Have you ever wondered when a joke crosses the line or when your behaviour at work becomes unacceptable? We’ve all been in situations where our actions may not align with social norms, affecting not just ourselves but our colleagues too. Understanding and appreciating the norms of social interaction can help us ensure our behaviour at work is respectful and appropriate. Defining boundaries of acceptable behaviour Humour is a powerful tool for human connection in social interactions. A good joke can reduce tension and put others at ease. There is plenty to be said for being able ..read more

The evolution of customer service which has seen the widespread introduction of robotic call routing, is less than two or three decades old.  Until recently only the largest of companies used automatic call routing services and even some of the larger firms preferred to stick to traditional reception directed calls. The human voice being deemed in such cases far more preferable to the customer than the robotic alternative. Today customer service takes place on the phone, by text, social media or via an online chat box. The quality of response from automated customer services has, unsurpri ..read more

We all love stories.  We read books and watch dramas throughout our lives. The main plots and protagonists stay with us long after the story has been told. The association between story and memory has long been established. In 2010 Uri Hassen of Princeton University conducted a study designed to look at activity in the brain during storytelling. The results showed that when telling a story the same areas of the listeners brain as that of the storyteller’s lit up. In other words, the area of memory accessed by the storyteller to relay the story was mirrored in the brains of those comprehen ..read more

There are many ways to market and sell your product or service. But depending on your business model, some marketing techniques may be better than others. For those with the right product or service the potential gain offered by a stand at an exhibition can be hard to ignore. In an age where shopping is commonly carried out online, offering buyers a chance to wonder around stands at an exhibition may be a desirable alternative. Whether it be one or multiple targets such as making sales or creating interest and an email list, an exhibition stand can deliver results. So what actions and con ..read more

It doesn’t matter what age you are, at some point you are going to have to consider your financial future. Even recent retirees may wish to evaluate their investment options as more and more of us are living longer. Whether you’re thinking about retirement, a single parent juggling work while bringing up a family or a young school leaver, exploring investment options can offer a path to financial stability. This blog isn’t comprehensive but does cover some of the most obvious investment options available. It is designed to help you navigate investment options with confidence and a basic overvi ..read more

Deep fake technology has rapidly emerged as a significant concern in today’s digital landscape. The ability of deep fakes to manipulate audio and video content with such precision has raised serious questions about its implications for democracy and the reputation of businesses. Cases of fraud and abuse have sited deep fake technology in their execution. So what strategies can be developed to protect both individuals and businesses from falling victim to this technology in the future. Understanding the threat The rise of deep fake videos and audio are a threat to ..read more

The idea of earning extra money in your spare time, or developing a money making hobby, is a concept that appeals to many. And for good reason. Some seek the potential of a peripatetic lifestyle offered by perhaps running a side hustle from the comfort of a laptop. Others just want to develop an interest that might eventually allow them to become their own boss full time. While others still, simply need more money than their main employment pays. Whatever your reasons for pursuing a side hustle, considering the impact it might have on your current career and mental health is crucial to making ..read more

Imposter syndrome affects approximately 62% of people a year in the UK according to a study conducted in 2022 by Funding Guru and costs businesses millions of pounds. This is because highly talented people do not apply for the roles they would excel at because of a psychological disorder that leads to the belief they are not capable. While in work, those suffering from imposter syndrome tend to be lower paid and lack the confidence to recognise their achievements. They become easy fodder for those who might want to take advantage or credit for the work they do. What is imposter syndrome I ..read more

Selling a business to maximise on return is the exit strategy all well run businesses expect. But after years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment selling your business may seem like a significant and life changing decision. Achieving the best price for your business relies on a tried and tested step by step process. Careful planning and preparation can deliver the results you deserve, so lets start with the basics. Selling a business: The preparation stage First things first. A belts and braces review of your finances, including an assessment of assets and liabilities, is the first pla ..read more

Working in careers consultancy for many years, I was invariably asked on a regular basis What are the highest paid jobs?  So in today’s blog I decided to write a list of some of the highest paid jobs across the UK and the world as it stands today. The highest paying jobs available today will change in the future as the world we live in changes. There will be new roles linked to managing environmental issues and technology. Other types of work may become available that are beyond my imagination today.   What makes a high paying job From the outset, I should mention that this blog only ..read more