10 Ways To Give A Good Talk

Greetings readers, bloggers and guests.

Welcome to another blog entry.

Today  I was at a talk and it was quite well presented.  It reminded me of all the good ways one can present a talk.   As I do talks all over I am reminded of the best tips.   Talks are wonderful ways to get your brand or product out there.  You can get the attention of many people for about 30 minutes.   They will be focussed on you and what you have to say.    If you are thinking of giving a talk here are 10 tips that can help you.

1.  Start with a great topic.  People will be attracted to something that is popular at the moment eg networking, crm, social networks, marketing, how to topics.  

2.  Dress the part - if you represent an important brand then make sure you look neat and presentable.

3.  If you are going to have a power point presentation make sure you have a laptop and correct cables to connect to the Television and sound system.  Test it all beforehand.

4.  The week before rehearse your speech each day so that it is neat and polished.   Practice your voice so that you can be clearly heard.

5.  It's always good to throw in a joke now and again.

6.  Make sure you have some lucky giveaways and make sure your brand is on the packet.   Pop your business card in the packet.

7.  Make sure each table or chair has your business card and promo material on it.

8.  Get all the business cards of those that attended.  It's always good to email them to thank them for coming.

9.  One must always ensure that the talk is fun, insightful and leaves the people with something to remember and use in their daily lives.  Nobody likes a boring talk that goes on forever.

10.  Smile.  It's always important to smile and have fun with your talk.  Be relaxed.  If necessary do some relaxation and voice exercises before the talk.


Well all that is left is for you to get out there and get talking.  Set yourself a goal of how many talks you want to do each year and off you go.  Apporach networking groups to do some talks for them.

If you want you can even join a speaking network such as  Toastmasters.

You can also join  http://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za/

Wishing you well with it.


Fly high,  Fly Free





Fred Felton
Motivational Speaker & IT & Biz Analyst
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a motivational talk or seminar.

seminars now available for Twitter, Facebook, Email, Marketing  and Websites.

10 Questions with Jodene from Project Me

Welcome Bloggers and Fans.

Today we are going to do something a bit different.

For the first time ever we are having a guest blog.

Jodene of Project Me has asked me 10 questions and I have asked her 10 questions.
To see what I asked her click on the link below in her short bio. If you would like to
do something similar to network give me a shout.

Here are the questions Jodene asked me.

1. When did you realise your ability to inspire others through your words?

Inspiration or motivation is a wonderful thing.  I remember I was a shy guy when I was a young student and it took my mentor to motivate me to read motivational books by people like Norman Vincent Peale and Napoleon Hill.   After  I read these I started to come up with motivational idea’s in my head.
It took time for me to process it all and when blogs came out I started to write and I started to write motivational books and people commented how inspired the words made them.  I thought to myself then hey you are onto something here and I never stopped.   It’s wonderful to bring somebody up to their potential, to build them up to what they could be.

2. What is the one thing you would dream of achieving along your career path?

I have always loved to act so in an ideal world, someday I will be acting in Los Angeles making movies with some of the best actors in the world.

3. If someone dares you to do something, what is your response and why?

If the dare is possible and I want to do it then I would probably do it.  If it leads to  something better I’m all for it.  However if it is something stupid I have no interest.  Time is very valuable to me.

4. Where do you go when it's time for you and only you?

I go to a lovely coffee shop on the North Coast right on the beach.  It’s a lovely drive and the view from the coffee shop is breathtaking.  Watching the deep blue sea and those waves crash is awesome. I take along a notebook and a pen and write some idea’s down.  When I come back I am inspired with idea’s.

5. What pushes you forward when fear takes over?

Fear can always pop up it’s head.   One of my best friends took his own life because he chose to take another road.  We all have that choice.  If you focus on your goals and your ideal life and keep going you can live a wonderful life.  Wonderful things can happen to you.  You can discover new friends, superb idea’s, different countries if you travel.  You just have to keep pushing yourself day by day and suddenly there is no fear only wonder.

6. If you had one coloured crayon, what would it be and what would you draw?

Obviously the colour blue and I would draw the winning numbers for the lotto :)

7. Would you rather go to a rock concert or the theatre?

Well I have just seen pics of the U2 rock concert and it looked awesome however I am trained as an actor and have performed in theatre shows.  So for me there is nothing like a evening of live theatre.  Anything can happen, it is truly one of the most brilliant pieces of art out there.  

8. What is the most difficult challenge you face as a writer?

Getting words down.  As Stephen King says you have to read a lot and write a lot.  A friend of mine writes every morning for a number of hours.  I find it hard.   So I keep a pen and notebook near even when I go to sleep because just as I am going to sleep a great idea hits me.  So I find it hard to put words down but I keep pushing myself and eventually out they come.

9. Hot apple pie with ice cream or cream?

Definitely Ice Cream.  Simply delicious.

10.        What blogs do you tend to follow and why?

I follow a wide variety of blogs.  From award winning blogs to friends blogs to blogs that make you think.  I follow these blogs because they give me idea’s and open my mind up to new viewpoints.  It’s amazing what is out there.   Idea’s lead to bigger Idea’s.  
Here are 7 that I am currently following.

1.  jodene.co.za
2. twinkletalks.co.za
3. The Big Breakfast Blog - via ecr.co.za
4.  http://letterdash.com/CraigSmith
5. http://www.zefrank.com/
6. http://spykerkoekemoer.blogspot.com/
7. http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog/

Here is Jodene's Bio:

Jodene is a born and bred Jo’burg, 30 something girl with the passion for watching people flourish and for eating ice cream. She is a passionate advocate for taking responsibility for your own life, your happiness and most importantly your choices. Her daily blog, “Project Me” began in 2010, but by demand from her readers Jodene has already committed to keeping the blog going indefinitely. This fun, truthful and conscious blog deals with her daily issues as common as weight loss, being single, dating, making a career out of being passionate, and  living in a beautiful country that is, amongst many things, is technically challenged.

Jodene is also the co owner of a company called Lifeology that encourages courage, consciousness and a sense of humour as the ingredients for life. She is a motivational speaker and writer who deals with all aspects of people development. 

Find Jodene on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jodenecoza
Blog address: http://jodene.co.za/projectme  

Well hope you enjoyed that bit of networking readers.


Fly high, Fly Free

Fred Felton
Motivational Speaker & IT Consultant & Biz Analyst
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a motivational talk or seminar on Twitter, Facebook, Email or Blogging.

10 Coffee Shops To Visit In Durban

Welcome bloggers to another entry.  Hope you enjoy.

The weekend is almost upon us and I thought what better topic than a lovely
guide of some of the best Coffee Shops I have visited in Durban, South Africa.

Durban has suddenly become quite a city with pavement coffee shops popping up as we speak.

Here is a list of some of the best I have been to.   Enjoy and visit them.

1.  St Clements Coffee Shop, Musgrave Road, Durban.
This coffee shop is one of my favourites as I visit it on Monday nights for shows and on Friday mornings to visit a great group of writers.  It has a wonderful atomosphere with a garden setting and fountain.  You can sit inside or outside and the owner Steve is always around to say hi.  The coffee is wonderful as is the breakfast.
For lunch try the noodles.  He specialises in them.  Wonderful staff and service.

2.  Zanzibar - Westwood Mall
This place has a breakfast special of R15 all day everyday which includes coffee.  Beat that.
Excellent value for money and delicious.   They also serve Starbucks coffee which is awesome.

3.  Mugg & Bean Ballito Lifestyle Centre
One of my favourites.  They make wonderful bottomless coffee and it has a wonderful setting.
Great ambience.  Excellent service.   Always something happening there.

4.  The Pot & Kettle - Botha's Hill - Valley of a 1000 hills.
Well what can one say about this place.  I mean the view is magnificent.  You have to arrive early in the morning to appreciate the beauty of the Valley.  Sit and enjoy one of their delicious breakfasts and take in that view.  Don't forget your camera.   When you leave don't forget to stop at the puzzle shop which is next door.
Get one of the easy t-shape puzzles it will drive you nuts.

5.   Gloria Jeans - Gateway Shopping Centre - Umhlanga
Ok a lot of people joke that I have shares in this coffee shop cause I'm there a lot.  Let's face it they make
a damn good cappuccinno.   I also recommend the very vanilla latte.  Great vibe, always busy.   You order first, pay, collect and sit down at tables or lovely couches.  Wonderful concept.  Interesting note.  They have 3 Gloria Jeans branches in Gateway.

6.  Cafe Java - Umdloti
Well this is a secret spot of mine.  Not only does it have a wonderful view, possibly the best I have seen but it's a wonderful drive to get there.  Always has people and the capuccinno is superb.  For those with a sweet tooth you might want to try the chocolate muffins.  If nobody sees you eat it it never happened.

7.  Vida e caffe - Umhlanga Rocks
Definitely one of the slickest run operations in Umhlanga.  Great vibe, friendly staff.
Cappuccinno is wonderful which includes a lindt chocolate.
Always a paper around.  Loyalty card members get free wi-fi.

8.  Valentino's - Amanzimtoti Beach.
Now this is a wonderful place.  Almost like a blast from the past.  They have a huge
breakfast selection.  Awesome food and drinks.  Wonderful vibe.  
Characters delux.  The view isn't too bad either.

9.  Europa - Florida Road, Durban.
Well what can one say about this Morningside coffee shop.  It's located in Florida Road.   Sports cars come and go.  One can feel the vibe as you sit down next to business people, celebrities and the who's who of
Durban.   Their cappuccino is wonderful as are the chocolate muffins.
Excellent service.

10.  Tea Garden at The Botanic Gardens.  Durban.
Ah what a delightful surprise this place is.  They make some lovely coffee and I recommend the
crumpets with cream.  They are delish.  A wonderful place in the fresh air and you never know
who might pop by to say hello :)

Well hope you enjoyed that guide to some of Durban's lovely coffee shops.
Something to do this weekend perhaps.

Fly high, Fly free



Fred Felton
Motivational Speaker & IT & Biz Analyst
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar.

It's Out There

Good day bloggers and readers.

Welcome to another entry.

It's out there is it not?

That chance, that opportunity.   As we walk through life we always wonder how to become successful.
Many others have come before us and succeeded.  They have found some sort of niche or opening and carved billion dollar empires.

Why can't you do it?   Why can't you walk around your neighborhood or city and find a gap.
Find a niche worth filling.   What one thing do people need in your area?
What kind of business would you like running?

Which businesses in your area are always full of people   What makes them successful?
Why do they succeed where others fail?

Draw up a list of possible businesses you could run.
Narrow them down to 3 and choose one you like the best.

Write up a business plan and speak to some friends and mentors about it.
Do some market research and when you are ready start it up.

Make your billions.


Fly high, Fly Free



Fred Felton
Falcon's Cove Consulting
Motivational Speaker - Business Analyst - IT Consultant
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar.

Independent Review of the Blackberry Curve 8520

Good day bloggers.

Welcome to a review of one of the latest smartphones out there.

Phone:  Blackberry Curve 8520

Wherever you go these days it seems that everyone is walking around with a Blackberry.
Why may you ask?
Well these phones enable you to stay in contact with your twitter tweeps, your facebook pals
and loads more.

What does this phone have?

1. Blackberry App World - which is similar to the iTunes store where you can find loads of apps which are small programs you can load onto your phone.  Many of them are free.   Some of these apps are games, programs, to do lists, screensavers, photo's, document management files the list goes on and on.
2. Twitter - this you get via App world
3. Facebook 
4. Linkedin - a definite tool for business people on the go who need to network
5. The Weather
6. Ubertwitter - another wonderful twitter app
7. Foursquare - location based software
8. Gowalla - similar to Foursquare
9. The phone also has a good alarm which you can set for weekdays or the weekend.
10. The calander function is great as it shows you how much time you have free during the day.  This in turn makes you much more productive.
11. The phone has a similar keyboard to your computer however it can prove problematic if you have big fingers.
12. Email on the go - one of the big features of this phone is your email finds you and you can reply to emails instantly.  A huge time saver and productive tool.
13. The blackberry internet plan lets you surf the internet as much as you want, unlimited.  A great option.

Downside

1. The battery is not very good and does not last long.
2. The battery takes a long time to charge
3. The keyboard can prove cumbersome.

Tips

1. To avoid the battery going flat quck, switch off the bluetooth and wi-fi functions.
2. Switch off all noise alerts also to save battery.

Final Analysis

1. This is a great entry level smartphone for the consumer.  A must buy.
2. One can also look at it's new big brother which features 3G also.
3. This phone has GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Useful links.

1.  crackberry.com

2.  blackberry.com

3.  Find them on twitter @BlackBerryHelp for help and advice

Price:  Check your local service providers for the latest prices.

Fly high, Fly Free

Fred Felton

Falcon's Cove Consulting

Motivational Speaker & Business Analyst & IT Consultant 

email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar.

How does one become successful?

Greetings bloggers and readers.

Welcome to another informative read.  Hope you enjoy.

How does one become successful?

Well, how does one?

As a business owner one has to start off with a very good business plan.
Review it weekly and monthly to make sure you are on the right course.
Does your business name reflect what your company does?
Think about that name carefully.

How do you intend marketing your company and finding clients?
Use what is out there like twitter, facebook, linkedin, youtube and other social networking sites.

Do you have a website?  It should be easy to view and use and all your contact details should be on there.

You should also network and that means going to network events at least once a week.  Give your business cards to people you think might benefit from your services and get their business cards and follow up.

Draw up a huge list of contacts that you can contact via email or newsletter.

Get the name of your company out there, advertise in newspapers and magazines that your clients would read.

How do you dress for the office?  Make sure what you wear reflects your corporate identity.
Be neat and well dressed.  It gives clients a good impression.

Motivate your staff to do well.  Nobody likes working in an office where everyone is scared to do something.
Make your office a creative environment and from this great idea's will surface.

Make sure you are doing something you love.   Do you enjoy your work?  You should.  It should make
you happy doing what you love.

Once your business is thriving look to expand throughout your country, continent and eventually the world.

I wish you continued success in whatever field you work in.

Fly high
Fly free


Fred Felton
Motivational Speaker & Business Analyst & I.T. Consultant
Falcon's Cove Consulting
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar anywhere on the planet.

When bad service can cost your company big time!

Good day bloggers and readers.

Welcome to another entry in my life.

Are you a business owner?  Are you passionate about giving your clients 100%.
Do you ensure your clients get the best service?  You should be. Otherwise it could cost you.

Today I went into a supermarket looking for a storage box that was on special.  Follow me if you will down this weird tunnel that is a supermarket.  You must understand that for most of us we take our goods, buy them and walk out. However a supermarket is filled full of staff and intricacies that you and I do not even think about.

So I went looking down the aisle for this box and finally found it.  Big surprise no bar code or price on it.
What a surprise.   Off we go to the section where the manager is.   No manager.  Had to ask a staff member to find him.  Are you with me so far?  Manager arrives and calls another staff member.  We have to take it to another staff member when we pay for our goods.  I buy all that I need and proceed to the checkout and start to pay and call the lady who I am supposed to call.  With me so far?

The lady comes and she has to call another lady.   The other lady has to go get some keys and  a code pad she fills in the code, it doesn't go through.  The queue is building.  You all with me so far?  She goes away in search of another code.  Nothing is communicated to me I must just read peoples minds.

The lady comes back and tries another code.  We hold our breath.  It doesn't go through.  The lady gives up and walks away.  I must now mind read that they cannot sell me the item.

This is a big supermarket.  

I leave without the box.

Now lets take a look at this huge faux pas.

Here are some good management tips if you just want to own a supermarket.

1.  As a manager you should walk down each aisle each morning to make sure all items are in the right place    and have prices on them.
2.  Always make sure somebody is at the manager's desk.  Impressions count.
3.  Communicate with your customers.
4.  Make your systems easy to operate.  It should be easy for a supervisor to turn a key or type in a override
     code and punch in whatever code or price they need.   I bet there's an app for that if not start a business.
5.  Communicate with your customers.

Now this did not cost this supermarket much but what if I walked in there to spend over R1 million rand.
Do you think it might cost them then?

Think about it!  

Make sure your company gives outstanding service or it could cost you big time!

Fly High, Fly Free

Fred Felton
Motivational Speaker & Business Analyst & I.T. Consultant & Writer
email: falconscove@gmail.com

email to book Fred Felton for a talk or seminar anywhere on the planet.