PechaKucha (PK) Nights were started in 2003 in Tokyo. And the first event in Manchester launched PK in the Contact Theatre last night.
PK has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities all around the globe, inspiring creative people worldwide. "Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat", it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace." according to the PK website.
This Manchester launch event was an instant hit with an attendance in the hundreds. The organisers Andrew and Phil were justly rewarded for their efforts by the delighted response of the audience.
I had the pleasure for opening the event as anchor girl with a talk entitled: ”Success is built on your daily routines” followed my fellow PK presenters:

• Karl Southern (”Tale of the 5 monkeys”)
• David Taylor (”My favourite authors “)
• Sarah Harkness (”A day in the life”)
• Ivor Tymchak (”SatNav for the soul”)
• Bob Moss (”You have got to hand it to them”)
• Nikolay Piryankov (”Marketing on a shoestring”)
• Andy Clark (”My mo”)
• David Slack (”24:7 - Theatre heaven”)
• Rebecca Garland (Manchester based artist)
• Celebration (”Vocal chords”) and see also this link

As soon as video footage is available we will post it in on the site ...

Talk Confidence: An Odd-meter      Time to read: 497 words    

Eilidh-ism "Your success is built on your daily routines..."  

Congratulations to the organisers and supporters of HSBC's 'Rat Pack Ball' at Chester Racecourse, earlier this month. £42K was raised for Claire House. What a fantastic fund-raising event it proved to be! Despite the economic climate, the bank team was determined to raise a substantial figure and they achieved their goal.

Now talking of goals, shortly after we bought our bikes in January, I decided on a simple goal - to cycle 1000 miles in 10 months. To achieve this objective, we needed to be able to measure and monitor mileage. Jay fitted an odometer and day by day, week on week we tracked our journeys; simply put is was 100 miles per month. By the end of November, we will have cycled the targeted 1000 miles; not by riding from Land's End to John O'Groats (a distance of approximately 603 miles by the way) but by short journeys of 3 to 5 miles each day. In the words of Bill Hogan's book, "How do you eat an elephant? .... One bite at a time!" (You'll find this and other recommended reading on P7 of my affiliate shop) I'm sure you know SMART goal mnemonic = specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-lined = and these steps =  success.

For many people the trouble with goals is threefold.  They give up through lack of:

1. Commitment
2. Confidence
3. Clarity

Well be different. Be odd!  Think 'odd'! Find your own 'odd-meter'! Track your success.  Dare to set a goal that excites; maybe cycling 1000 miles does nothing for you, so find what does. Feel the sense of achievement when you arrive at your goal destination. Imagine how pleased HSBC felt when they handed over the £42K cheque to the charity!

Each time I cycle I achieve improved fitness, fuel savings,  a reduced carbon footprint and have time to talk to myself - strategic planning. The more reasons you can associate with your goal, the more likely you are to win... my goal is also fun, it gives me quality time with Jay and we keep exploring.  But beware, once you have achieved your goal it may become addictive. You could become a goal getter and setter again... and again.  Of course building on your success, you can go on to challenge yourself to more demanding things. The secret is getting started, doing a little each day and having a support team or partner to encourage you along the way.

My next book "Confidence the Key to Your Happiness" publishes in mid-February 2010. It is full of stories and strategies to help ride the roller-coaster of life. And I'm looking for original stories. Do you have a story, an experience or point of view that you would like to share? If so, please mail me. (Contributions will need approval from the editor and be no more than 500 words) Deadline: 31/12/2009

I'll be presenting at the first Pecha Kucha Event in Manchester on Tuesday 1st December at 7pm. Why not join us? Cost is just £5.00 as PK (Pecha Kucha) events are non-profit making. 160 tickets have already been reserved.

And do get in touch if you think I can help you, your colleagues or friends in any way; suggest they sign up for Talk Confidence?

Why not let me help you to have an "Odd" month or a really "Odd" 2010?
Remember that Eilidh-ism,  "Your success will be built on your daily routines..."

Talk Confidence: Triple C! Time to read: 491 words

You cannot have missed the headline news that Jenson Button has won the World Championship. And even if you are not an F1 fan you cannot deny that Button's win is a fantastic result! As many of you know, I enjoy Formula 1 Racing. I watched the interviews straight after the race and Eddie Jordan made this statement, "It's down to confidence and consistency..." Do you agree with Jordan's statement? As The Confidence Coach, you would expect me to agree now wouldn't you? And I would imagine that Jenson's qualities are relevant to you and your everyday life challenges.

Coincidentally, my mentor Mark Greenhalgh, Sales & Marketing Director for Intercare was talking about consistency only last week. Mark reminded me the that people need to engage with you 6-8 times. Only at this point, does your message (via call, email, letter) become the their message. Mark has a great way of getting his message across.... yip he just consistently covers the same ground. He is confident that if he keeps telling me, one day I'll get the message. Thank YOU, Mark! The same rule applies to getting ideas across in classrooms and in boardrooms. You need to reinforce a concept 6-8 times before it is embedded in their thought processes. Only then will your client, student, colleague embrace your message as his or her own. 

Last week I met with a dedicated and inspirational head teacher, Nigel Phillips. I helped him to access DDP funding. As I left his school he said, "Thank you for being persistent, Eilidh!" Consistent and persistent - Eureka!

Client Debbie Catt, employs confidence and consistency in her business. The University of Nicosia has asked her to deliver two lectures when she is in Cyprus next month - another great a result! Robert Craven would approve or Debbie's active approach to her marketing. You can read more about my experience earlier this month at his superb Barclays seminar.  And if you have the opportunity to attend one of Barclays "Let's Talk Profit!" I recommend you accept.

As a coach, I believe that confidence is vital. In fact, I have almost finished writing my next book entitled, 'Confidence - The Key to Your Happiness...." more about the book publication next month.

If you add commitment to the winning qualities of confidence and consistency, you have a true success formula. Cheshire gymnast, Beth Tweddle's commitment to achieve her Olympic Goal is exemplary; when interviewed this week she said that for her 90-second floor routine she had practiced for 12 months! An entire year to perfect her work; what an inspiration and shining example of commitment!

The Triple Cs - Confidence + Consistency + Commitment = Happiness.... And the greatest of these is Confidence...

Open Events - Free to attend

Many of my speaking engagements are client specific and not open to the public. However I do have two 'open' gigs in Cheshire, UK in November. I would like to invite you to attend if you are in the area:

I'll be speaking about the power of Triple Cs at The Big Kiss Event! 

KISS = knowledge, information, sharing, support.      Download KISS flyer

Date: Thursday, 5th November 12.00 to 18.00 Location: Congleton Town Hall

Waterstone's Macclesfield Tuesday 10th November at 6.30 pm

Attendance is free but places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment on 01625 424212 or email me.

I'll be signing books and giving a motivational talk.

Please tell your friends and colleagues....

Thank you!

And wherever in the world you are reading this, have a happy Triple 'C' month and if I can help you in any way, just ask.

Today, thanks to Barclays Bank, I had the pleasure of attending a Let’s Talk More Profit Seminar at Crewe Hall.  It was delivered by Robert Craven of The Directors’ Centre

Time flew.  The busy morning was packed full of tips and strategies to make businesses more profitable. Robert is an upbeat, inspirational and lively presenter. He captured the audience from the very start. He facilitated with clear direction and kept the momentum at a high level so that all the delegates remained engaged throughout. Robert knows his subject and eagerly shares his expertise. He does all he can to ensure the attendees leave with SMART actions plans as well as creating the opportunity for quality focused networking.

Here's a selection of notes I jotted down in his comprehensive course brochure:

1. Hope is not an option (when linked to future profits)
2. Many businesses neglect marketing
3. Practical common sense profitability tactics
4. The Law of the vital few
5. The Law of the trivial many
6. Win the battle of the mind of the customer
7. 78% of people trust recommendations

If you get the opportunity to attend one of Robert’s events grasp the chance, as it will be worth every single minute of your time.

You may be interested in reading a book that Robert Craven co-authored with Sir Richard Branson - Kick Start Your Business. 100 Days to a Leaner Fitter Organisation

Remember, leaders and readers!

Read more on Bright Marketing - Robert's Blog.

Today is World Smile Day!

Reading time: 177 words

World Smile Day® 2009 

Today, October 2, 2009 we celebrate the eleventh World Smile Day ®.  As ever, the theme for today is "Do an act of kindness.  Help one person smile."  

And as ever, the image that leads the way on this day is the smiley face ☺

So here I am sending you a virtual smile and thanking you my friends, clients and colleagues for your support in the past 12 months. 

Why not recognise people today for their acts of good will and kindness. Spread the word.  If each of us becomes a World Smile Day® Ambassador and help just one person smile today - the world will be a better place.  

Harvey Ball believed that each of us, as individuals, can make a difference in this world.  World Smile Day® is the day when all our individual acts can make the world a better place.

Smiles go with big hugs and kisses don't they? Take a look at this Big Kiss event that I am delighted to be involved in. If you are in this region of the world on Thu 5th November, do join us!

Now best get this newsletter sent before international time zones change the date!

Fab Fridays all! 

Spread the word! 

☺

Holidays are over but your body is still sleeping too long. Getting to school late the first few weeks of frazzles the best of us. There could be a million reasons a late arrival to school occurs, just make sure it’s not because you weren’t awake in time! Leave enough time to allow for a train, a traffic jam, or cattle crossing. My mother said I should never be late because it implied that I was more important than others. With these words engrained in my mind, I do not do late!

Students, parents and even school staff have tons of great ideas at the beginning of the school year. As educators are giddy with excitement for a new school year and all the possibilities it brings.  Remain realistic. Only promise what you know you are able to deliver. Respond with “I’d like to do…” or “That really interests me…” instead of “I’m definitely going to….” Your students and colleagues will remember and remind you regularly if you break a promise.

New teachers bring new life to school staffs, and that’s never more apparent that at the beginning of the school year. A school staff should not be like a survivor programme.  Act as a part of team instead of a solo teacher. Remember the song: “Make new friends, but keep the old.” Try to make neebies feel welcome. Help show them the ropes. Don’t put anyone’s torch out. Help ignite the flame!

If you’ve got a to-do list a mile long and have no idea how to accomplish most of the items on it you must remember to ask for help and advice. If you’ve questions about the nuts and bolts of how the school runs (ordering supplies, schedules, etc) ask your administrative staff. In my experience, they are some of the nicest and tapped-in people in the building. Don’t wait for answers to questions over email or memos - go face to face so your to-do list is eliminated.

On the Forum there is a topic, "Happy Teachers..." The Confidence Coach Blog seemed a good place to add further ideas for start of term thoughts...

Throughout the first two weeks of school, new students will be added to your class and you’ll have the opportunity to meet new parents. You only get one chance to make a first impression- so make the most of it. If you expect your students to adhere to the dress code, you have to stick to it, too. Looking your professional best will help you feel great and that confidence will trickle over into your teaching.

And as your new students settle in, you may think that getting everyone to share a talent/ability is a good icebreaker for the start of the school year. I do urge you to tread lightly. Talking about a talent is one thing, but putting it on display is quite another. 

My advice: wait until your class has bonded to trying something like this. Once there is trust in place, the atmosphere of sharing a personal talent is safer and will yield better results.