Professional speaker and author, Kivi Bernhard contacted me on 25 July to say that he would be presenting to some blue chip companies in South Africa in December. He asked if I would be interested in setting up a seminar or two (Leopardology™ and Presentology™) for my South African clients. I checked out his credentials and spoke to a couple of professional speakers from the PSASA and got glowing reviews. So, here’s an opportunity to learn from someone who is considered to be one of the top ten platform speakers in the world today …
Leopardology™ – 8 December
Presentology™ – 9 December
Venue: Sunnyside Park Hotel, Parktown
Time: 08h00 – 11h00
Investment: R897 per delegate (attend both seminars for only R1 394. That’s a R400 saving).
Book Now
Simone Scholtz
simone@jacquesdevilliers.com or 071 670 2168
Leopardology™ The Hunt For Profit In A Tough Global Economy
Heavily requested subsequent to the release of Kivi Bernhard’s critically acclaimed book, Leopardology™ – The Hunt For Profit In A Tough Global Economy! (Morgan James of NY, 2009) This is a high energy and penetrating audio-visual presentation that will take you audience deep into the African bushlands and open savannahs with the aid of award winning video footage.
The African leopard is the most successful and adaptable feline predator on earth and is master of the solo hunt. Making clients is one thing, maximizing profit and retaining them as repeat clients is quite another. It is truly an art and fast becoming the determinant of who gets to stay in business to survive the global economic transition. With incredible platform excellence that has become Kivi’s speaking signature, Kivi Bernhard will amaze, inform, motivate and inspire audiences with laughter and fun, as he extracts a possible solution from this majestic predator.
This seminar will include three of the now internationally renowned “Pillars of Positive Predatory Thinking™ ” that make up Leopardology™: You got it! Critical business thinking and strategy gleaned from the hunt of Africa’s most successful predator. It will literally leave your audience spell-bound – that is, as soon as they sit back from the edge of their seats! This presentation will empower and infuse attendees with a keen “knowledge of self” and will allow them to take precise inventory of their exact personal tooling and apparatus. This is critical, cutting-edge business and life thinking, presented like nothing you have ever experienced before. This seminar is, simultaneously, a visual, emotional and intellectual experience!
Amandla e’Ingwe – Traditional Zulu saying: “May the Strength of The Leopard Be With You!”
Presentology™ The Analysis Of Presentation And Delivery Excellence! Learning communication secrets of world class speakers
In the past, all you needed to do was “get” a job and “show up.” But, times have changed—the global economy is in deep crisis and if your organization intends to win, all members of your team must have the ability to communicate that with excellence! Come and learn from an internationally recognized master speaker what it means to:
- Have presence and command credibility rather than just “taking up space and time”
- Get your point across in a compelling way rather than just “deliver information”
- Be “fully present” in both your verbal and nonverbal skills
- Understand the mechanics and psychology of speaking and listening and learn to transport an audience from “good” to “wow”!
- Use body language, platform psychology, stage presence and verbal skills to command attention without deviating from your core message
This is a lifetime opportunity to hear one of the most dynamic and sought after platform speakers in the world today. As an international class master speaker Kivi Bernhard has been requested to spend time with executive teams of Fortune 500’s including CNN, Home Depot, TBS, Coke and ING. Kivi is a veteran communicator with a compelling personal story and the ability to help each member of your team add to the effectiveness of your company’s message.
About Kivi Bernhard
“… Kivi Bernhard is regarded as one of the top ten platform speakers in the world today…”, Successful Meetings – The Authority on Meetings & Incentives
Taking the professional speakers circuit by storm, Kivi Bernhard has been requested to keynote audiences from the Bahamas to Bangkok. Described by a leading international speaker bureau as “one of the most promising and talented speakers in the world today” Kivi is a riveting and captivating speaker and is renowned for his platform excellence.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Kivi was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. After relocating to the USA in 1997 with his wife and family and a total net worth of $860.22, Kivi went on to build a multimillion dollar international wholesale diamond business. Kivi Bernhard has received accolade from some of the finest business schools in America.
Kivi Bernhard is one of those amazing people you meet every once in a while and never forget. With an unusual synthesis, he is an orthodox Jew, passionate family man, adventurer, accomplished business entrepreneur, author and renowned speaker. CEO and founder of Kivi International LLC, an internationally known wholesale loose diamond distributor, Kivi’s business network reads like a current edition of “Who’s Who?” Tapping into this asset has allowed him access to the minds and spirit of some of the most accomplished names in the local and global business arena. A keen student of life with a huge appetite for laughter and love, Kivi is an accomplished and published musician, Judo medalist and gemological consultant.
Kivi’s “other love,” the African bush, has become part and parcel of his fiber as a human being and is what inspired the development of Leopardology™. He has an amazing ability to synthesize his lifelong passion and study of Africa’s predators with timeless life lessons across the spectrum of human experience. Often describe an amalgamation of “Crocodile Dundee” and “Jerry McGuire with yarmulka” Kivi is a riveting and captivating orator. Equally at home tracking lion deep in the African bush as he is in the executive suites of a Fortune 500, he will regale you with enthralling stories of both. A consummate professional, Kivi Bernhard is a fountain of positive energy and human potential. His personal journey, including his victories and his losses, have given him a unique laboratory in which to study the DNA of this thing we call “success.”
Testimonials for Kivi Bernhard – www.kivibernhard.com
“..Kivi Bernhard is regarded as one of the top ten platform speakers in the world today..”
Successful Meetings
I had to make this my first email of the day! Unfortunately, I had an early flight and missed your session on “Presentology™: The analysis of presentation and delivery excellence”, the second day of the meeting. All I have heard from ALL of my colleagues is that I missed a once in a lifetime experience for senior executive training. They said you were like nothing they have ever heard or experienced before. I have just purchased Leopardology, I’m very much looking forward to reading it and I am still kicking myself for not being there. It is all people are talking about.
Tammy, District Human Resources Manager – The Home Depot
Hello and it was a pleasure to meet you throughout the day at the CNN training meeting.
Mr.Bernhard – you were exceptional with a wealth of knowledge and professional experience to share. However, it was your warmth and positive energy that was captivating and refreshing to experience. It was indeed a privilege to meet and learn from you. I hope only someday to command a stage with the poise and presence that you do. What a speaker you are!
Brittanie Palumbo Entertainment & Animation Human Resources ▪ TS&O Human Resources
I write you this quick note to express what an incredible job you did at our executive training meeting in Puerto Rico. You were just outstanding and our entire sales team received very positive comments the whole day. Even though we are now the largest hotel group in the world, you have really brought our executives something unique that will not only affect our business but our lives also. You are also one of a kind speaker. Thank you friend!.
Salo Smaletz Regional Vice President Development – IHG InterContinental Hotels Group, Latin America
It was a great day yesterday. Your seminar presentation is simply ingenious and you are a very gifted speaker as well. I look forward to getting into your book.
We are heavily seasoned executives and I believe that what you gave us will not only impact our 2010, but in many ways our entire strategic thinking. We were looking for innovative thinking and wow, did you supply it! Thanks again for making our sales training event such a huge success. I would strongly introduce you to other GE divisions.
Chris A. Seeterlin Sourcing Manager / Supplier Diversity Leader GE Energy
Please allow me to share with you how excellent your presentation was at the Chicago meeting. To be quite frank with you we have NEVER heard a speaker of your caliber before. The teaching ideas of Leopardology are really just exceptional and have given us real world ideas that we can take away and implement in our business growth. These ideas are so applicable to our world of banking and financial services and you were just right on point! Congratulations on our best presentation ever heard, hands down! I will be reaching out to you very shortly. A side note, I just completed your book and it is excellent.
Kirill Vorobeychik, Vice President, Merrill Lynch
“…truly just an incredible keynote. Your message is absolutely perfect for our BCA members. A huge congratulations!…”
Ron Jaworski – Business Clubs America
“We are the largest distributor of aerial lifts and platforms in the world. We have a worldwide presence…beyond question Kivi’s international perspective and global business background made his keynote one of the best we have ever heard…”
George Chen, VP Sales, Genie, China
Seminars
Leopardology™ – 8 December
Presentology™ – 9 December
Venue: Sunnyside Park Hotel, Parktown
Time: 08h00 – 11h00
Investment: R897 per delegate (attend both seminars for only R1 394. That’s a R400 saving).
Book Now
Simone Scholtz
simone@jacquesdevilliers.com or 071 670 2168
One of my colleagues from the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA), Paul du Toit will demystify the art and science of presenting in August and September in Johannesburg.
Check out the details below.
The Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) presents two of South Africa’s foremost marketing experts (Ian Rheeder and Jacques de Villiers) to share some of their valuable insights so that you can ramp up your business and your profits.
When and Where
Date: 22 June 2011
Time: 07h30 for 08h00 – 09h30
Venue: Cafe Culture, Pineslopes Centre, Fourways (next to Monte Casino)
Investment: R150 (Includes a full buffet breakfast, an opportunity to tap into the expertise of some of South Africa’s top expert professional speakers and network with other business owners).
There’s only space for 100 guests, so book early because it will be on a first come first served basis.
7 Deadly Marketing Sins by Ian Rheeder
Some of us just keep doing the same things, and expect improved results, while others believe we just need to work much harder. Rather work smarter by discovering the most deadly marketing & sales pitfalls, and indulge yourself in the 7-deadliest solutions. Most business decision makers are committing some (if not all) of these ‘sins’ without realizing the the permanent damage they are already causing their organisation.
About Ian Rheeder
Ian Rheeder is arguably one of the top marketing brains in South Africa today. He is a qualified Chartered
Ian Rheeder, Markitects
Marketer, the highest professional marketing qualification recognised both in South Africa and Europe. Ian is also a registered training Assessor with Services SETA South Africa, who is registered to facilitate almost all their Marketing & Sales programmes. He has facilitated marketing and sales management programmes at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) since 2007, and is currently part of the official GIBS adjunct faculty. Ian is an author of two books, the most recent being Psychologies of Successful Leaders. Check out Ian’s website www.markitects.co.za
Lose The Mission Statement … You don’t believe it anyway by Jacques de Villiers
Many organisations pay lip service to their mission statement and water it down so much so that they become a two-dimensional version of their full potential. They’ve lost the ability to connect at a real level with their employees, suppliers, clients and potential clients. People are yearning to do business with authentic companies. Learn how to tap into your organisation’s authentic core and to tell its story in such a way that it taps the emotional reservoir within each persona involved in the organisation. And, get your employees to internalise your story and spread it in word and deed. Once your organisation truly connects with its audience, watch the alchemy begin … happier employees, more clients and more sales.
About Jacques de Villiers
Jacques has been telling his clients’ stories and helping them connect with their target markets since 1998. His copywriting skills and ability to help his clients connect emotionally with their stakeholders has earned him the moniker, The Business Generator. He is a battle-tested copywriter that intuitively knows how to write the words that touch people to the core, emotionally arouse them, open their hearts and ultimately their wallets.
Programme – 22 June 2010
07h30 – 08h00 – Registration
08h00 – 08h30 – Breakfast
08h35 – 09h05 – The 7 Deadly Marketing Sins
09h07 – 09h35 – Lose The Mission Statement … You Don’t Believe It Anyway
09h35 – 10h00 – Q&A, network and connect
Book Now (only space for 100)
Simone Scholtz
071 670 2168
simone@jacquesdevilliers.com
Sales trainer and digital marketing expert, Jacques de Villiers will be presenting his new keynote, How To Sell Face-to-Face in A Digital World at the next UPSA Networking and Training Event.
Date: Thursday, 9 June 2011
Time: 16h30 for 17h00 – 19h30
Venue: Sunnyside Park Hotel, Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown
UPSA Members – R250.00
Guests – R350.00
How To Sell Face-To-Face In A Digital World
Many a sales professional is battling to get to grips with the modern-day prospect. Today’s buyers are a lot more sophisticated. They know what they want and proactively go out and search for experts, products and services to solve their problems. If you are only using the telephone to prospect for appointments, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to reach your target market via digital marketing. If you don’t have a presence online, today, you might as well be invisible.
Discover how to:
- Build your personal brand online using Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and You Tube
- Be perceived as the custodian of information relevant to your target market
- Sell yourself before you get to the first meeting. Get your prospects saying “What are we going to use him/her for?” Not, “Are we going to use him/her?”
- Position yourself as the Expert in your industry
- Turn your company, your product, your service and you into a hero that prospects want to identify with
About Jacques de Villiers
Jacques de Villiers has been helping companies make sense of marketing and sales for real return on investment since 1998.
His clients have given him the moniker, The Business Generator because his marketing and sales strategies, processes and systems have brought them in additional revenue that they never bargained on.
His expertise is firmly grounded in the marketing, sales and employee motivation arena. In his journey with his clients, he is laser focused on generating them more revenue through ‘lead generation’, ‘lead conversion’ and motivated staff.
2 987 delegates have attended his workshop (or heard his keynote address), How To Persuade Anybody To Do Almost Anything.
Book Now
Please email your booking with company name, telephone and number of delegates to:
bookings@upsa.co.za or call 082 339 0134.
UPSA Members – R250.00
Guests – R350.00
Event Timing
Registration – 16h30
Welcome & Introductions – 17h00
Member input/training – 17h15
Networking – 17h30
Light Supper – 18h00
Keynote 18h30 – 19h15
Close (no later than) – 19h30
About UPSA
The United Professional Sales Association of Southern Africa (UPSA-SA) aims to elevate the status of the sales profession to the levels found in other professions. We are a non-profit organisation run by sales professionals – for sales professionals.
Mediocrity has been on my mind lately. I’ve never thought about the “so-so” sirens song of mediocrity much. She lay dormant like a seed waiting for the first rain. The rain has come and the thing has sprouted into a hardy desert shrub that just won’t let go and won’t let me rest.
So-so reared her head, first as a prickle of conscience when I started asking myself if I was bringing my A-game to the party. Was my writing up to par (or should I say, above par), did my training cut the mustard and was my consulting flawless? Sadly, if I’m brutally honest, some of my work is middling at best and downright sh$& at worst.
So, I did what all mediocre people do, I compared myself with others, hoping against hope that they were doing a worse job than me so that I could at least salvage some self-respect and rationalise my inadequacies.
To my surprise, I realised I wasn’t alone in floundering around in my own mediocrity and inadequacy. Mediocrity is a disease. It’s evident everywhere. From some of the books I review – lifeless, listless and a two-dimensional version of the author’s true genius to the illegibility that has crept into newspapers (and, fully endorsed by the sub-editors). And, let’s not get started on the barely tolerable service we have to endure every day in both the public and private sector.
Who is to blame? Let me add the fuel that helps mediocrity thrive … pointing fingers.
Did Microsoft start mediocrity?
I put the blame squarely on Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Paul Allen. On November 20, 1985 Windows 1.0 was shipped. Although it was revolutionary at the time, it wasn’t a fully formed Field of Dreams … “build it an they’ll come”. It was more like “… kinda build it and they will come”. It was a “let’s just get it out there and fix it as we go along” strategy. Not a bad strategy considering that most folks will accept anything dished up to them that is dressed up by clever marketing. [If you think marketing doesn't work, consider this question: "What is the difference between a rat and a squirrel?" Go to the end of this article for the answer.] And, it appears to be the strategy that has won the day. Let’s produce so-so, get it out there and fix it as we go along. To be fair, I can hardly blame Microsoft for mediocrity. This question has probably been pondered since time immemorial. In 1899, Elbert Hubbard pondered this question in his now-famous, A Message to Garcia (sold 40-million copies, translated into 37 languages and adapted for a couple of movies).
A Message to Garcia
No man, who has endeavoured to carry out an enterprise where many hands were needed, but has been well-nigh appalled at times by the imbecility of the average man – the inability or unwillingness to concentrate on a tying and do it. Slipshod assistance, foolish inattention, dowdy indifference, and half-hearted work seem the rule; and no man succeeds, unless by hook or crook, or threat, he forces or bribes other men to assist him. I’ve no doubt that this is essential reading for anyone who is involved in a business enterprise.
Was Wedgewood too perfect?
Let’s take another view. On May 1, 1759 when the pottery firm Wedgewood was founded by Josiah Wedgewood. Credited with the industrialisation of pottery, Wedgewood was a stickler for excellence. If his factory produced anything that had even the tiniest flaw, he would have it destroyed. Only the very best was allowed to bear his distinctive signature and adorn someone’s table. He was probably one of the first to put his signature on anything and the forefather of “personal branding”.
So, what do we do? Wait for perfection before shipping anything out? If that were the case, this article would never have seen the light of day. Not much would be done. That’s probably not an option, is it? Maybe we should take a moment to pause. Even if we can’t put out the absolute best work can we not put out the very best work we can do to the maximum of our given ability? Let’s bring our A-game, as good as it is to everything we do.
Does a horror writer have the answer?
And, maybe it is as simple as following Stephen King’s advice in his book On Writing. He claims that after he has written a story, he takes out 10% of the content before he is satisfied with it. He tightens it up so it is more effective. Not a bad idea. Imagine if we spent just 10% more time on a project, book, proposal, training document, sales call, marketing message, nuclear power station, safety manual, prospecting for business and so on … just to check that it is the very best work we can deliver with the talents we have been given. Wouldn’t things just work a little better than they are now?
Amateurs help fuel mediocrity
To help rid us of the disease called mediocrity, I lean towards a book called The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. You may know him better as the author of The Legend of Bagger Vance. He makes a case for being a professional as an ideal in every endeavour we undertake and he shuns the amateur.
Here’s his take:
- The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps. • To the amateur, the game is his avocation. To the pro it’s his vocation.
- The amateur plays part-time, the professional full-time.
- The amateur is a weekend warrior. The professional is there seven days a week.
He says that the conventional interpretation is that the amateur pursues his calling out of love, while the pro does it for money. In his view, the amateur does not love the game enough. if he did, he would not pursue it as a sideline, distinct from his “real” vocation. The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time. Maybe that’s all that it will take. Commit now to turning pro, turn every endeavour into a vocation and shun mediocrity.
Question: What’s the difference between a rat and a squirrel? Answer: Marketing
I found the following article on Seth Godin’s blog and thought it was a valuable talking point. South African students might be getting themselves into the same predicament.
It’s reported that student debt in the USA is approaching a trillion dollars, five times what it was ten years ago.
Are those in debt buying more education or are they seeking better branding in the form of coveted diplomas?
Does a $40,000 a year education that comes with an elite degree deliver ten times the education of a cheaper but no less rigorous self-generated approach assembled from less famous institutions and free or inexpensive resources?
If not, then the money is actually being spent on the value of the degree, on the doors it will open and the jobs it will snag. If this marketing strategy works big, it pays for itself in no time.
A marketing tactic might move the dial, but that doesn’t mean it’s always worth the money.
The question is whether a trillion dollars is the right amount for individuals to spend marketing themselves. What would happen if people spent it building up a work history instead? On becoming smarter, more flexible, more self-sufficient and yes, able to take more risk because they owe less money…
There’s no doubt that we need smarter and more motivated people in our organizations. I’m not sure we need them to be better labeled or more accredited.
Jacques de Villiers is a motivational business speaker and writer.
Conference Speakers International has put Jacques de Villiers on its books as a business speaker specialising in direct marketing, sales and internet marketing. They’re definitely going to use him as a humorist, judging by the You Tube video below.
| Date | City | Venue | Time | Investment |
| 28 April | Cape Town | Premier Hotel, Seapoint | 08h30 – 13h00 | R697.00 per delegate |
| 24 May | Johannesburg | Fine and Country, Northcliff | 08h30 – 13h00 | R697.00 per delegate |
Book with Simone Scholtz at simone@jacquesdevilliers.com or 071 670 2168
Achieving Personal Excellence Half Day Workshop
If you’re looking for a deep and uplifting experience that will transform the way you journey through life, you’ve got to consider the Achieving Personal Excellence experience.
You won’t get a fresh set of instructions in APE, you’ll get a fresh set of insights that will help you live by design and transform you.
On this half-day workshop you’ll:
- Take stock of your journey so far and examine all the 12 critical areas of your life
- Design your own Personal Life Plan Map and set goals in every element of your life
- Be uplifted and excited to discover your personal purpose in life
- Discover how to change even when it is hard to change
- Learn how to create habits and rituals that will ensure that you stay on track in all 12 critical areas of your life
- Find out how to stop procrastinating and start living
- Be able to tame your emotions and channel that energy into achieving what you really want
- Develop a bullet proof self-esteem and resilience to thwart any obstacle between you and your destiny
Who Should Attend
We don’t presume to know. Only you’ll know if your life is slightly (or a lot) off-kilter, things aren’t going quite the way you planned or your hopes and dreams have been dashed and you’re teetering on an abyss of despair.
| Date | City | Venue | Time | Investment |
| 28 April | Cape Town | Premier Hotel, Seapoint | 08h30 – 13h00 | R697.00 per delegate |
| 24 May | Johannesburg | Fine and Country, Northcliff | 08h30 – 13h00 | R697.00 per delegate |
Book with Simone Scholtz at simone@jacquesdevilliers.com or 071 670 2168
Your Personal Excellence Guides
Adolph Kaestner
Adolph Kaestner, mentor and motivator
Adolph is a professional speaker, trainer and mentor who specialises in helping people excel. He is a Southern African Champion of Public Speaking, a member of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, the Global Speakers Federation and Coaches and Mentors of South Africa. Find out more about Adolph Kaestner.
What others are saying about Adolph Kaestner and Achieving Personal Excellence
- A lot of soul searching and reflections on my life and my career path and gave me a direction of my way forward. Elizabeth Nashima, Ministry of Justice, Namibia
- This event has opened my eyes on how to live my life effectively and to the fullest both privately and professionally. I now know my weaknesses and strengths. Georgina S. Mazumdar, Mukuba Pension Trustee, Zambia
- Inspirational – Makes me want to achieve more in my life- thanks! Hazel Koen Minova RSA
- Wonderfully Excellent – this session made me think and think again. P Willemse Minova RSA
- I love the energy and humour you put into it! Frick Schoeman RCP Media
- You certainly have a gift for inspiring people to explore new ways of doing things and your dynamic style of presentation keeps the audience spellbound from start to finish! David Varrie KZN
Jacques de Villiers
Jacques is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant. One of his areas of expertise is to instill a winners culture into people and teams so that they can consistently achieve their goals.
Jacques is the one on the right
Jacques de Villiers has been helping companies make sense of marketing and sales for real return on investment since 1998.
His clients have given him the moniker, The Business Generator because his marketing and sales strategies, processes and systems have brought them in additional revenue that they never bargained on.
His expertise is firmly grounded in the marketing, sales and employee motivation arena. In his journey with his clients, he is laser focused on generating them more revenue through ‘lead generation’, ‘lead conversion’ and motivated staff.
Change Vehicles
- Sales training
- Sales management strategy
- Sales process and systems
- Sales strategy
- Marketing strategy
- Communication strategy
- Internet marketing strategy
- Social media strategy
- Teambuilding
Keynote Addresses
- How to Persuade Anybody to do Almost Anything – Sales
- Google and the Art of Dating Angelina Jolie – Internet marketing
- Edge of the Rain – Motivation and inspiration
- Knight Moves – Motivation and inspiration
- Be the Grandmaster of Your Own Life – Motivation and inspiration
Qualifications and Affiliations
- National Diploma in Public Relations – Wits Tech
- Certificate in Freelance Journalism – Intec
- Certificate in Business Management – Executive Education
- Certified Search Engine Professional
- Founding member of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa
- Member of the United Professional Sales Association of South Africa
- Advanced Toastmaster – District 74
Conference Speakers International has appointed Jacques de Villiers to assist it with its Internet Marketing and Social Media Marketing.
Conference Speakers International is a speakers bureau representing keynote speakers, motivational speakers, business speakers and celebrity speakers.
Connect with Jacques
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