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Be flexible and dynamic when working with business budgets.

Why you need Business Budgets and Plans

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

 

Learn to prepare and manage Business Budgets with CTO Training

Business Budgets that are regularly monitored and updated are key to business success.  Checking and adjusting your budgets allows you to allocate resources when they are needed, so your business continues to grow and remains profitable.

Successful business budgets work best when you tie them in to your Strategic Plan.  And your Strategic Plan needs to be developed in conjunction with your Operating Plan, which includes your business budgets and forecasts.  When you build all these documents together – your strategic plan, operating plan and business budgets – this can help you achieve and sustain business growth and profitability.

 

 

Why Bother Planning?

Some of the key benefits of business planning are that it allows you to focus on the direction of your business, and provides you with targets to monitor your business success. As your business grows and changes, you need to know how you’ll move forward.  This allows you to be more flexible and dynamic when planning and budgeting for the future.

Build Strategic Plans with CTO Training

A Strategic Plan determines the vision for your organisation’s future, and identifies your long term goals and objectives.  It establishes agreement around intended outcomes and results. Your Strategic Plan looks further ahead than your Operating Plan, and helps you make sense of a constantly changing business environment. It also helps you forecast where you’re going, so you can budget accordingly.

Your Operating Plan sets out the strategy and action plan for your business over the coming twelve months. It can outline the changes you plan to make in your business, set your goals, objectives and key performance indicators, and includes your financial performance and forecasts.  

To learn more about the training available on this topic from CTO, visit the course page – Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting.

 

Plan your work for today and every day.  Then work your plan.

Margaret Thatcher

 

How to Build a Strategic Plan 

A Strategic Plan helps you forecast the future of your business in a world where change is ongoing. The key to dealing with constant change is careful strategy development, around your business budgets and forecasts.

When working on business budgets, you also need to work with your organisation’s leaders on the business Strategic Plan. Your Strategic Plan can be developed via the following steps:

  • Determine your organisation’s Vision for the future
  • Write or update your Vision and Mission Statements
  • Analyse the external environment
  • Review your internal capabilities
  • Set annual goals for your organisation and devise actions to achieve these goals
  • Allocate resources and set budgets to execute the actions
  • Put it all together

Business Budgets in your Annual Operating Plan

Operating Plans involve utilising the resources at hand to the best of your ability. When putting together a Business Operating Plan, you need to begin by considering the goals you want to achieve for your organisation this year.  Next, break that down into quarters so you can identify which key priorities will be your focus.

Review your Sales History, and forecast your sales growth for the next twelve months.  Next, budget for your projected Sales, and your Costs of Sales. Also then include your labour expenses, depreciation of plant and equipment and other business expenses.

As your year progresses and you move from one quarter to the next, monitor your budget for any changes that will require you to alter your operating plan. Sometimes priorities will change, which may necessitate a different course of action. This will help you focus on critical tasks rather than those that aren’t as important.

Preliminary Steps to Create your Annual Operating Plan:

  • Draft your Annual Goals
  • Review your Organisational Plan
  • Examine you Sales History and Create your Sales Projections
  • Create a Fiscal Calendar
  • Budget for Sales and Costs of Sales
  • Include Labour expenses in your budget
  • Budget Depreciation and other Expenses
  • Work on your Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Plans

When preparing business budgets for a new financial year, often the approach is to simply add five to ten percent to the previous year’s budget. This is a starting point; however, you should also determine what resources will be necessary to achieve each projected budgeting goal. These resources can include things such as personnel and various types of available funding.

Reviewing and Executing Business Budgets

The purpose of a business budget is mainly to plan, track and control spending.  As the year progresses, it’s important to ensure your budget is on track by conducting regular budget reviews.  Monitoring your expenditure is essential, not only to track expenditure against your targets, but also to identify any changes in circumstances which may need corrective action.

Be flexible and dynamic when working with business budgets.

It’s also important to ensure that business income is achieving projected targets, to ensure your budget remains balanced, and in sync with your forecast business growth.

When planning and executing business budgets, you should also account for inevitable changes in resources which were part of your initial forecasts. As the business environment continues to shift, you’ll need to modify your overall plan, including evaluating its effectiveness. As your resources are altered, update the forecast, and advise those around you, so they will be aware of what is to come.

 

 

Adjusting your Plans and Business Budgets

In the business world, small differences between actual and budget figures are normal and to be expected. It’s therefore important that you learn how to create and manage an adjusted plan.  You may also need to create new forecasts if you have significant variance in your budgets.  This is where adjusting your plans and business forecasts allows you to use your plans to improve business control.

Business budgeting and planning is key to business success.  Creating, monitoring and adjusting a budget allows you to allocate resources when they are needed, so your business continues to grow and remains profitable and successful.

By investing the time to create and manage budgets, and by basing your budget on your business operating and strategic plans, you will be creating a financial action plan that can make all the difference to the growth of your organisation.  It will enable you to concentrate resources on improving profits, reducing costs and increasing returns on investment.  The most important things are that your business plans and your business budgets are dynamic, and are communicated to everyone involved in your business prosperity.

In Summary

Strategic plans and Operating plans are both part of the business budgeting process. 

Strategic planning allows you to develop a vision for your company – where you want it to go and how you plan to get there.  Operating Plans provide your business roadmap for the next fiscal year.

Business budgets are an essential part of executing these plans and ensuring the steps to get there are financially realistic and cost effective.  

It’s important that the two processes are kept in alignment and developed at the same time.  Your strategic planning and business budgets should influence each other, keeping you informed about your business progress, and keeping you on track to succeed.

 

Learn more about the course

Corporate Training Options presents a Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting course, which will provide you with the skills to create a Strategic Plan and an Operating Plan for your business, and Business Budgets for sales, labour and expenses.  

You will also learn to interpret a Balance Sheet, review Financial Plans and prepare Business Forecasts. 

The Benefits and Learning Outcomes you will achieve from the Strategic Planning, Budgeting& Forecasting course, include you being able to: 

  • Understand the principles of strategic planning
  • Build a strategic plan starting with a mission statement
  • Create an annual operating plan
  • Budget sales and cost of sales
  • Include labour expense
  • Budget depreciation and other expenses
  • Create and interpret a balance sheet
  • Review financial and presentation aspects of budget plans
  • Create an adjusted plan and forecasts

For more information or to book your training, you can contact Corporate Training Options by emailing us at training@cto.com.au.

 

Corporate Training Options

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options (CTO) is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills, via onsite and online professional development courses.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team are presenting your best image to the world. 

CTO onsite courses are customised to meet your requirements and will assist you to develop strong skills in:

  • Customer Service 
  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Software Training
  • Personal Development

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

Manage difficult situations with CTO Training

Strategies to Handle Difficult People and Situations

Written by webplanners on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Customer Service Training.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Learning the strategies to handle difficult people and situations, and resolve them to everyone’s satisfaction, is an important life skill.  

Manage difficult situations with CTO Training
Manage difficult situations with CTO Training

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion; creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity.”

Dale Carnegie

At one time or another we’ve all experienced difficult people and situations.  It could have been with a customer, colleague, peer, partner or stranger. 

When you master the strategies to handle difficult people, it will help you to better manage your relationships, your career, your workplace, and your organisation.

These skills will help both you and your coworkers, as you learn to:

  • Listen effectively and develop your tolerance and problem-solving skills 
  • Understand what the upset person’s motives are for being difficult
  • Determine if the person complaining is being difficult at all
  • Develop empathy for their situation and understand where you fit into the problem
  • Learn how you can resolve difficult situations, so everyone benefits

In this article we’re sharing 5 Master Strategies to Handling Difficult People & Situations, to get you underway.

To discover more about the Handling Difficult People & Situations course from Corporate Training Options, you can view the course outline here.

5 Master Strategies to Handle Difficult People & Situations

Strategy 1: Understand that everyone is different

All of us are individuals.  We all have our own thoughts and actions and our own way of understanding and processing events.  Your team, your customers and everyone you come into contact with is a living, breathing human being, with different backgrounds, different upbringings and different life experiences. 

Dealing with difficult people and situations is about focusing on:

  1. Listening to people to determine if a real problem does exist 
  2. Processing what people are saying to you
  3. Understanding what meaning and energy you give that person, the situation and what they have told you
  4. Discovering what type of personality that person has
  5. Acknowledging what type of person you are
  6. Looking deeper, so you can appreciate people’s body language, speech, attitude and other behaviours. 
  7. Deciding what action you will take

The moment you start listening, and understanding the different motivations and personality types of people around you, combined with the meaning you give it, is the moment you can begin to understand difficult people and resolve difficult situations. 

Strategy 2: Look inwards, to learn if you contribute to difficult situations

We all need to understand that we cannot control other people’s thoughts and actions, just as they cannot control ours. 

Some people get agitated quickly and easily, and some do not get agitated at all, no matter what unpleasantness may come their way.

So it’s time for a self-analysis check! 

Start by identifying where you can improve. Perhaps you’re too quick to judge, or maybe you have trouble communicating to others – often coming off as rude. 

Other times you may be just having a bad day, which makes it easy to take it out on someone else. It doesn’t make it right, but it’s  a reality.

By doing a self-analysis, you’ll be able to identify traits and characteristics about yourself that you can improve on, if you decide you need to.  And by identifying areas that need improvement in your attitude, persona and character, you’re already halfway there in developing and putting new practices into action. 

Another way you can do a self-analysis check is – every time you have a demanding customer or situation, once it is over, score yourself out of ten about what you did well and in which areas you could have done better.

Strategy 3: Listen & Assess – what are the needs of the other person?

We all know it is much easier to retreat from unwanted conversations and conflict.  However, it’s important to stand your ground, be polite, and listen, listen, listen. 

Think: What does this person want or need, and what are they actually upset about?

Manage difficult conversations, with CTO Training

For example, if you have a difficult customer complaint, try to empathise with them, identify their main problem, take your time, and listen. 

Master strategy Three to Handling Difficult People & Situations is to always focus on listening. There’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth. 

Practice training your mind, attitude and speech to be ‘judgment-free’, so when people are upset, you’re cool, calm, collected and helpful.

In many cases, much of the conflict a customer or person may have towards you, isn’t directed or about you at all. The person who is upset may be just having a bad day, or have other problems in life, and you’re the unlucky one they decide to take it out on.

Strategy 4: Use the right words, voice and attitude to calm people and resolve the situation.

We all under-estimate the power of words and how we use them. When flung into situations and disagreements it’s easy to get caught off guard and respond in an angry and impolite manner. But remember – You’re bigger than that. 

We’ve all heard the saying ‘You get more with a smile than you do with a frown.’ 

When you need strategies to handle difficult people or situations, this is one you should apply. First, analyse the complaint, the person and the situation. Then, before responding, choose your words carefully, using a soft courteous voice, and a calm and helpful attitude and manner.  You’re guaranteed to find a positive result for everyone involved. 

By thinking clearly and choosing your words carefully, you’re less likely to crack under pressure, become negatively influenced or leave serious issues unaddressed altogether. 

Strategy 5: Think in terms of solutions and service, not problems

You and your mind are powerful beyond measure.  What you think about, you bring about. Your mind can take you to the depths of despair, or to heights of success you’ve only imagined. It all depends on how you use it.

Resolving difficult situations is all about focusing on solutions, being true to your word and yourself, and being respectful, irrespective of who is right or wrong.

The last of the Master strategies to Handling Difficult People & Situations is this.

Every single human being wants to feel valued, wants to be heard and needs to be understood.  By focusing on solutions and understanding, you are in the service business.  You will find positive outcomes, resulting in less anger and better resolutions for everyone involved.

In Summary

All of us face difficult people and situations, both in and outside of work. It’s inevitable.  However putting your energy into resolving and handling difficult people and situations, comes down to your attitude, your people skills and how you feel, think and act, that will result in a positive outcome for all. 

So take the initiative – don’t give away your power, or let difficult interactions affect your mind or performance in your workplace or relationships.

Over to You.

Think about your experiences with handling difficult people & situations

Dealing with difficult people and situations is never easy. However, there are some great resources, and particular skills you can learn and develop, to help you resolve these conflicts.

One great resource that many other organisations have used before is the Handling Difficult People & Situations course from CTO. 

This course is perfect if you who want to equip yourself with the necessary skills to manage difficult people and resolve difficult situations effectively and professionally.

Upon the completion of the )Handling Difficult People & Situations course, you will be able to: 

  • Identify who the problematic people in your life have been in terms of their characteristics and the rewards they get for behaving as they do.
  • Examine how your personal beliefs and values play into the way you deal with difficult people.
  • Identify the ‘sources of power’ difficult people have over you, and learn the degree of difficulty posed by each one.
  • Assess each difficult situation, to enable you to make a good decision about how to handle the situation you face.
  • Learn new tools to help you find the right words
  • You’ll also receive a process model, to guide you through difficult interactions with grace and skill.

To discover more about the Handling Difficult People & Situations course from Corporate Training Options, you can view the course outline here.

Alternatively, please contact us by email at training@cto.com.au, for the latest team member training packages.

The Benefits of the strategies to Handle Difficult People & Situations Training Courses include:

  • We focus your training on the outcomes you require for your team
  • Your training can be provided on the dates which suit you
  • Training can be provided for a number of trainees for the same rate
  • You can choose topics from different courses, and your trainer will tailor your sessions around these requirements
  • Our trainers are available to present your training within two weeks of your booking date.

 Why Choose Corporate Training Options?

  • Your Trainers are certified experts who are real-world practitioners
  • The courses are interactive, well organised and fun – making it easier for you to learn
  • Small classes mean each trainee will receive individual attention and can be confident about the skills gained
  • Our complimentary trainer consultation prior to your training ensures your objectives will be met
  • CTO is a Business Excellence Award winning company

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is Australia’s leading professional development training company.  Incorporated in 1992, we have facilitated & run over 100,000 training courses across Australia and in numerous international locations.

CTO training provides a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.  CTO Professional Development and Computer Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

The courses will assist you to develop strong skills in: 

  • Customer Service 
  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development

Each CTO trainer has specific areas of expertise. This enables them to provide invaluableassistance to organisations like yours, seeking to maximise your investment in your teams and your technology.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your skills, or you wish to tackle some new challenges, contact Corporate Training Options today. We’ll meet your specific needs with a tailored training course to suit your requirements.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

Achieve Leadership Excellence with CTO Training

How to Achieve Excellence in Supervision

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Management & Leadership Training.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Achieve Excellence in Supervision by jumping the hurdles that stand in your way

Achieve Excellence in Supervision

If you want to achieve excellence in supervision for your organisation, there are some hurdles you’ll need to jump to get there.

Why? Well, first some of the people promoted to supervisory roles will be people you already have on staff.  They may be highly skilled at what they do, but perhaps need further training in supervisory skills.

Or, you may decide to hire your next supervisor from outside your business, so there are many things to take into consideration with this process too.

Thirdly, you need to ensure your new supervisors can achieve excellence in supervision, as it is vital to your team’s productivity, morale and sense of purpose. It is also important for the culture of your organisation that highly trained staff are in the roles of supervisors.  Many corporations underestimate how important this is. 

Excellence in supervision is crucial in nurturing the development of new skills and knowledge for your people and your corporation’s vision and mission.

Hurdles to achieve Excellence in Supervision - CTO Training

If you’re looking for real-world practical skills and training to take your new supervisors to the next level, take a look at the Corporate Training Options Excellence in Supervision Training course to meet your needs!

The hurdles you may need to jump to achieve Excellence in Supervision

This month we decided to ask some of our corporate clients what their biggest hurdles were when it came to:

  • Promoting coworkers to supervisory roles 
  • Achieving excellence in supervision

Here’s what they came back with.

Hurdle #1 – Lack of experience communicating effectively with employees, peers and managers

When it comes to communicating effectively with employees, peers, and managers, many new supervisors struggle. 

Promoted from Co-Worker to Supervisor? You need Excellence in Supervision training from CTO

This is common because many people promoted in-house to a supervisory role have no communication or supervisory training before taking up their new position. 

The reason for this is many managers assume that the new supervisor already possesses the communication and supervisory skills needed, because they have worked in the business for some time. In many cases, this is inaccurate. 

Many organisations now realise that just because the person they have promoted to a supervisor role may have worked in their company for years, supervising and leading a team is different, and requires additional training, mindset and skills.

Hurdle #2 – Defining the Role of your New Supervisor

The next hurdle for many organisations is defining what the supervisor’s role is and what it involves.   

In many cases, people promoted to a supervisory role are in-house staff. They will be replacing someone who was in that role before them, or the company may have created a new supervisory role due to growth or expansion.

It is therefore important to be able to define the role of the supervisor position, so a smooth transition takes place that benefits the new supervisor, his or her team and your organisation as a whole.

Hurdle #3 – Determining Existing Skills & Future Supervisors Training

The third hurdle you have to consider to achieve excellence in supervision is defining the existing skills of your new supervisor and what supervision training is required.

CTO Training - to Achieve Excellence in Supervision

Admittedly, many of the skills the new supervisor has will have played a part in their promotion to a supervisor’s position. This could be a combination of their problem-solving skills, attitude, expertise and any number of things.

However, as mentioned earlier, many people promoted to supervisor roles from within an organisation may know the work, but may need to improve their skills to lead and manage a team effectively, or to meet the requirements of their senior management.

Hurdle #4 – Promoting the wrong Candidate and hoping things will work out

Occasionally, employers promote people to supervisory roles for the wrong reasons. Some organisations admit they assume that the person they’ve selected to a new supervisory role will rise to the challenge. 

Usually, they do. However, in some cases they don’t, which can be stressful and detrimental for everyone involved.  Of course, no one knows if the person who has been promoted to supervisor will make the transition easily or not.

The real point here is that not everyone is suited to being a supervisor. If the person you have promoted to supervisor is not working out, you should discuss it with them and ask if they would like training, or if they are really not coping, would they prefer that you reselect another candidate. This may sound strange, but in fact, could be a relief for an employee who has been promoted to a supervisory role, and is not coping with the move.

Egos can get in the Way

Another problem is that egos get in the way.  It could be the new supervisor’s ego, your own or whoever promoted the person to the supervisor’s position. 

Many managers are reluctant to admit they may have a mistake in hiring or promoting the wrong person to a supervisory role. However, having the incorrect supervisor in a role that does not suit him or her, and that does not deliver your organisation the results you expected, is chaos both for your business and your people.

Hurdle #5 – Being Promoted from Coworker to Supervisor

Another hurdle organisations struggle with when promoting in-house staff to supervisory roles, is how the new supervisor will handle going from being a coworker to a supervisor.  And the reasons are varied. 

CTO Training for Supervising Teams

In many cases, the coworker promoted to a supervisory role has discussed issues with his or her coworkers about the previous supervisor. Now the shoe is on the other foot.

In other cases, solid friendships are forged in most workplaces, which benefits everyone.  However, envy and jealousy can occur when one of the team is then promoted to supervise the others.  Coworkers who did not get the supervisor promotion may feel they should have. Other employee’s feel that because they have been there longer or have more experience, that they should have been promoted to supervisor. 

The challenge for any organisation is that the person promoted needs training on how to evolve from being ‘one of the team’ to being the leader and supervisor of that team.

Over to You – What are thoughts, experiences or hurdles you’ve had to jump before promoting staff members or hiring new staff for supervisory roles?

No great manager or leader ever fell from heaven; it’s learned, not inherited.

Tom Northup

In Summary

We hope you’ve found this article about how to achieve excellence in supervision beneficial and practical. 

Of course, this is just a snapshot of how preparing and training for supervision can benefit your supervisors, your team and your organisation as a whole. It’s also why more and more Australian organisations are investing in Supervisor Training for their staff with Corporate Training Options.

Excellence in supervision is much more than just promoting a staff member or hiring out-of-house and throwing them in to see how they go. 

Australian organisations realise that excellence in supervision is as much about understanding each person’s personalities, strengths and weaknesses, while also taking into account their long-term vision and mission.

If you’d like to learn the new roles and responsibilities that accompany a promotion to a supervisory role and much more, to create excellence in supervision in your business, our Excellence In Supervision Corporate Training is perfect.

Upon completion of our Excellence in Supervision training, you will be able to: 

  • Describe the new roles and responsibilities that accompany a promotion to supervisor 
  • Explain the principles and processes of performance management 
  • Provide guidelines for communicating effectively with employees, peers, and managers 
  • Explore how practical coaching skills can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity 
  • Provide supervisors with strategies for dealing with organisational change 

To discover more about the Excellence In Supervision course at Corporate Training Options, please view your course outline here.

Alternatively, please contact us at Corporate Training Options by emailing us at training@cto.com.au for the latest Excellence in Supervision training courses and group training packages.

 

The Benefits of our Excellence In Supervision Corporate Training include:

  • We focus your training on the outcomes you require for your team
  • Your training can be provided on dates which suit you
  • Training can be provided for many trainees for the same rate
  • You can choose topics from different courses, and your trainer will tailor your sessions around these requirements
  • Your trainers are available to present your training within two weeks of your booking date.

 Why Choose Corporate Training Options, Australia:

  • Your Trainers are certified experts who are real-world practitioners
  • The courses are interactive, well organised and fun – making it easier for you to learn
  • Small classes mean each trainee will receive individual attention and can be confident about the skills gained
  • Our complimentary trainer consultation before your training ensures your objectives will be met
  • CTO is a Business Excellence Award winning company

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is Australia’s leading professional development training company.  Incorporated in 1992, we have facilitated & run over 100,000 training courses across Australia and in numerous international locations.

CTO training provides a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.  CTO Professional Development and Computer Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

The courses will assist you to develop strong skills in: 

  • Customer Service 
  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development

Each CTO trainer has specific areas of expertise. This enables them to provide invaluableassistance to organisations like yours, seeking to maximise your investment in your teams and your technology.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your skills, or you wish to tackle some new challenges, contact Corporate Training Options today. We’ll meet your specific needs with a tailored training course to suit your requirements.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

Power up Morale, Collaboration & Motivation with these Team Building Strategies

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Management & Leadership Training.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Team Building tips to take your team to the next level!

Team Building Training with CTO

In every business environment, your team members are required to work with a variety of different people and personalities. And while they are all there to perform specific tasks and duties, personality clashes can occur.

If people in your team don’t get along, it can cause friction throughout your entire workplace.  It can also make other team members uncomfortable, not to mention affect their productivity and overall performance.

Without team building strategies, this can affect your organisation’s productivity, culture, team morale and future success.

Which is why team building is crucial for your team member’s happiness and performance, and for your business success.

The benefits of team building include: 

  • Improving each team members performance
  • Raising team morale
  • Cultivating a more productive and cohesive team 
  • Improving team performance
  • And creating highly motivated staff members

Team bonding is not only a great way to get your employees to work well together as a unit, but it also aids in creating a more stable work environment and culture.

Here are five ‘must have’ tips for you from the Corporate Training Options Team Building Course, which you can take action on with your teams.

Design a Successful Blueprint for Your Team

Team Building is like building anything; you need the blueprints to get started. Teams in most cases will have varying degrees of skills, different personalities and a range of beliefs.

Though it can be tough trying to get everyone to work together and agree on a way forward, a team-building blueprint can help you achieve this. 

It aids you in figuring out team characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, the skills available and what your team goals are.

Build a strong foundation for your team members 

To create a strong foundation for your organisation’s team, always remember you are working with living breathing human beings who have needs, wants and desires just like you. 

They also have varying belief systems and values.

Some of the most crucial tips to remember with team bonding are:

  • Taking the time to plan and build a strong foundation for your team members
  • Involving your team members in the process in an open and honest way
  • Leading by example using your own organisational, management and people skills
  • Building a team culture that rewards, motivates, involves and excites your team members, to bring them enjoyment and happiness at work.
  • Establishing accountability within your team and for each member 

Performing these steps is necessary for achieving the best possible outcomes for your team and your organisation. It also guarantees you and your team will have a solid foundation to work on to help you evolve as a team of people with a common cause.

Team Building is more than just People – it’s a Unified Orchestra

Based on our decades of experience in training corporate teams, our philosophy on team building is simple.  In the words of Henry Ford …

Coming together is a beginning. 

Keeping together is progress. 

Working together is success.



Team Building builds stronger bridges to healthier Communication

Building bridges to healthier communication within your team involves a lot of work, tenacity and commitment. 

There are many steps to building a successful, cohesive team. Once you do though, you and your team will work much more effectively and happily, irrespective of the work situation. 

To get to that level some of the steps team leaders and managers need to take are: 

  • Facilitate and encourage open communication
  • Develop teamwork involvement through collaboration
  • Involve your team in setting goals and standards 
  • Utilise the skills of your team and their personalities so your company can solve problems faster and more easily 
  • Create a culture where everyone has accountability, input and ownership
  • Examine conflict and conflict resolution styles, to help your team resolve conflicts productively

Performing all of these tasks will give you the outcome of better communication within your team.

Nurture Mutual Trust and Respect at all times

Mutual trust and respect are the most crucial points to remember and reinforce to build a successful team. 

Of course, this can also be ‘easier said than done’.

To create a capable team for your organisation, irrespective of its size, you need to follow a process. 

It requires fostering an environment of trust and open communication, meaning you must create a safe, relaxed and accessible workplace. This will allow your team to put their faith in you, their fellow team members, their skills and how they see themselves in that team.

Recognising employee performance is a great way to give and earn the respect of your fellow team members, however, it needs to be sincere and deserved. 

In Summary

Team building is crucial for your team member’s happiness and performance, and for your organisation’s success. We hope you’ve found these Team Building tips beneficial, as a snapshot of how Team Building training can benefit you, your team and your organisation.

Like these Team Building Strategies? 

Please feel free to share them with people you think may benefit from them.

Discover More about Powering up Moral, Collaboration & Motivation with Corporate Training Options Team Building

If you’re interested in learning more about unleashing the power and putting into practice the success of team building in your company, Corporate Training Options’ Team Building training course will be invaluable to you.

From learning how to keep your team members motivated; to improved communication; to developing your teams’ problem-solving skills; this is a must-have team bonding and training course unlike any other.

Book your onsite, customised Team Building training Now !

Upon successful completion of the Team Building course, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish the differences between a team and a group including defining the characteristics of each
  • Create a plan for the team or group
  • Understand the benefits of team building in a business environment
  • Create a strong foundation for the team or group through the use of organisational skills and planning
  • Establish accountability within the team or group
  • Determine the right people for your team
  • Understand and combine different behaviour styles
  • Build a solid team through correct training and understanding
  • Promote teamwork through your management style
  • Determine the best ways to communicate within and with your team
  • Discover how to solve problems within the team and through team effort
  • Implement positive discipline within the team or group

The Corporate Training Options Team Building course will help you understand the workings of teams and how teams can help you work better.


You can find the complete Team Building course outline from Corporate Training Options here.

Alternatively, please contact us by emailing training@cto.com.au directly.

The Benefits of the CTO Team Building Course include:

  • We focus your training on the outcomes you require for your team
  • Your training can be provided on the dates which suit you
  • Training can be provided for a number of trainees for the same rate
  • You can include topics from other CTO courses, and your trainer will tailor your sessions around these requirements

Our trainers are usually available to present your training within two weeks of your booking date.

 Why Choose Corporate Training Options

  • Your Trainers are certified experts who are real-world practitioners
  • The courses are interactive, well organised and fun – making it easier for you to learn
  • Small group training means each trainee will receive individual attention and can be confident about the skills they will gain
  • Our complimentary trainer consultation before your training ensures your objectives will be met
  • CTO is a Business Excellence Award winning company

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is Australia’s leading professional development training company, incorporated in 1992 and Australian owned.

CTO has facilitated  thousands of business training courses Australia wide, providing a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world. 

Your Professional Development and Computer Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

CTO courses will assist you to develop strong skills in: 

  • Customer Service 
  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development

Each CTO trainer has specific areas of expertise.This enables them to provide invaluable assistance to organisations like yours, seeking to maximise your investment in your teams and your technology.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your skills, or you wish to tackle some new challenges contact Corporate Training Options today. We’ll meet your specific needs with a tailored training course to suit your requirements.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

Customer Service in the Information Age

How to use Technology to Provide Exceptional Online Customer Service

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Customer Service Training.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

10 Ways you can use Technology to improve your online Customer Service Interactions.

These days, most organisations need to provide online customer service. Let’s use the airlines as an example. I can’t remember the last time I spoke to a real person at an airline. That’s because I can search online for the flights I want, for the days and times that suit me.  Then I can book and pay for my flights online, in one simple transaction.  

That’s providing great online customer service, delivered when I need it.

It’s the same with ordering flowers, booking concert tickets, buying shoes or ordering home delivered pizza.  I can find what I need online, order and pay for it, then have it delivered to my door, within a few minutes, hours or days – depending on the item.

Online Customer Service Training with CTO

So in a world where transactions take place automatically, how does customer service fit in? It needs to be provided online, because customers demand fast answers to their questions and fast access to support.

Your online customer service can be provided via email, your social media accounts or your website. Your customers need to be able to find answers quickly, in order to complete their online transactions.

Corporate Training Options can deliver a course for you on Customer Service in the Information Age, which is ideal for all staff who deal with customers online. 

 

Many of the customer service skills required for the information age are the same as they have always been, so here’s some tips on delivering great online customer service for your customers, in the information age.

In the world of Internet Customer Service, it’s important to remember your competitor is only one mouse click away. 

~ Doug Warner

 

 

 

Review Your Customer Service Skills

Basic customer service skills such as communication, active listening and fast response times are still as relevant as ever. Customers should always be made to feel valued, heard and understood. Be sure that you and your staff are trained in customer service fundamentals and that your systems and procedures are documented and reviewed regularly. 

 

Use Web Based Support Systems

Customer Service in the Information Age

Your web site needs to be customer focused. And ensure your website is mobile friendly.

 Try this tool on your site right now, to check your score on how quickly your site loads on mobile phones.  Fast load times are essential for customers who require fast answers.

PageSpeed Insights

You could also have a support form available which your customers can use to contact you and explain their issue.

Ideally, have an online chat function. Information for your customers should be available in a way that is easy to use and understand. 

 

Complement Software with Human Interaction

Although a lot of business and customer interaction is now done online, it’s important for your clients to be able to get in touch with a real person when they need to.

An angry customer can be soothed and then assisted, when a customer service representative really listens to them and shows compassion. Having someone who really relates to customers if and when it is needed, will always result in more harmonious interactions and a better customer retention rate. 

Always include contact details on your website.  A customer support email address is important. Your address and phone contact details should also be listed.  

Be real to your customers. Keep your website and social media pages current, with regular updates, posts, blogs and videos. Your customers will feel more confident in your business knowing that they can deal with a real person if and when they need to.

 

Let Customers know that you Appreciate their Business

Your customers should know that they are not just another sale to you. Respect their time, try to keep wait times to a minimum, get back to them quickly and really treat them as a valued part of the organisation.  

 

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises.

He is not dependent on us, we are dependent on him. 

He is not an interruption to our work, he is the purpose of it. 

He is not an outsider in our business, he is part of it. 

We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so. 

~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

Offer After Sales Support

Use multiple avenues for your customers to achieve after sales support. They should never be left to feel as though there is no assistance after the sale. They should be able to contact you online or through email at the very least. 

 

Respond Promptly to All Online Requests

This includes emails. Personalise your email responses. On social media sites this is even more important – people have come to expect that they will receive replies very quickly. 

Let your customers know when their initial query has been received with a quick personalised email or text message. 

 

Use Everyday Language

Speak to your customers in layman’s terms about your services and products. Try to avoid using jargon whether online, over the phone or in person.  Keep it simple, and keep your customers happy.

 

Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)

Using a CRM software tool to manage your customer interactions enables you to track essential data about your customers.  This could include information about the products or services they purchase, their place of work, the time of day when they usually shop or order, their average purchase price and much more. 

By using CRM Software you can offer your customers products that will benefit them, and can also increase your organisation’s sales.

Click here to read our article on how a CRM System can power your customer relationships.

 

Have Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Your Site

Unlock your Online Customer Service

Having a list of frequently asked questions on your website can save your customers valuable time. Include questions that are often asked by phone or email, and perhaps basic product information. Make the information clear and easy to read.

We set up our FAQ’s on the CTO website by simply tracking the questions our clients regularly asked over a 3 month period.  The FAQ’s were then uploaded to our site.  Our FAQ list is updated whenever a new question is asked.

Click here to see the FAQ page on the CTO website. It’s set out very simply, with a white cross at the end of each heading leading to the Frequently Asked Questions listed in that category.  

 

Take Customers Privacy Issues Seriously

Have an easy to read privacy policy on your site and take measures to ensure that your customers feel secure when you handle their information. Personal and sensitive information such as credit card details should only be obtained over secure sites. 

Be sure to verify your customers’ identity when you’re assisting them. Don’t ask for personal payment information unless it is required to complete their transaction, and only if they are happy to provide it. 

 

In Summary

We are living today in a world of constant change, where customer service is more important than ever, but can be provided easily and simply online, in most instances.   

However, the same rules still apply.  

Be courteous, thoughtful and compassionate in your interactions with customers.  Treat them with respect and have empathy for the situation they are currently in, or the problem they are currently experiencing. 

 Look after them at all times, and they will continue to look after you and your organisation well into the future.

It’s not only what you say, but how you make them feel, that your customers will remember, long after an issue has been resolved.

~  Rosy King

 

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How can you train your team in Online Customer Service?

At Corporate Training Options our course on Customer Service in the Information Age is ideal for all staff who deal with customers online. 

This one-day course covers 5 main areas:

  1. Customer Service Basics – with a new century twist
  2. Customer service on the web
  3. Providing customer service via email
  4. Customer Relationship Management
  5. Effective automated telephone service

Enrol online today

Corporate Training Options can help you and your team to excel in online customer service and streamline your customer service processes to benefit your business, your staff and your clients. 

Contact us to find out more or enrol online today

 

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options (CTO) is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills, via onsite and online business and professional development courses.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Software Training
  • Personal Development

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

www.cto.com.au

CTO Customer Service Training

5 Keys to Customer Service Excellence

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Customer Service Training.

How Delivering Exceptional Customer Service will help you to engage your current customers and acquire and retain a solid customer base.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

CTO Customer Service Training
Customer Service training teaches your team the skills to make and retain loyal customers

Do you think your customer retention rate could be better? Are you confident that your customers would always give you a 10/10 for customer service?

Looking after your customers is one of the best ways to increase your organisation’s growth. Sadly, it’s also often overlooked.

Did you know that the cost of finding new customers is much higher than that of retaining your existing customers – around 5 times higher in fact.

Below are some key ideas on how you can increase your customer service standards, and turn your customers into raving fans.

By looking after the customers that you have, and making them lifelong fans, they will continue to buy from you, will very possibly increase their business with you, and will recommend you to others. 


1. Provide a Warm Welcome

Customers like to do business with those that they know and trust, so it’s important that you develop good relationships with your customers. Welcome them warmly when they come into your business, call you on the phone, or send you an email.

Build rapport with your customers by getting to know them. Talk to them about their family, their hobbies, their interests and their business goals. Make your customers feel valued and appreciated. They should never feel that they are just a sale or a number.

2. Connect with your Customers

Learn to connect with your customers by communicating well. Engage in active listening, both in person and over the phone. Add a human touch to your communications, instead of giving stock standard responses to their queries.

Have information about each of your customers available on file, so that it can be accessed by all employees.  This alleviates the need for your customer to explain their situation all over again when they contact you.

CTO Customer Service Excellence Training
Customer Service Excellence is what keeps your Customers coming back

Use active listening to show your customers that you understand their needs and are here to help them. Good communication skills allow you to connect with your customers, and go a long way towards them feeling confident and happy with your organisation.

3. Under Promise and Over Deliver

When a customer is looking for you to meet a deadline, it can be tempting to oversell yourself to keep them happy. The opposite, however, is true. For example, your client may wish for a project to be completed by next Wednesday. You know that you can probably complete it on Monday. 

By promising it for Thursday and delivering it on Monday the customer will get a pleasant surprise – and if you fall behind schedule, you still actually have three days in which to complete the project and still keep the customer happy.

4. Increase Your Sales Through Great Service

Find out what it is about your services and products that your customers like, and how you can better serve them. Answer phone calls and emails promptly. If they have put in a request, acknowledge that it has been received. Deal with any issues straight away. 

Don’t assume that you are meeting your customer’s needs. Check in with them frequently to ensure that they are happy. You can also have your customer service team conduct anonymous surveys to get extra feedback. 

The Goal as a company is to have Customer Service that is not just the best, but Legendary.  

Sam Walton

5. Think Long Term

Think long term about your customer service.  Your aim is to have your customers for life. Going the extra mile and giving more than what is expected will result in grateful and happy customers. It also means that you will come to mind when they require future services, or are asked for a referral.

In Summary

Looking after your customers is one of the best ways to increase your organisation’s growth. Teach your team these 5 keys to Customer Service Excellence, and you will retain your existing customers, plus have them refer new customers to you.

Training in Customer Service Excellence will help your business to thrive.



Need help with Customer Service Training?

Corporate Training Options helps train your staff to provide the best in customer service standards. Our Customer Service Excellence course is suitable for staff of all levels, from reception and support staff through to senior management.

In the Corporate Training Options Customer Service Excellence course, you’ll discover:

  • The value of caring for your customers
  • trends in customer service
  • how the human touch can make a difference
  • face to face contact skills
  • active listening benefits
  • how complaints can be valuable for your business
  • customer relationship management techniques
  • how to deal with difficult customers
  • how to increase customer loyalty
  • methods of increasing your sales through great customer service
  • the nature of persuasion
  • and more

Enrol online or contact us at Corporate Training Options for more information about our Customer Service Excellence course today.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options (CTO) is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills via onsite and online business and professional development courses.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development


We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

Online Training with CTO

Online Training – Learn the Skills you need to improve your Business

Written by webplanners on . Posted in Business Administration Skills, Computer Training Courses, Corporate Training Courses, Customer Service Training, Finance & Accounting Training, Management & Leadership Training, Marketing & Sales, Microsoft Office Training, Planning & Organisation Training.

Online Training from CTO provides you with a range of courses you can take anytime, anywhere – to improve your life, your relationships and your business, and have fun doing it!

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Online Training with CTO
Learn new skills online – anytime, anywhere

Learning new skills improves our lives, across all areas. As we gain knowledge, we have the ability to earn more and enjoy a more satisfying career.  We become more interesting people, as we make new connections between what we are learning, and the existing knowledge we already have. We improve our quality of life, our relationships, and our business, as we can adapt quickly to change and feel more confident in ourselves and our ability to take on new tasks.

And learning is fun. There are so many exciting courses available, providing us with a way to learn fascinating new skills and talents. It’s also a social activity, with online discussion forums available with our peers and expert instructors, where we can ask questions, reinforce our learning and get feedback.

Why not give it go today?  You can see some of the most popular online Business Training courses here.

 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”  –  Nelson Mandela

 

What are the benefits of learning new skills?

Learning new skills enhances the quality of our life, providing us with knowledge when we need it and reducing stress.  It breaks us out of our usual patterns and changes our brain chemisty.  

As we learn, our learning speed increases and we gain confidence.  We are more able to tackle new tasks and our mental well being improves as we set new goals and targets. and then reach them.  This sense of achievement is an important part of feeling we are doing well.  Learning new skills also fights boredom and allows us to adapt better to change.

We learn to understand ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses.  To learn the art of life.  And to master the techniques of adjusting and accommodating to changes in our surroundings and life situations.

Why learning is so important for success

Learning new skills is really important for our future success.  It shows we have the drive and commitment to learn and apply new information, ideas and theories, to achieve a variety of tasks and goals.

Knowledge has allowed us to make amazing advances in science and technology.  As they say, knowledge is power and one of the important reasons to learn something new is we gain power when we do.  It makes us far more capable and it helps us get ahead in the workplace and in everyday life.  We can communicate our ideas more clearly, and reason and think for ourselves.

How can online training help us in the workplace?

CTO Online Business Training
CTO Online Business Training – Anytime, Anywhere

 

 

Learning new skills fortifies and rounds out the skills we need to excel in the workplace, improve our resumes and move to a better paying or more desired position.  Training allows us to keep on top of our industry and learn new skills that become necessary as technology progresses.

Learning new skills can also help us decide what we want to do with our life and makes us more confident when approaching a new role and interacting with other people.

Online training gives us the opportunity to learn basic business principles.  These days, it’s important that we have an understanding of how the entire organisation operates.  If we’re acquainted with the basic functions of all departments, we can be a better business leader, and a significantly more attractive candidate for new roles.

A willingness to learn is a compelling characteristic when putting ourselves forward for new positions.  We should always be taking steps to improve and gain new skills, stay on top of industry trends, and step outside our comfort zones.

Discover some of the most popular online Business and Professional Development courses here.

 

How can we learn new skills quickly?

We can learn new skills more quickly by interacting with the available information.  As well as completing an online course, we should also gather information from videos, blogs and podcasts.

Make learning more meaningful by connecting it to our own life and experiences, and seeing how it fits into our personal scheme of things.  Consider how can we put what we have learned into practice and use it to our advantage?  When we can do this, we will grasp new concepts much more quickly.

Learn by doing, and build new habits to enforce our skills. For instance, if we are learning Excel, build spreadsheets and practice with new formulas and functions, which will provide us with the data we need in our business or workplace.  Also, regularly compare our work with that of experts in our field.  We will then notice areas where we can improve.

You can see a sample of the most popular online training Computer Training courses here.

Spend time practicing things we find difficult, until they become easy, because in order to excel in a skill, we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone.  Over time, we will achieve a higher level of efficiency in this skill.

Why is learning new things good for our brain?

Research suggests that continued cognitive activity has a positive effect on braincells and helps promote mental sharpness.  Learning new skills stimulates neurons in our brains, which forms more neural pathways and allows electrical impulses to travel faster across them.  This helps us learn better, and to learn things more quickly over time.  

Using our brains more allows us to find a way to work through frustrations and achieve competence.  Leaning new business or career skills is important for surviving and thriving in the workplace.  Learning new skills is essential for building the career or business you love.

Why knowledge is important in our life

Lifelong learning is important.  The voluntary decision to enrol in courses and learn new skills keeps us motivated, with the desire for more knowledge and self-improvement.

We need knowledge to be successful in life.  To grow in our careers, gaining as much knowledge as possible is important.  Knowledge allows us to shape our personality, improve our behaviour, deal with people and situations more easily. 

Which skills are important in 2019 and beyond?

Many of the skills we are learning today will be quite different from the skills we will need in as little as a decade.  Technology is changing our world so quickly, that new jobs and business opportunities are arising every day. 

Below are some of the skills which are highly desirable in 2019.  Who knows how these may change over the next 10 years, but they are certainly a starting point for today. 

Personal Skills

  • Thinking skills, for problem solving and decision making
  • Creativity
  • Resilience
  • A passion for learning
  • Good communication 
  • Self-management
  • A positive attitude
  • Curiosity and imagination

Professional Skills

  • Good business sense
  • Agility and Adaptability
  • Initiative and Entrepreneurship
  • Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
  • Public Speaking
  • Willingness to learn
  • Teamwork
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Assessing and Analysing information

Technical Skills

  • Social Media literacy
  • Coding
  • Excel – one of the most desired skills in today’s workplace
  • Web development
  • Business Writing & copywriting
  • Project Management
  • Google Analytics
  • Digital marketing
  • Data analysis

 

Our quest for knowledge doesn’t have to end when we finish school or university.  Education can be a part of our adult lives too and we can reap the professional and person benefits of lifelong learning.  It’s never too late to start.  Making ongoing learning and development a part of our lives is vital for all of us, keeping us motivated and interested in the world we live in.  

 

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The CTO Online Training Courses are ideal for those wanting to upgrade their business and professional skills.

For more information on the range of Online Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Enrol online today !

 

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills via online business and professional development courses.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development

CTO provides Online Training courses to organisations world-wide.  Covering Professional Development, Business Skills and Computer Software, your online training is designed to ensure your team development outcomes are achieved.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Online Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

5 Simple Steps to Finally Achieve Your Goals

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Planning & Organisation Training. Leave a Comment

CTO’s Goal Setting Course teaches you how to set and achieve your Goals

Did you know that out of 100 adults approximately 84% have no goals.

13% do have goals, but don’t write them down.  However, this 13% earn twice the amount of the 84% who have no goals. 

3% of adults set written goals. They earn, on average, 10 times as much as the other 97% combined.

Is this going to be the year you finally achieve your most important goals?

As you ease back into work, now is the perfect time to set your goals for the year.  These can be both work related and personal.  However, the most important feature of any goal is that it must be achievable.

Below are outlined 5 simple steps to that will teach you to set and actually achieve your goals for 2019.  As you read each step, take the time to write down your answers.  Then follow through on the goals you have set for yourself.

If you do this, you will arrive at the end of 2019 with a sense of accomplishment, having achieved your goals for the year.

  • No more broken New Year’s resolutions.
  • No deciding to give up that bad habit, and then going back to it a few weeks later.
  • Your intentions to lose weight and get fitter, will get followed through this time.
  • You are strong enough to actually save some money.  No more wondering where it all went a few days after payday.

Make 2019 the best year of your life.  Make this year the one where you really will make positive changes, and begin to achieve your dreams.  The extraordinary power of goal setting to achieve success in your business and personal life is what makes having goals essential.

Remember, the only difference between a goal and a dream is a timetable.

So, let’s get started.

Goal Setting with CTO – Writing Your First Goals

First, you will take the steps to define your goals, learn the four essential elements of writing goals, and then set your first 3 goals.

Step 1 – Define What your Goals are

A goal is a accomplishment which you are willing to work towards achieving.  When writing goals, you have to first consider what you want to achieve, and then commit to it.

Set goals that motivate you, then plan the steps you have to take to realize your goals, and celebrate as you reach each milestone.

Fast Fact: Did you know that 92% of New Year’s goals fail by January 15th?

Step 2 – Write Down your Goals

Writing your goals down results in more explicit statements of intent, and strengthens your commitment.  Goals must be Written Down, to make them feel tangible.

Place your goals in a spot where you can read them morning and night, as this allows you to reinforce your commitment to your goals, and to track how you are progressing in achieving your desired outcome.

Fast Fact: Statistics show that people who write down their goals have an 80% higher success rate of achieving them.

Step 3 – Learn the Four Elements of Writing Goals

Each goal should have four defined elements:

  • Action Verb
  • Measurable Outcome
  • Specific Date
  • Cost or Resource Constraint

See the examples below to identify these elements (highlighted in bold)

  1. Acquire three new clients which will allow me to grow my business revenue by 20% by March 15, by launching a social media marketing campaign at a cost of $400 per month.
  2. Write a 150-page book to establish me as an expert on Web Site Development by writing one chapter per month, until 31 August 2019. The cost to publish my book will be no more than $800.
  3. Save over 5,000 into a high interest account for an overseas holiday by December 1, by reducing meals out to 2 per week, and having $100 per week automatically transferred from my pay.
  4. Lose 6kg so I can wear my favourite dress to my cousin’s wedding on 20 April, by swimming or cycling before work each day for 45 minutes.

Step 4 – Write Your First Goal

Now that you know the elements required to write goals, try writing a simple goal of your own which includes all these elements.

Action Verb:

Measurable Outcome:

Specific Date:

Cost or Resource Constraint:

Now Write Two More Goals

Once you have written your first goal, then write down two more.  Make each written goal an accomplishment to be achieved.  Make them quite different, so you can focus on each goal in relation to that area.  For example:

  • Increase my aerobic fitness by …….
  • Save $ into a high interest account so …….
  • Study on Tuesday evening each week for …….

Step 5 – Plan to Achieve Your Goals

  • Your goals are an accomplishment for you to achieve. Enjoy the process of setting and achieving your goals.
  • Write down your goals. Place them on your mirror, your wardrobe door, beside your bed, or somewhere you will see them each morning and evening.
  • Read your goals twice daily to help reinforce your commitment to achieve your goals.
  • Enjoy your progress, and congratulate yourself for small wins along the way.
  • Focus solely on your desire to achieve your goals.
  • Have faith in yourself that you will get there.
  • If you get off track, don’t give up! We are all human after all.  So, simply forgive yourself, then start again at working towards your goals.

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The information covered here is drawn from the CTO Training Course – Goals and Goal Setting

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options provides courses in essential business skills.  Your training is customised, and delivered onsite at your workplace, by a team of more than 300 expert trainers, Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting Skills
  • People Management & HR
  • Computer Training

CTO’s Training courses are tailored to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.noesis.chat/

 

Create a Win-Win Sales System with CTO

Create a Win-Win Sales System in 5 easy steps

Written by webplanners on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Marketing & Sales.

Here are the 5 essential steps to Creating a Win-Win Sales System 

 

By: Rosy King @ Corporate Training Options, Australia

When you create a win-win sales system in your organisation, you are also creating a formula for success.  A simple, easy to follow sales system allows your sales process to become automatic.  You put it in place, you learn it well, then you repeat it automatically.  It becomes a habit, which leads to profitability and growth.  And although you won’t close every sale, your chances of success are greatly increased.  Plus, every sale becomes a win not only for you, but also for your customer. And that leads to repeat business from satisfied customers down the track.  Win-Win!

The five essential steps to set up your Win-Win Sales System are:

  1. Prospecting
  2. Connecting and Qualifying
  3. Showing that your product or service is invaluable
  4. Addressing any doubts
  5. Closing the sale – you win & your client wins

Win-Win Selling with CTO
Create a Win-Win Sales System with CTO Sales Training Courses

Having a great sales system that fits into your business model will also give you other great flow on benefits.  These include

  • increased customer satisfaction and retention
  • happier, more fulfilled staff
  • improved cash flow
  • the ability to explore and implement new product lines
  • your organisation runs more efficiently
  • the business grows and prospers at a faster pace

Using the following steps to create a win-win sales system will provide you with a sales tool that is easy to follow, easy to learn and easy to repeat, again and again.

  1. Prospecting

To find new clients who require or desire your products or services, you need to continually prospect for them.  You’ve heard about the Sales Funnel?  Well, continual prospecting is what keeps it full.

Prospecting is a crucial stage of the sales process.  Potential customers are everywhere, however, you need to know where to research and what to search for, both online and face to face, via networking events, business meetings and so forth.

We recommend starting by creating profiles for your existing customers.

  • Who are your best customers?
  • What are their ages, genders, income brackets?
  • Where are they located, where do they live and where do they work?
  • How did they find you?
  • What benefits do they desire from purchasing your product or service?

Then consider the best marketing tactics for these customers.

Each business is different. One marketing campaign may be a great form of prospecting for new clients for computer hardware products, however, could be less effective for informing business clients about online coaching.

So consider your services, and who your clients are and what they want and desire, before deciding on how you will market to them.

  1. Create a Customer Qualifying List

Before you start your phone or online campaign, make sure that you are pitching to the right person.  You need to connect with your potential customers and qualify their enquiries.

  • Are you talking to the decision maker?
  • Are they your ideal client?
  • Do they have the budget to purchase your product or service?
  • Do they need your product or service?
  • How will it benefit them?
  • Do they have any other limitations that you need to know about?

The best method of qualifying potential customers is to do your research and create a customer qualifying List.  Use this to list the questions you need to ask, to ascertain whether this person or company will benefit from using your products and services and whether they are the right customer for you.

  1. Show that Your Product or Service is Valuable to them

Once you have a prospect interested, the next step is your sales presentation. The presentation needs to show a clear solution to your customer’s problem.

Researching and preparing your presentation is a key sales process. This may be done in person, by phone, online or via email. Ensure that this step of the process shows your potential customers what is it in for them, how they will benefit and what the results may be if they don’t do anything.

  1. Address any Doubts

Potential customers who call or enquire about your products or services may not know anything about your business. This is why you need to know your products and services really well, and be prepared to answer any questions that do arise, professionally and confidently.

Listen carefully to your customer’s concerns and address them. Remind them of how your product or service will benefit them. It may be a cost or time saving benefit or new technology to improve their productivity or performance.

Really listening to your customers will not only help you to convert more leads into sales, it will give you more information about your customer’s problems and needs.  You can then use this information to streamline and update your lead generation, marketing, qualifying and future sales processes.

  1. Negotiate an Agreement

Closing the sale is a vital part of your sales system. No matter how good your sales presentation and your rapport with the customer, in the end, you need to ask for the sale.

People skills and building rapport is paramount here – show empathy for their problem and provide a solution to it.

Also, ensure all of the customer’s questions have been answered before you ask for the sale.  If they still hesitate, ask them what the issue is, address it, then ask for the sale again.

Different methods of closing work for different salespeople.  Having a time restricted offer for instance, can greatly improve your closing rates.  You may also wish to reiterate your product guarantee or after sales service.

The sales closing process should never be aggressive, and your customer should always feel comfortable.

 

Conclusion

Every organisation needs a win-win sales system.  The system should provide quality leads, qualify enquiries, answer customer questions and confirm your product or service is the best solution for them.

In the Corporate Training Options Sales course – Sales – Prospecting, Qualifying and Completing – we work with you to create a win-win sales system for your organisation that will see you increase sales and create greater profit margins for your business. We work on the skills of prospecting, qualifying and completing sales, to improve both your bottom line and your customer satisfaction rate.

The CTO Sales Course – Sales – Prospecting, Qualifying and Completing – is ideal for those new to sales and also to update the skills of experienced sales staff.

Enrol online today or for more information on the range of Sales Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

—

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills via customised, onsite courses Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting Skills
  • People Management & HR
  • Computer Training

CTO’s Training courses are tailored to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

1300 667 660

 

 

Create a Win-Win Sales System with CTO

Create a Win-Win Sales System in 5 easy steps

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Corporate Training Courses, Marketing & Sales.

Here are the 5 essential steps to Creating a Win-Win Sales System 

 

By: Rosy King @ Corporate Training Options, Australia

When you create a win-win sales system in your organisation, you are also creating a formula for success.  A simple, easy to follow sales system allows your sales process to become automatic.  You put it in place, you learn it well, then you repeat it automatically.  It becomes a habit, which leads to profitability and growth.  And although you won’t close every sale, your chances of success are greatly increased.  Plus, every sale becomes a win not only for you, but also for your customer. And that leads to repeat business from satisfied customers down the track.  Win-Win!

The five essential steps to set up your Win-Win Sales System are:

  1. Prospecting
  2. Connecting and Qualifying
  3. Showing that your product or service is invaluable
  4. Addressing any doubts
  5. Closing the sale – you win & your client wins

Win-Win Selling with CTO
Create a Win-Win Sales System with CTO Sales Training Courses

Having a great sales system that fits into your business model will also give you other great flow on benefits.  These include

  • increased customer satisfaction and retention
  • happier, more fulfilled staff
  • improved cash flow
  • the ability to explore and implement new product lines
  • your organisation runs more efficiently
  • the business grows and prospers at a faster pace

Using the following steps to create a win-win sales system will provide you with a sales tool that is easy to follow, easy to learn and easy to repeat, again and again.

  1. Prospecting

To find new clients who require or desire your products or services, you need to continually prospect for them.  You’ve heard about the Sales Funnel?  Well, continual prospecting is what keeps it full.

Prospecting is a crucial stage of the sales process.  Potential customers are everywhere, however, you need to know where to research and what to search for, both online and face to face, via networking events, business meetings and so forth.

We recommend starting by creating profiles for your existing customers.

  • Who are your best customers?
  • What are their ages, genders, income brackets?
  • Where are they located, where do they live and where do they work?
  • How did they find you?
  • What benefits do they desire from purchasing your product or service?

Then consider the best marketing tactics for these customers.

Each business is different. One marketing campaign may be a great form of prospecting for new clients for computer hardware products, however, could be less effective for informing business clients about online coaching.

So consider your services, and who your clients are and what they want and desire, before deciding on how you will market to them.

  1. Create a Customer Qualifying List

Before you start your phone or online campaign, make sure that you are pitching to the right person.  You need to connect with your potential customers and qualify their enquiries.

  • Are you talking to the decision maker?
  • Are they your ideal client?
  • Do they have the budget to purchase your product or service?
  • Do they need your product or service?
  • How will it benefit them?
  • Do they have any other limitations that you need to know about?

The best method of qualifying potential customers is to do your research and create a customer qualifying List.  Use this to list the questions you need to ask, to ascertain whether this person or company will benefit from using your products and services and whether they are the right customer for you.

  1. Show that Your Product or Service is Valuable to them

Once you have a prospect interested, the next step is your sales presentation. The presentation needs to show a clear solution to your customer’s problem.

Researching and preparing your presentation is a key sales process. This may be done in person, by phone, online or via email. Ensure that this step of the process shows your potential customers what is it in for them, how they will benefit and what the results may be if they don’t do anything.

  1. Address any Doubts

Potential customers who call or enquire about your products or services may not know anything about your business. This is why you need to know your products and services really well, and be prepared to answer any questions that do arise, professionally and confidently.

Listen carefully to your customer’s concerns and address them. Remind them of how your product or service will benefit them. It may be a cost or time saving benefit or new technology to improve their productivity or performance.

Really listening to your customers will not only help you to convert more leads into sales, it will give you more information about your customer’s problems and needs.  You can then use this information to streamline and update your lead generation, marketing, qualifying and future sales processes.

  1. Negotiate an Agreement

Closing the sale is a vital part of your sales system. No matter how good your sales presentation and your rapport with the customer, in the end, you need to ask for the sale.

People skills and building rapport is paramount here – show empathy for their problem and provide a solution to it.

Also, ensure all of the customer’s questions have been answered before you ask for the sale.  If they still hesitate, ask them what the issue is, address it, then ask for the sale again.

Different methods of closing work for different salespeople.  Having a time restricted offer for instance, can greatly improve your closing rates.  You may also wish to reiterate your product guarantee or after sales service.

The sales closing process should never be aggressive, and your customer should always feel comfortable.

 

Conclusion

Every organisation needs a win-win sales system.  The system should provide quality leads, qualify enquiries, answer customer questions and confirm your product or service is the best solution for them.

In the Corporate Training Options Sales course – Sales – Prospecting, Qualifying and Completing – we work with you to create a win-win sales system for your organisation that will see you increase sales and create greater profit margins for your business. We work on the skills of prospecting, qualifying and completing sales, to improve both your bottom line and your customer satisfaction rate.

The CTO Sales Course – Sales – Prospecting, Qualifying and Completing – is ideal for those new to sales and also to update the skills of experienced sales staff.

Enrol online today or for more information on the range of Sales Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

—

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills via customised, onsite courses Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting Skills
  • People Management & HR
  • Computer Training

CTO’s Training courses are tailored to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

1300 667 660