Join your hosts Bob Morrell and Jeremy Blake as they draw from over 20 years of global sales training and coaching experience to bring the world of sales conversations to life with insightful and related stories. Companies will often question investment in skills training for varied and fascinating reasons. Bob and Jeremy will show you how, so often, the answer is: sales training. They'll tackle questions such as: How many organisations need sales training? What does this investment give the ...
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Step into the Conflab with us, Bob & Jeremy, lifelong friends since our days at drama school in 1991. With over two decades of experience running a successful sales and management training business together, we bring a wealth of insights and anecdotes to the table. Launched during the lockdown of June 2021, Bob & Jeremy’s Conflab gives you fresh perspectives on business, life, and everything in between. Join us as we share stories and observations from our extensive travels, training, and co ...
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Welcome to Contact Centre Focus, your go-to podcast for industry insights and expert advice tailored specifically for advisors, agents, salespeople, team leaders, managers, and directors of contact centres. Join your hosts, Bob Morrell & Jeremy Blake, renowned sales trainers and executive coaches from Reality Training, as they share their wealth of knowledge from training thousands of people in contact centres worldwide. Our mission? To empower you and your team, ensuring that your contact c ...
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What’s Up, Interpreters? A Podcast from the National Association for Interpretation
National Association for Interpretation
Twice a month, the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) brings you conversations with innovators, leaders, movers, and shakers in the field of heritage interpretation.
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NAI Conference Preview: "Navigating Changing Tides" in St. Augustine
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Registration is open for the NAI Conference, December 3–6, St. Augustine, Florida! Join the NAI Conference Committee for this preview of NAI 2024. Amanda Thompson, Conference Chair Marthalynne Allen, Program Chair Jennifer Chapman, Community Outreach Chair Alaina Allen, Volunteer Chair Caroline Lochner, Local Arrangements/Field Trip Chair Learn mor…
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Marc Stern and Bob Powell: The Importance of Interpretation Research
29:05
29:05
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Marc Stern and Bob Powell have served as the editors of NAI's Journal of Interpretation Research for more than half a decade. In this episode, they discuss the value of research within the profession, and their own work as researchers. Marc J. Stern, PhD, is aprofessor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservationat Virginia …
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Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer & Author of "The Nature of Our Cities"
30:08
30:08
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In this episode, we welcome Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer & Author of "The Nature of Our Cities." Nadina shares her insights on urban ecology, discussing how environmental data and natural behaviors can bridge the gap between technology and nature, emphasizing the role interpretation can play in this process. She j…
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‘Obviously, Pal': Stop the Irritators - Watch What You Say, When You’re Selling!
10:27
10:27
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Send us a Text Message. We all have irritators – things we say without realising. You may know what you’re talking about but you’re not thinking about how you come across, and as such you will pepper your discussion with verbal habits that are really annoying. ‘Obviously’ is the most common, followed by ‘basically’. How patronising when you think a…
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Liz Morrell is the Strategic Planning & Historic, Cultural, and Community Resources Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. She discusses the process of restoring Latta Place and highlights the involvement of community partners. Latta Place is reimagining its operations and interpretive experiences to …
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Election Special: Why Does Public Speaking Matter? How Do You Engage & Influence Your Audience?
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32:59
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Send us a Text Message. Elections are great ways to learn about the best public speaking. Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, and Nigel Farage, as well as a huge number of supporting cast members will be trying their best to influence us over the next few weeks and any of us can study how good they really are. We all need, sometimes to elevate our voices an…
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Colby Brokvist, Expedition Leader & Author
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25:41
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Colby Brokvist is an adventure guide, author, and trainer of interpretive guides around the world. Colby published a book on adventure guiding, The Professional Guide's Handbook, which includes a chapter summarizing thematic interpretation principles for guides. Colby joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss adventure guiding and interpretation.…
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Senior Management Development - What Are Your Options?
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29:03
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Send us a Text Message. Senior Managers have an important question to answer – what development is going to make them better at what they do? Or do they need any at all? Unlock the full potential of senior leadership with expert insights from Bob & Jeremy, executive coaches who bring to life the varied activities that are available. This episode pr…
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Send us a Text Message. This is the most underused question in sales. Unlock the secret to improving your sales with the subtle, yet impactful, 'power of choice' strategy. Join Bob Morrell and Jeremy Blake as they reveal how offering options can shift the customer's mindset from a passive observer to an active decision-maker. Ever been trapped by t…
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The "Interpreting Environmental Justice" online conference is back for a second year! This episode of "What's Up Interpreters?" features leaders from the two NAI sections that are putting on this event: Caroline Lochner of the NAI Sustainability Section and Richard Munoz of the NAI Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Section. C…
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Send us a Text Message. In this new podcast, The Reality is Sales Training, Bob Morrell & Jeremy Blake, with over 20 years of experience behind them, dissect the worldwide sales conversation. They offer you the wit and wisdom to craft compelling narratives and new sales approaches that captivate any prospective customers. In this first episode, dis…
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Send us a Text Message. Have you ever caught yourself jumping to conclusions about someone based on their age or financial status? Our latest episode peels back the layers of ageism and bias within customer service, highlighting a conversation that will challenge your assumptions. Tune in as we dissect a fascinating call between a contact centre ag…
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Tipping, Service Charges, Brand Charges… What is happening with this ‘grey area’?
38:58
38:58
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Send us a Text Message. Ever been caught at the end of a meal, wallet in hand, wondering just how much to tip - or if at all? That's the exact conundrum we unpack in today's lively podcast, where we navigate the new Employment Allocation of Tips Act 2023, set to revolutionise UK's service industry. Join us as we delve into the principles of fairnes…
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James is a Conservation Interpreter at the Dallas Zoo and a Senior Guest Experience Associate at the Children's Aquarium Dallas. He has been working as an interpreter for over 7 years, yet his connection with interpretation extends far beyond that, spurred by his deep appreciation for communication and human bonds. His travels commenced in late 202…
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Empowering Your Teams – Free Up Time & Focus on Valuable Work
6:32
6:32
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Send us a Text Message. Are you constantly the go-to problem solver in your contact centre? It's time to break free from the chains of reactive problem-solving, and our latest episode is your key to unlocking a more proactive team. We delve into the persistent cycle of team leaders being side-tracked by their team's issues, a pattern that not only …
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B2B Buying & Selling in a Hybrid Work World
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Send us a Text Message. How do you get through to a company's decision-maker? You’re not alone, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the B2B space. We kick things off with a hilarious skit that hits close to home, capturing the all-too-familiar frustration of reaching out to remote-based workers. Then, we break down the hard truths of the in…
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Art of Access, Heather Pressman and Danielle Schulz
29:41
29:41
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Heather Pressman and Danielle Schulz discuss their book Art of Access with NAI's Paul Caputo and Heather Manier this week. Heather Pressman has worked in museum education, development, and communications. She is a founding member of the organizing committee for the Art of Access Alliance in Denver, a consortium working to make Denver’s arts and cul…
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This week on the podcast, we're celebrating baseball season! Guest Jef Lambdin created the mascot Wool E. Bull for the iconic minor league baseball team the Durham Bulls, made famous in the movie Bull Durham. On this episode, Jef joins hosts Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss the challenges and opportunities he faced communicating with audiences…
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Send us a Text Message. How often do you have to ask a manager for permission to use an offer? In your call centre how often does it happen? Well, strap in because we're dissecting that dance of discounts and it's quite the cha-cha of consumer psychology and strategic pricing! In this podcast we role play how these sound to customers – and work out…
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Selling More: Is It Down to Behavioural Science or Just BS?
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45:17
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Send us a Text Message. What makes a sales strategy irresistible? This episode promises to change your approach to sales and sales training through the lens of behavioural science. We kick things off by discussing how societal trends, can signal shifts in consumer behaviour — a key factor in shaping effective sales tactics. We sight insights from b…
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Lawana Holland-Moore, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
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28:47
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Lawana Holland-Moore is the Director of Fellowships and Interpretive Strategies at the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation. In this week's episode, she discusses the importance of the sites AACHF funds, big or small, and how they preserve stories throughout history. She is joined by NAI's Heather…
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Customer Service in the UK – In 2024 How Are We Really Being Served?
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Send us a Text Message. In our latest episode, we examine new research into the level of customer satisfaction in the UK, where the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. We start by discussing the reasons behind the decline in customer’s experiences, from the pandemic's shake-up of our shopping habits, to Brexit and the economic and p…
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Checking With Your Manager – It’s Time to Stop!
8:19
8:19
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Send us a Text Message. Do you understand the frustration a customer feels when you say “I need to put you on hold and check with my manager"? This episode promises to unravel why this all-too-common practice is holding back the potential of call centres everywhere. We confront the lack of agent empowerment head-on, striving to identify the bottlen…
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Liz Moore is the founder of Planning School, which provides education and training in contemporary strategic planning and change leadership, including courses designed for interpretive programs. She joins NAI's Paul Caputo and Song Stott on this episode.By National Association for Interpretation
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Sales Targets (& How They Work Against You)
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29:12
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Send us a Text Message. Do sales targets work? In this episode we study sales targets and expose their problems. Unpack the dilemma of arbitrary figures with us, as we get into the reasons of how these numbers can warp sales strategies, leading to short-term wins but potentially jeopardise your company's future. And if you think corporate life can'…
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Mynesha Spencer worked in the National Park Service for 13 years and was a panelist on the "From Barriers to Bridges" keynote panel at the NAI National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mynesha is the Founder, CEO and Principal Inclusion Strategist at All of Us Together Co., a human relations firm that specializes in diversity, equity and inclus…
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Voice Tips for Contact Centres Part 2: Five More Key Tips!
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8:06
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Send us a Text Message. If you have heard part one of this series you will know all about active listening, and utilising the best tone for your customers. Already you will be ahead of people who haven’t learnt these key skills – and here are 5 more! This jam-packed episode of Contact Centre Focus is all about amplifying your vocal prowess in ways …
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Voice Tips for Contact Centres Part 1: Five Key Tips to Improve
8:11
8:11
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Send us a Text Message. Why are some advisors effective and some less so? Let's unlock that mystery! In this episode Jeremy Blake and Bob Morrell show you how important and flexible the voice is – and how you should be using it. In the first part of our special double-feature, we're laying down five key tips that will make your voice the secret wea…
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Carla Gull, Associate Faculty & Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Environmental Education
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25:50
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Carla Gull is the coordinator of the Master of Arts of Environmental Education program and associate professor at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College in northern Indiana. Dr. Gull helps educators incorporate more nature in the everyday early childhood setting and nature preschools. During this episode, she talks about the rela…
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First Jobs: What’s the best first job? What should you look for?
34:57
34:57
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Send us a Text Message. Join us for a down-to-earth journey through the highs and lows of launching a career in today’s job market. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unpredictable world of early employment – offering practical advice, real insights, and a roadmap to success. We’ll take you on a tour of the first-job scene, sharing stories…
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The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
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28:22
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The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) strives to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. On this episode, ASALH’s Aaisha N. Haykal and Ariel Roy join NAI’s Parker McMullen Bushman and Paul Caputo to talk about the work they…
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Top Tips for 2024: Contact Centre Customer Experiences and Engagement
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9:14
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Send us a Text Message. Top Tips for 2024! What is going to make the biggest difference this year? Ready to take your customer service to a new level? Call centres all over the world need key areas of focus to have a great year. We're talking about the art of selling—yes, even you, the customer service pro, are in sales, whether you're booking appo…
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2024 Reflect and Reset: What are your goals and resolutions? How will you have a great year?
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31:39
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Send us a Text Message. 2024 Reflect and Reset: How are your resolutions going? Why do those January promises often slip through our fingers? How can you to be a part of the resilient 9% that Arnold Schwarzenegger says, actually achieve their goals. We're looking at goal setting to habit-forming, and how peering into the rear-view mirror at the yea…
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As we close out 2023, "What's Up, Interpreters?" hosts Paul, Song, and Heather recap the year, share their New Years plans, and look forward to 2024. Also, there are NAI podcast T-shirts available on NAI's store!By National Association for Interpretation
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Team Leaders Do's & Don'ts: Leadership Tips & Tricks for Thriving Teams
35:37
35:37
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Send us a Text Message. Team Leaders Do's & Don'ts - Why are some teams better than others? In our latest episode of Bob & Jeremy's Conflab, we dig deep into the do's & don'ts that differentiate a thriving team from a struggling one. This episode is jam-packed with our personal research, tips and tricks on effective leadership, emphasising the need…
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Team Leaders: Building Resilience in Your Contact Centre Teams
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Send us a Text Message. Team Leaders, is your contact centre team prepared for the challenges of peak seasons and ready to emerge stronger? Join us for a discussion on resilience – a crucial trait for thriving in the demanding environment of a contact centre. We’ll tap into Dr. Kenneth Ginsberg’s insights on the Seven Cs of resilience, covering com…
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Christina Cid, Director of Strategic Projects
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31:00
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Christina is a longtime member of NAI"s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, is an associate editor for NAI's Legacy magazine, and will serve as the guest editor for an upcoming special issue of Legacy on "Women in Interpretation."By National Association for Interpretation
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Top Tips for Contact Centre Interviews: Strategies to Impress
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Send us a Text Message. Interview Skills and Tips: Ready to be the stand-out candidate at your next call centre job interview? Join us, Bob and Jeremy of Reality Training, where we promise to equip you with the exact insights and strategies you need to impress any interviewer, regardless of their role or seniority. We share key tips on demonstratin…
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The SFC Coaching Model: Sweary Coaching for All
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33:10
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Send us a Text Message. What is sweary coaching? Toss out those conventional coaching models and try something refreshingly direct. We're here to guide you through a unique approach: the SFC model. It's all about being brutally honest about what you genuinely don’t care about in your life or work. We believe that by eliminating these elements, you …
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Interpretive Planning with Halley Fehner and Scott Vierick
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28:02
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Join seasoned experts in interpretive planning, Halley Fehner and Scott Vierick, as they unravel the intricacies and importance of this process. Halley and Scott highlight the essence of interpretive planning, discussing its role in reevaluating program goals, themes, and future strategies, often spanning several years. They also delve into the cha…
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What’s Funny? The Evolution & Impact of Humour in Business
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45:46
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Send us a Text Message. What’s funny these days? Ever wondered how the landscape of humour has evolved in the business world over the past decade? Prepare to discover, through our lively conversation, how comedy has shifted gears, for better or worse, in the day-to-day corporate realm. From recounting our experience of revising the 'Auntie Close' t…
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Mastering Your Festive Contact Centre Party - Christmas Party Tips
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12:56
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Send us a Text Message. Picture this: You're at your Contact Centre Christmas party, the music is playing, the drinks are flowing, and you're just about to photocopy your body parts as a fun party trick. Stop right there! We're here to guide you through the do's and don'ts of the Christmas party, especially in a Contact Centre environment. After ye…
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Live from NAI 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas!
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29:52
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The 2023 NAI National Conference, "Building Bridges," took place in Little Rock, Arkansas, took place last week, November 7-11. This episode features a series of visits with conference participants who share their conference experience!By National Association for Interpretation
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Redefining Customer Service: The Upselling Advantage – Service is Sales.
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13:30
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Send us a Text Message. Are your customer service people salespeople? Brand Ambassadors? Efficient Administrators? This episode takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of customer service at 'Bob's Insurance', a company whose customer-centric approach has revolutionised the way their agents handle sales. We dissect a fictional customer service…
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Ian Beard, Education Director, Historic Arkansas Museum
24:37
24:37
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Ian Beard brings history to life at the Historic Arkansas Museum, where his passion for trades like smithing, printing, cooking, and brewing merge with his skills as an interpreter. If you're heading to Little Rock, Arkansas, for the NAI National Conference this month, you can meet Ian and hear his stories in person at the opening reception—or you …
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Bad Management: The UK Corporate Crisis - Your Leadership Challenges & Solutions.
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Send us a Text Message. Is UK management just not good enough? Ever wondered why UK companies are still struggling to recover from the 2008 financial crisis, while their international counterparts seem to have moved on? Curious about why no UK company features among the world's top 25? Join us on Bob and Jeremy's Conflab to explore these realities …
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Budd Wentz, World Traveler, Inventor, Interpretive Microscope Entrepreneur
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21:37
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Budd Wentz is a former creative consultant for the Mr. Wizard television show and a world traveler. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and law, and his childhood passion for building things led him to create the microscope company Wentzcope, a longtime NAI commercial member responsible for optical devices that have appeared in thousands of mu…
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Cost, Price, Offers, Discounts & Fixed Price Issues!
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7:59
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Send us a Text Message. Do you work with special offers? Are your prices negotiable? Or do you sell a hybrid option? Some organisations are fixed price. This means the advisor has to sell what they’re selling purely on the value. Do you expect your advisors to know how to negotiate? Or are they simply discounting or reliant on offers only? This pod…
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Teambuilding Part 2 – Bletchley Park & Codebreaking
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23:07
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Send us a Text Message. In this podcast, brought to you by Reality Training, we report on our recent teambuilding trip to the codebreakers site, Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. We learnt how the teams there, through WW2, broke the codes of the enemy and how that contributed to the winning of the war. By the end of the war over 8500 people, mostl…
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It's Oktoberfest on "What's Up, Interpreters"! NAI Board Member Ira Bletz, recently retired from East Bay Regional Park District, has made a name for himself as "Beer Guy" at NAI conferences for more than a decade. His special event, which tells the story of human civilization through the context of beer, is always a hit at the annual event. Ira jo…
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