Overcoming the Challenges of Winning a Business

Today, many individuals who started their businesses do not win a client because of their inability to persuade them, and their story on how and what they can do to prospective client cannot get across due to vagueness of their three seconds business information or so called pitch.

We have the following programs that will help anyone who is interested in developing those competencies. 

Program Title: Leadership Competencies Development Through Modular Remote Learning

"The most powerful drive in the ascent of humankind is the pleasure we derive from our own skills."  Adapted from J. Bronowski

Growth is developed through effectiveness of learning, and sensible outputs will become the results. When an organization is growing, there is an absolute requirements to develop the efficiency of the people within your organization. Oftentimes, a big gap of skills or competencies of team members become hindrance to the performance of the job roles. These were contributed by facts that people who were given such responsibilities did not acquire any type of coaching, professional development, advanced competencies improvement along the way. Organizations do not have the abilities to implement 'leadership and succession ladder for advancement' that identify potential leaders of the organization.

Through our continuous research, we have developed strategic techniques and practices that emphasize on the integration of the undeniable link between coaching, learning and development, personal, professional achievement, competencies, results, returns on investments sustained with high performance. Organizations of the 21st Century must demonstrate business cultures with key competitive advantage in order to become successful globally.

Brief Summary:
This program is designed to increase the competency of the individual by learning important facets of basic leadership and management practices that will demonstrate effective communication, organization, people's competency, business goals and ROI integrating the whole landscape within a high performance organization in an advanced level and globally. It provides meaningful action oriented, results driven, learning experiences that are applicable in any setting of business, relationships and daily transactions. This program is conducted remotely through conversational one on one coaching via skype and other technology driven learning experiences.

Approach:
Our experienced American Coaches / Trainers will use techniques that overcome the identified difficulties of the Learner and match it with the current level of proficiency. These various learning approaches will sustain results through interactive, effective, easy-to-experience with realistic impact to identified difficulties. Activities will change progressively in order to support the growing level of proficiency which results to demonstrable skills and effectiveness.

Components:
Twelve Modular Sessions of two hours each
Intensive Program Participation
Continuing Progress Proficiency Evaluation
Competency Demonstration + COC

Scope of Leadership Development for Global Success
Item	Code	Description
1	INC-Lead01	Coaching Business Leaders
2	INC-Lead02	Leadership Development and Strategies
3	INC-Lead03	Business Partnership and Collaboration
4	INC-Lead04	Effective Communication and Conflict Management
5	INC-Lead05	Business Language the Key for Global Success
6	INC-Lead06	Cross Culture Competencies Development
7	INC-Lead07	Strategic Human Capital & Resources Management
8	INC-Lead08	Managing Global Risks and Mobility

Remote Learning Benefits You - "No travel or driving needed", Increase Your Competency Regardless of your Location

Active Lessons are available remotely, You don't need to travel to learn something!

Remote Learning for your Convenience:

There are  classes available for anyone who likes to learn remotely. We have designed classes that can be done via Skype or Yahoo Messenger. All that you will need is your active account in either of the two platforms. Register with us and then you are ready to begin your learning in English Conversations for Business or Personal Use or increase your communication skills and competency that will make your organizational management become effective (see photo above).

Acknowledgment: Skype, Yahoo & IdeasN

Easter Sunday is a Cultural Renewal and Celebration Among Christians

The Lenten Season begins from Ash Wednesday and it will end with a Joyous Easter Sunday, particularly in the Catholic Faith.  Catholic devotees flock into churches during the Passion Week from Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday Vigil up to Easter Sunday to commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ up to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Good Friday - Commemorating the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ:

credit: Theophanes_the_Cretan, 16th Century

Receiving the Holy Light - Saturday Vigil 

credit: Maggas @en.wikipedia

"Because the new liturgical day begins at sunset, the vigil begins between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Sunday outside the church, where an Easter fire is kindled and the Paschal candle is blessed and then lit. This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, remaining in the sanctuary of the church or near the lectern, and throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that Christ is "light and life.""

A Blessed Easter:

Christians across the globe celebrate Easter Sunday, where the replica of the cross that Jesus was crucified on and his resurrection are important symbols of Christian Faith. Many Americans and cultures across the world illustrate their celebratory events with decorated real eggs, chocolate eggs, materials that are made of rabbits, lambs, and or hares. Stores carry various forms of chocolates and candies in the shape of an egg.. Abundance of Easter Lilies are also available in many supermarkets and flower shops. And many designs of Easter cakes across bake shops. Easter is one of the most vibrant celebrations during the Spring Season in the United States.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Backgrounder:

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, the saint's religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.

Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. In the centuries following Patrick's death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. (Source: history.com)

Today, the celebration of his feast day has evolved globally, where majority of the people wear anything green during this day. It also became highly commercialized as every merchandize is wrapped with something green with it. 

Regardless of Faith, in America almost everyone joins the celebration of the St. Patrick Day. It is just like one of any other Holiday like Valentine's Day or Thanksgiving Day. This holiday is not a Public Holiday in the United States. 

 Have fun, be safe and enjoy the festivities that Saint Patrick's Day brings. 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to Everyone! 

Argentina's Cardinal Became Pope Francis

Pope Francis is the first Pope from Argentina and Latin America. The world welcomed the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the Pope Francis. A great honor of the Argentine Society of having an installed  Pope from their country.

Let's learn the significance of the new Pope's name "Francis" instead of using the tradition of his predecessors;

• he wants to lead the church into a new chapter, or at least embrace a new tone. In a notable gesture, Francis asked the multitudes assembled in St. Peter's Square to bless him.
• In Catholic tradition, St. Francis of Assisi had a mystical vision of Jesus Christ, who told him to rebuild his church. 
• In light of the scandals that have tarnished the Church, from its financial troubles to widespread allegations and cover-up of sex abuse, the name may carry special significance
• Francis is also known for humility and a simple lifestyle. The Italian patron saint renounced his wealth and founded the Franciscan order of friars in 1290.

Pope Francis is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Wishing a continuous great health of the Holy Father.

To learn more information about Pope Francis, the following are additional backgrounder that was put together from various sources (source acknowledgement: Time Newsfeed)

• Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936.

• He has four brothers and sisters. His father was an Italian immigrant and railway worker, and his mother was a housewife.

• Prior to becoming Supreme Pontiff, he had been Archbishop of Buenos Aires since 1998, and a cardinal since 2001.

• Before becoming Archbishop, he taught literature, philosophy, theology, and psychology.

• He also has a philosophy degree from the Catholic University of Buenos Aires and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires.

• In 1958, at the age of 21, he decided to enter the Society of Jesus, and started studying to become a Jesuit priest.

• As the Archbishop of Buenos Aires he turned down the opportunity to live in the palatial Archibishop’s residence, opting for a spartan apartment instead.

• He cooks his own meals.

• He takes the bus.

• He only has one lung. His second got infected when he was a teenager, and it had to be removed.

• An email chain once alleged he “never smiled.”

• After Argentina legalized gay marriage in July 2010, Bergoglio described the new law as “a scheme to destroy God’s plan” and “a real and dire anthropological throwback.”  When the legislation was still being debated, he called it “a move by the father of lies to confuse and deceive the children of God.” Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said Bergoglio’s comments were “really reminiscent of the times of the Inquisition.”

• Bergoglio also called gay adoption “discrimination against children,” charging that the practice was “depriving [children] of the human growth that God wanted them given by a father and a mother.”

• Shortly before the 2005 Conclave that ultimately elected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, a human rights lawyer filed a criminal complaint against Bergoglio, accusing him of having been complicit in the 1976 kidnappings of two priests, Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics, by Argentina’s military dictatorship. Bergoglio, who had been superior of the Society of Jesus of Argentina at the time, completely denied the claim.

Perspectives:
The newly installed Pope of the Catholic Church have demonstrated continuously in the past about his viewpoints against realities of today's world, where GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) community are not the same as he views them. The entire world continue to evolve in recognizing that same sex are equally humane with privileges of equal treatment like their counterparts as heterosexuals.

It will be a new window to learn how will he change the current standing of the Catholic Church in regards to  scandalous events that took place during his time as Archbishop. That remains to be seen .. and it's only been four days since he got elected as a Pope.

As an organization, we support our GLBT community for Equality and Justice.

Acknowledgement: Photo David Mcnew/Getty Images

Daylight Saving Time (DST) - Sunday, March 10th - Move Forward Your Clock

Don't Forget, Move Forward your Clock on Sunday, March 10 for DST ~

Please note that Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa do not observe Daylight Saving Time in the United States of America.

"Spring Season is around us ~ Enjoy, celebrate and be happy ~ Support Each Other"

Ten Steps that will remove your Limitations and Become Competent ~

This is the overview of what you can become and you will experience life without limitations!




First Step: Learn from the basics, and then bring yourself to speed up to maximum level. Like the illustrated ladder of learning for someone who likes to become Communicative Competent.

Second Step: Distinguish yourself with the learning of proper and correct vocabulary. Use them efficiently at any location, event, or when you are sharing information with someone regardless of his/her background.


Third Step: Take time to practice with other people. There are many venues of learning and practicing.  The following is an example of the venue for practice. Some are free and some are paid. You get the value of what you pay for and the experience when it is given free.



Fourth Step: Understand the implications and sociological meanings of words, phrases, idiomatic expressions, slangs or the so called ‘lingua-franca’ By knowing when and where to say properly will create an impression of credibility among the people you share your ideas.



Fifth Step: When unsure, find someone who is experienced to help you. There is no better Coach than someone who is experienced in many areas of concern. Thousands of information is available in the internet, but when you cannot tell the difference of what is correct and which one is wrong, then the best advice is to seek the guidance of a Coach or a Teacher.  Either will tell you which is the best.



Sixth Step: When you begin grasping greater responsibilities, there is an expectation that you will demonstrate competence in leadership and management of an organization that is consist of people, activities, situations, revenues, communication and external factors. Being a communicator, you need the competency as illustrated in the following image. If you don’t have one, hire a Coach who will help you obtain those critical knowledge.



Seventh Step:  What is your readiness to make a difference?  Exceptional? or just a so so employee?  or just be a Yes, Sir!  You need to be able to answer eloquently those challenging interview questions when you are facing a panel of people. You need to sell your capabilities in order to gain growth and advancement.



Eight Step: Leading is not a joke. It requires strategic mindset to make the balance of the organizational fulcrum. When you aspire to be a good boss or great boss, you must learn unequivocal knowledge and expertise in the areas shown below. In that way, you are indeed someone to be respected within an organization.  If your aspiration is being a mediocre manager – don’t bother to learn these.



Ninth Step: Demonstrative communicative competency is a must when you aspire to be standing before an audience.  If you don’t know how? Hire a Coach to teach you the proper techniques and mechanics of doing professionally. Don’t be misled with many online information. Delivery of information like the ones shown below is imperative.



Tenth Step: There is nothing more eloquent to listen, attend someone’s talks than an individual who can illustrate these three important characteristics of a Communicator. Your opportunity is limitless when you have these competency, confidence and ability to articulate. Please note this is not a skill – what is required is a competency. The combination of knowledge, techniques, linguistic proficiency, cultural depth, and business acumen.


The 64 dollar question is, “Have you gone through all the 10 steps? If not, which one do you need to accomplish?  Can you call yourself  ’Competent’ and can demonstrate the step 10?”  Ideas N Conversations will be glad to help you with your difficulties.

We like to hear from you. As always every comment that you share will be appreciated.

Sharing & Experiencing Culture Through English Conversations - Avoid Embarrasments

We enjoyed the engaging conversations during today's session on Cultural Implications and Context within Conversational English. The participants participated actively. Our new friends from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (Sunny), who teaches English as a Foreign Language to university students and from Mendoza, Argentina (Emanuel) who likes to be a future English professor. Hosted by our American Coach, Jaiyetee, whose expertise of Coaching in the areas of Communications, Business, Linguistics and Leadership.

Our topics evolved from various aspects of conversations, its contextual meanings and cultural implications such as learning the 'Cultural Iceberg' where there are many information that we do not know and aware of when communicating with someone whom we just met, or we work with or we have been introduced. Even when we have worked together for a while, but we did not explore the cultural backgrounds of implicit culture (the things underneath of the physical view). Often times, we are experiencing more the external appearance of the culture (what we are actually seeing). Imagine the view below, looking the physical view or its panorama,but you  are not sure how deep is the water and what exists under the surface of the water. That is how the implicit culture looks like - you cannot know it until you explore and discover more through a personal immersion. In the photo, you need to dive into the water and see what you can immerse yourself to understand what is in there.

We shared our ideas, views, perspectives and talked about;

1. Perceptions versus realities

2. Verbal communications and its implications and correct usage

3. Non-verbal communications and their unknown meanings

4. Meaning of words and phrases in different countries

5. Cultural meanings of greeting someone at a particular country in context

6. Giving gifts to a personal friend, business partner, family friends and acquaintances

7. Cultural Immersion and Experiences

In order to experience the real scenario and learn the cultural contexts of phrases, words, expressions, actions and avoid embarrassments during conversations in English, we need to learn what these mean in other cultures. Cultural Meanings and their relevance to the speaker / recipient of the information is important. We make sure that what we say will not be  offensive. Must demonstrate cultural competence, be articulate, and confident in an engaging conversation to be achieve great experience. 

When interested to participate in any future English Conversations via Skype please send your interest via email: info@ideasnconversations with your skype ID, and we will include you in the future events. You can invite your friends to participate with you to learn together. If you have specific topic that you would like to learn more, just email us with your suggested topic and we will consider for future topic agenda. 

Thank you to all our participants. Until the next session. 

Skype Conversations on Cultural Implications in Communication and Business

Our next Skype Session and Conversation is now open 

What to do: (follow direction below)

• Register your slot immediately to participate. 
• Slots are limited to impact engaging conversations and learning.  
• Will chat with you then.

For additional information, please call +1 (650) 241-3207 or email us at: info@ideasnconversations.com 

Across the World - Happy Valentine's Day

To All Our International Friends ~

On this Love Day, let's demonstrate love, care and peace to one another ~

With our heartfelt thanks for your friendships,

Ideas N Conversations  

Participating in Conversations Bridges New Learning and Winning Friends

Today's ability to engage in conversation via various technological platforms offer us many options in learning through conversations, practice as well as doing business internationally.

We like to engage in conversations with you and learn from each other. Join us in our regular sessions with various topics to discuss.  If you have specific topic that you would like to discuss, please let us know. We welcome the opportunity to learn about your interests so we can keep the conversations going and lively. 

How to participate?

Register via Skype ID: ideasnconversations Code: PKSkype or send an email with the Code PKSkype at the subject line or send a topic for discussion

Our goal in every session is learning new insights, information from others, ideas that will make each others become better. This is open to all, you don't need to speak English well in order to participate. We facilitate the practice of English Speaking Conversationally as well. 

For additional information, please call +1 (650) 241-3207. Your comments will be appreciated always.

Adequate English Vocabulary Sets You to enjoy Meaningful Conversations

Learn the easy way in developing the reservoir of vocabulary that you can use both in your day-to-day activities, in your work or in any personal setting.

Ideas N Conversations holds classes in your neighborhoods. Select the nearest location from the map below which blue star indicates the location of classes. 

Call us at +1 (650) 241-3207 to reserve your seat. All classes are limited in seating to maximize learning impact to everyone. Your learning during the class are usable immediately at your own environment.

To learn about other classes, please click  "Our 2013 Classes & Programs for Your Learning Convenience" 

Avoid being auto-deleted:

When you email us with your inquiries, please avoid going to a 'Spam box and be auto-deleted'. We suggest that please provide the following information, then our Coach will give you a call or reply to your inquiry.

1. Name:

2. Telephone:

3. Email Address:

4. Zip Code

We like to hear from you or from your friends who may be interested to participate in any of the classes that we conduct.

Learning Benefits through Skype Conversations across Cultures

It is a fascinating experience among individuals who take time in sharing their thoughts, ideas and experiences with others. Particularly when eliciting new learning, challenges and techniques in furthering higher level of proficiency or gaining competency in Conversational English.

Conversational English requires competency or at least an intermediate level of speaking proficiency to demonstrate topical knowledge, varied ideas, grasp of culture, multi-cultural expressions, slangs, and idioms used by speakers, as well as recognition of the locale where one is using the English language.

Recently, individuals converged through a Skype Conversational English Session - FRSKYPE, who were attracted in the subject focus 'Conversational English Session'. The session was attended by enthusiastic new friends; Jesus, who is based in Colombia, South America and a senior university student, intending of becoming an ESL Teacher in the future. Bere, who is from Mexico, only two weeks old new resident in Bay Area, California and is learning Conversational English. Sunitha, an engineer by profession from India, living in Bay Area California, and acquiring proficiency in Conversational English. The session was hosted by Jaytee, the resident expert, linguistics and business coach of Ideas N Conversations.  

The group had a great exchange of ideas, have met new friends from other locations, and learned from different perspectives, shared experiences, and challenges. Learning took place pertaining to philosophical insights regarding how we perceived others when they were/are speaking, and how we were/are perceived by others and or our listeners when one was/is speaking.

The group shared a common idea that English is a means of communicating with others who speak English, living in English speaking countries, and working in globally operating organizations that use English as their business language. 

It was shared in the forum, that to be conversationally efficient in English, one must have a linguistic ear, and linguistic competency in order to understand the sounds, words, phrases, expressions, and contextual meanings that English speakers use. 

Each participant shared some challenges in demonstrating competency or at least proficiency. Each shared different experiences where their known proficiency  was not enough to sustain the conversations across listeners and audience to be a meaningful experience.

Insights and strategic options were shared by the Host, regarding ways to learn effective Competency in Conversational English. How language are used across locations and speakers with cultural implications. How the English language was taught in other countries, and what makes up the unit of an English speakers and their community. 

The group intends to meet again and discuss other topics that will enhance additional learning which are relevant to Conversational English and related matters.

Ideas N Conversations intends to hold other sessions that will increase knowledge and facilitate learning among participants. 

Interested individuals who likes to participate in the succeeding sessions, please check back here about the next schedule. Or you can email your interest to: info@ideasnconversations.com and we will add you to the future attendees list.

Your comments are appreciated as always. Share it to us so we can learn from each other. 

Join Us at IdeasN Skype Conversational English Session - February 7, 10AM - Its Free

To improve your conversational skills, join us at our Skype IdeasN Conversations - Code: FRSKYPE  

Date of the Session: February 7, 2013
Day of the Session: Thursday

Time: 10:00-11:00AM (Pacific Standard Time, California, USA)

Attendees slots are limited - please reserve your spot ASAP!

 Interested? please do the following:

1. Send an email to: info@ideasnconversations.com with Code: FRSKYPE on your subject line

2. Skype us at our ID: ideasnconversations your Skype ID Name to be registered in the session

3. A Confirmation for your participation will be sent to your Skype ID

Please note, that our regular program is available at:  Interactive Conversations 

Looking forward to speak with you.

English Competency is required to become a Lawful US Resident then Earn US Citizenship

Speaking the English language and competency of US Civics are requirements to earn Lawful US Permanent Residency and US Citizenship per the proposed Reform of the  Comprehensive US Immigration Laws announced by President Barack Obama when he spoke last January 29, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The following clause appeared in the Fact Sheet of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform where it stated the language requirement for anyone who will decide to become a Lawful US Resident:

"Create strict requirements to qualify for lawful permanent resident status.  Those applying for green cards must learn English and U.S. civics.  As under current law, five years after receiving a green card, individuals will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship like every other legal permanent resident." 

What this means to Non-English Speaking Individual?  

For those individuals who like to go and live in United States, whether to work or join their family members who lawfully earned their US Residency and or Citizenship; one thing is very important. Demonstrate speaking proficiency and communicate with competence in English. 

Other countries such as Australia, Canada and United Kingdom require English Proficiency for those who go and work there including those who will immigrate to live there. 

Another important piece of the Proposed Immigration Reform is the inclusion of Family Members;

"Keep Families Together. The proposal seeks to eliminate existing backlogs in the family-sponsored immigration system by recapturing unused visas and temporarily increasing annual visa numbers.  The proposal also raises existing annual country caps from 7 percent to 15 percent for the family-sponsored immigration system.   It also treats same-sex families as families by giving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to seek a visa on the basis of a permanent relationship with a same-sex partner. The proposal also revises current unlawful presence bars and provides broader discretion to waive bars in cases of hardship."

What this means to Non-English Speakers with Family living in the United States? 

Demonstrate speaking proficiency and communicate with competence in English. 

Many US organizations sponsor Employment Visas for qualified Specialty Occupation, filled by foreigners with special education and technical expertise. Entrepreneurs, Graduate or College Students in US Universities and other specialized field qualify to reunite with their family living abroad under the New Immigration Reform. 

Each family member (spouses and children) who will join a Lawful US Resident in the United States must demonstrate competencies in speaking or communicating in English (verbal or non-verbal). It will be convenient to integrate in the American society when one demonstrates acceptable proficiency level in the English language.

For anyone who is already living in the United States but do nor demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and comprehension. Take time to learn and invest time for dedicated English learning. There are many options and techniques to learn English cheaply. Many schools and tutors provide cheap learning experience to those who like to learn the basics of English. 

For individuals who like to get better opportunities, advancement in career and personal life, demonstrate better capabilities, competencies, excellent proficiency in conversational English, communicating effectively in English whether in business or personal setting. They  hire the services of experienced professional to coach them. 

About Your Coach:

Your coach will give adequate learning experiences to improve one's current problems. Learners will be guided on how to transform their difficulties and frustrations in conversational communication, written and verbal, presenting meaningful ideas, leading teams, convey messages to their peers and become effective communicator, team leaders and affective in their decision making as business men and women. The Coach is Learner's Guide and Advocate who will help resolve current difficulties through exercises and workshops.  Your Coach will provide you additional knowledge to develop competencies that will help you progress in career or personal life. 

 Here are Ten Basic Pointers to Learn English:

1. Begin with self-driven activities in learning English, if you need assistance hire a Coach or go to a Class

2. Learn to recognize and develop the ability to read English alphabets, words and phrases

3. Learn the correct way of enunciating English sounds, syllables, words and phrases

4. Learn adequate supply of English vocabulary to create meaningful phrases

5. Learn to say appropriate utterances in order to convey correct meaning

6. Learn to use phrases, expressions and idioms correctly with their cultural implications

7. Learn to speak conversationally so that you can engage in discussing any topic, do not speak with your Mother tongue among friends and relatives

8. Learn to develop comprehension, understanding of thoughts and ideas by reading materials that were written in the English language

9. Learn about the cultural background of the English language, the community where you are living in order to communicate with them effectively, recognize the regional differences of accents and meanings

10. Learn to write in English in order to communicate affectively in writing

We like to hear about your experiences. Share us your comments at the provided field.  Thank you.