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Power of positive thinking
DELEGATES from across Western Europe flew to Yorkshire to celebrate the power of a positive attitude in difficult business times.
The Business Network International (BNI) annual conference encouraged more than 500 guests to view the current climate as an opportunity to thrive, by actively supporting each other and sharing knowledge and contacts.
The event, organised by the team in Leeds, was the largest in BNI's history and the key message from all speakers was to focus on goals and embrace the unknown, including new technology, new ways of communicating and stepping out of comfort zones.
Delegates from both fledgling and thriving businesses gained an insight into the knowledge possessed by the internationally-successful speakers, while contributions were also made by people with invaluable contacts.
Successful
One of the most respected speakers on the corporate circuit, Andy Bounds, emphasised the need for delegates to portray themselves as a value-bringing entity, showing new clients what they can bring to their business.
Another speaker was successful businessman Geoff Liberman, of Euphony Communications, who spoke about how success was like a bicycle – and although pedalling uphill might be hard, it ultimately increased the rider's strength.
Geoff, who left school at 15 and later became a millionaire, also said that focusing on goals was central to succeeding, telling the delegates that if they focused long enough and took action, they would hit their targets.
Ecademy co-founder Penny Power highlighted the need for businesses to change their way of thinking and use social media as a business tool, citing Facebook as an example of conversation-based marketing.
Australian keynote speaker Allan Pease, also known as "Mr Body Language", told the audience at the Magna Centre, Rotherham, about how slight movements and gestures could be analysed as a contributing factor to decision making.
He also explained the difference between male and female brains, illustrating how sales approaches could be adapted accordingly.
Other tips taken away by the audience included using existing clients as a focal point for referrals and choosing to listen rather than talk – and from a handful of volunteers, it was estimated that more than 1m of new business was generated.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
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