Thursday 7th October 2010

Show Thursday 7th October by Biztalkradio on Mixcloud

Lots happening so today we have on the spot interviews with some of the winners from the Wave and Swansea Sound Culture & Lifestyle awards that were held last Thursday at the Waterfront Museum in Swansea. Sponsored by Blazers and Sunnyhaven Caravans and Norton House it was a glittering event.

I was delighted to be invited and met old friends plus met some new acquaintences.

Also interviewed Andrew Penhale who has become a leading male model in South Wales. He is a fine example that it takes a dream plus guts to get out there and promote yourself. It's certainly paid off for Andrew.

Tuesday 21st September 2010 Running an Exhibition Stand

The Marketing Mix Roadshow takes place in Swansea at the LC on Oystermouth Road on Tuesday 28th September. Although run for the Tourist Industry it is a great opportunity for any business owner or manager to grab some great marketing seminars and talk with a comprehensive range of companies and organisations offering business support.

We ashall be at the Show and will interview speakers and exhibitors so watch out for an interesting Show in 2 weeks time. 

The programme is set out below so you can see the theme is "How to use the Media to promote your Business" with speakers from newspapers, radio and Andy Crawford, a dynamic PR guru. This is the opportunity to explore ideas that you may have not thought of or even rejected in the past. Now you'll be able to pick up on thoughts that could really push your business.

Exhibitions are a great way to promote your business. BizTalkRadio today is dedicated to ideas for running an exhibition stand. Whatever your business or the type of show you are exhibiting at you will learn or remember ideas that'll ensure you squeeze every last drop from your efforts.

The show is the podcast from the CD "Running an Exhibition" Masterclass.

Marketing Mix Roadshow 2010

Programme in full

10.30am – 11am – Registration – Tea & Coffee – Exhibitors

Sports Hall

Main Presentation Area

Ask the Expert! - Breakout Sessions

1pm – 3.15pm - 3 to choose from – Take your pick or do them all!

11am - Welcome

11.10am – ‘Balance your budget to suit your market’ - Lisa Cameron,

Advertisement Director, South West Wales Media.

Do you know where your visitors are coming from? What percentage is ‘local’

and what percentage is ‘further a field’? Preaching to the converted can

sometimes seem pointless, getting the balance right on where and how to

spend your budget is crucial.

Come and listen to what South West Wales Media have to say about how

they can reach your target audience in Ireland, Devon and Cornwall.

11.30am – ‘Performance, Evaluation and Direction of Proper Holidays’ -

Gill Bernsten, Head of Campaigns and Digital Marketing, Visit Wales.

Looking at the challenges we continue to face when marketing Wales as a

tourist destination - how and why ‘Proper Holidays’ was developed as a

marketing theme; what it is achieving and thoughts on how it will need to

evolve during a time of tight public sector budgets. Followed by ‘Questions &

Answers’

12.10am – ‘Marketing Your Business on the Radio – The Sound of

Success’ - Helen Bowden, Station Director, The Wave & Swansea Sound

Taking a detailed look at the power of radio, how radio can help market your

business? This presentation will look at the range of creative opportunities

this powerful medium can offer. Just imagine what your business could do by

advertising itself to 177,000 people across South West Wales every week?

What next!!

Exhibitors / Lunch / Networking / Ask the Experts &

FREE business advice sessions

Day ends at 3.30pm

1pm - “Make your business essential to editors” Andy Pearson,

Swansea based PR expert from Effective Communication

“How can I tempt a journalist to write a great story about my business?” –

Andy in discussion with South Wales Evening Post business reporter Rupert

Hall.

1.45pm - “The Benefits of PR and how it can help your business”

Natasha Fulford, Owner of MGB PR

Building Your Brand: MGB will take you through the process of creating a

brand and using your brand to connect with your audiences - from

understanding your brand and your audience to finding the winning idea to

help build your brand in a memorable way.

2.30pm - “2011 Marketing Partner Benefits” Steve Hopkins, Tourism

Manager, City & County of Swansea.

Question - Where else, from as little as £266, can you get an online

presence on a destination website, an advert in destination guides, inclusion

in major local, national and overseas marketing campaigns, priority referrals

from a tourist information centre and a first call on press and PR visits to

Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, Afan, and the Vale of Neath.

Answer – the 2011 Marketing Partner Package. The City and County of

Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Council offer a range of packages to suit

your budget. Come along to the presentation, where representatives from

the tourism teams will answer any questions you might have about what

their marketing activity can do for you.

Why not meet Neath & Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and

Carmarthenshire County Councils who are also in the ‘Sports Hall’ as

exhibitors.

*Programme subject to change

Refreshments and Lunch
Lunch - (If you have a voucher) lunch is available from 12.30 – 2.30pm - (If you do not have a voucher please use the ‘coffee shop’) Vouchers are available from the registration desk, cost £6. Tea and Coffee is available FREE in the networking area. Have you!!!! ‘Paid and displayed’ in the car park OR given you car details to the registration desk (if you arrive before 10.45am)
Brought your own literature to swap with people – tell them what you do!! We hope you have a good day!!
I feel this will be a great event for both exhibitors and visitors.

I contuinue to look for interesting interviews, news and views on all growing business matters. If you have some tips to tell us you'll get a byeline so it'll promote your business.

You can contact us at ask@biztalkradio.co.uk or call text +447976364681
You can call in during the Show
We'd love to hear from you.

Mike Leahy

BizTalkRadio Thursday 17th September 2010

 This is a repeat of an interview we had back in July. Selling is the food that will grow your business. You need to have or have smeone in your business with the killer instinct to close those sales and get cthose new customers clamouring for more.

I highly rfecommend that you listen carefully to these words of wisdom.
 
 With over 40 years in sales and marketing as well as owning over a dozen companies, Phil Gerber has developed a significant portfolio. He has utilized the principles developed through his experience to make his sales teams the most successful in their respected industry. He has literally “been there and done that”.  As Bottom Line Consultants, Phil has been helping organizations improve their sales and marketing for over 10 years.  His simplistic approach to sales has enabled even the novice salespeople to become overnight stars.  His experience in retail, wholesale, and sales to both consumers and businesses gives him insight into a multitude of sales issues and problems. 

Phil was a frequent guest on a Houston radio talk show discussing sales.  He has also written articles for a number of internet newsletters. His book “Cut the B.S.” was published in December of 2007. When he’s not playing golf and running his businesses, Phil loves to travel with his lovely wife Carol.  

Philip' new book A Business Owners Guide to Managing Sales People is available now. You can see the intro and contents on the following link.

http://www.freado.com/read/7445/a-business-owners-guide-to-managing-sales-people

I've read through the book and I can tell you it's written in a plain common-sense style and covers every aspect so you'll employ the right person, give them good training and then go on to motivate and manage them on the job. As a life-long professional salesman I find this book to be a practical  manual that no small business owner should be without. Technology has changed dramatically over the last 20-30 years but people haven't. We do still bleed when we are cut and are still afraid of the unknown. Sales ideas and techniques have altered but there is no dramatic change: people are still people. It's just that good training is difficult to find.

You can order the book, just click here

On the other hand I have been running sales teams and training salesmen for around 35 years. If you want someone to recruit sales-people and then manage them give me a call on 07976364681 or e-mail me at ask@mikeleahy.com   Together we can grow your business.

Be successful.

Mike Leahy

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 14th September

Handy hints that will help you in your business. That is the theme for today's BizTalkRadio. 


Here is a short video about communications that  made over a year ago. I would like to continue the series as so much has happened in the last 60 years with communications.

I've set myself a task now to produce these shorts. I hope you are enjoying them and that you learn something.

In the 50's life for us kids was easy. You just can't believe what it was like in comparison to today. At around 8 years old 3 or 4 of us would go off for the day. I guess that my mother used to worry about what I was getting up to but she never said anything.

We lived in Birmingham and it was unusual to lock the doors and usual to leave windows open if we went out together. Compare that to today. Today you have to bolt most things down.

But getting back to communications and the changes it is difficult to imagine that once you were out of signt that was it until you came home again. And it was usual to phone in at work to see if there were any messages. And when we did get a message we dealt with it straight away. Do you deal with your messages within a set time? I was with an accountant last evening looking at his marketing. On his card and other literature he promised to call back on any missed calls within 3 hours. Now that is good.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

BizTalkRadio Thursday 10th September 2010

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 7th September 2010

BizTalkRadioThursday 3rd September 2010

This show is sponsored by the Local Business Forum. Bring you the best tips and interviews to get you motivated and increasing profits and enjoyment from your business. 

Time waits for no man. You need to agressively look for business so today's programme is just about that. Running small exhibitions of your products and services. Attending general business exhibitions are great but private ones can be more focussed.

Why don't you make an exhibition of yourself. Exhibitions can be a great focus for bringing prospects to a decision. And they don't have to be at an exhibition. Run your own for your products and services.


Why not book a hotel room and arrange a series of appointments with prospects. It's different and isolates the propsect from his own work environment - no interuptions. I have run countless. In fact I used to run one every month in a different hotel, sometimes in a small conference/seminar size room and others I'd actually book a bedroom and have the bed removed. I've sold photocopiers and mobile phones, pagers and hairdressing equipment. It works provided you have a plan and work to it.

Watch and read all the secrets to running an exhibition that will bring you in loads of orders. This cd-rom includes a 37 minute video shot at the Liberty Stadium Swansea is fast moving and practical and the accompanying comprehensive 58 page e-book will give you a step-by-step guide to success.

You’ll have an exhibition to beat any that you’ve run before by simply following the hundreds of tips and ideas in this video and book. Expect a return of more than 250% on your investment.

From when you start thinking about attending an exhibition right through to signing up the order from the last prospect when you are back in the office.

Exhibitions are a great opportunity to make sales to a target market, build a list of prospects, launch a new product, get great exposure, demonstrate products that are too large to take to a prospect, to build up better relations with existing customers and much, much more. You can take a stand at an exhibition, you could have a stand-alone exhibition or you might run a virtual exhibition. You can spend the earth or manage on a tight budget. Whatever your choice you must ensure you get a high return on your investment. This book will show you how to succeed at every stage

Learn how to:
* Plan to get a good attendance of visitors
* Reel in  passers-by onto your stand
* Quickly qualify visitors into prospects and customers
* Stand head and shoulders above other exhibitors
* Train up your staff
* Network to success
* Close more sales
* Ensure you make the most of every minute.

1. 1) Stand-alone Exhibitions
2. Set up independent local exhibitions for your business alone
3. 2) Virtual exhibitions
4. Be different and hold a virtual exhibition here visitors stay at their desk. For “greener” exhibitions
5. 3) Standard sales techniques
6. Just some basics to get you closing. Excepts from “Master Sales Skills” master-class

Written and presented by Mike Leahy, the Marketing Man, who has given countless seminars and run stands at dozens of exhibitions at top venues like Olympia, Earls Court, NEC, HMS Belfast , the Royal Horticulture Hall and the Liberty Stadium Swansea, right down to hotels, shopping centres, showrooms and mobile exhibition trailers. He has also exhibited in Germany. This is a no-holds exposé of exhibition secrets.

This video was recorded in front of a live audience at the Liberty Stadium Swansea to the exhibitors of the Federation of Small Businesses Roadshow in 2007. He was asked to give the seminar again at the 2008 “Road to Success Show”. Watch the following preview to get a taste.

It doesn't matter whether your market is over a small town, major city or large region. This is a system that will work for you.  And how about doing a joint venture exhibition? Just two or three businesses that target the same market segment   plumber, electrician and carpenter or accountant, solicitor and marketer! Be creative!!

Someone pointed out to me recently that there were a couple of selling mistakes in a post I wrote. This person doesn't run a blog, isn't on LinkedIn, doesn't have a business Facebook page or use Twitter. It is better to take positive action and have mistakes than to do nothing!

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 1st September

The first day of September and less than 16 weeks til Christmas.

Communications over the last 50 Years

An as we are a radio show I'd like to share my experiences of communications over the last 60 years.

We talk to each other but do we listen? We have highly sophisticated technology and can send a message around the world instantly - or as near impossible to know otherwise. But we often can't get our message across to some-one sitting next to us.

And then there is the question of can we keep up with the latest. Facebook, Twitter and much much more. Some of us not only can't keep up but don't know most of it exists.

I can remember when we had the first phone in the road we lived in back in 1949 and I can still recall the number Priory 2082. How things have changed. Come on a short journey with me over the next few days.

Follow me on http://twitter.com/mike_leahy

If I can help your increase your profits contact me.

BizTalkTV the first quality on-line TV Show from Wales and possibly the UK

WATCH OUT FOR BIZ TALK TV, THE FIRST QUALITY ON-LINE TV SHOW IN WALES


This exciting project follows fast on the heels of BizTalkRadio which broadcasts weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

BizTalkTV will be live and recorded interviews, views, news and information to make your business bigger and better. Tests will initially start next week and we will give full information here.

The latest technology is great but it is a steep learning curve to get it right. Our aim is to bring a quality show that you will want to watch. If you have any experience we'd love to hear. If you are local to Swansea in South Wales we welcome your involvement as part of the crew either behind or in front of the camera. 

This takes me right back to the early days of home movies as a pioneer. And unlike the BBC in the fifties we won't be wearing dinner jackets and gowns. Watch this space for more info.

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 24th August 2010

Today I'm really pleased to welcome my friend and experienced radio host Prab Chadha. We'll be chatting about education and local authority cuts and how they may affect growing businesses.

Prab has been hosting his own 2 hour show in Cardiff for over 12 months and has had some great guests. I'm hoping he'll have his usual interesting and though provoking comments.

Watch out for Prab's latest business, he's a serious serial entrepreneur, at  http://www.cardiffbusinessonline.com.  Prab, 37, came up with the idea of developing a local online directory after talking to local businesses who said they were struggling with the current economic climate and with more and more national stores cropping up around the city and offering free parking that they couldn’t compete with.


After personally visiting local businesses, Prab managed to sign up about 100 businesses to the directory, and with the launch of the website very recent and with over 20,000 local businesses registered in Cardiff, that number is sure to grow. 


DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND CONTROL THE INTERVIEW WITH LETITIA VALENTINE HAS BEEN POSTONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS.


 I am delighted to talk with Letitia Valentine whom I met twice in the Autumn last year. It is interesting to hear about the latest developments with her business.

Surviva Company directors are to appear on hit BBC2 programme Dragons’ Den this Monday at 9pm.

A brief glimpse of the pair was seen on Mondays episode (16th August) as they faced a grilling from the millionaire business people.

Letitia Valentine and Alex Lewis, the inventors of the Surviva Jak™– the jacket designed to prevent and treat hypothermia and shock – were looking for an investment in their company Surviva™.

The pair came up with the idea of the Surviva Jak™ a year ago and the story behind the invention is an extreme one.  The pair were cycling up in the Brecon Beacons when hypothermia struck.  It was this brush with death that led to the invention of the Surviva Jak™ and the business has grown from there.

“Facing the Dragons was a terrifying experience, but thats all I can say about it.  You will have to watch the programme to see if we were sucessfull!” said Letitia.

Tune in to BBC 2 at 9pm on Monday 23rd to see what happened. The programme is repeated again on Sunday 29th at 9pm.

Have you an insipring story that you'd like to share with our listeners?

Call or text me on 0797 63 64 681
e-mail ask@biztalkradio.co.uk

Motivate and insipre our listeners with your stories.

BizTalkRadio Thursday 19th August 2010

 THE PROGRAMME WAS RECORDED AT 7.30am ON THURSDAY 19th AUGUST. SO JUST LISTEN IN.


If you have landed a new job or been promoted then this show is for you. Scott Herrick has written THE book that will guide you through the success route.

I would like to introduce you Scot Herrick, career management trainer and author of 'I've Landed My Dream Job-Now What??'

 About the book:

In our shifting economy, landing a job –- any job –- is a big deal. So if you land your dream job, you may find yourself so pleased and satisfied with your achievement that you think you're done. But, as Scot Herrick points out in 'I've Landed My Dream Job–-Now What???' today –- more than ever before –- you need to hit the ground running on day one of your new job.

Given current economics, having a new employee get productive super fast is a huge advantage not only for the employee's manager but for the employee too. This can make the first 30 days at a new job intense and filled with anxiety because virtually everything is new –- corporate culture, team dynamics, management styles, and more. It is difficult for you, as a new hire, to nail down what you know, who to ask, and which of your skills are most valued by your new organization.

Scot Herrick's purpose in writing this book is to help people like you, who have just landed a job at a large or small corporation, to get started on the right foot. Beginning with the often-overlooked basics, Scot shows you how to manage the transition from your old job, to evaluate the fit between your new workplace and yourself, to identify the real decision makers, to integrate into your new team's culture and, most important, to determine which aspects of your new role are most meaningful to your manager, and therefore most closely linked to your job security and paycheck.

About the Author

Scot Herrick, founder and owner of Cube Rules, LLC, provides online career management training for Cubicle Warriors, his catchy term for today's knowledge workers.

Scot has a long history of managerial and individual contribution in Fortune 100 corporations. He has implemented individual products for customers and enterprise-wide customer relationship management systems. At CubeRules.com, Scot shares his wisdom and experience to provide career management guidance for all cubicle warriors, to survive and thrive in these turbulent times.

You can read more about Scot and his book at  http://www.happyabout.com/mydreamjob.php.


Scot Herrick - founder cuberules.com from Bill Vick on Vimeo.

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 17th August 2010

Phil Terrett more to follow

BizTalkRadio A Commercial Break!

I do hope that you are joining us each Tuesday and Thursday for BizTalkRadio and telling your friends and colleagues. The feed-back we are getting makes it all worthwhile.

If there is anything you'd like us to discuss, if you would like be guest on the Show, if you know someone else who you feel would interest our listeners, or would just like to leave a comment then please call, text or e-mail me now.

Call or text 0797 63 64 681 and I will call you back wherever you are

e-mail at ask@biztalkradio.co.uk

or phone into the Show live at 001 347 637 2551

The photo is of the Boathouse at Laughane where Dylan Thomas wrote much of his work.

BizTalkRadio Thursday 12th August 2010

Yes! This is a Business Show so don't think I've turned it into a Showbiz Show. Do read on!       

Today I welcome Christopher Villiers whom many of you will recognise as Grayson Sinclair in Emmerdale on ITV. He is an outstanding actor with a list of film and television credits spanning twenty years, ranging from BBC's Mansfield Park, Paramount's Top Secret, Columbia's First Knight, Faith in the Future, Stig of the Dump, The Vice, Casualty and Midsomer Murders.

He has appeared in Paul Greengrass' film Bloody Sunday and Murphy's Law.

Christopher Villiers has a thirst and an understanding for the industry inspired by his father being a film director, mother an actress, his sister is an Oscar-winning film producer, his brother an actor and his wife a theatrical agent.

As well as acting, Christopher Villiers has also written for the screen and in 2002 had his first feature-film, Two Men Went to War released to much acclaim.

But today I'll be talking to him about the Company he formed some 15 years ago that supplies specialist extras to the film industry.

You can see full details at http://www.2020casting.com.

Included in the just under 200 films that the Company has provided specialist extras are Saving Private Ryan Bel Ami (2011), Gulliver's Travels (2010), London Boulevard (2010), The Special Relationship (2010), Green Zone (2010), The Wolfman (2010), "Identity" (2010), This Is Jinsy (2010), Sherlock Holmes (2009), "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" (2007), Atonement (2007), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Shaun of the Dead (2004). The complete list is just golden.

Watch this video on VideoSurf or see more Saving Private Ryan Videos or Steven Spielberg Videos

 

Bernie Jackson Limited offers strategic business development services to multi-disciplined businesses from all sectors throughout South and West Wales. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bernie Jackson, whose background is in Law, utilises networking training to help businesses to effectively tap into their chosen target markets.  She mentors, trains and implements strategies in support of lawyers, doctors, accountants, multi-level training companies and small to medium-sized enterprises, in the execution of their agreed marketing and business development initiatives.

A sought after motivational Speaker, Bernie is an ardent proponent of understanding one's personal Brand and making the right impression in the marketplace by developing and imprinting positive business and personal You Prints™. To see what Jenny Stewart had to say about Bernie at Networking Women's Bicester Launch on July 28th 2010, CLICK HERE.

Jackson’s latest innovation is the launch of “Two-Faced” Networking™ training for businesses across South and West Wales. This training series is a novel take on the importance of exploring and maximising both the business and personal facets of networking in order to successfully win and maintain clients, referral partners and joint venture partners. 

Organisations may book "Two-Faced" Networking™ for their staff or members. Business Network Wales and Chwarae Teg have already enjoyed this bespoke service. Click here for what the Agile Nation Project members said about the May 4th 2010 members' event. 

 

 

 The Local Business Forum ran for 2 years and is coming back by popular demand. New exciting format that will push members to grow their businesses on the Video Master Class Plan, Tele-Coaching and much more. I have been a successful salesman for over 40 years and have had to develop winning marketing strategies. In addition I have taught hundreds of salesmen for some half a dozen companies. There are also others in their specialist fields who will be joining me to make this exciting and profitable. This practical experience will ensure all those joining the Local Business Forum will have the best chance of success. This looks to be a great project and I look forward to welcoming the first cohort during September, just a few short weeks away.

Another Recession Buster coming your way and part of the Show on Tuesday 10th August.

The following short video is from my series of Recession Buster Tips. I hope you enjoy my zany opening voice and that it makes you smile. These tips really work and will help you enjoy telephone cold calling.

You can listen to previous programmes at http://biztalkradio.co.uk and if you have any problems please let me know. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and be reminded of every show plus  growing business tips and links.

Meanwhile have a successful time before you join me again every Tuesday and Thursday.

BizTalkRadioTuesday 12th August

Tuesday sees Deepika Bajaj in conversation with me. Join us and here about her career path to date. Travelling though India and Europe over the next couple of months we are hoping to talk live during some shows and hearing about her adventures and experiences as a global citizen.

Deepika Bajaj is based in San Jose, California and is co-founder of ActiveGarage. Bajaj is also the Founder of Invincibelle, a company empowering women and a diverse, multigenerational work force to thrive in a multicultural world. Prior to starting her company, Bajaj spent more than eight years in telecommunications consulting and corporate marketing. She has served on the board of various professional organizations, including the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and Women in Intel. The author of DiversityTweet: Embracing the Growing Diversity in Our World, she is at work on a second book about her experiences as a global citizen and what is shaping the new voice of diversity. Her upcoming new ebook “PINK and Grow RICH” speaks of 11 UNREASONABLE RULES for success for women leaders who live and work in a multicultural world. She speaks and consults on diversity, blogs at www.deepikabajaj.com and writes a column on social media for ActiveGarage. She is the winner of 2010 IWE Entrepreneurship Achievement Award.  Bajaj received a bachelor’s degree from Bangalore University in India and an M.B.A. in marketing from Fordham University in New York.

This looks to be another interesting Show. We are now getting such a good response that we may add another moring each week. Are you interested in hosting a Show? Would you like to become a sponsor and have the show in your company name? We continue to reach a larger audience.

Watch out for the Local Business Forum with Mike Leahy coming soon to help you promote your business. Do I know how?

Rachael Flanagan of the Mrs Bucket Cleaning Co is the current Federation of Small Businesses UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She said “I cannot repay Mike Leahy of Marketing Basics for the fabulous work he has done in promoting my business and guiding me towards becoming the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He is a great marketeer and has taught Kim my manager, and myself important sales techniques that are enabling us to rapidly build our business through a simple marketing plan and basic sales techniques. He has been a great coach and is always there as a dependable critical friend.“

 

Please help us by telling your friends. Point them to www.biztalkradio.co.uk

Be successful and until next time take care.

Mike Leahy

29th July with Himanshu Jhamb and Guy Ralfe

The show for growing businesses. 

I look forward to welcoming Guy Ralfe and Himanshu Jhamb authors of "Project Mangements Tweet". When writing a book of Tweets how social media can you get? Listen in and find out the thinking behind the book.

Himanshu Jhamb (based in San Jose, California)

Himanshu is passionate about bringing ideas to life through executing ‘real’ projects. He is the co-founder of Active Garage, a web portal dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs get access to relevant and trusted content (on fundamental concerns of business – entrepreneurship being one of them) from the ‘already accomplished’.

Himanshu has over 15 years of consulting experience in managing and delivering technical projects in a Professional Services organization. He has successfully (and profitably!) led small to mid sized teams on projects ranging from $1-$5M in revenue and encompassing full Software Development Life Cycle. Himanshu is also the co-author of the book # PROJECTMANAGEMENT Tweet book 01, 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights into Managing Projects.

When he is not working on a project, you would find him immersed in learning and honing his skills, ranging from getting better at the business of business to enjoying a challenging game of chess!

Himanshu can be followed on twitter at himjhamb

Guy Ralfe (based in Boston, Massachusetts)

Guy is all about change. This is reflected in his diverse portfolio of experience, starting his career as an engineer in the agricultural sector, then moving through the engineering and automotive sectors which founded his current IT career of 13 years. Through his IT career he has worked within investment banking; research and publishing and now marketing, media & communications sectors. This diversity extends to the geographies he has worked extended periods in, United Kingdom, USA, France and South Africa.

Guy’s career has centered on consulting in business restructuring / process reengineering and project management in leading project teams through the implementation of business systems or full software development lifecycles. Within these roles Guy thrives on the uncertainty, challenges and opportunities to learn. Guy is also the co-author of the book # PROJECTMANAGEMENT Tweet book 01, 140 Powerful Bite-Sized Insights into Managing Projects.

Guy sees now as the best time to tap into these years of experience in beginning his entrepreneurship career. Today he is building Starr Specialty Coatings a new business partnership in construction services and exploring the social media space with ActiveGarage.

Guy can be followed on twitter at gralfe

Update with Rob Warlow

It's a pleasure to welcome back Rob Warlow, author of Loan Sharp and Man about the Financial Town. The banks are still getting slated and Rob has great advice on not only how to present your case but alternative sources of finance, presenting yourself and much more. Always a good listen Rob will also be running another speech bubble on credit reports on Thursday.

Rob is becoming well know and appreciated on the seminar circuit and always pulls in a good audience because he has such great content to share.

Why not get involved wth the Show. You can leave a comment or take part either wioth a pre-recorded piece or live. You can come onto the show as a guest or call in. Whatever you decide to do we welcome you.

Text or call 0797 63 64 681 and I will always call you bach from the show. Or you can e-mail at ask@biztalkradio.co.uk

BizTalkRadio 29th July with Dr John Levy author of "Get Out of the Way"

This week I'm pleased to welcome Dr John Levy to the microphone.

Top management is often at odds with their technology experts, having differing opinions about how to get the project done. The technology manager’s job is to create a culture and environment within the company that inspires and encourages technical teams to be innovative and productive. Learn how to manage successful product development with the new book, “Get out of the Way” by John Levy, who has a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University and over 30 years experience in the software and computer industry.

The role of a manager in a high-tech organization is very different from the role of a technologist. A manager is personally under the gun to lead and inspire their development teams to produce innovative and customer-relevant products on time. Levy shows how it’s possible to do this with grace and good humor by focusing on the right things.

“A manager is responsible for creating a culture and environment within his or her company that allows the technical people to thrive,” said Levy. “I will teach you how to inspire and encourage your development teams so you get more productivity and innovation. Not only will this enhance your effectiveness as a manager, it will boost the satisfaction you get from doing your job.”

Author John Levy has over thirty years of experience managing technical projects in the computer and software industry. He has held engineering management positions at Quantum, Apple Computer, Tandem Computers, and Digital Equipment. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University and engineering degrees from Cornell and Caltech.

This book, published by Happy About, Inc., is a must-have for all managers of engineering, software development, IT, and other high-tech development organizations, as well as the executives who do business with them. Don’t settle for just adequate results – become a stellar manager.

The book is available from your favorite online bookseller or direct from the publisher at http://www.happyabout.com/getoutoftheway.php

Publisher: Happy About
Title: Get Out of the Way
Subtitle: How to manage development of timely, innovative and relevant products.
Author: John Levy
Date of publication: May 15, 2010
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-60005-175-3 (1-60005-175-8)
eBook: 978-1-60005-176-0 (1-60005-176-6)

: http://happyabout.info/contribute.php.

BizTalkRadio Tuesday 27th July

Talking about managers and whether they are born or made I spoke to Huw Baker of BTP Associates, Chatered Solicitors. There is an interview with him today.

You can see the Firm at http://www.btpassoc.co.uk

Huw has been practicing in Merthyr Tydfil since 1987 having trained with a small firm of Chartered Accountants in Cardiff before joining an international firm (Price Waterhouse) for three years. Huw has a particular interest in working with family and owner/managers on planning and strategic advice. He has particular experience in developing applications for raising grant finance from the Welsh Assembly Government. Huw is developing the Insolvency Services provided by the firm in conjunction with Phil Wood of Barringtons. For more details look within the Services section of this site.

Outside work: Huw enjoys the occasional game of golf and is credited with creating the work for an extra person on the green-keeping team.

Call me if you feel you have something interesting to tell our listeners. 

A Good Feel Story that you should consider supporting

You can hear BizTalkRadio on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am. Draw up up a coffee cup and join me.  And keep up to date with news, views and know-how for growing business owners. 

Biztalkradio 15th July 2010 by Mymedia1 on Mixcloud

There are some really giving people in this world. Listen to Jamie Denyer with a conversation I recorded right back in February for another Show but it is real relevant to growing businesses and has a feel good factor which I hope you get.

 Jamie Denyer is a quiet man who came to the interview, bought me a coffee and  was a pleaseure to interview. In fact I didn't need to ask much. Just one question and he was so enthusiastic he just told his story.

Jamie has created ETSETH, made up of the initial letters of Enlarge the Spirit, Encourage the Heartand the stories about those whom he has helped just accentaute how successful this has been. He started giving just one day a week free to help someone in need. And having spent some time with Jamie I found him quite humble in his success. He just can't stop telling you about the difference it has made to those who he has worked for - as if he still doesn't accept that his simple gesture has had such an effect. It is obvious that this work will grow through the help of others who are giving their services free too, by local companies who are supporting Jamie with donations of free building materials and through donations from the public.

You can get involved by either working with Jamie for just one day a month, you could give goods or other services or you could make a donation, no matter how much. And I guarantee you'll feel good inside. So do it now. Simply go to Jamie's website by clicking here

There isn't a place to make a donation now but I'm sure if you check the site out in a few days there will be.

Download as an MP3 and listen in the car

Talking with John Peers was a really enjoyable today. Hope you enjoyed. We all enjoy the TV Show Mary Queen . . .  and we know it's entertainment. But we don't always appreciate that at the time and don't realise the hours of material not used. The editor always looks for something different.

Take a look at John's website at www.johnpeers.co.uk

Here are some comments:
All salons need care and attention to provide the best salon experience for customers. John Peers helps to steer your team to salon excellence.
"John Peers is one of the hairdressing industry's great characters with a wealth of experience. His talk to our team was not only highly motivating, but was also very entertaining and a great success".
Andrew Collinge British Hairdresser of the Year Award Winner
"John Peers has a lovely way to express a lovely day".   Peter Belcher, Schwarzkopf Professional

"A great motivational speaker, with excellent delivery, to keep your every day spirits up". Celebrity, Desmond Murray, The Salon

It is so easy to listen in live on your mobile or download an mp3 and listen when you want. It takes about an hour after the show finishes for the programme to be available to listen on demand or download as an mp3.

Remember we are live on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Listening figures are running away so join us at 11 in the morning Greenwich Meantime. You can call in on 001 347 637-2551. Save money use Skype or one of the cheap calls companies like www.justcalls.co.uk. Your contribution will be welcome.


Recession Buster No 4 Use the telephone to increase your sales. Everyone has a mobile (OK except you!! - there is always someone who e-mails me as the exception) so making calls is something we all do constantly. But make a sales call, call about a problem, phone to make a complaint and bang . . . I'll do it later.

I hope these Recession Busters are working for you. With over 40 years selling on the frontline  know these simple ideas work. Stand up on the phone and smile. It works!! It worked 40 years ago. It works today. Technology moves on, emotions don't.

Do you belong to LinkedIn? If not I'd highly recommend you join and participate in some of the Groups. And do make sure you complete your profile fully. LinkedIn offers a great personal platform for seeking work, a chance to air your thoughts and even become a Thought Leader, and the opportunity to meet other like-mindfed people. Highly recommended.


Make your own luck and be successful


Mike Leahy

Keeping calm when everything is falling around you

Today I sat on my BizTalkRadio switchboard sipping coffee with 9 minutes to go before the Show started. Then things started to go wrong. Firstly I downloaded an interview with John Peers and it seemed to get stuck. Then I dialled up the programme server through Skye and I couldn't get through as Host. And I hadn't printed off the Show Schedule that I write before each Show!

That's when the panic set in!!

With just 24 seconds to go I found my cheap calls log-in and dialled away. Once I had entered my host PIN I was able to run the Show, but without notes and with just 2 minutes of pre-recorded info. I hope it was ok for you. Keep listening. There are some great items coming up.

That cheap call website is   http://www.justcall.co.uk

 

So if you were looking forward to listening to John Peers you'll just have to wait a few days until the Tuesday Show. You may have picked up some good information and I do hope you are using social media. It can make all that difference.

Meanwhile I've been talking to Rob Warlow this morning who has some sound bites on banking and one is ways to repair a bad relationship with a bank. Won't work for everyone but if you don't try you won't succeed. So listen in for that.

I hope you enjoyed the call with Julia DeBattista. Until recently Julia had been working in the Financial Services sector for many years as an underwriter, team leader, office manager and latterly as a mortgage and insurance consultant. Having had a 'light-bulb moment' towards the end of 2008 Julia has now built a small portfolio of successful business operations, including 'Your Office Partners' which provides a flexible, professional and reliable support service to busy entrepreneurs and business owners.

Having found an overwhelming fascination for all things 'Web' too Julia is passionate about the power of the Internet and the infinite possibilities it can provide businesses. Networking online as well as face-to face has become a large part of her daily routine and has opened many doors to both people and opportunities that she may not have come across during the normal course of business life. The Internet has helped to build 'Workshops Wales' which promotes seminars, workshops and business training events throughout Wales and also 'Couples Without Kids' a review website for fine dining, boutique hotels and all things luxurious (just leave the kids at home!)

As passionate about networking as she is, Julia also runs a ladies network called 'We're Not Gossiping - We're Networking' which provides informal gatherings for female entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals from across South Wales. 'WNGWN' is networking for Women as it should be - informal, fun and profitable.

Julia is currently working on another exciting project which she will be coming on the show to tell us about soon. Her links are:
www.workshopswales.co.uk    www.wngwn.org.uk    www.coupleswithoutkids.co.uk   www.yourofficepartners.co.uk

Tell us about yourself and gain that extra interest from our listeners.

Do you concentrate your efforts on what you do best

Listen to internet radio with BizTalkRadio on Blog Talk Radio

 

STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!
This Thursday one of my guests will be John Peers and his manager Ruby McDermott who featured on Mary Queen of Shops last evening. I spoke with John this morning at 9.02 and it was easy to get through. At 10.15 it took over 15 minutes because the phone was just red hot their end!! Don't miss this Show.

TODAY OUR LINKEDIN QUEEN
On Tuesday 6th July I'm pleased to welcome Julia DeBattista to join me talking about a subject close to all our hearts. Getting bogged down with all those mundane jobs takes us away from the nitty gritty of growing the business because we can't concentrate on the important things like finding more prospects and turning them inyo new customers: making sure we do everything we can to retain those new customers through amazing after sales service and telling them about more products that they want to own.

How often have you felt you needed someone but can't afford a full-timer to:

• Handle the tasks you don’t have time for or don’t want to do, leaving you free to focus on what matters.
• Sort things like taking phone calls, dealing with email, chasing late payments.
• Book appointments, issue sales literature, give out information, take messages and type letters.
• Professionally manage your clients and client contact on your behalf.
• Assist in arranging events and seminars or attending events either with you or on your behalf.

Julia owns Your Office Partners and will be talking about how she started and some of the people and tasks she's been involved with. Do join us this Tuesday.

Also there'll be news and some more marketing advice from Mike Leahy.

Julia talked about Networking. For a free copy of my short e-book "Networking Sucks!10 Fatal Mistakes we've all made" just send me an e-mail at ask@mikeleahy.com with the header "Networking" and your name.

I also have a Networking Pack with video and e-book available. I'll put it up on this site.

Networking is the lifeblood of any business. Physical or on-line, it doesn't matter. You'll find good connections in the most unlikely places.

Think about joining the Local Business Forum  as a platform to launch your business to the next level. How? By sitting down with other like-minded people and talking about each other's businesses. Not networking! Just thinking about how each member of the group can have a better business. Do listen to my idea on the Show. Then call me and let us know what you think. No annual fees, not referrals, no testimonials. Just a way of getting a dozen creative minds focussed on your business.

And finally. An Early Storm Warning!!!

The Swansea Business Show will be held at the LC in Swansea on Thursday 24th March 2011. Stands are still from £175 for  2 x 1.5 metres. Book your stand by the end of August for a £75 discount and by paying a 50% deposit of £50. This is a sure-fire winner with an Early Bird promotion. And I guarantee you 10 x 30 second promo spots on BizTalkRadio during September and October. Help whip up a storm by signing up. Bookings can be made from this Friday, 9th July.