How it works2021-02-26T13:14:27+00:00

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We can’t think of anything else for now. You should have got most of the information you need on each course page and there are some FAQ’s below and of course you can message us anytime either through our contact form below or using Facebook Messenger on our page.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions we get. You should be able to get most of what you need from each product page, which details the syllabus, learning, technology requirements and payment details. The questions below cover other areas and you can message us via the help button or on our Facebook page using the messenger function. We will gladly answer any questions or concerns you have.

What is diversity in the workplace?2021-02-20T20:45:07+00:00
Diversity is the recognition and inclusion of a wide variety of people of different races, cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, sexual, physical ability, age, orientation in a group or organization. These are the obvious ones but there are more subtle like different ways of thinking, language and communication that can create a barrier to entry.

In our course you will cover the following topics

  • Understanding diversity and dealing with issues and complaints
  • Racial, sexual, cultural and religious diversity
  • Creating diversity initiatives
  • Sensitivity training in an organisation
  • HR and best practice
Why is diversity important in the workplace?2021-02-20T20:42:55+00:00

Workplace diversity brings an organisation many different viewpoints, which is positive for the growth of individual employees and the company as a whole. Benefits include:

  • A much larger pool of knowledge and experience to build your decisions and directions from
  • Fulfilling the needs of your existing customers
  • Giving your organisation an empathy and appeal to a larger, global customer base
  • Loyal employees who feel recognised and appreciated, paying multiple dividends to an organisation
  • Compliance to any local legal and regulatory requirements
How to promote workplace diversity in the workplace2021-02-21T10:07:51+00:00

How to manage diversity in the workplace is part of the Human Resources function. Backed by a written diversity policy, HR must communicate these requirements to leadership, who must be compliant. Skills such as effective communication, treating each employee uniquely, promoting the collaboration of diverse groups and being open-minded, are essential manage diversity and communication diversity effectively.

How can I manage my Workplace Diversity perceptions?2021-02-21T10:42:55+00:00

We typically make a judgment about someone in the first 30 seconds. Start by observing your personal approach to diversity, try these steps when you make contact with a new person:

  • Gather information
  • Separate out fact from opinion
  • Make judgment based only on facts
  • Try to continue expanding your opinion of a person’s potential.
How can I deal with stereotype and biased thinking?2021-02-21T10:41:32+00:00
  • Seek information and training to develop self awareness
  • Spend some time looking at your own attitudes and behaviors
  • Evaluate your use of terms, phrases, or behaviors that may negatively impact others
  • Openly confront a discriminatory comment, joke, or action
  • Risk a positive stand against discrimination
  • Become increasingly aware of discriminatory TV programs, advertising, news broadcasts, slogans, slang etc
  • Learn some of the language, culture and values of those in your diverse community
What makes a successful workplace diversity plan?2021-02-21T13:07:49+00:00
  • Be proactive
  • Support top-down, leadership-driven initiatives
  • Promote ownership of issues throughout the organization
  • Think and behave inclusively
  • Make diversity a part of as many initiatives as possible.
What is business acumen?2021-09-02T06:56:41+00:00

Business acumen is an acquired ability to understand and address business situations such as risks and opportunities in a way that leads to a desirable outcome.

  • Understanding how key drivers of the business relate to one another and can be adjusted to increase profits.
  • Understanding business fundamentals such as financial statements.
  • Understanding how actions and decisions impact company objectives.
  • Having the ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees, and stakeholders.
What are KPI best practices?2021-09-02T06:57:59+00:00
  • A good KPI is clear and defined to a specific area of the business needing improvement. Use SMART goals to keep them focused.
  • Pick KPIs that align with your strategic objectives and your market fit.
  • Different levels of management should have KPIs suited to their purview.
  • Consider what makes your business unique and make sure your KPIs reflect that.
  • Select KPIs you can achieve and ones you can inform with data.
  • Choose actionable KPIs. It does no good to measure something beyond your control.
  • Brainstorm with your team to determine what to measure and what criteria to use to inform your decisions. This helps establish buy-in.
What is a SMART goal?2021-09-02T06:59:04+00:00

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely and is a methodology for making metrics precise with actionable milestones.

  • Goals should be narrow for effective planning.
  • Define what evidence will demonstrate progress and re-evaluate as necessary.
  • Goals should be attainable within a given timeframe.
  • Goals should align with long-term objectives.
  • Set ambitious but realistic deadlines for completion.
What is competitor and competitive analysis2021-09-02T06:59:55+00:00

A competitive analysis is a strategic exercise in which a business identifies key competitors and researches their products as well as their marketing strategies.

  • Identifies opportunities for competitive gain.
  • Keeps you on top of industry trends.
  • Helps inform you of ways to improve your product or service’s value proposition.
  • Provides you a benchmark for growth.
  • Helps you identify features your product or service lacks.
Why is employee engagement important?2021-09-02T07:00:42+00:00

Studies show actively engaged employees are more likely to invest time and energy into their jobs, leading to increases in productivity and work quality. Companies that invest in their employees do better at attracting and retaining top-level talent

  • Encouraging employee feedback and listening to employee suggestions engenders trust by demonstrating the importance of employee input.
  • Bonuses, recognition, and opportunities for advancement encourage employees to work harder.
  • Staff training and mentoring programs provide employees new skills and opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Communicating the Big Picture to employees helps them understand how they fit into the company vision and helps them feel vested in the company’s success.
Why are soft skills important?2021-09-04T11:42:52+00:00

Soft skills enable individuals to interact effectively with others. They are important for interviewing, job performance, career development and communicating with people in and out of work. Some examples are:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving
  • Work ethic
  • Interpersonal skills
What are some traits of confident leaders?2021-09-04T10:19:10+00:00

Some people are naturally confident and others develop confidence. A confident leader:

  • Is not afraid to be wrong
  • Realizes the best idea may not be their own
  • Listens more than they speak
  • Shares the credit when due and doesn’t seek the spotlight
  • Asks for help when needed
  • Thinks in terms of possibility, i.e. why not?
  • Doesn’t put other people down
  • Acknowledges their mistakes
  • Doesn’t get defensive when criticized
  • Always looks to improve
How can I become a good problem solver?2021-09-04T11:46:34+00:00

One of the recommended approaches to problem solving is the IDEAL model, from Bransford and Stein’s book Ideal Problem Solver. Their model addresses a problem in simple stages. After you implement a solution, you can revisit it to examine its quantifiable results and see what needs to be tweaked. 

Problem Solving Stages:

  • Identify the issue
  • Define the obstacles
  • Examine your options
  • Act on an agreed course of action
  • Look at how it turns out, and whether any changes need to be made.
Why is emotional intelligence important?2021-09-18T21:09:40+00:00

Emotional intelligence Is your ability to understand and respond to your emotions in ways that generate positive outcomes in everything from personal relationships to career advancement. Strong emotional intelligence allows you to manage stress and emotions that can impact your health, undermine your career, make social situations awkward, and even prematurely age you.

Mastering your emotional intelligence can make you a more consistent and reliable friend, colleague, and leader.

Can I avoid politics in the office?2021-09-11T12:11:03+00:00

No. Office politics will always be present, but you can use them to advance the greater good and your career at the same time. As a manager, this begins by engaging your team with honest dialog and transparent action and agendas. For more tips on how to do this, look at our course on Communication Strategies.

 

What are some examples of workplace politics?2021-09-11T12:12:08+00:00

Office politics originate from the power dynamics in an organization as people look to get ahead socially, financially, and positionally. Business News Daily lists the following examples of Negative and Positive Office Politics:

  • Backstabbing a colleague
  • Blackmailing a colleague
  • Forming malicious alliances against other colleagues
  • Gossiping or spreading rumors about others
  • Intentionally withholding important information
  • Volunteering
  • Presenting a professional image
  • Complimenting and recognizing others

 

How can I tell if my office has become political?2021-09-12T10:03:30+00:00

David Frankel is a managing partner of the consultant firm Slingstone Group and he lists five signs that workplace politics are threatening your organization:

  • An individual’s personal rewards do not align with organizational rewards.
  • There is a “system” that needs to be worked, and the best navigators are rewarded.
  • Urgency takes a back seat to process, and the stakeholders in the status quo become threatened by change.
  • People who do not regularly produce results don’t get fired or reprimanded.
  • The average employee has little knowledge of and visibility into the company’s decision-making.
How can I stop procrastinating?2021-09-12T08:44:54+00:00
  • Get organized by understanding what you need to do and how you’ll do it.
  • Remove distractions such as TV and social media.
  • Set specific goals. A vague plan is easier to delay than a specific one.
  • Take breaks as needed. Yes, you have work to do but allow yourself an hourly stretch.
  • Give yourself a deadline for completion.
  • Reward yourself when you complete the task. Have a snack or watch an episode of your favorite show.
What is a flow state?2021-09-12T09:41:37+00:00

A flow state is where a person is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, It is also known as being in the zone. You can use the attention management techniques outlined above to hone your focus on what needs to be done and immerse yourself in the task.

Will multitasking make me more productive?2021-09-12T09:35:47+00:00

According to the Harvard Business Review, productivity can drop up to 40% when we multitask. This is because we are switch-tasking, not multitasking. Your attention is splintered between the different jobs you’re trying to complete in your workday. Single-tasking and remaining focused is a more effective way of being productive. 

What is a business negotiation?2021-09-12T12:38:36+00:00

Business negotiation is a process between two or more parties, seeking to discover common ground and reach an agreement to settle a matter of mutual concern, resolve a conflict, or exchange value.

What is the greatest asset to have when going into a negotiation?2021-09-12T12:39:30+00:00

 A clear idea of the value you bring to the proposed deal.

What is leverage in a negotiation?2021-09-12T12:40:11+00:00

Leverage is the power that one side of a negotiation has to influence the other side to move closer to their negotiating position.

What are some common business examples of negotiating?2021-09-12T12:40:53+00:00

 Negotiating is more than conversations about whether you buy or sell. Almost everyone negotiates for something every day.

  • Negotiating with a real estate agent on a house 
  • Negotiating with a difficult client who lodged a complaint
  • Negotiating service or supply agreements with vendors
  • Negotiating a dispute resolution with an attorney
  • Salary negotiations with your boss
  • Negotiating a business deal as a freelancer
What is a win-win negotiation?2021-09-12T12:44:55+00:00

A win-win negotiation is a careful exploration of both your position and that of your opposite number, to find a mutually acceptable outcome that gives you both as much of what you want as possible.

Why should I put my customers’ problems before mine?2021-09-12T14:39:10+00:00

The customer isn’t always right, but often they are. You must decide how to prioritize your needs against those of your customers. However, never turn your bad day into a bad customer experience.

How much support should I give a customer before saying enough is enough?2021-09-12T14:39:54+00:00

Every situation is different and will require different customer engagement strategies. Weigh the costs of making a customer happy against those of letting them go.

How can I tell my boss it’s time to let a client go?2021-09-12T14:40:35+00:00

This is a tough conversation. Ensure you carefully note the customer journey and present it to your boss. Explain why you think it’s time to move on and how you can use the free time to better serve other customers.

What kind of sales prospecting should I try?2021-09-16T15:34:06+00:00

The way you prospect depends upon what type of product or service you offer and where your customers are at. Here are five of the most common types of prospecting:

  • Inbound Marketing — has become the most popular way to attract customers because it’s non-intrusive and prospects come to you attracted by the valuable content and tailored experiences you provide to them.
  • Social Media Outreach — Using Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Linked In, and other social platforms to attract and engage potential customers.
  • Referrals — Referrals are one of the easiest ways to grow sales by asking happy customers for introductions and recommendations.
  • Networking — A preferred form of prospecting because it does not feel salesy. It feels warmer because prospects get to know you and build trust before entering a sales funnel.
  • Outbound Prospecting — Any kind of marketing where you initiate the conversation with your audience. This can include TV and radio ads, telemarketing, banner and display ads, billboards, print ads, cold calling, and pop-ups.
What are common mistakes salespeople make?2021-09-16T15:37:45+00:00

According to Dave Warawa, author and sales expert, the top 7 Sales Mistakes Are:

  1. Talking too much. Listen more.
  2. Not following up. What’s the next step?
  3. Taking rejection personally. Grow a thick skin.
  4. Looking for shortcuts. Sales fundamentals still apply.
  5. Focusing on price. What is driving the buyer’s decision?
  6. Dealing with the wrong people. Are you talking to THE decision-maker?
  7. Making assumptions. Listen. Echo back to the prospect what you’ve heard. Don’t assume you know anything they don’t tell you. 
What makes an effective business leader?2021-09-16T16:44:36+00:00

According to Forbes, there are eleven core traits of effective leadership:

  1. Self-managing – You can’t manage others if you can’t manage yourself.
  2. Acting strategically – Leaders are curious about their company and industry, have a flexible mindset, are future-thinking, and maintain a positive outlook.
  3. Good communicator – Powerful leaders know when to talk and when to listen.
  4. Be Accountable – Effective leaders take responsibility for mistakes.
  5. Set clear goals and are persistent – People with clear goals who pursue them doggedly are seen as more charismatic.
  6. Future Vision – Exceptional leaders have a keen eye for where their company and industry are headed.
  7. Managing Complexity – Good leaders solve problems and remain calm.
  8. Foster Creativity and Innovation – Leaders brave enough to take chances themselves will inspire others to think outside the box.
  9. Forms Strong Relationships – Leaders build a following in the company but are adept networkers who establish strategic relationships across channels.
  10. Always Learning – Effective leaders are curious but they also thinking critically, deal well with ambiguity, and demonstrate social and emotional intelligence.
What are the top communication skills for business leaders?2021-09-16T16:45:34+00:00

Harvard Business School lists three fundamental communication skills for executive leadership:

  1. Ability to Adapt Communication Style – Different communication styles are the most frequently cited cause of poor communication, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Know who you’re talking to.
  2. Active Listening – Actively engage in conversations with employees, posing questions, asking for details, and taking notes.
  3. Transparency – Speak openly about the company’s goals, opportunities, and challenges.
  4. Clarity – Be clear to prevent communication about priorities.
  5. Ability to Ask Open-Ended Questions – Use TED
    1. “Tell me more.”
    2. “Explain what you mean.”
    3. “Define that term or concept for me.”
  6. Empathy – Acknowledge and understand employee’s feelings.
  7. Open Body Language – Be aware of your posture and how your non-verbal cues may be interpreted. 
  8. Receiving and Implementing Feedback – Requesting feedback is a tool for gaining insight and growing as a leader while building trust with your team.
What happens if I don’t reach my goals?2021-09-18T19:57:44+00:00

If you don’t reach a goal, reassess the situation. 

  • Why didn’t you reach the goal? 
  • What were your obstacles? 
  • What can you change? 
  • Can you be more productive? 
  • Was the goal attainable? 

Take all of this into consideration and use the information to inform setting a new goal.

Are there industries where EQ is more important than others?2021-09-18T21:11:26+00:00

Yes, EQ is particularly important in the service industry, especially when handling customer complaints. However, any time people are involved, emotional intelligence is important.

How is Emotional Intelligence (EQ) different from regular intelligence (IQ)?2021-09-18T21:12:05+00:00

IQ is a measure of your ability to solve problems, use logic, and grasp complex ideas. EQ is a measure of your ability to recognize emotions in yourself and others and use that awareness to guide your decisions.

Why do we talk about “Emotions” when discussing the workplace?2021-09-18T21:13:02+00:00

Emotions drive behavior, and how we behave in the workplace impacts organizational success. Emotionally intelligent people typically build stronger relationships and achieve greater success in life.

Does possessing a high Emotional Intelligence help you succeed?2021-09-18T21:13:54+00:00

An emotionally intelligent person can control their behavior/emotions and perceive those of others well. Through awareness and self-regulation, we place ourselves in a calm, clear mindset conducive to success.

How can I improve my Emotional Intelligence?2021-09-18T21:14:31+00:00

First, take a deep breath. Here are 10 ways from Inc.com:

  1. Utilize an assertive style of communicating.

Emotionally intelligent people know how to communicate their opinions and needs directly while still respecting others.

  1. Respond instead of reacting to conflict.

An emotionally intelligent person knows how to stay calm during stressful situations. They understand in conflict the goal is resolution, and they make conscious choices to focus on that outcome.

  1. Utilize active listening skills.

Emotionally intelligent people listen for clarity instead of waiting for their turn to speak. They also pay attention to the nonverbal details of a conversation, helping to prevent misunderstandings.

  1. Be motivated.

Emotionally intelligent people are self-motivated. They set goals and persist through challenges.

  1. Practice ways to maintain a positive attitude.

Emotionally intelligent people know what they need to do to have a good day and an optimistic outlook. 

  1. Practice self-awareness.

Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware, intuitive, and they also pick up on others’ emotions and body language.

  1. Take criticism well.

Instead of getting offended or defensive, high EQ people take a few moments to understand where the critique is coming from and how they can constructively resolve their issues.

  1. Empathize with others.

Emotionally intelligent understand that empathy helps them to relate to others on a basic human level. It opens the door for mutual respect and understanding.

  1. Utilize leadership skills.

Emotionally intelligent people have high standards for themselves and set an example for others to follow. They take initiative and have great decision-making and problem-solving skills. 

  1. Be approachable and sociable.

Emotionally intelligent people smile and give off a positive presence. They utilize appropriate social skills based on their relationship with whomever they are around. 

 

How can I be more mindfully focused in my job?2021-09-30T07:06:21+00:00

A recent article in Forbes Magazine outlined four steps for leveraging Attention Management to increase your productivity:

  1. Let go of others’ expectations: Prioritize your work, and don’t be reactive. Answer emails, texts, and voicemails when it is convenient for you. 
  2. Don’t over-schedule: Plan downtime in between meetings to sort through notes and plan your next steps.
  3. Turn off notifications or Turn on Focus Features: Place your devices aside. Schedule regular message checking times throughout the day.
  4. Begin your day in your task list instead of your email: You can check your email after you’ve reviewed your plan for the day and know what you need to do.
What are other self-awareness traits?2021-09-30T07:07:16+00:00

In a recent article, Business News Daily identified three lesser-known traits of self-awareness:

  • Empathy – Understanding how others see you, provides a heightened emotional intelligence to those around you.
  • Adaptability – Knowing how you will react or behave allows you to pause and adjust.
  • Confidence – Identifying your flaws, needs, and strengths enables you to see areas you can improve and focus on, which builds stronger relationships in the workplace.
What is Deep Work?2021-09-30T07:08:01+00:00

It’s a term created by Cal Newport, renowned author and computer science professor at Georgetown University.

“Professional activity performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that pushes your cognitive capabilities to their limit.”

 

How can I apply active listening skills to written communication?2021-09-30T10:06:28+00:00

Much of our verbal communication skills can be applied to written communications such as email and text.

  • Put aside distractions and focus on the message.
  • Read the words, but also pay attention to the tone.
  • Notice the punctuation they’ve chosen, such as exclamation marks.
  • Don’t start thinking of your reply until you’ve read the entire message.
  • Avoid jumping to conclusions or passing judgment until you’ve read the message at least twice.
  • If the message is emotional or you feel the need to react or argue, step away from the keyboard.
  • When you’re in a calm state of mind, respond respectfully and honestly.
  • Make sure you specifically address any concerns listed in the message.
  • If the message feels aggressive or pointed, consider moving the conversation to a phone call or in person where you can each get a better read on one another and are less likely to misinterpret what is being said.
What are interpersonal communication techniques?2021-09-30T10:07:21+00:00

Interpersonal communication is the exchanging of information, ideas, and feelings between two or more people through verbal or non-verbal methods. It often includes voice, facial expressions, body language, and gestures.

Friendliness – A friendly tone, personal question, showing interest or a smile encourages open and honest communication

Confidence – Demonstrates conviction and commitment that you will follow through.

Empathy – This shows you are listening and respect other opinions.

Open-mindedness – Maintaining a flexible mindset allows you to embrace other people’s points of view.

Gestures – Waving, pointing, or using your hands when speaking to emphasize and modify what you say.

Eye Contact – Using one’s eyes to communicate attraction, affection, hostility, and interest.

Space – Using personal space can communicate intimacy, affection, or aggression.

Voice – Timing, pace, volume, tone, and inflection convey everything from enthusiasm to disapproval.

How Can I Improve My Self-Management?2021-09-30T11:56:06+00:00

According to Harvard Business Review, self-management can be learned by anyone:

  1. Decide where you want to self-manage. Look for circumstances where your typical behaviors don’t work as well as you’d like. These are ripe for self-management improvement.
  2. Identify what contributes to your lack of self-management. When you fail to self-manage, observe how you feel, what’s motivating you, and how you’re interpreting people and events. Understanding why you make the choices you do is step one in making a change.
  3. Think about your options and how you might respond. Don’t go into default mode. Think about what you want to do and consider whether there are better alternatives. Do your inclined responses align to the best outcome for everyone? Why do you gravitate toward these habits? Insecurity? Laziness?
  4. Create a plan. Self-management involves steps for correcting behavior. If you know you procrastinate too much and that is your default behavior, create a plan to deal with it.
  5.  Practice. To change default behaviors, we need to create new neural pathways and this only happens through practice. We can rewire our brains by consciously self-managing until it too becomes a habit.
  6. Repeat the process. Return to step two and see how you did? What did you learn? Can you do better? You can improve on each self-managed response.
What are other self-awareness skills?2021-09-30T11:56:48+00:00

In a recent article, Business News Daily identified three lesser-known traits of self-awareness:

  • Empathy – Understanding how others see you, provides a heightened emotional intelligence to those around you.
  • Adaptability – Knowing how you will react or behave allows you to pause and adjust.
  • Confidence – Identifying your flaws, needs, and strengths enables you to see areas you can improve and focus on, which builds stronger relationships in the workplace.
How do you know if your conversation is going poorly?2021-10-02T08:35:28+00:00

Forbes recently published a list of how people behave when they disconnect:

  1. They look around the room 
  2. They avoid eye contact 
  3. They stare at their Phone 
  4. They talk too fast 
  5. They don’t respond verbally or nonverbally
  6. They fold their arms or legs
  7. They furrow their brow 
  8. They slump in their chair
How can I remember someone’s name?2021-10-02T08:38:00+00:00

According to the website College Info Geek, there are four easy tactics to remembering names:

  • Realize Names Aren’t Easy to Remember — Recognize that names are difficult to remember, and you’ll naturally put more effort into remembering them.
  • Use the Person’s Name in Conversation — When you repeat someone’s name, you’re engaging the parts of your brain required to speak it, resulting in new neural pathways, which improve your recall. Use the person’s name more than once in the conversation to make this technique more effective.
  • Use a Mnemonic Device — link the person’s name to something else that is easily retrievable. A mnemonic can be anything from an acronym to a rhyme to a ridiculous story. For example, if you met someone named “Avery,” you could think of a word that rhymes with their name, bravery, and remember them as brave for their choice of drink or showing up to the party alone, etc.
  • Admit Defeat — if you forget someone’s name, admit it, and ask again. People will understand.
How can I be a better listener?2021-10-02T08:40:07+00:00

7 Ways to Be a Better Listener from Smart Company

  1. Look at how they feel — Notice the tell-tale signs right in front of you — the sad eyes, the annoyed grimace, the eyes rolling skyward, the continual swallowing.
  2. Listen to their speech — Listen to the vocal inflections and pace of speaking. Always make allowances for both what and how people are speaking.
  3. Get rid of distractions — Give people your time and focused attention.
  4. Avoid going your way — Don’t interrupt and divert a conversation based on a thought you’ve had or something you’ve been waiting to address. Hold off until the speaker is finished.
  5. Turn off selective hearing — Be respectful and pay attention to all that is said, not just what you find interesting.
  6. No unsolicited quick fixes — Don’t offer answers that trivialize what is being said. Don’t assume your pithy solutions are right for everyone.
  7. Be patient — Make sure you understand the gist of what’s being said before jumping in with your take.
What should I wear for a video call?2022-01-03T14:30:24+00:00

People will be able to see you and are more likely to pay attention to how you appear on a video call. Make sure you have time to dress appropriately and make yourself presentable before joining a call.

According to Artefact London, here’s how you should dress depending on the call:

Should I invest in a microphone for my video calls?2022-01-03T14:31:35+00:00

One of the biggest complaints from video call users is poor audio because so many people rely on their computer’s built-in microphone. If video calls are going to be part of your work routine, you should look into a microphone that can up your game for presentations, pitches, and interviews.

The website Virtuoso Central compiled a list of the best quality microphones on the market for video conferencing:

  • Anker PowerConf – Bluetooth Speakerphone with 6 Microphones

  • Samson Go Mic – USB Condenser Microphone

  • eMeet M2 Max – Professional Video Conference Mic and Speaker

  • Shure MV5 – Digital Condenser Microphone

  • Samson Satellite Microphone

  • Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic

  • Rode NT-USB Condenser Mic

  • Shure MV88+ Stereo Condenser Microphone

Do I need to blur my background for my video calls?2022-01-03T14:32:44+00:00

Unless you have a clean space or are in a professional environment such as a home office, you should consider blurring your background on calls. This limits distraction and tidies up your appearance. It also maintains some level of privacy if you don’t want your colleagues seeing your personal space.

Most apps now make it easy to do and there are many online guides for setting it up correctly.

What are the top communication skills for business leaders?2022-01-03T16:26:04+00:00

Harvard Business School lists three fundamental communication skills for executive leadership:

  1. Ability to Adapt Communication Style – Different communication styles are the most frequently cited cause of poor communication, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Know who you’re talking to.
  2. Active Listening – Actively engage in conversations with employees, posing questions, asking for details, and taking notes.
  3. Transparency – Speak openly about the company’s goals, opportunities, and challenges.
  4. Clarity – Be clear to prevent communication about priorities.
  5. Ability to Ask Open-Ended Questions – Use TED
  6. “Tell me more.”
  7. “Explain what you mean.”
  8. “Define that term or concept for me.”
  9. Empathy – Acknowledge and understand employees’ feelings.
  10. Open Body Language – Be aware of your posture and how your non-verbal cues may be interpreted. 
  11. Receiving and Implementing Feedback – Requesting feedback is a tool for gaining insight and growing as a leader while building trust with your team.
What is paraverbal communication?2022-01-03T16:26:31+00:00

Paraverbal Communication: “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” Paraverbal Communication consists of 3 areas — pitch, tone of voice, and speed of speech.

Does body language signal engagement?2022-01-03T16:27:09+00:00

Forbes recently published a list of how people behave with their body movement when they disconnect in a meeting or conversation:

  1. They look around the room 
  2. They avoid eye contact 
  3. They stare at their Phone 
  4. They talk too fast 
  5. They don’t respond verbally or nonverbally
  6. They fold their arms or legs
  7. They furrow their brow 
  8. They slump in their chair
What are interpersonal communication techniques?2022-01-03T16:27:53+00:00

Interpersonal communication is the exchanging of information, ideas, and feelings between two or more people through verbal or non-verbal methods. It often includes voice, facial expressions, body language, and gestures.

Friendliness – A friendly tone, personal question, showing interest or a smile encourages open and honest communication

Confidence – Demonstrates conviction and commitment that you will follow through.

Empathy – This shows you are listening and respecting other opinions.

 

What subjects do you cover?2018-12-09T10:50:18+00:00

A wide range of business relevant topics. They are split into functions such as Human Resources, Finance & Operations, Customer Support and Sales & Marketing. We also have a large amount of courses that help you develop as a leader and manager as well as personal development.

How current are the courses?2018-12-09T10:50:30+00:00

Our courses are checked and updated every year (if required). The subject matter is designed to have a long lifespan so you’re not learning things that are already out of date (ie our social media course is more a general introduction and overview rather than full of the latest how to’s and expert tips.

Does this qualify for CPD?2018-12-09T10:50:38+00:00

We say, it depends! Most organisations or professional associations will give you guidelines as to what qualifies and doesn’t, which is usually based on relevancy (ie watching the news usually won’t!). Our courses have been used countless times for CPD recording as they cover pretty much every area and function within a business or organisation so people are generally able to demonstrate they have studied a relevant topic. Always check with your organisation first though.

How long is a course?2018-12-09T10:50:46+00:00

The average course will last between four and six hours and you have up to three months to complete. You can pick up study where you left off as the course will synchronise across devices.

Who are these courses meant for?2018-12-09T10:50:53+00:00

Anyone who is interested in developing their career and professional skills. Many of the courses give an overview and introduction to a subject or area of interest so often no prior experience is necessary but always helpful. If you’re a manager who needs to widen out their general knowledge of various business functions, these could be helpful. If you’re looking for more advanced learning on a topic, we would suggest you read the syllabus and make sure it’s right for you before purchasing.

What happens once I’ve paid?2018-12-09T10:51:11+00:00

Once you make a secure payment, you will receive an Order Confirmation from us and our international payment partners (Worldpay/Alipay/Paypal/Stripe). We will then contact you with a welcome email and your enrolment details, which include when you’ll start, how long study will be, log on and other critical Getting Started information.

When do I start my studies?2018-12-09T10:51:20+00:00

As soon as you’ve purchased your courses and registered your details, you’ll be sent a log in so that you can begin your course.

Can I change my course?2018-12-09T10:51:29+00:00

If you haven’t started studying, you can change your course by emailing us and we will reset you to the course you want.

Who creates and teaches your courses?2018-12-09T10:51:39+00:00

Our courses are written and produced by a team of editors and trainers combined with subject matter experts who come together to produce each courses. There is no live tuition but you can be assured you are getting access to industry best practice.

Can I get these courses through my company?2018-12-09T10:51:52+00:00

We have special pricing for volume purchases and we run occasional promotions for current students and if you sign up to our emails you may be lucky with some offers we have with partners but we don’t have permanent discounts. Sign up to our newsletter to find out more.

Can I get courses in bulk for my business?2018-12-09T10:52:04+00:00

Yes. We have special offers for bulk purchases if you are looking to study several topics yourself or if you’re a business looking to get a good training library for your teams and staff.

Can these courses be used for staff development plans and training?2018-12-09T10:52:14+00:00

Yes. All online learning is tracked through our learning management system and courses can be used as part of a personal development plan for staff. You can also get management reports on learner progress.

Can you run training courses in my company?2018-12-09T10:52:21+00:00

Yes. Depending on where you are and what you’re looking for we can. Contact us to find out more.

Am I tied into a contract?2018-12-09T10:52:40+00:00

NO! We don’t do old fashioned things like that. There are no lock-ins, no penalty clauses, no exit payments. You can either pay as you go (whether it’s one course for you) or all the courses for all of your staff. What we will do is offer you a great price, the longer you want to commit to us. Try us out, if you like what you see, we will give you your money back on your first courses and offer you great rates on bulk deals.

We aim to provide you with world class business e-learning from industry experts, delivered efficiently and cost effectively online.

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