notice it.
3. The third time, he is conscious of its existence.
4. The fourth time, he faintly remembers having seen it before.
5. The fifth time, he reads it.
6. The sixth time, he turns up his nose at it.
7. The seventh time, he reads it through and says, "Oh brother!"
8. The eighth time, he says, "Here's that confounded thing again!"
9. The ninth time, he wonders if it amounts to anything.
10. The tenth time, he asks his neighbor if he has tried it.
11. The eleventh time, he wonders how the advertiser makes it pay.
12. The twelfth time, he thinks it must be a good thing.
13. The thirteenth time, he thinks perhaps it might be worth something.
14. The fourteenth time, he remembers wanting such a thing a long time.
15. The fifteenth time, he is tantalized because he cannot afford to buy it.
16. The sixteenth time, he thinks he will buy it some day.
17. The seventeenth time, he makes a memorandum to buy it.
18. The eighteenth time, he swears at his poverty.
19. The nineteenth time, he counts his money carefully.
20. The twentieth time he sees the ad, he buys what it is offering.

The list you've just read was written by Thomas Smith of London in l885.

But here we are approaching the end of the l990's, so how much of that list is valid right now, today? The answer is all of it.

Topmarketerss know that the single most important element of superb marketing is commitment to a focused plan. Do you think commitment is easy to maintain after an ad has run nineteen times and nobody is buying? It's not easy.

But Topmarketers have the coolness to hang in there because they know how to get into a prospect's unconsciousness, where most purchase decisions are made. They know it takes repetition. This knowledge fuels their commitment. Anyhow, they never thought it was going to be easy.

As real estate is location location location, marketing is frequency frequency frequency...

Good Luck,

Compiled by,

Angela Kangethe

Client Relations

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd - Dolphins Group.

Tribute To Steve Jobs: Memorable Quotes
It’s impossible to overstate the impact Steve Jobs had on the world we live in. The man behind the largest technology company in the world fundamentally altered the way we access information and consume content, and turned a downtrodden company into a global powerhouse.

So with the news that Jobs has passed on, we are left to wonder if the company can weather the blow of losing its fearless leader, a charismatic, opinionated man whose uncompromising vision will still be felt long after we’ve all gone. Here is some wisdom from the man who taught us all to think differently.

On Work Ethic
“That’s been one of my mantras -- focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
On iTunes
"It will go down in history as a turning point for the music industry. This is landmark stuff. I can’t overestimate it!"

On Untapped Markets
“Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything… One is very fortunate if you get to work on just one of these in your career. Apple’s been very fortunate it’s been able to introduce a few of these into the world.”

On Technology And Communication
“These technologies can make life easier, can let us touch people we might not otherwise. You may have a child with a birth defect and be able to get in touch with other parents and support groups, get medical information, the latest experimental drugs. These things can profoundly influence life. I’m not downplaying that.”

On Television And Community
“I think it's brought the world a lot closer together and will continue to do that. There are downsides to everything; there are unintended consequences to everything. The most corrosive piece of technology that I’ve ever seen is called television. But, then again, television, at its best, is magnificent.”

On The Mac
“We think the Mac will sell zillions, but we didn’t build the Mac for anybody else. We built it for ourselves. We were the group of people who were going to judge whether it was great or not. We weren’t going to go out and do market research. We just wanted to build the best thing we could build."

On Aesthetic
"When you’re a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you’re not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You’ll know it’s there, so you’re going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through.”

On Creativity
“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it; they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences or they have thought more about their experiences than other people."

On Money
“You know, my main reaction to this money thing is that it’s humorous, all the attention to it, because it’s hardly the most insightful or valuable thing that’s happened to me."

On Success
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me."

On Determination
“The problem with the internet startup craze isn’t that too many people are starting companies; it’s that too many people aren’t sticking with it. That’s somewhat understandable, because there are many moments that are filled with despair and agony, when you have to fire people and cancel things and deal with very difficult situations. That’s when you find out who you are and what your values are."

On Innovation
“Innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we’ve been thinking about a problem. It’s ad hoc meetings of six people called by someone who thinks he has figured out the coolest new thing ever and who wants to know what other people think of his idea.”

Hong Kong design student apple logo- Tribute to Steve Jobs...sure innovation is endless...

On Microsoft
“The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste. And I don’t mean that in a small way; I mean that in a big way, in the sense that they don’t think of original ideas and they don’t bring much culture into their products.”

On Apple
“I’ll always stay connected with Apple. I hope that throughout my life I’ll sort of have the thread of my life and the thread of Apple weave in and out of each other, like a tapestry. There may be a few years when I’m not there, but I’ll always come back."

Steve Jobs was always great In his Power Point Presentation....

You can Learn the ropes too..Click Here....

On Breaking The Rules
“It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the Navy.”

On America
“I’m an optimist in the sense that I believe humans are noble and honorable, and some of them are really smart. I have a very optimistic view of individuals. As individuals, people are inherently good. I have a somewhat more pessimistic view of people in groups. And I remain extremely concerned when I see what’s happening in our country, which is in many ways the luckiest place in the world. We don’t seem to be excited about making our country a better place for our kids.”

On Life
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

On Mortality
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

On Ambition
"I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”

On Courage
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

 Good luck...

Compliled by

Makena Mugane -    makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Clients Relations

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd - Dolphins Group

Customer Service, Marketing and Humanity..

Great Marketers are well aware that the highest form of public relations is human relations. They are able to blend warm relationships with sizzling profits.
No matter how good your marketing is, it can rarely bring customers back for more if they were disappointed with their first go-round with you. It cannot generate profits for you if your word-of-mouth marketing works against it. It can only get prospects to buy from you once. The rest is up to you -- and up to your sense of humanity in marketing.

If you can't see the connection, perhaps marketing is not your strong point and you should become involved with something that does not involve human beings. Marketing very definitely does involve them. The more humanity they experience from your company, the more involved they'll be with you -- and they'll prove it with repeat and referral business.

One Great Marketers truism is that people like to buy from friends. Another is that it is crucial to make the human bond before you can make a lasting business bond.

To avoid the depersonalization that has been an unpleasant side effect of the digital age and endemic within the business community, several Great Marketers marketing weapons may be employed to add more humanity to your marketing and more profits to your tiller.

On the retail level, it means using the weapons -- and don't you dare underestimate their importance just because they're free -- of a warm, sincere smile, clear eye contact, and whenever possible, using the person's name. Think of ways to make it possible. Realize that it feels human. It feels comfy. And that makes the person feel good. When the customer feels good, the customer connects you with that good feeling. That's why good feelings lead to good business.

Naturally, this should be your modus operandi during trade shows, whether you're an exhibitor or a browser. Parties on trade show evenings for key customers and prospects have been wise investments for the companies that want to intensify their human bonds. Great Marketers do not hesitate for a moment to play favorites.

The personality of your company, as heard on the telephone, can turn your customers on -- or it can turn them off. A warm, friendly person answering the phone can lead to a warm, friendly relationship with your company. A cold, unfriendly person on the phone can make the caller feel intrusive, like an interruption of work rather than like the reason you exist.

If you absolutely must put the callers on hold, let them benefit from your on-hold marketing by listening to music in your identity and fascinating news about your company, especially about special offers and new products and services. Instead of resenting you, callers will appreciate you.

All contact time with customers should be oriented to the customer's needs, devoted to saving time for the customer. Even with your respect for the customer's time, there is still ample opportunity to strengthen the human bond by making the purchasing process as simple as possible. The idea is to be personable, to be streamlined, to be easy to do business with.

Accept all credit cards. Provide partial payment plans. Offer overnight delivery. Encourage telephone ordering. Engage in sales training that includes pointers about human behavior and the immense power of a smile. Offer memory training to salespeople so they can connect names with faces. Be certain that your reps -- anyone who will be in contact with your public -- are clear, pleasant, warm and a reflection of your company identity. Naturally, the best way to do this is when you are hiring. It is very difficult to train for lovability.

Your prospects are going to have to buy you and your reps before they buy what you and your reps are selling. Humanity that is sincerely added to a cold business situation warms up the transaction. It motivates the customer to be a source of repeat business and word-of-mouth referring.

Add humanity by asking questions, listening attentively to the answers, wanting to be of maximum service to the customer, providing fee date in the form of brochures, newsletters, videos, an online service that responds instantly, the full gamut of Great Marketers marketing weapons.

Make warmth and humanity part of your written marketing plan. As Chicago Bull Coach Phil Jackson says that his starting point in all relationships is compassion, make yours caring.

Most of the marketing weapons I've mentioned cost very little money. They are attitudes that serve to warm up your overall marketing. They make doing business with you more of a pleasure than a chore. When your customers feel your caring, feel a sense of well-being because they're your customers, you have succeeded at one-on-one public relations. Who would ever think that a hallmark of the Great Marketers is love? I hope you think it now.

Good Luck,

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini

Clients Realations

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd-Dolphins Group.
 

As we all know, presentations can be either informative, interesting and inspiring or bland, boring and just plain bad. (Couldn’t resist the alliteration, eh.) What is interesting is that given the fact that both the presenters and the audience are usually drawn from the same pool of people, and no-one likes to attend boring presentations, why does it continue to happen? Doesn’t everyone already know what makes a dreadful presentation and what to avoid when making one?

I thought I’d ask for input and the results, sure enough, confirm what we all know to be true. The question remains therefore, if we all know it to be true why does it continue to happen, but the answer to that one lies more in the realm of psychology rather than presentation, and that is beyond this writer’s brief.

The SurveyMonkey survey was constructed so as to first get an unprompted insight into what people thought were the Deadly Sins to be Avoided at All Costs and only then to quantify how bad they thought those Sins were.

So, to the results.

The spontaneous “top of mind” responses are probably most interesting since they are the best reflection of what people know is distracting or annoying. There was a lot of repetition – it’s not exactly a surprise that we all find the same things annoying. So, to save you wading through columns of identical entries, I’ve culled the responses to those which best give the general sympathies:

- making this ‘yyyy’ sound to fill the small pauses during the talk
- being in a rush
- Dreadful slides (full of text, bad design, colors)
- Bad content structure: plenty of obsolete information, no clear path through
- Apathy – if you’re not excited, we won’t be either
- reading lists of things off the screen
- mumbling
- not making eye contact
- Reading from the slides
- Too much information on slides (ie, writing it all out)
- Using PPT when other methods could be better
- Aggressive backgrounds (any coloured backgrounds basically);
- ‘volatile’ eye contact
- no conclusion at the end of the presentation
- Too much info on PPt
- Reading word for word from PPt
- Not knowing their audience
- Reading their slides
- Standing with their back to the audience, facing their slides
- Having lots of dense text/figures on their slides
- looking at the screen
- mumbling
- crap slides

We can see a pattern emerging there, right?

The numerical results are also interesting. All of the following Sins got a high annoyance value so I won’t bore you with details as we can take from it that all of them are to be avoided. The three most annoying Sins, according to the number of votes, are:

Reading from notes (everyone said they would stay in the auditorium but do other work)

Too much info per slide (80% said they would tweet “this sux” or tell people how bad it was afterwards)

Bullet point hell (40% said they would leave the auditorium and 40% said they would tell others how bad it was)

Then, flying in close formation, ie. given a very similar number of votes:

Mumbling, lots of umm, aaah, yyyy, errr
Flashy colours
Turning towards screen
Type too small
Boring clipart
Annoying transitions
Technically bad photos
Bad background colours / illegible text
A shower of arrows.
Now for the good news:

It is equally clear what makes a good presentation, all other things being equal. The responders were asked: “What things can a presenter do, apart from actually learning and practicing the presentation, to make you pay attention. Please rank the following in terms of importance.” (These were multiple clik answers, ie. they do not tally up to 100%)

Half the respondents placed stepping away from the podium and connecting with the audience as being “absolutely vital”

Two thirds said that not looking at the screen was “absolutely vital”

And, at the top of the list, a whopping 83% said that reducing the amount of text on each slide was “absolutely vital”.

As “Really good to have but not fundamental to my taking things in” people rated the following practices:
Stop reading from notes
Shorten the presentation as much as possible
Simplify each slide’s graphics
Pay attention to the microphone and volume
Remember that no photo is better than a bad photo

Very few people clicked on any values below that which, for interest’s sake, were “Can live without it” and “Not important.” The moral of the story? It’s all important. Every aspect of giving a presentation to communicate anything is as vital as the others or else the whole thing falls to bits.

Finally, responders were asked to add a comment in case I had missed anything. Several suggested variations on “where possible, make it personal: tell a story rather than overloading us with data / facts”. One response stands out as, well, quirky: “A friend of mine, who is a marvellous speaker and presentation-maker, uses this technique at the beginning: before he says anything he puts up a big, strange eye which is turning upside down for 3 to 5 seconds, with a cracking sound. It is really good to make the crowd pay attention.”

While I personally would not suggest such anatomical approach every time, catching the attention of the audience is certainly required before they even beging to think about listening and then, finally, taking anything in. Perhaps we need a variation on the strange cracking eye…

We know what makes a good presentation. We’ve all seen them. So let’s resist the demons which taunt us and push us in the wrong directions.

Join the next high impact group training here...

Good Luck..

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini

Dolphins Group.

Through thousands of pitches, I've found that fewer that 5% tell a great traction story.

Here are 10 tips that can help.

But first, let's get one thing straight - this is the only thing that matters to investors:


Venture investors invest in momentum. Traction is your story of momentum. It's told through quantified evidence of market demand for your product.

Here we go.


1) Compress your X Axis

The X axis is how long you've been working. The shorter, the better. Consider two startups below, both at the same number of users:

As an investor, who would you bet on? Blue, of course, because they've moved faster. So as a startup, how can you show that you're moving fast? Set reference points to effectively shorten the period.

Consider these two messages, for the same consumer web product:

"We started in 2008, and have 5000 users."

Here, an investor's thinking: '5000 users/36 months = painfully slow growth.'

"We started to experiment in 2008. We built the alpha of our current product in late 2010, and just launched the beta in February. We already have 5000 users."

Here, she's likely to think 'they took awhile to find the right fit, but now they're moving fast - 5000 users in beta is pretty good!'

Same progress, different message. Psychologically, you're anchoring a better reference point in their minds. In the second example you're anchoring them around the beta launch, not the beginning of your startup.

More examples:

"We started experimenting with this in 2008, and took a year to understand the space. Last September we quit our jobs to build this full time. Since then, we've built the alpha and then launched a second beta version, now with 5000 users."

That's anchoring them around the point that the team fully committed.

"We started experimenting in 2008, and built a couple iterations of the product. We found product-market fit with this version in August, and are now in beta, with 5000 users."

That's anchoring around this product version.

2) Choose Your X Axis

If you're adventurous try another X axis. Sales cycles can work where there's a slow, well-known sales cycle, like education. For example:

"Adoption is doubling every four months."

That's pretty good, but this is better:

"Adoption is doubling every term."

That's better because there's probably only acquisition potential each new term, and you're doubling users at every opportunity.


With very early products you can use product iteration. It works best with engagement or conversion numbers:

"We're currently converting 1.2% to paid users."

That's okay, but I'd love to hear how that has changed:

"We were converting 0.3% to paid users in the first product iteration. We raised that to 0.6% with the second iteration, and our current version is converting at 1.2%."

Here your X axis is product versions. This creates a nice trend line, and shows an investor that you're learning and improving. I find this works well with accelerator startups, who are early but move quickly. It's not traction in the true form (market demand), and shouldn’t displace a core metric, but it does show that your team can learn and execute.


3) Lower Expectations

You may want to set expectations low, and then exceed them. The most obvious example is when you’re in beta - say it!

"We have 200 users."

That's weak.

"We're in closed beta, and have 200 users."

That's better. You've set the investor's expectations low with a closed beta, so 200 seems normal. Now for bonus points, slip in some evidence of greater demand:

"We're in closed beta with 200 users, but each user is inviting on average 4.5 new users, and our waiting list is over 1000."

Holy crap. The new message: there are only 200 users now, but they're going crazy, and once they open you up it'll explode!


Another example I like, with product discovery:

"Before we even built the back end, we put an embarrassingly simple site up, just to see if there was any interest. We were blown away by the response - 200 users in the first week!"

Lower their expectations on the product side, then exceed it with the user response. (Some of the coolest products began with faked back ends.) This hints at product-market fit before you even had a real product.


And finally, set expectations by characterizing your users. This works best for enterprise or B2B startups, where customers are more difficult to win and have more value than consumer web.

"We have 400 customers, all of which are SMBs and have a projected lifetime value of $1500."

If you're speaking to an investor more familiar with consumer internet, that will put it in perspective.


4) Choose Your Y Axis

Broadly, I find traction most convincing in the following order:
- Profitability
- Revenues
- Active users
- Registered users
- Engagement
- Partnerships/clients
- Traffic

But this changes depending on your product and market. Some examples that might work:

E-commerce: revenue growth, average sales or gross margins, customers, average return visits per customer, units moved, and some industry specific numbers.

Consumer internet: user numbers, engagement of those users (number of questions or answers, photo uploads, time on site, whatever is relevant), virality (average new invites per user, waiting lists, etc.) or partnerships (brands signed on, stores engaged, etc.).

SaaS for small businesses: revenues, conversion to paid customers, registered users, cost of customer acquisition + lifetime customer value, signed distribution partners, or some quantifiable evidence of value to customers.

Enterprise: revenues, number of enterprise customers/clients, average contract size (growing?), qualified sales pipeline. Try to find some downstream value add example, say that your product engages X of their staff or customers, or saves them Y % on marketing costs while improving results.

Pick the metrics that best tell the story of your momentum. There are many options - be imaginative.


5) Use Absolute and Growth Numbers

Growth is key. You always want to tell that momentum story. Consider the following:

Red is powerful. Blue is crap. So when you’re describing your traction, use absolute numbers and growth numbers to communicate momentum. Consider:

“We have 10K users.”

OK. That’s not bad, but there’s little context.

“We have 10K users, growing at 25% per month.”

That’s more exciting.

My sense is that for most metrics, less than 10-15% growth per month is uninteresting.


6) Tell a Story of a Customer

This technique works best for B2B or enterprise-related companies who are early in their progress.

“We first started a pilot with Superchain, in one of their branches and with 15 employees. We’ve now expanded to 5 branches and 200 employees, and added two additional services. Superchain has over 1000 branches across 5 states.”

This does two things: shows the value you’re providing to a customer, and hints at the opportunity.


7) Benchmark Against a Known Competitor

This technique is aggressive and should not be overused, but it can work. Two that I’ve seen:

“Our CTR is 3X that of Techcrunch.”

“Our stock turnover is nearly twice as fast as Amazon’s”

Use this technique sparingly and pick comps that are relevant to your business.


8) Annotate a Graph

This is a great way to tell a story concisely, and show how your inputs have resulted in improvements in growth.

It seems to work well for early startups, especially those in accelerators (they move fast).


9) Using Testimonials as Traction

Don’t.

Even shitty startups have glowing testimonials, so it doesn’t differentiate.


10) Using Press as Traction

Don’t.

Even shitty startups can get good press. Repeat after me: ‘Getting on Techcrunch doesn’t mean that people want our product.’ ‘Getting on Techc...’ OK, you get it.


Notes

1) This guide has nothing to do with how you build your product or company. That’s up to you. So please don’t confuse traction with the metrics you’d use to help guide your business. I know nothing about those!

2) Some traction metrics will be necessary, whether you want to use them or not. If a metric is core to your business, don’t try to hide it - you’ll only appear evasive.

3.One can apply this concepts even on already established business or organization,in sales,marketing,project management,finance and more.

4.There is no number 4...

Good Luck

Compiled by

Makena Mugane

Business Relations

Dolphins Group.

A Press Kit is a set of materials organized for ease of communication to inform people like reporters and buyers in detail about your company. We’ve listed some of the obvious components to help you through the process of compiling a professional Press Kit. It can contain any combination of informational pieces. Not all are necessarily applicable to your company, products, or target reader. Before you dash off to compile your Press Kit, remember your audience is just as busy as you are. Be comprehensive yet edited. Only include information that is current or relevant to your target reader. Also keep in mind, a press kit is different than a press release, in that it is more like a resume about your company rather than a singular news item.
Press Kit Components

THE “PITCH LETTER” SUMMARY SHEET
Think of it as a letter of introduction, your chance to grab (or lose) a reader’s interest. Tell them why they should care about your business. Also include a summary of what is in the press kit. This is like a table of contents. Write the date and address of the company you are sending it to on the top of this page. On the bottom include contacts of your company, sales reps, pr agency.

COMPANY BACKGROUNDER/FACT SHEET
This is a summary of your company including history and important points in a one-page format. It should include what your products are, when the company was founded, headquarters, executives or other important people in the company and their positions, how the products are distributed, awards, and other relevant information on your company.

BIOGRAPHY OF DESIGNER
his does not have to be very detailed. What you want to include is how the designer got started, where they were educated, past job experiences relevant to the industry, where they are from, when they were born, where they live, if they are married and have kids briefly state so. If applicable list some interests, community involvement, and awards received.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Include a photograph of the designer. The picture should be a professional looking headshot. Black and white is best. Having it done by a photographer is a good idea as well. If you are snail mailing to an editor, the back of the photo should have a sticker with your name in case it gets separated from the press kit.
Photos of current collection, look books, collection videos etc.. should be included, since you want to show your fashions. You can include slides, videos of fashion shoots, or have digital pictures on hand to email. Include company name, number and contact information with all photos.

Don’t send original copies; chances are you won’t get them back.

PRESS CLIPPINGS
Include copies of press you or your product has been in. These include magazine layouts, newspaper articles. Make sure the copies are legible, clear, and look professional.

You can include a separate sheet with SALES INFORMATION AND LINE SHEETS which list prices and sales rep contact info.

REASONS TO REVIEW
These are one-page sheets giving reporters compelling reasons to review your product.
The first paragraph describes your product.
The second paragraph describes its benefits.
If necessary the third paragraph describes the applications or the different ways the paragraph can be used.
Include company contact information and order information.
It can also include comparisons to competing products.

ENDORSEMENTS
These are testimonials from celebrities include a quote if possible.

ASSEMBLY OF A PRESS KIT:
Many editors still prefer to receive press kits the old fashion way, by snail mail. For those that do, follow these standard format guidelines:
Press kits are assembled in a folder with inside pockets. Expensive folders with expensive graphic detail are not necessary. You can use a $.50 folder with a sticker of your company logo on it. Papers in the press kit do not have to be expensive or thick either, but they should include company letterhead.

What is important is that everything looks professional and be consistent with the image of your company. Everything should be neat and organized. A press kit represents your company.

If you use a two-pocket folder, (you don’t have to) the right pocket should first hold the summary sheet. Behind the summary sheet if you have a lead press release that explains what the news is, include it. If you have earlier press releases about your company or products include it behind the first press release.

On the left hand side include first the photo of designer, followed by biography of the designer, the company fact sheet or backgrounder information. Case histories, reviews, press articles and other materials can be inserted behind.

All the best and keep the press busy..

Compiled by

Angela Mwai

Dolphins Group.

Many people feel as if they're adrift in the world. They work hard, but they don't seem to get anywhere worthwhile.

A key reason that they feel this way is that they haven't spent enough time thinking about what they want from life, and haven't set themselves formal goals. After all, would you set out on a major journey with no real idea of your destination? Probably not!

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality.

The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your efforts. You'll also quickly spot the distractions that can, so easily, lead you astray.

Why Set Goals?

Goal setting is used by top-level athletes, successful business-people and achievers in all fields. Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. It focuses your acquisition of knowledge, and helps you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make the very most of your life.

By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals, and you'll see forward progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind. You will also raise your self-confidence, as you recognize your own ability and competence in achieving the goals that you've set.

Starting to Set Personal Goals

You set your goals on a number of levels:

• First you create your "big picture" of what you want to do with your life (or over, say, the next 10 years), and identify the large-scale goals that you want to achieve.
• Then, you break these down into the smaller and smaller targets that you must hit to reach your lifetime goals.
• Finally, once you have your plan, you start working on it to achieve these goals.

This is why we start the process of goal setting by looking at your lifetime goals. Then, we work down to the things that you can do in, say, the next five years, then next year, next month, next week, and today, to start moving towards them.

Step 1: Setting Lifetime Goals

The first step in setting personal goals is to consider what you want to achieve in your lifetime (or at least, by a significant and distant age in the future). Setting lifetime goals gives you the overall perspective that shapes all other aspects of your decision making.

To give a broad, balanced coverage of all important areas in your life, try to set goals in some of the following categories (or in other categories of your own, where these are important to you):

• Career - What level do you want to reach in your career, or what do you want to achieve?
• Financial - How much do you want to earn, by what stage? How is this related to your career goals?
• Education - Is there any knowledge you want to acquire in particular? What information and skills will you need to have in order to achieve other goals?
• Family - Do you want to be a parent? If so, how are you going to be a good parent? How do you want to be seen by a partner or by members of your extended family?
• Artistic - Do you want to achieve any artistic goals?
• Attitude - Is any part of your mindset holding you back? Is there any part of the way that you behave that upsets you? (If so, set a goal to improve your behavior or find a solution to the problem.)
• Physical - Are there any athletic goals that you want to achieve, or do you want good health deep into old age? What steps are you going to take to achieve this?
• Pleasure - How do you want to enjoy yourself? (You should ensure that some of your life is for you!)
• Public Service - Do you want to make the world a better place? If so, how?

Spend some time brainstorming these things, and then select one or more goals in each category that best reflect what you want to do. Then consider trimming again so that you have a small number of really significant goals that you can focus on.

As you do this, make sure that the goals that you have set are ones that you genuinely want to achieve, not ones that your parents, family, or employers might want. (If you have a partner, you probably want to consider what he or she wants - however, make sure that you also remain true to yourself!)

Step 2: Setting Smaller Goals

Once you have set your lifetime goals, set a five-year plan of smaller goals that you need to complete if you are to reach your lifetime plan.

Then create a one-year plan, six-month plan, and a one-month plan of progressively smaller goals that you should reach to achieve your lifetime goals. Each of these should be based on the previous plan.

Then create a daily To-Do List of things that you should do today to work towards your lifetime goals.On the same,create Not To Do List-Things you shouldnt do today which distracts you from your lifetime goals.

At an early stage, your smaller goals might be to read books and gather information on the achievement of your higher level goals. This will help you to improve the quality and realism of your goal setting.

Finally review your plans, and make sure that they fit the way in which you want to live your life.

Staying on Course

Once you've decided on your first set of goals, keep the process going by reviewing and updating your To-Do List on a daily basis.

Periodically review the longer term plans, and modify them to reflect your changing priorities and experience. (A good way of doing this is to schedule regular, repeating reviews using a computer-based diary.)

SMART Goals

A useful way of making goals more powerful is to use the SMART mnemonic. While there are plenty of variants (some of which we've included in parenthesis), SMART usually stands for:

• S - Specific (or Significant).
• M - Measurable (or Meaningful).
• A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented).
• R - Relevant (or Rewarding).
• T - Time-bound (or Trackable).

For example, instead of having "To sail around the world" as a goal, it's more powerful to say "To have completed my trip around the world by December 31, 2015." Obviously, this will only be attainable if a lot of preparation has been completed beforehand!

Further Goal Setting Tips

The following broad guidelines will help you to set effective, achievable goals:

• State each goal as a positive statement - Express your goals positively – "Execute this technique well" is a much better goal than "Don't make this stupid mistake."
• Be precise: Set precise goals, putting in dates, times and amounts so that you can measure achievement. If you do this, you'll know exactly when you have achieved the goal, and can take complete satisfaction from having achieved it.
• Set priorities - When you have several goals, give each a priority. This helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by having too many goals, and helps to direct your attention to the most important ones.
• Write goals down - This crystallizes them and gives them more force.
• Keep operational goals small - Keep the low-level goals that you're working towards small and achievable. If a goal is too large, then it can seem that you are not making progress towards it. Keeping goals small and incremental gives more opportunities for reward.
• Set performance goals, not outcome goals - You should take care to set goals over which you have as much control as possible. It can be quite dispiriting to fail to achieve a personal goal for reasons beyond your control!
• In business, these reasons could be bad business environments or unexpected effects of government policy. In sport, they could include poor judging, bad weather, injury, or just plain bad luck.
• If you base your goals on personal performance, then you can keep control over the achievement of your goals, and draw satisfaction from them.
• Set realistic goals - It's important to set goals that you can achieve. All sorts of people (for example, employers, parents, media, or society) can set unrealistic goals for you. They will often do this in ignorance of your own desires and ambitions.
• It's also possible to set goals that are too difficult because you might not appreciate either the obstacles in the way, or understand quite how much skill you need to develop to achieve a particular level of performance.

Achieving Goals

When you've achieved a goal, take the time to enjoy the satisfaction of having done so. Absorb the implications of the goal achievement, and observe the progress that you've made towards other goals.

If the goal was a significant one, reward yourself appropriately. All of this helps you build the self-confidence you deserve.

With the experience of having achieved this goal, review the rest of your goal plans:

• If you achieved the goal too easily, make your next goal harder.
• If the goal took a dispiriting length of time to achieve, make the next goal a little easier.
• If you learned something that would lead you to change other goals, do so.
• If you noticed a deficit in your skills despite achieving the goal, decide whether to set goals to fix this.

Feed lessons learned back into your goal setting. Remember too that your goals will change as time goes on. Adjust them regularly to reflect growth in your knowledge and experience, and if goals do not hold any attraction any longer, consider letting them go.

Goal Setting Example

For her New Year's Resolution, Susan has decided to think about what she really wants to do with her life.

Her lifetime goals are as follows:

• Career - "To be managing editor of the magazine that I work for."
• Artistic - "To keep working on my illustration skills. Ultimately I want to have my own show in our downtown gallery."
• Physical - "To run a marathon."

Now that Susan has listed her lifetime goals, she then breaks down each one into smaller, more manageable goals.

Let's take a closer look at how she might break down her lifetime career goal - becoming managing editor of her magazine:

• Five-year goal: "Become deputy editor."
• One-year goal: "Volunteer for projects that the current Managing Editor is heading up."
• Six-month goal: "Go back to school and finish my journalism degree."
• One-month goal: "Talk to the current managing editor to determine what skills are needed to do the job."
• One-week goal: "Book the meeting with the Managing Editor."

As you can see from this example, breaking big goals down into smaller, more manageable goals makes it far easier to see how the goal will get accomplished.

Are you making a New Year's resolution for 2012? Did you keep the one you made last year? If not, you are not alone. According to a study by the Barna Group conducted earlier this year, 41% of people in the U.S. stated that they made resolutions for 2011, and 49% said they experienced "no change" from the resolutions they made in 2010.

With these results, you may wonder whether or not it's worth it to make resolutions. Well, when it comes to money, I think a better idea is to:

Make Financial Freedom Goals Instead of Resolutions.

Every year at this time, Robert and I sit down and decide what we are going to accomplish in the year ahead. But instead of creating New Year's resolutions, we develop solid goals for the upcoming months.

We establish business goals, fitness goals, goals for our marriage, personal goals, and more. And rather than just say we are going to do something, we make actual plans and take action. This is one of the secrets to our success.

As I discuss in "It's Rising Time," you cannot have what you want unless you do something. And there are three types of doing necessary to reach a goal. I call it the Triple-A Triangle, and it involves three stages.

The Triple-A Triangle

1. Aspire.

This is the dream, the very clear vision of what you want. And it's much more than saying, "I want to be a millionaire."

It's what you will have once you reach your goal such as, "I will have the freedom to pursue my love of travel," "I will be able to contribute more to my favorite charity," "I will be able to spend valuable time with my children," etc.

2. Acquire.

This is the education part of do where you gather the information you need to take action. What do you need to study to reach your financial goals, and how are you going to get that information?

Whether it's reading a book, watching a finance video or television program, listening to an investment radio-show, or conducting some research online, set aside some time each day to increase your financial education and learn about money.

3. Apply.

This is the stage where most people stop due to fear. But in order to reach goals and be successful, it is necessary to apply the knowledge you acquire and take action.

It's Rising Time!

The stages of the Triple-A Triangle are in constant motion. It's a lifelong journey of aspiring to do more, acquiring more information and applying more of what you've learned. And there is no better time to start than now.

After all, how many times have you or others said things like:

* "I'll start my diet tomorrow."
* "I'll stop smoking on Monday."
* "I'll stick to a new budget after the holidays."

Well, instead of waiting for midnight to strike on December 31st, why not begin working on your goals right now?

What do you aspire to be and have?

How are you going to acquire the knowledge you need and apply what you've learned in order to reach your goals?

Success and financial freedom are waiting for you - no matter what your current situation is. It's time to take action and make your goals for the New Year a reality!

Good Luck

compiled by,

Angela Mwai

For Rich Dad Exclusive.

Dolphins Group.

AIDA is the original sales training acronym, from the late 1950's, when selling was first treated as a professional discipline, and sales training began. AIDA is even more relevant today. If you remember just one sales or selling model, remember AIDA. Often called the 'Hierarchy of Effects', AIDA describes the basic process by which people become motivated to act on external stimulus, including the way that successful selling happens and sales are made.

A - Attention
I - Interest
D - Desire
A - Action

The AIDA process also applies to any advertising or communication that aims to generate a response, and it provides a reliable template for the design of all sorts of marketing material.

Simply, when we buy something we buy according to the AIDA process. So when we sell something we must sell go through the AIDA stages. Something first gets our attention; if it's relevant to us we are interested to learn or hear more about it. If the product or service then appears to closely match our needs and/or aspirations, and resources, particularly if it is special, unique, or rare, we begin to desire it. If we are prompted or stimulated to overcome our natural caution we may then become motivated or susceptible to taking action to buy.

Some AIDA pointers:

Attention
• Getting the other person's attention sets the tone: first impressions count, so smile - even on the phone because people can hear it in your voice - be happy (but not annoyingly so) be natural, honest and professional.
• If you're not in the mood to smile do some paperwork instead. If you rarely smile then get out of selling.
• Getting attention is more difficult than it used to be, because people are less accessible, have less free time, and lots of competing distractions, so think about when it's best to call.
• Gimmicks, tricks and crafty techniques don't work, because your prospective customers - like the rest of us - are irritated by hundreds of them every day.
• If you are calling on the phone or meeting face-to-face you have about five seconds to attract attention, by which time the other person has formed their first impression of you.
• Despite the time pressure, relax and enjoy it - expect mostly to be told 'no thanks' - but remember that every 'no' takes you closer to the next 'okay'.

Interest
• You now have maybe 5-15 seconds in which to create some interest.
• Something begins to look interesting if it is relevant and potentially advantageous. This implies a lot:
• The person you are approaching should have a potential need for your product or service or proposition (which implies that you or somebody else has established a target customer profile).
• You must approach the other person at a suitable time (ie it's convenient, and that aspects of seasonality and other factors affecting timing have been taken into account)
• You must empathize with and understand the other person's situation and issues, and be able to express yourself in their terms (ie talk their language).

Desire
• The sales person needs to be able to identify and agree the prospect's situation, needs, priorities and constraints on personal and organizational levels, through empathic questioning and interpretation.
• You must build rapport and trust, and preparedness in the prospect's mind to do business with you personally (thus dispelling the prospect's feelings of doubt or risk about your own integrity and ability).
• You must understand your competitors' capabilities and your prospect's other options.
• You must obviously understand your product (specification, options, features, advantages, and benefits), and particularly all relevance and implications for your prospect.
• You must be able to present, explain and convey solutions with credibility and enthusiasm.
• The key is being able to demonstrate how you, your own organization and your product will suitably, reliably and sustainably 'match' the prospect's needs identified and agreed, within all constraints.
• Creating desire is part skill and technique, and part behaviour and style. In modern selling and business, trust and relationship (the 'you' factor) are increasingly significant, as natural competitive development inexorably squeezes and reduces the opportunities for clear product advantage and uniqueness.

Action
• Simply the conversion of potential into actuality, to achieve or move closer to whatever is the aim.
• Natural inertia and caution often dictate that clear opportunities are not acted upon, particularly by purchasers of all sorts, so the sales person must suggest, or encourage agreement to move to complete the sale or move to the next stage.

The better the preceding three stages have been conducted, then the less emphasis is required for the action stage; in fact on a few rare occasions in the history of the universe, a sale is so well conducted that the prospect decides to take action without any encouragement at all.

Good Luck..

Compiled by

Makena Mugane

Clients Realtions

Dolphins Group-Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Do you dread public speaking? Join the club. Along with death and spiders, it’s what people fear most. However, being an effective presenter is critical for anyone who is (or aspires to be) in a leadership position. In fact, certain presentations can be downright career defining.

Instead of leaving your speaking success to chance, take some cues from the pros.

1.Begin with the end in mind. Before you start working on your script or presentation, get clear on its purpose. What are you trying to accomplish? What impact do you want to have on your audience? Are you looking to inform? Inspire? Persuade? Knowing your ultimate purpose and desired outcome will help you stay focused through the preparation process.

2.Simplify your messages. You are where you are because of the depth and breadth of your expertise. Your natural inclination will be to impart lots of that knowledge onto your audience. Resist it! Otherwise, you’ll bore and overwhelm your listeners with details they’ll never retain. Focus on conveying a few powerful ideas that they’ll remember. Think of yourself as Master Distiller of Information – boil it down and go from there.

3.Avoid the perils of Powerpoint. It’s called “death by Powerpoint” for a reason. Those “eye charts” crammed with words in 8-point type are dreaded by audiences everywhere. Lose them! Your job is to hold the attention in the room. All eyes should be on you, not the screen. If you use slides, make them impactful and use them sparingly. They should be simple, compelling and graphically appealing. Also remember that when you’re reliant on slides, you run the risk of a technology problem and a presentation disaster. By reducing or eliminating slides, you minimize risk.

4.Connect with your audience. One mistake speakers often make is trying to prove they’re smart. Remember that you’re at the podium for a reason. Your credentials speak for themselves. When you stand in front of an audience, there is already a gap — you’re the expert, they’re not. By trying to impress your audience with your intellect, you create more distance and could come across as arrogant. Your job is to close the gap, not widen it. By being self-effacing, humorous and real, you become approachable and it’s easier to win over your audience. In turn, the more connected the audience feels to you, the more they’ll pay attention to what you have to say.

5.Tell personal stories. Storytelling puts an audience at ease, humanizes you as a speaker, and makes your messages more memorable. It is the most powerful tool in a speaker’s toolkit. To find your stories, you simply have to mine your own life experiences and pull out the gems. Audiences will remember your stories more easily than facts and figures, and they’re more likely to enjoy your presentation. Another benefit of using personal stories is that they’re easier to remember when you’re at the podium.

6.Prepare and practice. If you’re giving a high-stakes presentation, don’t leave anything to chance. “Off the Cuff” and “Winging It” are high-risk strategies and very few people can pull it off. Have a very clear roadmap of what you’re going to say, and rehearse. If you want to ad-lib a couple of stories, that’s fine, but be sure you know the key points so you don’t meander. Having your material down cold will enable you to have more fun with your audience and avoid the nervousness associated with being not quite ready.

7.Watch yourself. Few tools are as instructive as video playback. People can tell you that you wander the stage, over-gesture, slouch, have an incessantly grim facial expression or use a repetitive speech pattern, but once you see it on tape, it will be much easier for you to grasp and change. If you prefer to rehearse in private, use your iPad or hand-held device’s video feature. Stand in front of it and let it roll!

8.Avoid sameness. It is said that sameness is the enemy of speaking. If you follow the same cadence, vocal rhythm, pitch, tone and gesture patterns throughout your presentation, your audience will tune you out. Think about what puts a baby to sleep. You need to change it up; keep enough variety in your delivery so it holds the audience’s interest.

9.Message your body. Remember that 90+% of communication is nonverbal. Your audience will read your facial expressions, the tone of your voice, the way you use your hands, how you stand and move. A warm, easy smile and calm body immediately tell the audience that you’re comfortable and confident. And when the speaker is comfortable, the audience is, too. The opposite is also true.

10.Let your passion show. There is no substitute for authentic passion at the podium. When you believe in your message and have energy around your topic, it will translate to your audience. Above all else, be yourself up there!

11.De-risk the logistics. Take some extra steps beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.

 a) If you’re vertically challenged, make sure there’s a step riser behind the podium so you’re not struggling to be seen or to reach the    microphone.

b) If you’re being introduced by someone else, send them your own brief intro in advance with phonetic spelling of any complicated words (ethnic last names, etc).

c) If you’ve been given a specific timeslot for your presentation, make sure you know who’s before you and who follows you, and clarify when you will get “wired for sound.” And be sure to speak within the time parameters you’ve been given.

d) If you’re using slides, bring a second set on a thumb drive in case there’s an issue with the original file, and try to get into the room ahead of time to get comfortable with the clicker, pointer and other gadgets.

Few more things;

I would also add that every speaker should accept that they will make minor mistakes. That’s why de-risking ahead of time is a great idea. Minor slip ups are easy to recover from but big ones can derail your entire presentation.

Eye contact to your audience is amazing not forgeting the power of smile.

Simplification is so important! And striking the right balance between substance and simplicity isn’t always easy but that’s what great public speakers do so well

The goal is that once you step on stage, everything goes like clockwork. Of course, having a coach to help you master these techniques can pay dividends down the road. By taking steps to elevate your presentation game, you’ll begin to overcome the all-too-common fear of public speaking while positioning yourself to be a more effective, more successful leader.

Join the next Excutive high Impact training here

Good luck..

Compiled by,

Angela Ngethe

Clients Relations,Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

angelan@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Group

With the passing of Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos is now tech’s leading philosopher-CEO. His advice ranges from what to read (give the Declaration of Independence a shot) to how to deal with stress (“Laugh a lot”). Mostly, though, Bezos sticks to business.

1. “Base your strategy on things that won’t change.”
Selling lipstick, tractor seats, e-book readers and data storage is all part of one big plan with three big constants: offer wider selection, lower prices and fast, reliable delivery.

2.“Obsess over customers.”
Early on Bezos brought an empty chair into meetings so lieutenants would be forced to think about the crucial participant who wasn’t in the room: the customer. Now that ­surrogate’s role is played by specially trained employees, dubbed “Customer Experience Bar Raisers.” When they frown, vice ­presidents tremble.

3. “We are willing to be misunderstood for long periods of time.”
Many of Amazon’s expansions look like money-losing distractions at first. That sometimes sends the company’s stock price skidding and evokes analysts’ scorn. Bezos shrugs. If the new initiatives make strategic sense to him, a five-to-seven-year financial payoff is okay.

4. “There are two kinds of companies: those that try to charge more and those that work to charge less. We will be the second.”
Lots of retailers talk about holding down costs and passing the savings to the consumer. Few do so as intently as Amazon, where “frugality” is one of eight official company values. The ­reward for putting up with cheap office ­furniture: a $90 billion stock market valuation and 35% revenue growth.

5. “Determine what your customers need, and work backwards.”
Specs for Amazon’s big new projects such as its Kindle tablets and e-book readers have been defined by customers’ desires rather than engineers’ tastes. If customers don’t want something it’s gone, even if that means breaking apart a once powerful department.

6. “Our culture is friendly and intense, but if push comes to shove we’ll settle for intense.”
Data reigns supreme at Amazon, particularly head-to-head tests of customers’ reactions to different features or site designs. Bezos calls it “a culture of metrics.” With dozens of these gladiator-style showdowns under way each week, there isn’t much time for soothing words or elaborate rituals of social cohesion.

7. “If you want to be inventive, you have to be willing to fail.”
Early on the company hired a lot of editors to write book and music reviews—and then ­decided to use customers’ critiques instead. A foray into auctions flopped. Bezos regards such stumbles as a part of life, as long as Amazon can learn something useful.

8. “In the old world, you devoted 30% of your time to building a great service and 70% of your time to shouting about it. In the new world, that inverts.”
Amazon’s ad budgets are surprisingly small for a retailer of its size. Bezos believes old-fashioned word-of-mouth has become even more important in the digital age—so he prefers low-key process improvements that are meant to get happy customers buzzing. One favorite: Amazon’s war on clamshell packaging, so toys and other shipments will be easier to open.

9. “Everyone has to be able to work in a call center.”
Complaints can be devastating in the age of viral tweets and blogs. Bezos asks thousands of Amazon managers, including ­himself, to ­attend two days of call-center training each year. The payoff: humility and empathy for the customer.

10. “This is Day 1 for the Internet. We still have so much to learn.”
Bezos first made that observation in 1997, in his initial letter to Amazon’s shareholders. He hasn’t budged from it. At Amazon’s new headquarters two of the largest buildings are Day 1 North and Day 1 South. In interviews Bezos still talks about the Internet as an ­uncharted world, imperfectly understood and yielding new surprises all the time.

Thank you for reading.

Compiled by

Makena Mugane,

makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Group

Research in Motion (RIMM) looks poised to kick the bucket. It’s just another business-focused technology company that can’t win with consumers. In other words Apple’s (AAPL) success has been RIM’s catastrophe.

Thanks to a warning that it would post a big operating loss in the first quarter and its decision to hire two investment banks, RIM shares lost 15% of their value Tuesday.

And that lousy financial performance is due to a plunge in market share. IDC reported that RIM’s share of the global smartphone industry fell in the first quarter of 2012, “by more than half to 6.4%.”

Of course that loss of market share has come at the hands of rivals that are far more adept. For example, Google (GOOG) and its Android saw its market share jump to 59% while Apple’s iOS held 23% of the market, according to IDC.

RIM’s recently-appointed CEO is pursuing a three-pronged approach to fixing what ails the company.

Thorsten Heins, who took over from co-founders Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie in January, is introducing a new operating system, cutting costs, and seeking Wall Street’s help with “strategic options.”

RIM is finishing up its new BlackBerry 10 operating system and will introduce a new smartphone using the new OS later in 2012. It’s trying to cut costs by $1 billion through up to 3,000 layoffs, and it hired a pair of investment banks whom it wants to help RIM “either license its BlackBerry operating system or find a strategic investor. [RIM] doesn’t plan to sell itself,” reports Bloomberg.

Why is RIM’s market share plummeting? Its success caused Lazaridis and Balsillie to ignore competition from Apple when it introduced the iPhone in 2007. After all, in January 1999 when they introduced the BlackBerry, the wireless email service operating on Mobitex networks run by Rogers Cantel and BellSouth, was an instant hit.

Wall Street bankers and lawyers, Washington politicians, and entertainment moguls like Oprah were prominent users of BlackBerry’s calendar, address book, task list, and encrypted email that worked with users’ existing address and “integrated with company networks,” according to The Verge.

And it was a big money-maker. The Verge pointed out that RIM’s hardware margins were 35% and its service margins were over 65% even as its sales soared 65% in the first year and even faster thereafter.

But in 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone — noting its superior ease of use compared to competitors including RIM. As Jobs said, “They all have these keyboards that are there whether you need them or not. They all have these control buttons that are fixed in plastic and are the same for every application. What we’re gonna do is get rid of all these buttons, and just make a giant screen.”

Why didn’t RIM adapt to the threat?

Lazaridis and Balsillie were in a state of denial — it’s a specific mental affliction that besets people who have been successful for too long. And it’s called confirmation bias — about which I wrote in “When the blind lead” — leaders have a vision of what they expect and they dismiss any evidence that defies that vision.

For instance, before getting tossed out of their co-CEO roles, Lazaridis and Balsillie did not recognize the failure of RIM’s tablet, PlayBook, and continued to tout its superior security. All that bragging, however, did not stop PlayBook shipments from plunging 60% to 200,000 units between the second and third quarters of 2011, according to Reuters.

RIM’s not the only business-focused company to falter in the decade since Apple launched its iWorld. The most recently prominent example of this is Dell (DELL) which I discussed in a May 24th TV interview. Dell had a great corporate IT business in the 1990s but it could not adapt to a shift in IT spending growth to consumers — losing market share to Apple on the high end and Chinese competitors at the low end.

RIM has already gone over the edge.

Companies will not want to renew contracts with a supplier that is so clearly damaged goods — especially when better solutions are available from financially robust competitors.

Nevertheless, it’s worth pointing out that in late 2010 Jobs offered RIM some interesting advice — that it will not be able to take. According to The Verge, Jobs said of RIM: ”They must move beyond their comfort area into the unfamiliar territory in trying to become a software platform company.”

And Jobs believed that this transition would be difficult. As he said, ”I think it’s going to be a challenge for them to create a competitive platform and to convince developers to create apps for yet a third platform after iOS and Android. With 300,000 apps on Apple’s app store RIM has a high mountain ahead of them to climb.”

Or in the 2008 words of Balsillie,”We’re a very poorly diversified portfolio. It either goes to the moon or it crashes to earth. But it’s making it to the moon pretty well, so we’ll stick with it.”

With RIM’s stock price down 93% from its high in June 2008, I would have to agree with Balsillie except the Commerce major got his celestial masses wrong — RIM is crashing to earth, not making it to the moon.

 Thank you for reading.

Compiled by,

Makena Mugane,Clients Relations

Dolphins Group.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in a lifetime,” says Tony Robbins. It raises an interesting question:

Does any one of us truly know what we’re capable of over the course of our lives?

Some of us think we have potential; others may doubt when others tell us the potential they can see in us.

Are we really to believe the boss or teacher who tells us they can see our potential for greatness?

How do they know?

How come we can’t see what they can see?

Do we just take their word for it? Where’s their proof?

Like anything in this world, seeing is believing. If we can’t see tangible proof of our potential, then how will we really know what we’re capable of?

In fact, without proof, the idea of our potential seems to just boil down to hope or desire or ambition or even blindness. We know confidence matters. We know ability matters.

We know luck plays into it a little bit (or a lot). But not one of us can truly see our potential. The problem is if we don’t know, then what are we to do? How hard should we push? How much should we sacrifice? How do we know when to quit or try something different?

There are some out there who claim they can show us.

The motivational speaker who makes us walk on hot coals and then tells us that we can do anything we set our minds to. That’s fine and good, but that’s not proof of our potential.

It’s just proof that you can walk on hot coals. How many of us sit at our desks when a risky decision is required or there’s an opportunity to change careers for something new? Do we really think about that team-building exercise from four years ago as we prepare ourselves to make that big decision? Doubtful.

Proof, by its very nature, can’t be representative. Proof has to be real. It has to prove, not hint. It has to be tangible, and it has to come as a result of something we actually did.

Like the interest earned on money sitting in the bank, proof compounds. If you put $1,000 in the bank and get 10% interest on your investment, you’re left with $1,100. That’s proof of a good investment. Then, with time, that interest starts to grow as the results compound. The next 10% you get isn’t on $100 on a $1,000 investment; it’s $110 on an $1,100 investment. Then you get $110, then $121, then $133, and it continues to grow from there.

Our potential is exactly the same.

You start by investing a small amount of time and energy that then produces a little proof.

That proof encourages you to take that proof and invest a little more time and energy into something a bit bigger. That gives you a little more proof, and a little and a little more. Then, before you know it, you’re doing some pretty big things and seeing your full potential come to life.

We don’t actually need proof of our potential. We just need tangible evidence that we can have a positive impact in the lives of others. That impact inspires us to do more. That’s why it’s called potential -- because it’s stored up and comes out over time.

 Do something for someone.

See what you’re capable of. See the impact you can have on someone else’s life.

And that proof will inspire you to keep doing things for others. Because if you keep doing things for others, others will start doing things for you. And that is when our potential is realized.

We can each achieve amazing things over the course of our lives not because we’re working to our full potential but because others are helping us to do so.

Finally,never run from what you know you need to learn.Face your fears and doubts,and a new world will open to you.

Compiled by,

Makena Mugane

Client Relations,

Dolphins Group                                              Here are more FREE useful articles for you..►►

Life is what you make it but it only occurs in the present: NOW. No one forces us to do anything, but every decision that we make has an impact on the quality of our present moment.

Success is a state of mind! and not only of mind but also of body and soul…

Successful men and women become successful because they acquire the habit of thinking in terms of success. Get the success habit in the small circumstances you control, and soon you’ll be controlling the bigger ones. -Napoleon Hill (“Think and Grow Rich”)

How can we get to that state of mind?

The past should only equal= great memories and experiences while the future should contain our dreams and hopes…

You do not believe me? Ask Viktor E. Frankl. He was put into the most limiting conditions that a human been can experience: in a concentration camp during the second world war, but still under this situation and under constant pain and suffering, his memories, experiences, dreams and hopes, kept him alive.

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. -Viktor E. Frankl

Life is like riding a bicycle to keep your balance you most keep moving…

How right was Einstein! , once again.

He wrote this in 1930 in a letter to his son Eduard, who was suffering from schizophrenia and had been internalized in a mental hospital. From this quote we can read that he was quite aware that the present is all there is and that each of our decisions, which all occur in the present moment, are what will keep us in balance. On the other hand indecisiveness, lack of direction (purpose in life) and action will put us out of balance. So by balance I also mean balance in what we eat, do, say and think and also it is about having enough time to work, laugh, love, learn, rest…

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value. Albert Einstein

Besides action and balance, which were beautifully synthesized by our friend Albert, there is another key element that will define our success, happiness and quality of life:

INTEGRITY

Integrity, meaning being consistent with who we are and having the values that will allow us to live in harmony within our infinite and abundant Universe.

The level of integrity in every one of our decisions, actions and thoughts in the now, will determine the quality of life in our future now. In other words again: Life is what you make it NOW and success is a state of mind.

I will finish this post with a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that inspires integrity in our daily life:

Gandhi was asked, what are the factors that destroy the human ???…

He replied:

Politics without principles,
Pleasure without conscience,
Wealth without work,
Wisdom without character,
Business without ethics,
Science without humanity and
Prayer without charity.

Life has shown me that people are friendly if I am kind; people are sad if I am sad; people love me if I love them; people are mean if I hate them; people smile if I smile; people scowl if I am scowling; that the world is happy if I am happy; that people get mad if I am mad; that people are grateful if I show gratitude. Life is like a mirror; if I smile, the mirror returns the smile. The same attitude I have towards life is what life will have towards me.

He who wishes to be loved, must love first.

So now I invite you to take your bicycle and take a good ride :) don’t forget to enjoy and fully experience all the little and simple things in life because it is within them that our true wealth lies.

Good luck,

Compiled by,

Diana

Clients Realations

Dolphins Group

Some days a motivational quote can provide a quick pick-me-up for employees and even management. They can be a breath of fresh air when it comes to a drab afternoon.

These are also a great way to jazz up a newsletter or a memo or even to simply print and attach to a bulletin board. Using quotes like these are perfect ways to create a motivational and successful work environment.

As Mr. Rick Pitino says "The only way to get people to like working hard is to motivate them. Today, people must understand why they're working hard. Every individual in an organization is motivated by something different." --Rick Pitino

Motivational Quotes:

Mahatma Gandhi: You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Jim Stovall: You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.

Robert Frost: "The only way around is through."

Warren Buffett: "You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong."

Les Brown: "You must remain focused on your journey to greatness."

Theodore Roosevelt: "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."

Charles F. Kettering: "Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier."

Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right!"

Jim Rohn: "You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills."

William Hazlitt: "Who likes not his business, his business likes not him."

Denis Waitley: "Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating."

Le Iacocca: "Management is nothing more than motivating other people."

Dwight D.: "Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."

Drucker: "The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question."

Max Schmelling: "Why did I want to win? Because I didn't want to lose!"

J. Paul Getty: "To succeed in business, to reach the top, an individual must know all it is possible to know about that business."

Pierre Corneille: "To win without risk is to triumph without glory."

Tony Dorsett: "To succeed... You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you."

James Broughton: "The only limits are, as always, those of vision."

George Kneller: "To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted."

Peter McWilliams: "To the degree we're not living our dreams; our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves."

Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth: "To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult."

Tryon Edwards: "To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully."

Spanish Proverb: "Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week."

Lyndon B. Johnson: "The noblest search is the search for excellence."

Charles M. Schwab: "The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is not likely to neither make money nor find much fun in life."

Chinese Proverb: "The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water; but to walk on the earth."

John Naisbitt: "The new source of power is not money in the hands of a few, but information in the hands of many."

Henry Ford: "The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed."

Good luck,

Compiled by,

Angela Muli,Clients Relations.

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

Some people instantly make us feel important. Some people instantly make us feel special. Some people light up a room just by walking in.

We can't always define it, but some people have it: They're naturally charismatic.

Unfortunately, natural charisma quickly loses its impact. Familiarity breeds, well, familiarity.

But some people are remarkably charismatic: They build and maintain great relationships, consistently influence (in a good way) the people around them, consistently make people feel better about themselves--they're the kind of people everyone wants to be around...and wants to be.

Fortunately we can, because being remarkably charismatic isn't about our level of success or our presentation skills or how we dress or the image we project--it's about what we do.

Here are the 10 habits of remarkably charismatic people:

1. They listen way more than they talk.

Ask questions. Maintain eye contact. Smile. Frown. Nod. Respond--not so much verbally, but nonverbally.

That's all it takes to show the other person they're important.

Then when you do speak, don't offer advice unless you're asked. Listening shows you care a lot more than offering advice, because when you offer advice in most cases you make the conversation about you, not them.

Don't believe me? Who is "Here's what I would do..." about: you or the other person?

Only speak when you have something important to say--and always define important as what matters to the other person, not to you.

2. They don't practice selective hearing.

Some people--I guarantee you know people like this--are incapable of hearing anything said by the people they feel are somehow beneath them.

Sure, you speak to them, but that particular falling tree doesn't make a sound in the forest, because there's no one actually listening.

Remarkably charismatic people listen closely to everyone, and they make all of us, regardless of our position or social status or "level," feel like we have something in common with them.

Because we do: We're all people.

3. They put their stuff away.

Don't check your phone. Don't glance at your monitor. Don't focus on anything else, even for a moment.

You can never connect with others if you're busy connecting with your stuff, too.

Give the gift of your full attention. That's a gift few people give. That gift alone will make others want to be around you and remember you.

4. They give before they receive--and often they never receive.

Never think about what you can get. Focus on what you can provide. Giving is the only way to establish a real connection and relationship.

Focus, even in part and even for a moment, on what you can get out of the other person, and you show that the only person who really matters is you.

5. They don't act self-important…

The only people who are impressed by your stuffy, pretentious, self-important self are other stuffy, pretentious, self-important people.

The rest of us aren't impressed. We're irritated, put off, and uncomfortable.

And we hate when you walk in the room.

6. …Because they realize other people are more important.

You already know what you know. You know your opinions. You know your perspectives and points of view.

That stuff isn't important, because it's already yours. You can't learn anything from yourself.

But you don't know what other people know, and everyone, no matter who they are, knows things you don't know.

That makes them a lot more important than you--because they're people you can learn from.

7. They shine the spotlight on others.

No one receives enough praise. No one. Tell people what they did well.

Wait, you say you don't know what they did well?

Shame on you--it's your job to know. It's your job to find out ahead of time.

Not only will people appreciate your praise, they'll appreciate the fact you care enough to pay attention to what they're doing.

Then they'll feel a little more accomplished and a lot more important.

8. They choose their words.

The words you use impact the attitude of others.

For example, you don't have to go to a meeting; you get to go meet with other people. You don't have to create a presentation for a new client; you get to share cool stuff with other people. You don't have to go to the gym; you get to work out and improve your health and fitness.

You don't have to interview job candidates; you get to select a great person to join your team.

We all want to associate with happy, enthusiastic, fulfilled people. The words you choose can help other people feel better about themselves--and make you feel better about yourself, too.

9. They don't discuss the failings of others...

Granted, we all like hearing a little gossip. We all like hearing a little dirt.

The problem is, we don't necessarily like--and we definitely don't respect--the people who dish that dirt.

Don't laugh at other people. When you do, the people around you wonder if you sometimes laugh at them.

10. ...But they readily admit their failings.

Incredibly successful people are often assumed to have charisma simply because they're successful. Their success seems to create a halo effect, almost like a glow.

Keyword is seem.

You don't have to be incredibly successful to be remarkably charismatic. Scratch the shiny surface, and many successful people have all the charisma of a rock.

But you do have to be incredibly genuine to be remarkably charismatic.

Be humble. Share your screwups. Admit your mistakes. Be the cautionary tale. And laugh at yourself.

While you should never laugh at other people, you should always laugh at yourself.

People won't laugh at you. People will laugh laugh with you.

They'll like you better for it--and they'll want to be around you a lot more.

Good luck...

Compiled by ; Bernice Kanini

Clients Relations

Dolphins Group

Happiness--in your business life and your personal life--is often a matter of subtraction, not addition.

Consider, for example, what happens when you stop doing the following 10 things:

1. Blaming.

People make mistakes. Employees don't meet your expectations. Vendors don't deliver on time.

So you blame them for your problems.

But you're also to blame. Maybe you didn't provide enough training. Maybe you didn't build in enough of a buffer. Maybe you asked too much, too soon.

Taking responsibility when things go wrong instead of blaming others isn't masochistic, it's empowering--because then you focus on doing things better or smarter next time.

And when you get better or smarter, you also get happier.

2. Impressing.

No one likes you for your clothes, your car, your possessions, your title, or your accomplishments. Those are all "things." People may like your things--but that doesn't mean they like you.

Sure, superficially they might seem to, but superficial is also insubstantial, and a relationship that is not based on substance is not a real relationship.

Genuine relationships make you happier, and you'll only form genuine relationships when you stop trying to impress and start trying to just be yourself.

3. Clinging.

When you're afraid or insecure, you hold on tightly to what you know, even if what you know isn't particularly good for you.

An absence of fear or insecurity isn't happiness: It's just an absence of fear or insecurity.

Holding on to what you think you need won't make you happier; letting go so you can reach for and try to earn what you want will.

Even if you don't succeed in earning what you want, the act of trying alone will make you feel better about yourself.

4. Interrupting.

Interrupting isn't just rude. When you interrupt someone, what you're really saying is, "I'm not listening to you so I can understand what you're saying; I'm listening to you so I can decide what I want to say."

Want people to like you? Listen to what they say. Focus on what they say. Ask questions to make sure you understand what they say.

They'll love you for it--and you'll love how that makes you feel.

5. Whining.

Your words have power, especially over you. Whining about your problems makes you feel worse, not better.

If something is wrong, don't waste time complaining. Put that effort into making the situation better. Unless you want to whine about it forever, eventually you'll have to do that. So why waste time? Fix it now.

Don't talk about what's wrong. Talk about how you'll make things better, even if that conversation is only with yourself.

And do the same with your friends or colleagues. Don't just be the shoulder they cry on.

Friends don't let friends whine--friends help friends make their lives better.

6. Controlling.

Yeah, you're the boss. Yeah, you're the titan of industry. Yeah, you're the small tail that wags a huge dog.

Still, the only thing you really control is you. If you find yourself trying hard to control other people, you've decided that you, your goals, your dreams, or even just your opinions are more important than theirs.

Plus, control is short term at best, because it often requires force, or fear, or authority, or some form of pressure--none of those let you feel good about yourself.

Find people who want to go where you're going. They'll work harder, have more fun, and create better business and personal relationships.

And all of you will be happier.

7. Criticizing.

Yeah, you're more educated. Yeah, you're more experienced. Yeah, you've been around more blocks and climbed more mountains and slayed more dragons.

That doesn't make you smarter, or better, or more insightful.

That just makes you you: unique, matchless, one of a kind, but in the end, just you.

Just like everyone else--including your employees.

Everyone is different: not better, not worse, just different. Appreciate the differences instead of the shortcomings and you'll see people--and yourself--in a better light.

8. Preaching.

Criticizing has a brother. His name is Preaching. They share the same father: Judging.

The higher you rise and the more you accomplish, the more likely you are to think you know everything--and to tell people everything you think you know.

When you speak with more finality than foundation, people may hear you but they don't listen. Few things are sadder and leave you feeling less happy.

9. Dwelling.

The past is valuable. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from the mistakes of others.

Then let it go.

Easier said than done? It depends on your focus. When something bad happens to you, see that as a chance to learn something you didn't know. When another person makes a mistake, see that as an opportunity to be kind, forgiving, and understanding.

The past is just training; it doesn't define you. Think about what went wrong, but only in terms of how you will make sure that, next time, you and the people around you will know how to make sure it goes right.

10. Fearing.

We're all afraid: of what might or might not happen, of what we can't change, or what we won't be able to do, or how other people might perceive us.

So it's easier to hesitate, to wait for the right moment, to decide we need to think a little longer or do some more research or explore a few more alternatives.

Meanwhile days, weeks, months, and even years pass us by.

And so do our dreams.

Don't let your fears hold you back. Whatever you've been planning, whatever you've imagined, whatever you've dreamed of, get started on it today.

If you want to start a business, take the first step. If you want to change careers, take the first step. If you want to expand or enter a new market or offer new products or services, take the first step.

Put your fears aside and get started. Do something. Do anything.

Otherwise, today is gone. Once tomorrow comes, today is lost forever.

Today is the most precious asset you own--and is the one thing you should truly fear wasting.

Get going....

Compiled by,Makena Mugane

Client Relations

Dolphins Group

We are witnesses to one of the most significant shifts in human history. Peter Drucker, one of the greatest management thinkers of our time puts it this way:

“In a few hundred years, when the history of our time is written from a long-term perspective, it is likely that the most important event that those historians will see is not technology, not the Internet, not e-commerce. It is an unprecedented change in the human condition. For the first time- literally-substantial and rapidly growing numbers of people have choices.

For the first time, they will have to manage themselves.  “And society is totally unprepared for it.”

To understand the core problem and the profound implications of Drucker’s prophetic statement, we must look first at the context of history –namely, the five ages of civilization’s voice:

first, the Hunter and Gatherer Age;

second, the Agricultural Age;

third, the Industrial Age;

fourth, the Information/Knowledge Worker Age;

and finally, an emerging Age of Wisdom.

Imagine for a moment that you take a step back in time and are a hunter and a gatherer of food. Each day you go out with a bow and arrow or stones and sticks to gather food for your family. That’s all you’ve ever known, seen and done to survive. Now imagine someone comes up to you and tries to persuade you to become what he calls a “farmer.” What do you think your response would be?

You see him go out and scratch the earth and throw little seeds into the ground and you see nothing; you see him watering the soil and removing weeds and still you see nothing. But eventually you see a great harvest. You notice his yield as a “farmer” is fifty times greater than yours as a hunter and gatherer, and you are considered one of the best. What would you do? You would likely say to yourself, “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do that. I don’t have the skills and I don’t have the tools.” You just wouldn’t know how to work that way.

Now the farmer is so productive that you see him making enough money to send his kids to school and give them great opportunities. You are barely surviving. Little by little, you’re drawn to go through the intense learning process of becoming a farmer. You raise your children and grandchildren as farmers. That’s exactly what happened in our early history. There was a downsizing of hunters and gatherers of over 90 percent, they lost their jobs.

Several generations pass, and along comes the Industrial Age. People build factories and learn specialization, delegation and scalability.They learn how to take raw materials through an assembly line with very high levels of efficiency. The productivity of the Industrial Age goes up fifty times over the family farm. Now if you were a farmer producing fifty times more than hunters and gatherers and all over sudden you see an industrial factory rise up and start outproducing the family farm by fifty times, what would you say? You might be jealous, even threatened. But what would you need to be a player in the Industrial Age? You would need a completely new skill-set and tool-set. More importantly, you’d need a new mind-set – a new way of thinking. The fact is that the factory of the Industrial Age produced fifty times more than the family farm, and over time, 90 percent of farmers were downsized. Those who survived in farming took the Industrial Age concept and created the industrialized farm. Today, only 3 percent of the people in the United States are farmers, who produce most of the food for the entire country and much of the world.

Do you believe that the Information /Knowledge Worker Age we’re moving into will outproduce the Industrial Age fifty times? I believe it will.We’re just barely beginning to see it. It will outproduce it fifty times-not twice, not three or ten times, but fifty. Nathan Myhrvold, former chief technology officer at Microsoft, puts it this way: “The top software developers are more productive than average software developers not by a factor of 10X or 100X or even 1000X but by 10,000X.”

Quality knowledge work is so valuable that unleashing its potential offers organizations an extraordinary opportunity for value creation. If that is true, just think of the value of unleashing the potential of your children. Knowledge work leverages all of the other investments that an organization or a family has already made. In fact, knowledge workers are the link to all of the organization’s other investments. They provide focus, creativity, and leverage in utilizing those investments to better achieve the organization’s objectives.

Do you believe the Knowledge Worker Age will eventually bring a downsizing of up to 90 percent of the Industrial Age workforce? I believe it. Current outsourcing and unemployment trends are just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, these trends have become a very hot political issue. But the reality is that much of our losses in Industrial Age jobs have less to do with government policy and free trade agreements than they do with the dramatic shift in our economy to the Knowledge Worker Age. Do you think it will be threatening to today’s workforce to learn the new mind-set, the new skill-set, and the new tool-set of this new age? Imagine what it will take. Imagine what it will take for you – what it will take to be a player in this new era. Imagine what it will require of your organization!

A shift to Wisdom Age – Where individually you make choices combined with Knowledge and acquired skills every second…

Your Mind is your greatest Asset…Protect it and make great use of it

The launch goes well, but the weeks go by. Distractions happen. Your participation drops, and results diminish. Results diminish and you get discouraged. Eventually, you're not checking your e-mail regularly, and not posting to discussion groups anymore at all. And when that happens, your online presence evaporates.

It's a sad and too-familiar sequence of events for online marketers. The excitement that followed the launch of your online marketing attack and its early success is hard to maintain. But what's the alternative? With thousands of people vying for attention on the Net, you have to keep up your marketing efforts or risk losing that presence and visibility you worked so hard to create.

Here are some ideas for maintaining your attack.

Avoid distractions by scheduling.
It's easy to become distracted by off-line events. People call, customers stop by, paperwork needs to be done and errands need running. Your online attack can get shoved to the back burner--or off the stove completely--if you think you'll simply "work it in" sometime during your day. Schedule a specific time every day for your online marketing activities. Mark off half an hour on your daily calendar for reading your e-mail, reading and posting discussion group messages, and maintaining other aspects of your attack. (Try first thing in the morning; that works for me.) Make a schedule you can live with and stick to it.

Keep up with online news.
Your marketing attack needs new ideas flowing into it to keep it fresh and vital. As you read discussion group messages or explore the Web, be on the lookout for new sources of information that can give you new ideas. For example, someone may mention a book or article that could stimulate new ideas for you, or a Web site may have a department or feature that sparks an idea about how you could enhance your own Web site. When you come across references like this, check, them out right away to see if they're potentially useful. It only takes a minute or two. If the resource looks useful, set a bookmark for it or note the address somewhere and then study it in more detail when you have more time. (I use the very end of the day for follow-up checks like this.) Surfing the Web and pursuing new resources you hear about are the best ways to get new electronic marketing ideas, and thereby maintain your enthusiasm for your own attack.

Read all about it.
Unless you spend a few hours a day online, you'll probably overlook at least some of the most interesting trends and developments each month.  Along with trends and interesting Net resources, these monthlies usually cover some aspect of online marketing in regular feature articles.

Your online marketing attack represents a significant investment, an investment whose value grows over time. Do everything you can to maintain it in peak condition.

•     Just Do It.
•     . . . Is It.
•     You Can Do It.
•     You're in Good Hands with...
•     Reach Out and Touch Someone.
•     Oh, I Wish I Were an . . . Weiner!
•     When You Care Enough To Send the Very Best.
•     Be All That You Can Be.

Why can we remember these phrases years and years after the marketing campaign ended? It's because these messages were repeated to us in "delicious" ways over and over again. "Delicious" means accompanied with vivid, beautiful images, lovely music, and great dramatic, memorable themes.

Let's look back at some famous slogans with respect to the needs of different psychological groups. Try to figure out your own best-customer psychological group before you develop your own slogan.

•     For very basic physical needs: "Soup is Good Food." and "Only ... Gives You a Total-Body Workout."
•     For safety, an "ego" prospect needs: "Air Bags Are Standard." and "When You Can't Sleep."
•     For belonging, a "pleaser" client needs: "When Was the Last Time You and Your Husband Met for Lunch?" and "... Brings the Computer Age Home."
•     For self-esteem, an "authority" customer needs: "Isn't It Time You Owned a ..." and "For People who Know the Difference."
•     Appealing to mature self-actualization principled needs: "Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life." and "Be All that You Can Be."

Selecting a slogan represents a lot of work; however, once selected it should almost never be changed. Remember you'll always be in "Good Hands" with what's-his-name.

Leadership is learned behavior that becomes unconscious and automatic over time.  For example, leaders can make several important decisions about an issue in the time it takes others to understand the question.   Many people wonder how leaders know how to make the best decisions, often under immense pressure. 

The process of making these decisions comes from an accumulation of experiences and encounters with a multitude of difference circumstances, personality types and unforeseen failures.   More so, the decision making process is an acute understanding of being familiar with the cause and effect of behavioral and circumstantial patterns;  knowing the intelligence and interconnection points of the variables involved in these patterns allows a leader to confidently make decisions and project the probability of their desired outcomes.   The most successful leaders are instinctual decision makers. 

Having done it so many times throughout their careers, they become immune to the pressure associated with decision making and extremely intuitive about the process of making the most strategic and best decisions. This is why most senior executives will tell you they depend strongly upon their “gut-feel” when making difficult decisions at a moment’s notice.

Beyond decision making, successful leadership across all areas becomes learned and instinctual over a period of time. Successful leaders have learned the mastery of anticipating business patterns, finding opportunities in pressure situations, serving the people they lead and overcoming hardships.   No wonder the best CEOs are paid so much money.   In 2011, salaries for the 200 top-paid CEOs rose 5 percent to a median $14.5 million per year, according to a study by compensation-data company Equilar for The New York Times.

If you are looking to advance your career into a leadership capacity and / or already assume leadership responsibilities – here are 15 things you must do automatically, every day, to be a successful leader in the workplace:

1.  Make Others Feel Safe to Speak-Up

Many times leaders intimidate their colleagues with their title and power when they walk into a room.   Successful leaders deflect attention away from themselves and encourage others to voice their opinions.  They are experts at making others feel safe to speak-up and confidently share their perspectives and points of view.   They use their executive presence to create an approachable environment.

2.  Make Decisions

Successful leaders are expert decision makers.    They either facilitate the dialogue to empower their colleagues to reach a strategic conclusion or they do it themselves.  They focus on “making things happen” at all times – decision making activities that sustain progress.   Successful leaders have mastered the art of politicking and thus don’t waste their time on issues that disrupt momentum.  They know how to make 30 decisions in 30 minutes.

3.  Communicate Expectations

Successful leaders are great communicators, and this is especially true when it comes to “performance expectations.”   In doing so, they remind their colleagues of the organization’s core values and mission statement – ensuring that their vision is properly translated and actionable objectives are properly executed.

I had a boss that managed the team by reminding us of the expectations that she had of the group.   She made it easy for the team to stay focused and on track.  The protocol she implemented – by clearly communicating expectations – increased performance and helped to identify those on the team that could not keep up with the standards she expected from us.

4.  Challenge People to Think

The most successful leaders understand their colleagues’ mindsets, capabilities and areas for improvement.  They use this knowledge/insight to challenge their teams to think and stretch them to reach for more.   These types of leaders excel in keeping their people on their toes, never allowing them to get comfortable and enabling them with the tools to grow.

If you are not thinking, you’re not learning new things.  If you’re not learning, you’re not growing – and over time becoming irrelevant in your work.

5.  Be Accountable to Others

Successful leaders allow their colleagues to manage them.  This doesn’t mean they are allowing others to control them – but rather becoming accountable to assure they are being proactive to their colleagues needs.

Beyond just mentoring and sponsoring selected employees, being accountable to others is a sign that your leader is focused more on your success than just their own.

6.  Lead by Example

Leading by example sounds easy, but few leaders are consistent with this one.   Successful leaders practice what they preach and are mindful of their actions. They know everyone is watching them and therefore are incredibly intuitive about detecting those who are observing their every move, waiting to detect a performance shortfall.

7.  Measure & Reward Performance

Great leaders always have a strong “pulse” on business performance and those people who are the performance champions. Not only do they review the numbers and measure performance ROI, they are active in acknowledging hard work and efforts (no matter the result).    Successful leaders never take consistent performers for granted and are mindful of rewarding them.

8.  Provide Continuous Feedback

Employees want their leaders to know that they are paying attention to them and they appreciate any insights along the way.  Successful leaders always provide feedback and they welcome reciprocal feedback by creating trustworthy relationships with their colleagues..   They understand the power of perspective and have learned the importance of feedback early on in their career as it has served them to enable workplace advancement.

9.  Properly Allocate and Deploy Talent

Successful leaders know their talent pool and how to use it.  They are experts at activating the capabilities of their colleagues and knowing when to deploy their unique skill sets given the circumstances at hand.

10.  Ask Questions, Seek Counsel

Successful leaders ask questions and seek counsel all the time.  From the outside, they appear to know-it-all – yet on the inside, they have a deep thirst for knowledge and constantly are on the look-out to learn new things because of their commitment to making themselves better through the wisdom of others.

11.  Problem Solve; Avoid Procrastination

Successful leaders tackle issues head-on and know how to discover the heart of the matter at hand.    They don’t procrastinate and thus become incredibly proficient at problem solving; they learn from and don’t avoid uncomfortable circumstances (they welcome them).

Getting ahead in life is about doing the things that most people don’t like doing.

12.  Positive Energy & Attitude

Successful leaders create a positive and inspiring workplace culture.  They know how to set the tone and bring an attitude that motivates their colleagues to take action.   As such, they are likeable, respected and strong willed.  They don’t allow failures to disrupt momentum.

13.  Be a Great Teacher

Many employees in the workplace will tell you that their leaders have stopped being teachers.   Successful leaders never stop teaching because they are so self-motivated to learn themselves.  They use teaching to keep their colleagues well-informed and knowledgeable through statistics, trends, and other newsworthy items.

Successful leaders take the time to mentor their colleagues and make the investment to sponsor those who have proven they are able and eager to advance.

14.  Invest in Relationships

Successful leaders don’t focus on protecting their domain – instead they expand it by investing in mutually beneficial relationships. Successful leaders associate themselves with “lifters and other leaders” – the types of people that can broaden their sphere of influence.  Not only for their own advancement, but that of others.

Leaders share the harvest of their success to help build momentum for those around them.

15.  Genuinely Enjoy Responsibilities

Successful leaders love being leaders – not for the sake of power but for the meaningful and purposeful impact they can create.   When you have reached a senior level of leadership – it’s about your ability to serve others and this can’t be accomplished unless you genuinely enjoy what you do.

In the end, successful leaders are able to sustain their success because these 15 things ultimately allow them to increase the value of their organization’s brand – while at the same time minimize the operating risk profile.   They serve as the enablers of talent, culture and results.

Become a great leader everyday..Thank you for reading and Good Luck...

How much time do your customers actually spend online these days?

The amount is staggering. According to Google, 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online. Your customers are online and you should be too.

First, you must be visible

A business that maintains a website is more likely to receive traffic just by simply being there. And according to Google and Nielsen, 73 percent of mobile searches trigger additional action and conversion while 55 percent of purchase-related conversions occur within one hour of an initial mobile search. Make sure your website is mobile friendly.

Aside from having a mobile-friendly website, there are a few other things you can do on your own to improve your visibility and online presence. These include improving your search engine rankings, creating great content that people want to link to, and curating content. The higher your website ranks in the search results the better. According to Gravitate Online, a sample of over 8 million clicks shows that over 94 percent of users clicked on a first page result and less than 6 percent actually clicked to the second page and selected a result displayed there.

Other places you can become visible include sites like Google Places, Yelp, Foursquare, Yellow Pages, etc. You just want to make sure your listings are updated. Many of these sites also have mobile applications that allow customers to discover new businesses while they’re on the go. Be sure to claim your business today!

You must also be social

As a small business, one of the best tools you have in your back pocket is the ability to grow your business on social platforms. First, you need to educate yourself on everything there is about social. SocialQuickStarter.com is a great resource to help you get started.

After you have a good working knowledge, you need to decide which platforms will work best for your business. As a small business owner thriving in a socially-connected world, it is important that you not only have an online presence on social media, but that you also engage with your customers. When a customer “likes” your Facebook Page, that like becomes an endorsement for future growth. Learning how to engage properly is important because according to Syncapse, about 49 percent of individuals like a page because they support that brand. There are several ways to engage, but in the beginning, the most important thing you can do is not give up. Persistence always pays off. Make it fun for your customers to connect with you!

There’s more than one reason why a small business might avoid social media, but one of the most common excuses is that it is too time consuming. I couldn’t agree more. That’s why there are several tools you can use to help simplify and manage your social media. My personal favorite is Hootsuite. Hootsuite is a social media dashboard that lets me effortlessly manage all of my social media content, schedule future posts, and even track my Email reporting. And, if I manage 5 or less social media platforms, it is completely free!

Reach people where they are every day — their inbox and beyond

This is where email marketing comes into play. While varying studies suggest a business needs to dip their toes into several marketing channels to be effective, as a small business, email marketing is the one piece that really ties everything together. A powerful email campaign not only keeps the interest of your current customers, but it can inspire them to share your email socially and forward it to their friends and family. This increases your reach and garners new attention online. One of my favorite tools to reach people with is Email Archive. Every time I create an email campaign , I can automatically turn it into a static webpage that I can then promote on my website, social media channels, and blog. This static webpage of my email can potentially show up in search engine results as well.

How does that help your online presence?

A successful email campaign has several key components, many of which are going to vary based on industry. One of the most important things to consider when creating your email campaigns is to give your customers what they want, not what you think they want. In the end, they are the ones who help you grow online.

How can you truly measure the return on investment (ROI) of maintaining a rich online presence?

When a new customer finds you on Google Places, when engagement on your Facebook Page is seen by others, when someone subscribes to your email list from an archived email they found in their search results, or when someone simply finds out about you through online word of mouth, you know you’re doing something right online. Maintaining a rich online presence is worth the effort because it pays off in many measurable, attainable ways.

Good Luck and see you soon...

Compiled by

Bernice Kanini

Dolphins Group

One of the most often overlooked aspects of leadership is the need for pursuit.

Great leaders are never satisfied with traditional practice, static thinking, conventional wisdom, or common performance. In fact, the best leaders are simply uncomfortable with anything that embraces the status quo. Leadership is pursuit – pursuit of excellence, of elegance, of truth, of what’s next, of what if, of change, of value, of results, of relationships, of service, of knowledge, and of something bigger than yourself. In the text that follows I’ll examine the value of being a pursuer…

Here’s the thing – pursuit leads to attainment. What you pursue will determine the paths you travel, the people you associate with, the character you develop, and ultimately, what you do or don’t achieve. Having a mindset focused on pursuit is so critical to leadership that lacking this one quality can sentence you to mediocrity or even obsolescence. The manner, method, and motivation behind any pursuit is what sets truly great leaders apart from the masses. If you want to become a great leader, become a great pursuer.

A failure to embrace pursuit is to cede opportunity to others. A leader’s failure to pursue clarity leaves them amidst the fog. Their failure to pursue creativity relegates them to the routine and mundane. Their failure to pursue talent sentences them to a world of isolation.  Their failure to pursue change approves apathy. Their failure to pursue wisdom and discernment subjects them to distraction and folly. Their failure to pursue character leaves a question mark on their integrity. Let me put this as simply as I can – you cannot attain what you do not pursue.

Smart leaders understand it’s not just enough to pursue, but pursuit must be intentional, focused, consistent, aggressive, and unyielding. You must pursue the right things, for the right reasons, and at the right times. Perhaps most of all, the best forms of pursuit enlist others in the chase. Pursuit in its purest form is highly collaborative, very inclusive and easily transferable. Pursuit operates at greatest strength when it leverages velocity and scale.

I also want to caution you against trivial pursuits – don’t confuse pursuit with simple goal setting. Outcomes are clearly important, but as a leader, it’s what happens after the outcome that you need to be in pursuit of. Pursue discovery, seek dissenting opinions, develop your ability unlearn by embracing how much you don’t know, and find the kind of vision that truly does see around corners. Don’t use your pursuits to shift paradigms, pursue breaking them. Knowing what not to pursue is just as important as knowing what to pursue.

It’s important to keep in mind that nothing tells the world more about a leader than what or who they pursue – that which you pursue is that which you value. If you message to your organization you value talent, but don’t treat people well and don’t spend time developing the talent around you, then I would suggest you value rhetoric more than talent. Put simply, you can wax eloquent all you like, but your actions will ultimately reveal what you truly value.

Lastly, the best leaders pursue being better leaders. They know to fail in this pursuit is nothing short of a guarantee they’ll be replaced by those who don’t. All leaders would be well served to go back to school on what I refer to as the art and science of pursuitology.

What’s been the best thing you’ve pursued? What pursuit has led you astray. Thoughts?

Compiled by,

Angela Ngethe

Clients Relations,

angelan@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Group

Keep Up: Here are Career Rules For The Modern Individual..

In the age of YouTube and Facebook, of endless smartphone apps and modes of communication, work has become a daunting task. Procrastination used to be a cigarette, now it’s a four-hour navigation through your ex-girlfriend’s or ex-boyfriend photo album. And though it’s frustrating she didn’t have that two-piece while you were dating, there are more important things you could be getting done. There are calls to make, reports to build, a loose screw under the sink, and you were supposed to start your fitness training three months ago. Adrenaline and a couple of energy bars might get you through the last order of business, but for the other tasks, it’s time to buckle down. So, without further ado, here are 10 career rules for the modern Individual like you.

Start with number 10..

Rule No. 10: Keep To-Do Lists
It sounds a bit juvenile, but it doesn’t make it less effective. You can spend an hour trying to recall what it is you had to do. Write a list first thing in the morning or even one for the whole week, and you’ve always got it in front of you. You can even make little check boxes for when you complete the task. And if you’re really doing a great job, you can reward yourself with stickers. That might be taking it too far, but we all have a lot going on in our lives, and it’s the little things that will simplify it. On the other side of the note pad, list Things NOT to do..Yes, Things NOT to do.like watch all local news, gossiping for two hours, Facebook chats for three hours. You know them, deal with them. Remember we form our Habits and Habits form us. Make your choice every day.

Rule No. 9: Get Enough Sleep
Pulling all-nighters and drinking three pots of coffee are great if you’re bringing the NASA shuttle back from orbit, but for most people, you’re better off getting a decent night’s sleep. That’s not an invitation to hibernate through October so you can be productive in the November, but never underestimate the rejuvenating powers of a solid night's sleep. Don’t struggle to stay up and finish a project that might be better suited for the morning. Get your rest, set the alarm and above all, lay off the snooze.

Rule No. 8: Delegate
We don’t all have a team of subordinates taking the menial tasks off our hands -- at least, not yet. Just because we’re not staffed like kings doesn’t mean certain jobs can’t be delegated elsewhere. No one can do it all themselves and if they can, ironically, they usually get secretaries. Don’t be too proud to shift certain responsibilities elsewhere. A coworker or a family member might be able to lend a hand in the times of heavy workflow. Be wary, though; “delegating” shouldn’t replace “doing.” It’s simply a matter of tapping into your resources for some assistance.

Rule No. 7: Keep A Notepad With You
You might feel like a beat journalist from the 1920s when you’re walking around with a notepad, but there’s no denying you’ll always have your story straight. And if you think a pen and paper are archaic, go electronic; just make sure all your notes are in one central location. You don’t want to be fumbling around a pile of post-its or reading off the palm of your hand when you need to get Jimmy’s quote from the meeting. Jot down actions, ideas, doodle your name in bubble letters -- just make sure these items are stored in places other than memory.

Rule No. 6: Set Milestones
It’s nice to have grand aspirations and goals in life, but it’s also effective to set milestones along the way. If you’re ever taking on a big project, the idea of completion can be too overwhelming to really be productive. Whether it’s putting together a report to show the bosses you’re not a putz or you’re looking to complete the memoir you’ve always dreamed of writing, your best bet is to set smaller goals within the process. Have the first few slides done by noon, complete three chapters by May ,put 200 USD or Ksh on Investment per month, meet ten clients per month-- you’ll be done in no time.

Rule No. 5: When Stuck, Move On To New Tasks
It’s easy to become so fixated on a problem that the whole day slips by without anything to show for it. Hours of frustration and three servings of nail-biting aren’t a good use of energy. When that begins to happen, simply move on and find an easy task to check off on your list. A couple of those and the mind is fresh, the confidence is there and you’re a new man. You’ll know when you’re ready to get back on the horse and jump the bigger hurdle. And if you’re not much of an equestrian, just use a different analogy.

Rule No. 4: Block Out Sections Of Your Calendar For Work
You don’t have to be able to see into the future to know how much time a task will take; even Nostradamus couldn’t predict when he’d have time to do something. Schedules fill up fast, and the most effective way to find time for a job is by blocking it out in your calendar. Time is a precious commodity, and no matter how hard you try to squeeze more than 24 hours into a day, it’s not happening. Optimize with what you have, and you’ll manage. Noon to 1 p.m., send client e-mails; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., finish report; 4:00 p.m. to 4:05 p.m., possible bathroom break.

Rule No. 3: Take Your Breaks
It’s great to stay focused, but a man needs to take a break every once in a while. You can’t sit in one position and finish a big project without getting up to collect yourself. The quality of your work will diminish as fatigue sets in, and then the whole machine breaks down. If you ever find yourself frustrated, like you want to smash your computer into the wall and set the office on fire, take that as a sign: It's time for a coffee break. You’d be amazed at what a this can do for a man’s soul.

Rule No. 2: Schedule Email Checks
An email inbox can be like your mother’s basement: It just accumulates until one day it's overloaded with junk and you can’t find your skis. Don’t let the unread count get so high that you become Doc Holliday on the delete trigger -- that’s how you miss something. The easiest way to manage the constant influx of mail is by scheduling check-ins. Pick one or two times a day to really clean out your inbox. Respond to the important ones, flag those that need special care and delete the ones for free prescriptions.

Rule No. 1: Don't Wait On Others
The waiting game is a career-killer. Sending out an email and waiting for a response is the perfect excuse to search funny dance videos for the next three hours. Don’t do it (even though those darn dancers are cute). You need to be persistent and proactive with your correspondence. If that’s not working, ask yourself, “What can be done in the meantime?” or “How can I work around them?” Don’t allow yourself to rely on their diligence, because the longer you deal with others, the more you realize they just don’t get things done. You have to do it yourself.

Remember, GTD - Get Things Done…

Good Luck!

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini - Client Relations

bernice@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Training & Consultants Ltd

Dolphins Group

In the past few years personal branding has been discussed exhaustively throughout the Net. The difference between today and over ten years ago when it was first mentioned by Tom Peters, is the rise of social technologies that have made branding not only more personal, but within reach.

From the corporate brand (BMW), to the product brand (BMW M3 Coupe) and down to the personal brand (car salesman), branding is a critical component to a customer’s purchasing decision. These days, customer complaints and opinions are online and viewable through a simple search, on either Google or through social networks. There is no hiding anymore and transparency and authenticity are the only means to survive and thrive in this new digital kingdom.

Many people think that personal branding is just for celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Denzel, Ronaldo, Wahu, Nameless, Jeff Koinange, Bob Colleymore and the like-yet each and every one of us is a brand. Personal branding, by definition, is the process by which we market ourselves to others. As a brand, we can leverage the same strategies that make these celebrities or corporate brands appeal to others. We can build brand equity just like them.

We can also have just as much presence as most startups and mid-size companies and products. Social media tools have leveled the playing ground and have enabled us to reach incredible heights, at the cost of our time. Today, I want to share the personal branding process, so you can start to think about what face you want to show to the world and how you want to position yourself for success!

1. Discover your brand
The single biggest mistake people make is that they either brand themselves just for the sake of doing it or that they fail to invest time in learning about what's in their best interests. The key to success, and this isn't revolutionary, is to be compensated based on your passion. In order to find your passion, you need a lot of time to think, some luck and you need to do some research online to figure out what's out there.

Brand discovery is about figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life, setting goals, writing down a mission, vision and personal brand statement (what you do and who you serve), as well as creating a development plan. Have you ever been called intelligent or humorous by your peers or coworkers? That description is part of your brand, especially if you feel those attributed pertain to you. To know if you've discovered your brand, you need to make this equation equal:

Your self-impression = How people perceive you

Before you enter the next step in the personal branding process, you'll want to select a niche, whereby you can be the master of your domain. For example, Joel Comm has mastered the Google Adsense niche and brands himself using his name, and Brian Solis owns the social media PR niche with his PR 2.0 blog (under his name). When I say domain, I mean an area where there aren't many competitors and literally, your online domain name. Once you sort this all out, now it's time to create your brand.

2. Create your brand
Now that you know what you want to do and have claimed a niche, at least in your mind, it's time to get it on paper and online. The sum of all the marketing material you should develop for your brand is called a Personal Branding Toolkit. This kit consists of the following elements that you can use to highlight your brand and allow people to easily view what you're about:

1. Business card:

It doesn't matter if you're a college student, CEO, or a consultant, everyone should have their own business card. The card should contain your picture, your personal brand statement (such as Boston Financial Expert), as well as your *preferred* contact information and corporate logo if necessary.
You can create your own business card and share it through your mobile phone using mydropcard.com or rmbrme.com. On the web, BusinessCard2.com is a great social network for creating and distributing your person business card.

2. Resume/cover letter/references document:

These are typical documents that you need for applying for jobs and when you go on interviews (something over 2 million job seekers will be doing as we speak). Be sure to prioritize each document with information custom to the target position. Take your resume online and add social features to it to make the ultimate social media resume, promoting your personal brand to the world and making it shareable.

3. Portfolio:

Whether you use a CD, web or print portfolio, it's a great way to showcase the work you've done in the past, which can convince someone of your ability to accomplish the same results for the future. Figdig.com and carbonmade.com are social networks for people who want to show off their creative skills to the world.

4. Blog/website:

You need to own yourname.com or a website that aligns with your name in some fashion. Depending on who you are, how much time you have on your hands and if you can accept criticism, you should either start a blog or stick with a static homepage. Those who blog will have a stronger asset than those who don’t because blogs rank higher in search engines and lend more to your expertise and interest areas over time.

5. LinkedIn profile:

A LinkedIn profile is a combination of a resume, cover letter, references document and a moving and living database of your network. Use it to create your own personal advertising, to search for jobs or meet new people.
6. Facebook profile: Over a Billion people have profiles, but almost none of them have branded themselves properly using this medium. Be sure to include a Facebook picture of just you, without any obscene gestures or unnecessary vodka bottles. Also, input your work experience and fill out your profile, while turning on the privacy options that disable the ability for people to tag you in pictures and videos (allowing people to see the ones tagged of you).

7. Twitter profile:

Your Twitter profile should have an avatar that is carved out of your Facebook picture and used in your LinkedIn profile. You need to use a distinct background, fill out your profile and include a link to either your blog or LinkedIn profile. Twitterbacks.com, developed by internet mogul Jim Kukral, has templates you can use to sculpt your very own Twitter background (Photoshop skills not included). Twitbacks.com is another solution that also lets you promote your Twitter profile.

8. Video resume:

A video resume is a short video of you talking about why you are the best for a specific job opportunity. You get about a minute or so to communicate your brand and are able to send the link, once you upload it to YouTube, to hiring managers.

9. Wardrobe:

Your personal style is tangible and is extremely important for standing out from the crowd. Select clothing that best represents you because it will be viewable through your pictures/avatars online, as well as when you meet people in reality.

10. Email address:

Don’t overlook your email address as not being a significant part of your toolkit. Most people use email over all social networks and when you connect with someone on a social network, you are notified via email, so get used to it. Your email address poses a great opportunity for your brand. I recommend using gmail because of the acceptance of Google and since GTalk allows you to form tighter relationships with others. For your address, use “firstname.lastname@gmail.com.”

What's next?

After you spend the time on these parts of your personal branding toolkit, it’s time to showcase it to the world, especially your target audience. Don’t be fooled by the myth that if you build it, they will come. Unless you’re the luckiest person on earth, you’ll have to actually communicate everything you’ve created to others.

In the next post, I will discuss how you can take the personal branding toolkit you’ve developed and communicate it to your audience. I’ll give you tips on how to market your personal brand to become known in your niche. Then, I’ll finish by explaining how you should monitor and update your brand over your lifetime.

View all from here..►
 

Compiled by;

Makena Mugane

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

In my previous post, Personal Branding 101, we discussed the importance of branding in this web 2.0 world, as well as how to discover and create your brand. In Personal Branding 202 we’ll discuss how you’ll communicate your personal brand, using social media tools and proven marketing tactics, and then how to sustain your future growth by performing brand maintenance.

Communicating your brand
This is the exciting and challenging part of the process. You’ve figured out what you want to do and have created content around it. Although the content can serve as a communication engine, such as a blog that pumps out content and ranks high in search engines, you have a better chance of getting the word out by being proactive.

Put on your personal PR hat and start to promote your materials. Before you go crazy with self-promotion, realize that the most successful people are able and trained to promote the work of others as well.

Here are some proven personal PR tactics:

Evangelize:

Although you are the chief marketing officer for the brand called you, what others say about your brand (especially if they are respected and well-known) is more impactful than what you say about yourself. This means that you should try and find people who will help promote you when you aren’t even in the same room. You want people to blog about you, your products or your company without pitching. A fan base for your brand can really help you get the word out at the least possible cost and time commitment, but it takes time. There are people out there who are already interested in what you have to say, but you might not yet realize it. By starting a Ning network, for example, you have the infrastructure to support your own following and then communicate updates as you progress throughout your career.

Pitch media:

Instead of spamming reporters, do some homework and figure out who covers what. Almost all newspapers and magazines have online versions and blogs now, which are easier to get into. It’s easier to pitch when there is actually news, but reporters are always looking for expert sources such as yourself. After you target the right reporter, email them your pitch and follow up after a week. If you still don’t hear anything, move on. Always use the journalist/blogger's preference when communicating with them, such as Twitter, email, skype, phone, etc.

If you set Google alerts for terms in your industry or perform Twitter searches, you’ll end up finding reporters that cover your area.

SEO:

Ranking high for your expertise is extremely important. It takes time, patience and determination. It also helps to have evangelists that will link to your website. Reporters, conference organizers and customers are constantly using search engines to find expert sources, cool stories, speakers and solutions to their problems. If you’re at the top, they will contact you. It’s that simple, yet that challenging
Attend events: Getting out into an area where people are already interested in what you have to say (an industry event), is where you can do some real networking. Remember that people don’t know about you until they hear about you from your mouth or from a 3rd party. Tell them what you’re up to AFTER asking them about what they do. Try some live video feeds using Qik or record video interviews during the event, so you can provide special content to your audience.

Speak at events:

When attending events isn’t enough, speaking at events can satisfy your personal PR craving. It will be hard for you to speak without becoming known first though, which is why this falls after attending an event. When you speak, people automatically perceive you as an expert (unless you flop and prove them otherwise), so you’re bound to get attention, fans and new blog subscribers if you play your cards right. Make sure you have a recording of your speaking engagement, so you can use it in your marketing kit to promote to get your next gig. Try uploading it to YouTube for some added exposure.

Create your own event:

The only thing bigger than being a speaker is actually starting your own event or event series. When you do this, you are perceived as a leader and a go-to-person at the event. Try using a wiki to get people to register for your event or create a blog around the event, so that you can get the attendees involved in the conversation before, during and afterward.

Comment on blogs:

Bloggers love comments. Don’t even deny it! When you comment on someone else’s blog it’s like a kudos or a pat on the back. A blogger is more apt to comment back on your blog, subscribe and link to your blog if you’re a part of their community. If you comment on every blog in your industry on a consistent basis, people will get to know you based on your avatar (go to gravatar.com) and your brand will flourish.
Write articles: Article writing is a great marketing tactic. Depending on your writing portfolio and the strength of your brand, you can write for magazines, online sources or blogs (like Mashable!). There are also online article directories that you can submit your work to, such as ezinearticles.com. By contributing to these sources, you’re able to get your brand into new places, while marketing your current web properties.

The communication process never ends, unless you want to go out of business or stop growing. It can happen within a company, where you convince your manager to work on the next big project, or as an entrepreneur, where you’ll want to convince venture capitalists to invest in your company because of your brand. Either route you take in life, your brand will shift over time, as you accumulate more experience. This is where brand maintenance comes in.

Maintain your brand
There are two main parts to brand maintenance that matter: online “spring cleaning” and careful listening.
Online “spring cleaning”: As your brand grows, you must ensure that all the online assets that you have control of grow in the same respect. This means that you need to constantly update your LinkedIn profile so it contains your latest contacts, experience information, and summary. It also means that your physical resume has to be updated, in addition to your video resume and so on.

I know this is a painful task, but the reasoning is simple: first impressions on the web tell you that someone’s entry point into your brand can be a variety of sources. If one of these sources isn’t current, then you may lose an opportunity. Update your picture if you look different and your interests have changed.

Careful listening:

People are going to be talking about you in various places, such as Twitter, blogs, social networks and more. You need to keep track of what they are saying, so that you can respond accordingly. There are many tools out there to help you such as Twitter search, Google alerts, and more. By listening to your industry, you’re able to react and better position yourself, as the economy changes and your niche isn’t as relevant anymore.

It all starts with you. You can make anything happen and now, with these social tools, it’s easier to accomplish more in less time. People that can help you accomplish your dreams are at your fingertips. It’s up to you to figure out what you want to do and surround yourself with the people that can help in your personal branding conquest.

Remember that right now these social tools pose as a differentiator, but soon they will be so standard that they will be a qualifier. Take advantage of what’s here before it’s too late and good luck on your personal branding journey!

Join the next training as we explore more amazing tips..Here is the way..

- View & Earn by Referring your friends, workmates, colleagues or contacts...to Upcoming Trainings or..Click Here..►

Compiled by;

Makena Mugane

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

Building a strong personal brand is a tough task that takes time and energy.  Luckily, there are tools you can use to make the personal branding process dramatically easier.

The top ten personal branding tools today, in no particular order:

1. Google Alerts

Google alerts are “email (or feed) updates of the latest relevant Google results based on your choice of query”.  Use these alerts in 2 ways:

• Self-monitoring: Set up an alert for your name and any variations of it.  Let Google crawl the web each day and monitor any chatter about you.
• Research: Is your personal brand built around expertise in a certain area? Set up alerts for relevant keywords and receive all the current news, blog posts, videos, and discussions on the topic – delivered straight to your digital doorstep.

2. RSS Feed

RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”.  Simply put, it is a way to subscribe to a website’s feed.  Do you have a few favorite blogs that fuel your personal branding fire or consistently deliver excellent, relevant content? Subscribe to the feed and never miss another post.

3. Linkedin

Linkedin is the world’s largest business-focused social networking site, and an extremely valuable tool for job hunters and those looking to expand their current network.  But, just signing up is not enough.  Fill out your profile to the max, grab your custom URL, and network, network, network. (Great tutorial here)

And, to really utilize Linkedin to the fullest, join several Groups relevant to your field.  Linkedin is the most clutter-free social network you will find – Groups in particular are full of information and people willing to engage in great discussion.

4. Twitter

Twitter can initially be quite confusing.  But hang in there, it is one of the best personal branding tools available today.  Why?  Because it is really 3  things in one package – a research tool, a sharing tool, and a networking tool.  This slideshow tells the full Twitter story.

Don’t dive into Twitter headfirst.  Dip a toe in, start by listening, and slowly immerse yourself as you get the hang of it.

5. Tweetdeck

Twitter is a great platform – but really, it is the 3rd party apps that turn it into something special.  I recommend Tweetdeck, a desktop application that allows you to sort by favorites and view mentions and direct messages in their own columns.  Tweetdeck automatically shortens links, and you can follow/unfollow users from within the application.

Below, I’ve set up searches for keywords.  The # sign before the keyword is an identifier (known on Twitter as a #hashtag) that signifies the tweet is specifically about that particular term.  You can set up similar searches for keywords relevant to your field, and receive up-to-the-second news updates.

6. Facebook

Before you roll your eyes, consider these 2  facts:

• Facebook has over Billion + active users.
• 40% of these users are 35 years or older.

Facebook isn’t just for kids anymore.  Business professionals and companies are both recognizing that the way to reach your audience today is to go TO them.  If you want to form connections and build your own brand, go to where the people are.  Right now, that place is Facebook.

While you are there, take the opportunity to learn – become a member of relevant groups or pages that will deliver beneficial content.  (Pages and groups explained here)

7. Google Profiles

Google Profiles is a tool so simplistic in nature that it is often overlooked.  Would you like to make it to the front page of Google search results in a matter of minutes?  Of course you would!  Google profiles generally appear towards the bottom of the first page of results.

By now you will have likely filled out a profile on Linkedin or Facebook.  Simply transfer over the same information to your Google profile, and link back to all other places you reside on the web.  See below for an excellent example of a simple yet informative Google Profile by blogging and marketing expert, Chris Brogan.

8. ping.fm

If you sign up for all the social networking sites listed above, you might become overwhelmed updating each site one at a time.  Fear no more.  With ping.fm, you can update to almost all social networks you can think of, simultaneously.  Or, you can pick and choose groups.  Want to update your Facebook and Twitter status, but not Linkedin?  Only a click away.

9.bit.ly

bit.ly is the king of link shorteners, converting long URLs into a manageable, social-media friendly length.  But, bit.ly is way more than just a one-trick pony.  The real magic comes after you create and share the shortened link.

With bit.ly analytic tools, you can track how many clicks your shortened URL receives.  This knowledge turns your personal branding efforts into a more measurable activity.  Instantly, you can see who values your suggested content enough to click through to the page.  And, (peeking ahead to tool #10) this is even more important if the link is to your own content.

10. WordPress

Last, but definitely not least, is WordPress.  WordPress is one of several highly popular blog publishing platforms, and the option I recommend.  If you only choose only one of these 10 tools, make it this one.  An individually published blog is mandatory when building a strong personal brand.

Your goal is to establish yourself as a thought leader, as an expert in your field.  You can’t do that from Twitter in 140 characters, or in a Facebook status update.  The tools leading up to this one have been building blocks – use them all, and let your blog be the ultimate showcase for your personal brand.

These are the top 10 personal branding tools today, in my opinion.  Did I leave anything off the list?  If so, recommend your favorite tool through below email, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 Good Luck!

Compiled by;

Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group.

To make a change happen...

No change, no point. A presentation that doesn't seek to make change is a waste of time and energy.

Before you start working on your presentation, the two-part question to answer is, "who will be changed by this work, and what is the change I seek?

"

The answer can be dramatic, "I want this six million dollar project approved."



More likely, it can be subtle, "I want Bob to respect me more than he does."

Most often, it's, "I want to start a process that leads to action."

If all you're hoping for is to survive the ordeal, or to amuse and delight the crowd, then you're not making a presentation, you're simply an entertainer, or worse, wasting people's time.



Change, of course, opens doors, it creates possibilities and it's fraught with danger and apparent risk.

 Much easier to deny this than it is to embrace it.

Every element of your presentation (the room, the attendees, the length, the tone) exists for just one reason: to make it more likely that you will achieve the change you seek. If it doesn't do that, replace it with something that does.

And of course, you can't change everyone the same way at the same time. One more reason to carefully curate your audience with your intent in mind.

If you fail to make change, you've failed. If you do make change, you've opened the possibility you'll be responsible for a bad decision or part of a project that doesn't work. No wonder it's frightening and far easier to just do a lousy presentation.

But you won't. Because the change matters.

Here are more Free Articles....►

Want to Improve your skills...View the upcoming events...►

Good Luck,

Compiled by

Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd,

Dolphins Group..

Only a handful of people in a century command the global authority that Nelson Mandela does. These three crucial judgments cemented his greatness.

Nelson Mandela's life story has long since become a legend, one that transcends borders, race, language, or culture. His leadership truly belongs to the world.

It would be absurd--let alone disrespectful to Mandela's achievements--to suggest that the issues you face as a business leader are as grave as apartheid, or that the stresses you encounter compare with his decades of imprisonment. Still, Mandela's decisions at key points in his career do hold lessons for everyone who aspires to be a great leader. In my opinion, these three decisions especially stand out.

One.  1985: Turning down Botha's offer of conditional amnesty

In a 1985 speech to the nation, pro-apartheid President F. W. Botha offered Mandela freedom if he renounced violence and other illegal activity. The President tried to shift the blame for imprisonment to Mandela himself: after all, he was now free to go, provided he would be law abiding. Mandela did not fall for this transparent ploy. Yes, he very much desired freedom after decades of hard labor and confinement in a small cell. But he also felt it would betray his principles, his leadership and the ANC’s long struggle. Here is how Mandela replied, in part, to President Botha’s disingenuous offer:

“What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned?.... What freedom am I being offered if I must ask permission to live in an urban area?.... Only free men can negotiate. Prisoners cannot enter into contracts.”

Mandela turned down Botha and opted to stay in his cold, dark prison cell -- about 8 feet by 8 feet in size -- and was prepared to serve out the remainder of his life sentence. This strategic decision was enormously powerful, since it greatly elevated his position as the face of the ANC’s opposition, while also drawing attention to his enormous personal sacrifice.

Two. 1993: Finding a way to make peace in the wake of Chris Hani's assasination

The second strategic decision occurred shortly after Mandela became a free man but before he was elected President in 1994. The trigger was the 1993 assassination of Chris Hani, a popular black leader fighting for equal rights. Hani was shot in cold blood by a right-wing white extremist when stepping out of his car. The killer was identified by a white woman, who turned him in. The assasination ignited widespread fury and triggered huge demonstrations. Many blacks wanted revenge, and the atmosphere was ripe for looting, violence and mayhem. Recently out of prison, Mandela rose to the occasion and appealed for calm. Here is part of what he said:

"Tonight, I am reaching out to every single South African, black and white, from the very depths of my being. A white man, full of prejudice and hate, came to our country and committed a deed so foul that our whole nation now teeters on the brink of disaster. A white woman, of Afrikaner origin, risked her life so that we may know and bring to justice, this assassin. The cold-blooded murder of Chris Hani has sent shock waves throughout the country and the world….. Now is the time for all South Africans to stand together against those who, from any quarter, wish to destroy what Chris Hani gave his life for - the freedom of all of us."

Three. 1994: Refusing to stand for a second term as president

His third strategic decision occurred after his election as president: He decided early in his first term not to stand for a second, although two were possible under the constitution. This was a remarkable gesture in a continent where leaders tend to seek maximum power (such as Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe). Mandela knew that his speech would be watched by about a billion people on television around the world, and he wanted to signal clearly that he was pledged to democracy and that he represented all the people of his country, regardless of color. The most famous lines of this landmark speech are inscribed in stone on Robben Island. Here is part of what he said:

“We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. Never, never and never again shall this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another….

Mandela’s extraordinary achievement was to encourage racial harmony, forgiveness without forgetting, power sharing, and a strong focus on the future, not the past. As a master of symbolism, Mandela supported his strategy by being magnanimous towards his former enemies. For example, in 1995, he visited the widow of the very man who was the main architect of the apartheid regime and in effect put him in prison (Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd). He rejoiced when the national rugby team Springboks won the world championship even though this team had been a symbol of racism and Afrikaner power for decades. He proudly wore the team’s shirt during the championship match, waved his hands in support and signaled to the world at large that he truly supported a rainbow nation. Such leadership is as precious as it is rare.

We all possess leadership qualities in our different roles and spheres of life...Keep the legacy today by showing your leadership skills; both in personal life and public life.

Mandela passed away December 5th, 2013 at the age of 95.

Good luck..!

Compiled by

Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Client Relations,

Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd,

Dolphins Group..

Introduction
Effective training or development depends on knowing what is required - for the individual, the department and the organisation as a whole. With limited budgets and the need for cost-effective solutions, all organisations need to ensure that the resources invested in training are targeted at areas where training and development is needed and a positive return on the investment is guaranteed. Effective TNA is particularly vital in today's changing workplace as new technologies and flexible working practices are becoming widespread, leading to corresponding changes in the skills and abilities needed.

Analysing what the training needs are is a vital prerequisite for any effective training programme or event. Simply throwing training at individuals may miss priority needs, or even cover areas that are not essential. TNA enables organisations to channel resources into the areas where they will contribute the most to employee development, enhancing morale and organisational performance. TNA is a natural function of appraisal systems and is key requirement for the award of investors in People. The analysis of training needs is not a task for specialists alone.

Managers today are often responsible for many forms of people management, including the training and development of their team, and should therefore have an understanding of training needs analysis and be able to implement it successfully.

Effective TNA involves systematic planning, analysis and coordination across the organisation, to ensure that organisational priorities are taken into account, that duplication of effort is avoided and economies of scale are achieved. All potential trainees should be included in the process, rather than rely on the subjective evaluation of managers. Ideally, managers should also receive training in the process of TNA itself, to clarify what they are trying to achieve and what their approach should be.

Definition
A training need is a shortage of skills or abilities, which could be reduced or eliminated by means of training and development. Training needs hinder employees in the fulfilment of their job responsibilities or prevent an organisation from achieving its objectives.

They may be caused by a lack of skills, knowledge or understanding, or arise from a change in the workplace. Training needs analysis identifies training needs at employee, departmental or organisational level in order to help the organisation to perform effectively.

The aim of training needs analysis is to ensure that training addresses existing problems, is tailored to organisational objectives, and is delivered in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

Training needs analysis involves:
• monitoring current performance using techniques such as observation, interviews and questionnaires
• anticipating future shortfalls or problems
• identifying the type and level of training required and analysing how this can best be provided
Action checklist
Training needs can be sorted broadly into three types:
• Those you can anticipate
• Those that arise from monitoring
• Those which result from unexpected problems.

1. Ensure that the identification of training needs is integrated across the organisation
Training needs discovered in one department are likely to exist in others. It is pointless for individual managers to throw their own limited resources at each problem as it arises, duplicating efforts and dissipating energy. Most organisations have a personnel function which organises training delivery. You may not be the person responsible for coordinating the system, but you have an important role to play in collecting the best information you can on the training needs of the people who work for you and passing it up the line. At the very least, liaise with other managers to aggregate training needs information, so that a range of appropriate training and development activities can be planned.

2. Anticipate future needs
Training needs often appear at the organisational or activity level. For example, the arrival of a new office or workshop equipment, may well have training implications for everyone using it. Alternatively, an organisation that decides to enhance its level of customer service as part of a corporate strategy knows that a programme of training and development is essential for its success. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

3. Develop monitoring techniques
Some training needs can go unnoticed because they creep up on the organisation gradually. Active monitoring systems are essential to spot these and can make a valuable contribution to the process of collecting information on performance gaps and training needs. Variance analysis is one approach to monitoring. This sounds technical but is a simple tool used by managers to monitor budgets. It translates neatly to the identification of training needs. When a budget is agreed, expected monthly expenditure is detailed. Any major variance from the forecast - upwards or downwards - triggers an investigation into why it happened and what the implications will be. In TNA, the budget numbers are replaced by performance standards and indicators which are as specific as possible. It could be, for instance, that even in a 'soft' issue like customer satisfaction, a standard can be set that says 95% of customers feel they received excellent service (the 5% allows for the small number who will always find fault, and those who always rate an experience as less than 100%, on principle). Carrying out customer satisfaction surveys allows you to measure any deviation. Asking questions at appraisal interviews can act as a form of survey, as the same issues are being addressed throughout the organisation. Identifying training needs is one purpose of appraisal.

In addition to training needs that emerge as a result of an appraisal interview, a worthwhile approach to investigating one-off problems is to interview staff and customers. Regularly ask a random sample of people for their views on the same set of questions relating to general performance - for instance customer satisfaction levels.

4. Investigate unexpected problems with care
Monitoring will indicate where gaps and problems exist. However, it is possible to make the wrong assumption when faced with a particular set of circumstances. For instance, unusually rapid staff turnover in a small section may lead to a conclusion that unsocial hours worked there are the issue. However, staff exit interviews may indicate that turnover is a result of cramped working conditions and poor ventilation – issues that training cannot resolve, even though the monitoring process has helped identify the problem.

On the other hand, it could be that:
• the behaviour of the section head is the root cause
• errors at the recruitment stage mean that unsuitable people are being taken on.

In either of these cases there is a training need - in the first case with the section
head and in the second with those doing the recruiting. This could include you.

5. Identify the level of need
It could be that a training need is limited to a single individual or activity but it is more likely to be relevant for a number of people, a whole department or across the organisation. For example, if the organisation traditionally treats customers as a nuisance, it needs to change its overall approach. In this case, giving one or two people training would address the training need at the wrong level; organisation development is needed rather than individual training sessions.

6. Consider what type of training will be most appropriate
Consider whether the training needs can be met by using internal expertise or whether external assistance will be necessary. Will informal training be suitable or are formal training courses required? Take into account the number of people to be trained and the resources available.

7. Take appropriate action
If the training needs are within your own span of control, probably at individual or maybe at activity level, you can plan action to meet the needs. If the needs are broader, you will need to make recommendations and proposals to those responsible for planning and implementing training interventions in your organisation. This may involve drawing up a report specifying the training needs you have identified, your recommendations for meeting them and the expected benefits of the training.

Managers should avoid:
• making snap assumptions about performance problems
• organising training without first establishing a need
• taking a one size fits all approach. A course which one person found helpful will not necessarily meet the needs of a diverse group of individuals
• focusing on obvious training needs at the expense of those which may only be discovered through systematic monitoring.

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini - Client Relations

bernice@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Training & Consultants Ltd

Dolphins Group

At the core of any effective training program is correctly identifying what or who needs to be trained. Poorly conducted needs analyses can lead to training solutions that train:
• The wrong competencies;
• The wrong people; and
• The wrong learning methods.

The results of a training needs analysis provides the employer with answers to the following questions:
• What is needed and why?
• Where is it needed?
• Who needs it?
• How will it be provided?
• How much will it cost? and
• What will be the business effect?

Employers can conduct a needs analysis by following the steps below.

Step 1: Determine the Desired Business Outcomes

Before a training needs analysis can begin, the employer needs to articulate the goal of the training. That is, what are the expected business outcomes of the training?
The training goal should correspond to a business objective. This can be specific to an individual employee, work unit, department or the entire organization.
The ultimate goal of the training should be clearly articulated and kept in the forefront to ensure that the entire needs analysis process keeps the desired outcomes in sight. It is best for an employer to answer the question: "How will we know that the training worked?"

Examples of ultimate goals are:
• Improve customer service representatives' customer satisfaction ratings;
• Increase the close rates on business proposals or bids by sales personnel;
• Improve employee morale through better supervision by middle management; and
• Improve the speed at which warehouse employees fill orders.

Step 2: Link Desired Business Outcomes With Employee Behavior
There are generally multiple behaviors that are associated with any desired business outcome. These behaviors are a result of employees:
• Knowing what to do;
• Having the capability to do it; and
• Having the motivation to do it.

At this step in the process, employers should identify the desired critical competencies, i.e., behaviors and associated knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics that are linked to desired business outcomes. This is usually done through collecting information from subject matter experts.

Data collection may take the form of interviews, focus groups or surveys. Regardless of the method used, the data should result in a clear understanding of how important each competency is to achieving the desired business goal.

A rating scale example to assess the importance is one like the following:

How Important Is This for Successful Job Performance?
1 = Not at all
2 = A little
3 = Somewhat
4 = Considerable
5 = Extremely

To ensure that only the competencies that are deemed critical should be considered for inclusion in other training needs analysis steps, rating averages should be at least a 4.0 on the five-point rating scale.

Step 3: Identify Trainable Competencies
Not every competency can be improved through training. For example, a sales job may require sales people to be outgoing and initiate conversations with total strangers. It is more effective, then, for an employer to hire people that are already extroverts than to attempt to train introverts to be more outgoing. Similarly, it may be more effective to hire people with specialized knowledge than to educate and train them.
Employers should evaluate each critical competency from Step 2 and determine if each one is something they expect employees to possess prior to job entry. Taken together, this should provide employers with a list of critical competencies that are amenable to training.

Step 4: Evaluate Competencies
With a targeted list of competencies in hand, employers should determine the extent to which their employees possess these. The most often used methods are:
• Competency evaluations; and
• Tests or assessments.

Performance evaluation surveys are best used to evaluate observable behaviors. This can be easily accomplished by taking the critical competencies from Steps 2 and 3 and having knowledgeable people rate the targeted employees' behaviors. Most often, supervisors perform this function.

However, multiple raters, including peers, subordinates and customers, are often used to evaluate the performance of supervisors and executives. This approach is generally known as 360 degree surveys.

Performance evaluation surveys become less effective the more raters have to infer unobservable competencies such as ability, skills and personality. Evaluation of these competencies is better accomplished through the use of professional tests and assessments. There are many tests available on the market to measure specific skills, abilities and personality characteristics. However, choosing the right test should be done in coordination with a testing professional, e.g., an organizational psychologist. Care should be taken in selecting tests that are valid measures of the targeted competency.

Custom-designed assessments are also appropriate, especially if the employer desires to measure specialized knowledge or effectiveness in a major segment of the work. These can range from multiple choice job knowledge tests to elaborate job simulations. For example, a very effective approach to measuring the training needs of supervisors and leaders is using an assessment center, which is comprised of different role-play exercises that parallel managerial situations.

Step 5: Determine Performance Gaps
Regardless of the methods used to evaluate competencies, individual employee results are then combined to assess how many employees are in need of improvement in particular competencies.

To do this, the employer first needs to establish what constitutes a performance gap. That standard will vary from employer to employer. Some employers will set higher standards than others.

Setting that standard will provide the employer with an understanding of how many employees fall above or below that standard. Those falling below would be considered to be in need of training.

Step 6: Prioritize Training Needs
Employers should aggregate the data in Step 6 with information on the performance gap pervasiveness. That is, employers should total how many, or what percentage, of the targeted workforce needs the training.

Employers should also consider the importance of the competency (see Step 2). Taken together, pervasiveness and importance should result in a list of training priorities.

Step 7: Determine How to Train
Using the training priority list from Step 6, employers should now consider how best to train their workforce. Typical training methods include:
• On the job training (OJT);
• Mentoring and coaching;
• Classroom;
• Web-based;
• Books;
• Conferences; and
• University programs.

It is recommended that employers consult a professional who is well versed in adult learning to help determine the best ways employees can acquire a particular competency.

Some learning methods will work better than others. Although no two people learn or retain information in the same way, studies show that individuals retain information much better if they actually perform the skill or task. This type of retention is about 75 percent.
Compare that to listening to a lecture, where retention is only five percent.

Other forms of learning retention are as follows:
• Reading, 10 percent;
• Audio-visual, 20 percent;
• Demonstration, 30 percent; and
• Discussion group, 50 percent.

Employers should keep this in mind and strive for the training method that will not only be suitable for the material, but also have the best chance for retention by employees.

Step 8: Conduct a Cost Benefit Analysis
At this point, employers need to consider the costs associated with a particular training method and the extent to which performance gaps can be combined into the same training experience.

Cost factors include:
• Required training time;
• Training content development if designed in-house;
• Training evaluation and acquisition if purchased from vendor;
• Training content delivery;
• Lost productivity from time spent in training; and
• Travel and logistical expenses.

On the benefit side, different training methods will have varying degrees of effectiveness (see Step 7). For example, while web-based training may be the least costly, this may not be the best way for employees to develop a particular skill. Employers need to strike a balance between the cost of a particular training method and its ability to achieve the desired results.

Step 9: Planning for Training Evaluation
The last step in this process is for employers to decide how they will know whether the training worked. Training is only effective if the material is retained and used on the job. This step should include an evaluation component similar to how the needs were assessed in Step 4.

Questions the evaluation process should answer are:
• How much did the training improve the competencies targeted in the training?
• How much did the training improve employees' actual job performance?
• How much did the training improve the meeting of business objectives?
• How much did the training result in a positive return on its investment?

The questions employers want answers to will determine the method and components of the evaluation process

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini - Client Relations

bernice@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Training & Consultants Ltd

Dolphins Group

.

Introduction
Today's work environment requires employees to be skilled in performing complex tasks in an efficient, cost-effective, and safe manner. Training (a performance improvement tool) is needed when employees are not performing up to a certain standard or at an expected level of performance. The difference between actual the actual level of job performance and the expected level of job performance indicates a need for training. The identification of training needs is the first step in a uniform method of instructional design.

A successful training needs analysis will identify those who need training and what kind of training is needed. It is counter-productive to offer training to individuals who do not need it or to offer the wrong kind of training. A Training Needs Analysis helps to put the training resources to good use.

Types of Needs Analyses
Many needs assessments are available for use in different employment contexts. Sources that can help you determine which needs analysis is appropriate for your situation are described below.

• Organizational Analysis. An analysis of the business needs or other reasons the training is desired. An analysis of the organization's strategies, goals, and objectives. What is the organization overall trying to accomplish? The important questions being answered by this analysis are who decided that training should be conducted, why a training program is seen as the recommended solution to a business problem, what the history of the organization has been with regard to employee training and other management interventions.

• Person Analysis. Analysis dealing with potential participants and instructors involved in the process. The important questions being answered by this analysis are who will receive the training and their level of existing knowledge on the subject, what is their learning style, and who will conduct the training.Do the employees have required skills? Are there changes to policies, procedures, software, or equipment that require or necessitate training?

• Work analysis / Task Analysis. Analysis of the tasks being performed. This is an analysis of the job and the requirements for performing the work. Also known as a task analysis or job analysis, this analysis seeks to specify the main duties and skill level required. This helps ensure that the training which is developed will include relevant links to the content of the job.

• Performance Analysis. Are the employees performing up to the established standard? If performance is below expectations, can training help to improve this performance? Is there a Performance Gap?

• Content Analysis. Analysis of documents, laws, procedures used on the job. This analysis answers questions about what knowledge or information is used on this job. This information comes from manuals, documents, or regulations. It is important that the content of the training does not conflict or contradict job requirements. An experienced worker can assist (as a subject matter expert) in determining the appropriate content.

• Training Suitability Analysis. Analysis of whether training is the desired solution. Training is one of several solutions to employment problems. However, it may not always be the best solution. It is important to determine if training will be effective in its usage.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis. Analysis of the return on investment (ROI) of training. Effective training results in a return of value to the organization that is greater than the initial investment to produce or administer the training.

Principle of Assessment: Use assessment instruments for which understandable and comprehensive documentation is available.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Today's workplace often requires employees to be independent thinkers responsible for making good decisions based on limited information. This kind of work may require training if the employee does not have these skills. Below is a list of various competencies that employees may be required to possess in order to perform their jobs well.
• Adaptability
• Analytical Skills
• Action Orientation
• Business Knowledge/Acumen
• Coaching/Employee Development
• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Decision Making
• Fiscal Management
• Global Perspective
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Establishing Objectives
• Risk Management
• Persuasion and Influence
• Planning
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Results Orientation
• Self-Management
• Teamwork
• Technology

Techniques
Several basic Needs Assessment techniques include:
• direct observation
• questionnaires
• consultation with persons in key positions, and/or with specific knowledge
• review of relevant literature
• interviews
• focus groups
• assessments/surveys
• records & report studies
• work samples

Conducting an Organizational Analyses
Determine what resources are available for training. What are the mission and goals of the organization in regards to employee development? What support will the senior management and managers give toward training? Is the organization supportive and on-board with this process? Are there adequate resources (financial and personnel)?

Conducting a Work / Task Analysis
Interview subject matter experts (SME's) and high performing employees. Interview the supervisors and managers in charge. Review job descriptions and occupational information. Develop an understanding of what employees need to know in order to perform their jobs.
Important questions to ask when conducting a Task Analysis:
1. What tasks are performed?
2. How frequently are they performed?
3. How important is each task?
4. What knowledge is needed to perform the task?
5. How difficult is each task?
6. What kinds of training are available?

Observe the employee performing the job. Document the tasks being performed. When documenting the tasks, make sure each task starts with an action verb. How does this task analysis compare to existing job descriptions? Did the task analysis miss any important parts of the job description? Were there tasks performed that were omitted from the job description?

Organize the identified tasks. Develop a sequence of tasks. Or list the tasks by importance.

Are their differences between high and low performing employees on specific work tasks? Are there differences between Experts and Novices? Would providing training on those tasks improve employee job performance?

Most employees are required to make decisions based on information. How is information gathered by the employee? What does the employee do with the information? Can this process be trained? Or, can training improve this process?

Cognitive Task Analysis
Develop a model of the task. Show where the decision points are located and what information is needed to make decisions and actions are taken based on that information. This model should be a schematic or graphic representation of the task. This model is developed by observing and interviewing the employees. The objective is to develop a model that can be used to guide the development of training programs and curriculum.

Since the training is based on specific job tasks, employees may feel more comfortable taking the effort to participate in training.

Gather information about how the task is performed so that this can be used to form a model of the task. Review job titles and descriptions to get an idea of the tasks performed. Observe the employee performing the job. Review existing training related to the job. Make sure you observe both experts and novices for comparison.

Conducting a Performance Analysis
This technique is used to identify which employees need the training. Review performance appraisals. Interview managers and supervisors. Look for performance measures such as benchmarks and goals.
Sources of performance data:
1. Performance Appraisals
2. Quotas met (un-met)
3. Performance Measures
4. Turnover
5. Shrinkage
6. Leakage
7. Spoilage
8. Losses
9. Accidents
10. Safety Incidents
11. Grievances
12. Absenteeism
13. Units per Day
14. Units per Week
15. Returns
16. Customer Complaints
Are there differences between high and low performing employees on specific competencies? Would providing training on those competencies improve employee job performance?

Checklist for Training Needs Analysis
It is helpful to have an organized method for choosing the right assessment for your needs. For example, is the assessment valid for your intended purpose? Is it reliable and fair? Is it cost-effective? Is the instrument likely to be viewed as fair and valid by the participants? Also consider the ease or difficulty of administration, scoring, and interpretation given available resources.
Training and Development Needs Analysis Checklist
Your training needs analysis should include the following:
• Know what the organization is trying to accomplish.
• Know the history of training within the organization.
• What "needs" will be addressed by the training?
• Any recent process or procedure changes?
• What resources are available for training?
• Who needs to be trained?
• Who can serve as subject matter experts?
• Is any staff going to do the training?
• Which companies provide training materials?
• What are the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities?
• Review Job Descriptions and Org Charts.

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini - Client Relations

bernice@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Dolphins Training & Consultants Ltd

Dolphins Group

2. Animals that lay eggs don't have belly buttons.

3. Beavers can hold their breath for 45 minutes under water.

4. Camels have three eyelids.

5. A honey bee can fly at 15mph.

6. A queen bee can lay 800-1,500 eggs per day.

7. A bee has five eyelids.

8. The average speed of a housefly is 4.5 mph.

9. Mosquitoes are attracted to people who just ate bananas.

10. Flamingos turn pink from eating shrimp.

11. Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backward.

12. Cats have over 100 vocal chords.

13. Camel's milk does not curdle.

14. All porcupines float in water.

15. The world's termites outweigh the world's humans about 10 to 1.

16. A hummingbird weighs less than a penny.

17. A jellyfish is approximately 95% water.

18. Children tend to grow faster in the spring.

19. Broccoli is the only vegetable that is also a flower.

20. Almonds are part of the peach family.

21. Alaska has the highest percentage of people who walk to work.

22. The only food that does not spoil is honey.

23. A ball of glass will bounce higher than a ball of rubber.

24. Chewing gum while peeling onions will prevent you from crying

25. On average a human will spend up to 2 weeks kissing in his/her lifetime.

26. Fish have eyelids.

27. There are about 1 million ants for every person in the world.

28. Termites eat through wood two times faster when listening to rock music!

29. If you keep a goldfish in a dark room it will eventually turn white.

30. A snail breathes through its foot.

31. Fish cough.

32. An ant’s sense of smell is stronger than a dog's.

33. It is possible to lead a cow up stairs but not down.

34. Shrimp can only swim backward.

35. Frogs cannot swallow with their eyes open.

36. A cat's lower jaw cannot move sideways.

37. The bullfrog is the only animal that never sleeps.

38. Elephants are capable of swimming 20 miles per day.

39. Elephants are the only mammals that can't jump.

40. Giraffes have no vocal chords.

41. Cats can hear ultrasound.

42. Despite its hump, a camel has a straight spine.

43. Mosquitoes have 47 teeth.

44. There are 63,360 inches in a mile.

45. About 11% of the people in the world are left-handed.

46. The average woman consumes six pounds of lipstick in her lifetime

Join the next training as we explore more amazing tips..Here is the way..

- View & Earn by Referring your friends, workmates, colleagues or contacts...to Upcoming Trainings or..Click Here..►

Compiled by,

Diana Muli

Clients Communication Unit - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group

Understanding Local Max

Join the next training as we explore more amazing tips..Here is the way..

- View & Earn by Referring your friends, workmates, colleagues or contacts...to Upcoming Trainings ..Click Here..►

Compiled by,

Bernice Kanini

bernice@dolphinsgroup.co.ke

Clients Communications - Dolphins Training and Consultants ltd

Dolphins Group