Learning Needs Analysis Pocketbook PAPERBACK

Ninety percent of all training is a waste of time (reveals a US investigation) either because the training is not transferred into the workplace, or the training design/delivery is poor or the participants are unable/unwilling to learn. The Learning Needs Analysis Pocketbook will ensure that your people development solutions are tied to the organisation’s strategic plans and objectives. The authors simplify the analysis process and demonstrate that it can be strategic, rewarding, career-enhancing and, even, fun! The book is divided into three sections: 1. The Six Windows: a method of looking into the organisation to identify the most pressing and results-oriented learning needs. 2. The 10 Point Training Plan: the document, spreadsheet or wall chart where you can record all your notes from the learning needs investigation and plan for each training course or event. 3. The Tool Box: to help you do a great job at every step of the process. Previously published as Training Needs Analysis.

Telephone Skills Pocketbook (ebook only)

The Telephone Skills Pocketbook covers every aspect of using the telephone to improve business performance. It highlights the importance of good communications skills, the need to build rapport, favourite bad habits and how to avoid them, how to take control of a call, how to keep customers happy, and more. There are separate chapters on receiving and making calls. The former includes 10 easy ways to give your caller a bad experience and 10 easy ways to give your caller a good experience. The latter explains how to get through to people and get the information you need, as well as how to complain and negotiate on the ‘phone. In conclusion, the author sets out the rules for becoming a telephone ‘super-user’ and for fulfilling the super-user’s oath: ‘I will be in charge and make the ‘phone work for me; I will seek out time-eaters and destroy them; I will use super-user control techniques at all times’.

Sales Excellence Pocketbook (ebook only)

Key techniques to help maximise the effectiveness of your next sales meeting. The Sales Excellence Pocketbook explains how to make the right initial impression, how to discover customer needs, how to present the best possible case and, crucially, how to close successfully. Also gives tips and techniques on how to prepare for the sales meeting and how to follow-up effectively. The Journal of International Selling and Sales Management said of the book: ‘A very practical guide to adapting the sales approach to specific customer needs. This Pocketbook could be regularly used with advantage by anyone engaged in selling’.

Starting in Management Pocketbook (ebook only)

There is only one opportunity to make a good a start and this Pocketbook will help new managers do just that. Central to The Starting in Management Pocketbook are team skills – creating staff loyalty and commitment, building working relationships that are constructive and creative, and forging teams that are successful. The author begins by defining management, identifying the skills required and highlighting the different styles of management. The importance of reconnaissance and preparation prior to taking up the post is then dealt with before spotlighting the key issues facing managers on day one in the new job.

Storytelling Pocketbook

People in business are conditioned to believe they must communicate in a rational, objective and logical manner, without emotion, if their point is to be accepted. The reality is, however, that stories engage both hearts and minds and are the most effective means to engage and persuade. The Storytelling Pocketbook shows readers how to use stories to get their ideas across and make a deeper connection with their audience. With practical exercises throughout, the book shows you how to create your own story frameworks, and explores the different settings in which you might use them, eg to ignite organisational change, to transfer knowledge, to build brands, to develop people.

Learning Needs Analysis Pocketbook

The Learning Needs Analysis Pocketbook will ensure that your people development solutions are tied to the organisation’s strategic plans and objectives. The authors simplify the analysis process and demonstrate that it can be strategic, rewarding, career-enhancing and, even, fun!

The book is divided into three sections: 1. The Six Windows: a method of looking into the organisation to identify the most pressing and results-oriented learning needs. 2. The 10 Point Training Plan: the document, spreadsheet or wall chart where you can record all your notes from the learning needs investigation and plan for each training course or event. 3. The Tool Box: to help you do a great job at every step of the process.

Previously published as Training Needs Analysis Pocketbook.

Managing Upwards Pocketbook (ebook only)

How to get the best from your working relationship with your boss and other senior people is the subject of The Managing Upwards Pocketbook. It begins by looking at what makes a good boss and what drives the relationship – from both the subordinate’s and the boss’s perspective. There is advice on how to build a partnership that is constructive, straightforward, trusting and mutually beneficial. Under the heading ‘working to create impact’ the book deals with such matters as taking a brief, objectives and targets, using timings and deadlines to advantage, and progress reports. Subsequent chapters detail how to communicate with senior people (including listening to each other), how to get agreement and how to handle difficulties such as poor information flow, broken promises, the ‘leave it to me’ syndrome and more serious issues such as bullying and sexual harassment. Job appraisals, are dealt with too.

Key Account Manager’s Pocketbook (ebook only)

The new, 2nd edition of the Key Account Manager’s Pocketbook gives practical advice on how to keep and develop important customers, thereby maximising ongoing revenue streams, reducing sales costs, improving investment planning and increasing market knowledge. It opens by describing the key account manager’s role and then goes on to describe how to rise up the so-called customer perception ladder, moving from a simple commodity supplier to developing a solid, long-term business partnership with your key customers. The author next explains how to develop the ‘key account development plan’, how to increase your influence with the decision-maker in your key account (relationship management) and how to win new business. The final chapter runs through the essential steps of key account handling. There are short exercises throughout which, if carried out, will help to reinforce the key learning points.

Business Planning Pocketbook (EBOOK only)

The Business Planning Pocketbook (3rd Edition) explains what issues to address, how to write a business plan, what questions to ask, how much detail to include and the time-frame to adopt. In the chapter on planning theory the author identifies eight different planning styles, followed in the next chapter with a description of the seven stages of the planning process. In his summary the author says: ‘A plan is a statement of what you intend to achieve, how, when and with what resources’. A complex subject made simple. Author Neil Russell-Jones is widely published, speaks internationally, lectures and is a special advisor for the Princes Youth Business Trust. In the Management Pocketbooks Series he has also written books on decision-making, strategy, managing change and marketing.

C.R.M. Pocketbook (EBOOK only)

An effective customer relationship management strategy can deliver a step change in customer engagement, profitability, revenue growth and sustainability. This second edition of the CRM Pocketbook will help managers take a more strategic approach to setting relationship management objectives and implementing practical plans in a multi-channel environment. Consumers are becoming more empowered and turning to channels where they can access their own personal information, have more say in how that information is used, and manage how often they receive marketing materials. They have the ability to compare and analyse product and service offerings without the need for interaction with suppliers. This book explains how organisations can build more effective engagement strategies that provide outstanding customer support and drive business value. There is a section describing the contribution needed from departments within organisations, including how to keep investors informed and supportive of CRM initiatives, leading to the delivery of the customer promise and business results.