Learning To Be More
Profitable
The Value Of Seminars Workshops And Retreats
by Grant D. Fairley
Every business will succeed or fail because of the
quality and motivation of their most important resource – their people.
Investing in the lives, learning and encouragement of the human resources of a
business, government or not-for-profit group through seminars, workshops and
retreats can be the difference you need. Here are just a few areas where
learning can be profitable.
Team Building – A seminar is an excellent tool to help the team step outside of
itself and think about the big picture. It also is a way to learn more about
yourself and the others on your team and how that all fits together. With a
renewed sense of who “WE” are – there is new energy and commitment to each
other. You also find yourself a bit more tolerant of those personality types who
are not like “ME”.
Sales Training – For those who have to keep their edge to be effective in sales
and marketing, training is always a refresher and a chance to exchange the war
stories of life on the battlefield of selling. People in sales are always
looking for a new idea or tactic that can help them get that potential sale
across the finish line.
Conflict Resolution – Where there are people there will be conflict. That’s
life. But in the workplace – conflict can drain personal energy and change the
focus from customer service and sales to duck and cover. A workshop allows
people to vent and then rebuild the trust relationships.
Leadership – This is often seen as a topic for just the senior management. The
truth is that you have leaders all through the organization. We often assume
that they know how to lead because it may be a small group or area of
responsibility. Poor leadership – even in small groups – can create conflicts
and poor performance.
Customer Service – The battle to keep each member of your organization focused
on serving the customer never ends. Having a seminar on customer service can
remind everyone of the choice every customer always has – to buy that good or
service here – or somewhere else. That will affect your bottom line.
Technology – Many dollars are spent on upgrades of software and hardware.
Without adequate training, those upgrades will never produce the gains in
productivity and effectiveness that they might.
Community – Groups that serve the community face many of the same pressures to
perform and compete as a business does. Instead of sales, it is those valuable
donor dollars that go to one organization or another. Add to that the extra
challenge of working with volunteers! Training is essential to keeping the spark
in community groups.
Encouragement – Good seminars will encourage you. This can add some “oomph” to
you and your work. You’ve been away from the routines and the same old/same old.
The seminar has reminded you of the important part that you play in the lives of
the rest of your group. The value of your work as part of your life has been
affirmed. You now have something extra to share.
About the author: Grant D. Fairley is a graduate of Wheaton
College, Wheaton, IL. He is an IBM Business Partner and is a principal presenter
with Strategic Seminars
http://www.strategic-seminars.com He is the author of several books
available through
http://www.palantir-publishing.com See also
http://www.executive-coach-fellowship.com
Grant D. Fairley
With experience in the financial industry, education, charitable organizations,
teaching, counseling, marketing, consulting and various technologies, Grant
Fairley brings a unique combination of talents and commitment to people that is
rooted in the real world.
Grant is a graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, USA.
He has spoken to thousands of people over the past 25 years. He has also made a
difference for people in small groups and one-on-one in executive coaching.
His approach is motivational and encouraging - no matter what the challenge or
opportunity.
Here's a sample from a recent Leadership Seminar with Grant Fairley
Comments & Feedback
I would highly recommend Grant Fairley of Strategic Seminars. He is one of the
best presenters I’ve seen in his ability to engage an audience and invoke their
contribution. His presentations have the right balance of content and “real
life” application examples that make them entertaining, educational and
relevant…I have always left Grant’s presentations inspired and with something
new and valuable to bring back to my workplace and clients.
Ross Downing
Managing Director
KPMG Consulting
"In my capacity as Chairman of the IBM ViaVoice Dealers Association, I wish to
thank you for the excellent job you have done as a speaker at our last two
conventions in Boca Raton, Florida...Your presentation was very professional and
well received..."
James P. Cox
President
Crown International
Varna, IL
"We have received nothing but positive and superlative comments on your ability
to discuss sophisticated technology applications... your easy going manner,
clarity of speech and your ability to allow the "average" individual to
understand...We look forward to sharing the podium with you and your associates,
once again, in the near future
Ontario Police & Fire Healthcare Summit
Jack Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer
Lifebridge Health Management Inc.
"Grant is an excellent communicator. He includes humor and many illustrations to
make the subject understandable and enjoyable"
Michael Lanthier
President
Harcote Industries Limited
"Grant Fairley is truly a renaissance man. You can see and hear his liberal arts
approach to life. His presentations are spoken through his experiences and
perspectives that are both insightful and entertaining. "
Dr. Blair Lamb, MD
President
The Pain Reliever Corporation
"Thank you again for your presentation in Montreal last month. The group was
entertained by your talk on Triangles and Circles. It helped us promote our
business with them. One of the group commented that they were having fun
referring to each other's personality shape...the next day. ...your seminar has
made you and Strategic Seminars an important resource for our company..."
David E. Johnson, President
Canadian Insurance Vendor Registry
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