There's nothing like positive feedback from a client

I wanted to share with you an email I received from one of my private clients. The client was the Director of an SME with 90 employees. She is now retired and doing fantastic work as a trustee of two charities. Within this role, she is expected to do more media work: hence my involvement. I received this from her today.

"12 May 2009

Hallo Susan

Just had to write and let you know that I've done, not one, but TWO
telephone interviews; one being live! And I survived! Both came out
of the blue.

Yesterday just about an hour before the programme I was invited to
take part as a guest on Three Counties JVS Show as he was talking
about public toilets. I was the first speaker. Preparation time was
VERY limited because I had to pick my car up from the garage prior to
going on air. Nevertheless I made some notes. However being live I
was dependent on the presenter and he wasn't exactly the sympathetic
type, but I did it and even though it was only for a couple of [very
long] minutes I felt I'd done my best [although there were things I
wished I'd said, but I suppose everyone feels that] - especially when
a subsequent called agreed with what I'd said. Adam [my son]
listened to it today and said he was impressed and he must contact
you so that he can sound as confident as I sounded - wasn't that
sweet? It didn't sound like me though.

The second telephone interview was for the NHS Direct new carers
website. I had had time to plan and the researcher had primed me on
the questions she would like answered. She let me talk my way
through my notes, only interjecting on occasion and I felt that I'd
got my points across. It lasted 27 minutes and she said that she had
'more than enough material'!! I'm doing a video for them next week,
but am not sure what to expect from that; probably more of the same.

Thank you so much for giving me the courage to say 'yes'. I enjoyed
being asked but even when it came to the real thing I surprised
myself in being able to take time to think even though I'd had
limited preparation time - I just took things a little slower than I
used to - and did my breathing beforehand.

Warm wishes - and thanks again"

There is nothing like receiving such a wonderful email from a client and to see how one's training has made a huge impact!

Self Confidence disappears rapidly

This week I was at my book group. We've been going for 6 years now, and until recently, there was always a baby asleep in a carrycot in the corner. As a group of mothers: more recently parents as we have one father, we've been through the highs and lows of parenthood with young children. Our discussions always include support for each other as well as discussing the book!
Recently one mother: a fiercely intelligent Dr of Science lost her job. She is an eternal optimist and felt this was an opportunity to spend more time with her 4 children. She was chatting to another mother, who has been a full time mother since her child was born. Prior to that she was a very successful Human Rights Lawyer.
The conversation turned to discussing work, and both admitted that they'd lost their confidence. The mother of 4 said "The confidence disappears so quickly. I'm just so frightened about looking for a job - and don't believe I'll ever find one". The other mother said that she felt she was completely detached from her career and didn't have the confidence to pursue a job.
Self esteem is knocked when you are made redundant. It is also knocked when you have a career break. When you decide to look for work, it is even more challenging presenting yourself in a positive way due to your lack of confidence.
Our Training course "Vocal, Visual & VITAL" focuses on all aspects of interview skills, including creating a positive mind set and creating the appearance that you are confident.
For more details of the course go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html

The 'Accidental' Self Employed and Interview Techniques

This morning I read the article below in the Daily Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/5249429/Jobless-in-Henley-Whats-in-it-for-the-accidental-self-employed.html


Being unemployed is tough: really tough. If you have had a professional career and suddenly find yourself made redundant or 'accidentally self employed' it has an effect on your self esteem and ultimately your performance when you are being interviewed for another position.

Executive Voice with two other outstanding trainers, have devised a two 1/2 day workshop called 'VOCAL, VISUAL& VITAL' focusing on all aspects of searching for a job, preparing, creating a positive mind set, body language, using your voice to make an impact in the interview room, negotiating terms..... and more. Unlike other interview skills workshops, we are working with the 'whole' person to identify weaknesses and provide tools to perform well at all stages of the job search and interview process.

For more details go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html