Everything is linked...

A fantastic movie that develops the interconnectedness of things...

Report Writing - Getting Started

For many people the hardest part in writing a report is getting started.

Have you ever struggled to find the right words?

Or do you start writing but find that you don’t get very far because you are unhappy with what you have written?

Do you then find yourself re-writing your opening?

It is all too easy to get bogged down and to make little or no progress. This is sometimes known as writer’s block.

Instead of aiming for perfection the key to writing a lengthy piece such as a report is to get on and write it. Don’t try to edit it as you go along. It is usually far better to write the whole piece and then to go back and edit it later. Try this approach:

• Work through the major points you intend to cover one at a time.
• Start writing and write everything you have planned to cover on each of these points.
• Avoid looking for better or more impressive words.
• Avoid stopping and evaluating your work while you are still writing. Do this only when you have finished.
• Keep going until you have finished your first draft.

If you have already produced a report outline as recommended you will find it is much easier to write the report itself.

Visit Trainer Bubble, where you will find our training course materials including trainers notes for Report Writing. www.trainerbubble.com

Training the key to profits!

The head of the company that owns PC World and Currys has said that poorly trained staff are a large factor in the current failings of these businesses and that improving service levels is going to present major difficulties for the future. "It will take some time. It will require years of training. It's an investment, but we think we can make a major difference over time," said John Browett, chief executive of DSGi.

As someone who runs a training organisation I have to say I'm surprised that this point even needs mentioning. Of course poorly trained staff will have a detrimetal affect on a business and I don't just mean sales training, customer care is just as much an important factor. As the internet has provided the customer with more choice than ever, it has become even more vital that staff are able to get the basics right and only training can achieve this.

In my opinion, well trained staff are the key to retail environments, where the ability to increase profits on products is being diminished by the ability to choose from such a variety of different sources. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it is possibly the only differing factor that high street retail chains can now offer over cheaper internet offerings.

Why it has taken a huge downturn in sales for anyone to realise this is beyond me. Anyone that goes shopping will notice that the staff lack knowledge, motivation and the ability to show interest in a customers needs and a positive respect for the company they are representing as well as its products.

I have to have a little respect for John Browett though, at least he realises the importance of training to his future profitability. The recent talk of concerns over recession and a dip in high street spending worries me. At a time when organisations should be investing in training, I can only see things going one way.

The head of any large organisation that is looking to reduce spending whilst improving the skill levels of their staff would do well to refer to our website www.trainerbubble.com, where they will find affordable training resources that get results.

How Our Body Responds to Stress

Once we are put under stress our body immediately begins to react and there are certain specific things you will be able to notice in your body. Over time, these stress elements can build up and often cause inherent health problems with our bodies. Once we are stressed, our body immediately begins to react.

Humans have innately developed a “fight or flight” response to stressful or threatening situations over the years. Several things happen under stress: On occasion, these responses can be good, but most of the time, it is merely an overreaction to a situation that causes this stress and it can eventually harm your physical health.

Resulting symptoms could be...

Blood flow to brain and muscles increase/Concentration heightens – Tension headache, migraines, anxiety, moods

Your heart rate increases – Chest pains, raised blood pressure

Breathing becomes more rapid – Clammy, sweaty feelings.

Digestion pauses to allow for more energy – Heartburn, indigestion, ulcers

Muscle tension increases – Aches, pains, muscle spasms

Other than the physical functions carried on by our body, stress can damage our bodies in other ways. When we are under stress, we often tend to abuse our body. This can include poor lifestyle choices such as eating fatty and greasy foods, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, or even abusing prescription or illegal drugs. All these can have a secondary affect on the body caused by stress

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This article is an excerpt from the workbook in the training material, 'Stress Management', which is available from our website at http://www.trainerbubble.com/