How good soft skill training will give you impeccable group skills

Many organisations are realising the importance of soft skills in addition to the technical skills. You may possess technical knowledge to get selected in an interview however the real test begins when you have to start communicating with your clientele. It is at this stage, a mastery of soft skill training will help you in your career.

Soft skills are basically the personal character traits or qualities each of us has. They make up who we are, this includes our attitudes, habits and how we interact with other people. They are not formal or technical skills. If you possess these skills you can excel as a leader because then delegating, problem solving, team building and motivating will become easier, most important you will know how to interact with people. However many employers have realized that many candidates with technical skills lack soft skill. It is important to balance the traditional skills with soft skills training, 

Research has indicated that there is a soft skill gap; i.e. a difference between technical skill and the soft skill. For instance:

• If you are good at getting clients, but not at retaining them, it is due to the communication skills gap.

• When you have lots of managers but no leaders, it is due to gap in skills gap.

• When there is a lot of staff turnover and you have to retain people, it is a gap in skills which we term as soft.

To enhance professionalism among employees and their clientele soft skill training has been identified as the key factor. The training will focus on improving

·         Verbal communication – People with good verbal communication skills have the ability to convey information to others effectively.

·         Interpersonal skills – Good interpersonal skills means one has the ability to communicate well,  is willing to listen to people without being judgemental, share ideas and assist co-workers when they need help.

·         Writing – Good written communication helps get the message across clearly.

·         Problem solving and critical thinking – Problem solving is the ability to identify a problem and come up with possible solutions.  Critical thinking skills allow you to evaluate each possible solution, using logic and reasoning to determine which one is most likely to be successful.

·         Active listening and learning– an attribute essential to ensure one listens to what other are saying without interrupting and also the willingness to pick up new skills and apply it to their jobs.

·         Organisational skills – skills acquired to take a systematic approach to every task.

·         Time management – A very crucial skill required to manage time to ensure tasks are completed according to deadlines

·         Team player – those who are team players are co-operative and can be leaders.

·         Professionalism

·         Improving comprehension skills

·         Flexibility and adaptability

Soft skills training courses helps the employee perform better at work. They allow them to use their technical skills and knowledge effectively and efficiently.  It helps them to interact with their employers, colleagues and customers. It also ensures work is completed on time. It also inculcates an attitude that is required to represent the organisation to the global business world.

Get a personal image consultant and project the best impression on your clients

Your image is your visual resume and projecting a winning image to create a memorable first impression is the key to success in personal, professional and social life. Ultimately we all want to succeed and a good impression can lead to multiple opportunities from job openings, social standing and to simply improve one’s own image. A personal image consultant is trained to notice the minute yet important details, which we may have overlooked, as well as the important impression strategies and tricks of the trade that we need to create a lasting impression.

A Personal Image Consultant can help people project a winning image in all aspects in the following manner.

-Dressing as per roles and goals to create an appropriate clothing communication:

An image consultant takes the client through a process of lifestyle evaluation, identifying the roles and goals and then suggesting levels of dressing in different situations.

-Dressing as per your body shape, variations and personal colours:

 An image consultant is equipped to identify your body shape and suggest ways to counter negative variations and enhance positive ones to create an attractive image.

-Incorporating personal style in dressing:

They identify the personal style of an individual and then suggest a clothing solution to create an authentic image.

-Buying clothes in cluster and smart shopping:  

Most people can be impulsive buyers and then tend to regret their purchases.  Some buy excessively and still feel they have nothing to wear for an important occasion or meeting. An image consultant guides a client on how to build their wardrobe in a cluster to create variety in an affordable manner.  They evaluate their wardrobe and maintain cluster plan sheets whilst keeping in mind roles, goals, body shape and personal style, an image consultant may also accompany the client to buy clothes.

-Appropriate body language and etiquette:

Body language is one of the biggest factors in visual communication and A personal image consultant advises a client on appropriate body language based on roles and occasions. Etiquette is a big part of creating an image. Correct etiquette in business and social situations goes a long way to create a powerful image. An image consultant takes the client through appropriate etiquette, be it dining, corporate meetings or any other occasion.

A personal image consultant also works on hair care and styling, Body hygiene, conversation skills, improve on communication styles, and assist in helping the client to speak confidently whether giving a speech or public speaking.  Media training is also imparted.  Basically the Image consultant helps the client to build their own personal branding.

Here’s why you need a personal image makeover

It is said that the first impression is the last impression this is usually decided in the first 30 seconds of your appearance whether to make a presentation, sell a product or even to give an interview.  People form an instant opinion of you based on what you look like, and they use this appraisal to decide whether they would like to interact with you.  Hence, it is vital that you dress your best and leave a first great impression. 

A personal image makeover will not only help you give yourself a good corporate look but also help you project confidence, power and intelligence.  For instance when you go for an interview the first thought is, you want to show that you are confident, smart and likeable.  Your attitude and body language will present itself through the outfit that you wear.  Some may feel that clothes are inconsequential to their self-image, yet they fail to understand that it is a visual representation of the message they are trying to project.  One should reflect what their clothes should reveal about them, do they want to come across is sexy, showy, causal, uptight etc., or do they wish to portray a professional who is capable of handling tough situations at all times.

When doing a personal image makeover one should be aware of how to choose their outfits, men may necessarily think that a grey suit is sufficient, but they should not limit themselves.   Women should resist wearing very short skirts or dresses and very high heels.  In fact women should wear heels not higher than three inches and outfits that are comfortable yet in mode.  Men should avoid casual jeans and T-shirts.  Their outfits should be well matched and make them look smart and presentable. At work you want to showcase your professional skills so refrain from wearing clothes and accessories that are too distractive.

An Image Consultant helps their clients to transform them entire image persona, whether to attain a corporate look or enhance their personality for marriage.  Whatever the look desired one should follow a few tips to discover a brand new style of their own; Find a style icon – Notice how other successful people dress and behave, pay attention to what you like and get clear on what you want your makeover to achieve. Go big or go home: Don’t tip-toe around the look you want.  Own it and implement the style all the way.  Dress age appropriately: Let your wardrobe evolve with the times, with you age and what you do for a living. Pay attention to hygiene – Whether you’re a male or female body Odour is a big let-down.  Investing in a good cologne/perfume is a must.  Keep your body clean and take care of your skin.  Exfoliate, pluck and trim eyebrows, manicure and pedicure to keep your nails healthy and shinning.  Wear clean and ironed clothes. 

We live in a judgemental society and are critiqued about our looks whether we like it or not.  So it is important to think carefully about the physical and psychological image that we project when walking into a business meeting.  Giving yourself a personal image makeover is about looking and feeling your absolute best at the same time conveying confidence and success to everyone you meet.  

Want to make an effective sales pitch? You need good presentation skills training

Good sales pitch transpires when you have the ability to listen to the customer ask appropriate questions and offer them a solution to a challenge they are experiencing. To achieve this, a sales person has to make a good first impression. This impression should leave a memorable and positive impact that prompts the customer to want to know more or just buy. It all starts with your presentation skills and how good it is to hold your audience’s attention long enough to effect a positive reply.

An effective sales pitch requires a great presentation skills training, this can be challenging but also rewarding. Understanding this skill can transform an ordinary salesman into a successful one. Sales presentation training comprises of selling techniques or sales pitch to influence a customer to invest in or purchase a product. Sales strategies are planned to introduce a product and finalise a sale or service to a potential customer.

The first impression is initially explained; this is usually imparted in the first thirty seconds and is of utmost importance to leave a lasting impression on a customer. The training teaches you how to appeal to the potential customer.  It also instructs that main statement in your presentation should attract the attention of your customer and be effective and memorable. Good presentation skills training will teach various selling techniques to achieve a sale. It teaches you to be interactive with your customers, the sales person cannot be the person doing all the talking, and this could easily lead to boredom or loss of interest. It is important to ensure that the customer is interested and encouraged to ask questions, seek clarifications and clear all doubts.

Listening to your client’s needs is also tackled. The sales training teaches you the need to believe in your product or services before you sell it. Customers can sense when the salesman is genuine about the product. Based on their convincing statements customers usually decide whether to invest.  Some presentations require the need to make a PowerPoint, flip chart or advertisement, such demonstrations brings out the creativity of the salesperson, besides, graphics help engage your customers attention. This method may help sell your product convincingly. 

One can learn good presentation skills training on their own through trial and error methods or attend workshops or training institutes for a one on one training session or in a group setting.  Learning how to present a product or service does not take special skills, but getting training and following some successful techniques will help a salesperson to be successful and make a sale.

Ultimately it is also important to practice for every presentation you make. Your skills increase with every single presentation. Not everyone has the gift or an engaging personality. Honing on these skills can be learnt in a training session. The art of selling, body language involved and the different selling strategies learnt will exude self-confidence, positivity and success.

Improve communication skills, make a positive impression

The ability to communicate well becomes more crucial when we leave our comfort zone and venture out into the world whether to pursue our careers, socialize or even to get married and suddenly realize that we lack the skill to effectively communicate thus creating confusion and misunderstanding.  The majority of conflicts involve problems in communication; Lack of understanding can result from ineffective communication and can lead to further communication issues.  George Bernard Shaw says “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Effective communication skills are essential to success in many phases of life.  Many jobs require strong communications skills and people with good communication skills usually enjoy better interpersonal relationships with friends, family and chart a successful career life for oneself.

Interpersonal skills are those skills that we use when we communicate face to face with an individual or a group of people; it is a way to engage their attention effectively. Interpersonal skills does not limit itself to just speaking but is both verbal and nonverbal.  Communication is a two way process, how we send and how we receive messages. So how do we improve communication skills?

The process of improving communication skills is a self-improvement process and, as such, has inherent positive effects upon personality.  Commence with learning to listen.  Listen to the words, tone and the nonverbal messages sent through them. Concentrate on what is being spoken so as to reply back appropriately.  Learn to handle emotions, empathise by being non-judgemental; encouragement and praises make people feel appreciated. Communicate effectively by taking a moment to reply, focus on what you want to say rather than just rambling off, by speaking eloquently you will come across intelligent and mature. Non-verbal gestures play an important role here; make eye contact and avoid defensive body language. Information should be given so that the meaning is understood.  Knowledge of culture, past experiences, attitude and abilities are helpful.  Avoid using jargon be simple.

Using humour helps to relax people and break the ice. Use it appropriately. Communicate with people as if they are equals, never patronize or talk negatively of people behind their backs. This way you will build trust and respect and simultaneously improve your communication skills.  Smile if you want to make a positive impression.  A smile denotes a cheerful attitude and promotes conversation.  Be optimistic even when things don’t go as planned.  Stress often affects communication, it is important at such times to remain calm and focussed.  Never complain or whine about anything, it creates a bad impression. 

Prepare yourself always before speaking at important engagements and if in doubt about your inability to communicate well seek help.  One can do this through self-help books or professionally through institutions that offer courses on how to improve communication skills.  Although writing is not necessarily an interpersonal skill, it should be comparably good; one should not be rejected for bad grammar or the inability to communicate their message on paper. 

How proper professional etiquette training will help you construct meaningful business relationships

Professional etiquette is basically a code of conduct regarding interactions between individuals in a business.  When proper professional etiquette is observed all involved feel free and comfortable and work moves smoothly.  Professional etiquette plays a pivotal role in making a positive first impression. Professional etiquette can be applied to an individual’s work life, and includes emails, phone call and business meetings. Culture should also be considered when extending business etiquette. Culture in India is vastly different than those in the West and as such there many differences in dinning style, greetings, perceptions of body language and so forth.

Professional etiquette training will help develop a good image, improve our communication skills and teach us appropriate behaviour at the dining table or even at meetings. Some of the essential skills that a good training will develop are

·         Email Etiquette: Writing a professional email should be approached much differently than writing a personal one. The professional etiquette training will teach you the dos and don’ts of writing a professional email.

·         Telephone Etiquette: Telephone calls precede face-to-face meetings with important professional contacts. Thus when observing proper telephone etiquette you help to ensure that the person you are talking to will want a direct meeting to take place.

·         When meeting professional contacts you only get one chance to make a positive impression. Some factors in achieving such an impression are appropriate attire and physical appearances, the right verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as the manners and good business etiquette practices. The right training will explain ways to tackle each aspect.

·         Business Meeting Etiquette: When you’ve been invited to meet in person with a professional contact the training will show you how to keep a few general rules in mind to show that you respect them and the time they gave you. Doing this will make a positive impression and will make the encounter easier for all parties.

·         Dining Etiquette Basics: There may be times when you will meet a business contact over a meal or attend a professional function where food is involved. It is possible that you many even attend a job interview held at a restaurant. For these reasons it is important to know proper dining etiquette so that you may make a good impression.

Professional etiquette training will open doors of opportunity for you. Your prospective clients and associates will form good opinions of you, based on your soft skills and business etiquette. If you are good at communicating and are relaxed in different business situations then you will inspire trust more rapidly than someone who lacks soft skills and appropriate etiquette. Being courteous, knowing how to handle business meetings and lunches leaves a lasting impression.  Etiquette is essential because they help others feels respected. And as such business etiquette training is important.  

Entrepreneurship Development – give yourself the skills to model your ideal business

An entrepreneur needs to develop several skills and traits since they commonly only have themselves to depend upon and do not have the luxury of others making up for any deficiency they might have.  Many of the core skills required are found in successful entrepreneurs and leaders which are good communication skills, great flexibility and adaptability, High Energy level. Drive for achievement, Work Ethics, Honesty and Integrity, Initiative, Optimism, Self-confidence, Tolerance of Ambiguity, and Total commitment.

Yet to be successful the some entrepreneurship skills and traits that need to be developed are:

·         Getting Used to rejection – Continuous rejection can dishearten an Entrepreneur, but the key is in not giving up, but learning from their failures for future business ventures.

·         Developing a Network – Being able to connect with others will enhance the chances of success.  An entrepreneur needs the skills and personality to cooperate and be able to establish ties with businesses so that they can share regional, national or worldwide productions, purchasing and distribution channels, information systems, data bases and R&D.

·         The Ability to repeatedly sell - Entrepreneurs are always selling -- to customers, to bankers, to vendors, to employees, to investors, to suppliers, etc. Their ability to sell their concept, their business, and themselves to others is important. They require excellent persuasion and convincing skills.

·         A need for a strong Cross-Functional Skill base – An entrepreneur may not be able to hire staff initially, and hence needs to have a good understanding of the business and understand all functional areas.  Basically He has to be one person multi-functional team.

·         The ability to spot new trends – An observant entrepreneur needs to be able to spot changes in the industry and should make it a point to keep informed about new start-ups and advances in technology that could be poised to disrupt his business.

·         The ability to identify strengths and weaknesses – As an entrepreneur, being perfect at everything should not be the foremost thought; instead he should identify his strengths and weaknesses.

·         Learning from Peers – Entrepreneurs in the same field have a lot to teach their counterparts, if one is willing to learn.

·         Build your Brand – The entrepreneur should develop the skill to connect via social media.  SEO & social networks are vital for any business strategy. It is beneficial for the entrepreneur to understand each platform, and use the best strategy to build a brand image.

Most entrepreneurs are unsuccessful owing to managerial incompetence or inexperience, neglect of the enterprise, ineffective business controls, and undercapitalization. If these entrepreneurs had done their research and ensured that they had the necessary portfolio of entrepreneur development skills and knowledge concerning the business then many could have avoided at least some of these obstacles.