Sensei | Sensei is a training, coaching and writing consultancy.

Network or Die!

Since we’re apparently approaching hallowe’en, going by the number of corporate emails I’m receiving with a suitably ghoulish theme, I thought I’d scare you a bit. If you don’t network, your business is going to die. Yes, I can hear the bleating already. There is more to business than networking. Yes, indeedy. But, I’m writing about...

Pessimists, Introverts and ...

Business is for the optimistic, extroverted and hard-nosed. So the story goes. Problem is, the story is wrong. At least, that is, according to a few business gurus and authors out there. Speaking as an introvert, a pessimist and a businessperson, that makes me do something akin to smiling. But not quite. According to Lucy Kellaway of the Financial Times,...

The Latest in Erotic Capita...

Forget about emotional capital, or even its left-wing neighbour, social capital. Make way for the latest trend – erotic capital! Less ooh-er matron, more ooh-er manager… While out and about in the car last Thursday I was listening to Radio 4 – between REM songs – and I overheard an interview with Catherine Hakim, a researcher in sociology at...

Facebook’s Featured L...

Facebook now allows you to profile Pages you’ve liked, from your Page. And, likewise for Page Owners. If you want to highlight key staff, clients, partners, suppliers, this is a convenient way to do it. Log into Facebook Navigate to your Page Click Edit Page Click Add featured likes Select the Pages you wish to profile, and click Save Click Add featured...

Meanwhile, Back on the Cust...

Hello restaurant owners. Look at your business. Now back to me. Now back at your business. Now back to me. Sadly, a professional is not running your restaurant. But, if you started doing the following things, it could look like it. Look down, now back up. Where are you? You’re in the lobby, with the woman your business could...

PowerPoint, Politics and Pr...

According to BBC news, “There’s a new political party in Switzerland and its sole aim is to have the PowerPoint presentation outlawed.” Actually, no, it isn’t. Its real aim is to make “a bit of money” from it. According to Anti PowerPoint Party’s website, the nefarious MS presentation software costs the Swiss economy $2.5 billion (US) annually in...

5 Reasons Why Networking at...

As a seasoned(!) networker of almost 5 years, and having experienced many different styles of events, I have a few things to say about the BizCamp format, most recently at BizCampBelfast. These are my suggestions on why networking at BizCamp works, and why you need to be at the next one! We’ll keep you informed. It’s a bit like Speed...

How to Deal with Negative R...

As business people, we’re all used to reviews, testimonials and are aware of their power when displayed online or in print media. We proudly display them on our LinkedIn profiles, our website widgets, inside the cover of our books. However, how should we respond when someone posts a negative comment? If the reviewer is wrong… If the review is...

11 Ways to Lose Friends and...

The advice below is geared at professional users, not anyone else. You are trying to lose friends and alienate people on Facebook aren’t you? That’s what you’re trying to do isn’t it? Spend your time on Farmville and other games and make sure everything you do there is updated to your Profile, so everyone knows just exactly what stage you and...

Training

We don’t take your money and run. We start with your needs, to create a learning experience that lasts.

Coaching

No fuss, no jargon, no crystals. Only results. Contact us to discuss what skills you need to acquire.

Writing

We write, edit and proofread all types of documentation. Does your writing need the professional touch?

Who we are

The word sensei is often applied in modern business to designate a third-party who advises on operational and organizational excellence. A sensei values people above policies or processes. This is our model.

Allen Baird

I’m one of the Partners in Sensei Learning and Performance. I specialise in management training and professional development. I also consult and write about Business Ethics, Emotional Intelligence/Positive Psychology, Communication Skills, Gender Awareness issues, and Stress Management techniques. Read more…

Dawn Baird

I’m one of the Partners in Sensei Learning and Performance. I specialise in Training Needs Analysis; Training for Trainers; IT Training; Induction Training; Social Media; Business and Technical Writing; Customer Service; and Personal and Professional Development (particularly Assertiveness). Read more…