29 July 2008

Early bird offer closing for RCSA International Conference

Recruitment owners and managers keen to attend the RCSA International Conference on August 27 -29 are being urged to book before the end of the month to receive substantial early bird discounts.

The Bridging Connections conference features a line-up of international speakers focusing on both professional and personal development. Speakers include former NSW Premier The Hon Bob Carr, mountaineer Peter Hillary, and NZ Opposition Leader John Key.

The RCSA said that the level of interest in the Christchurch, New Zealand event has been high, with 180 delegates already registered and 26 companies signed as sponsors.

Meeting the challenges of a slowing economy and growing climate change issues will be a key theme for the conference CEO of the RCSA, Ms Julie Mills, said that uncertain times make this event even more important.

“The Conference is critical for those who want to be well-equipped to meet the challenges looming on the horizon. Addressing both hard issues such as the political, economic, technological as well as the softer side of business such as people, relationships and corporate citizenship, the International Conference will prepare leaders to meet an uncertain future,” Ms Mills said.

 

Recruiters will discover the secrets to persuasion at RCSA conference

A career spanning international cricket and recruitment has given Richard Petrie unique insights into winning, which he will share with delegates at this year’s RCSA (Recruitment and Consulting Services Association) International Conference in Christchurch on 27 – 29 August 2008.

In his session entitled ‘Connecting with Business: 5 biggest profit inducing confessions of a recruitment hired gun’,  Mr Petrie, a former New Zealand cricketer andsales and marketing expert, will teach recruiters how to boost their profits.

“Recruitment is about attracting and retaining clients and candidates by positively influencing those around you. And once you understand the basic tools for achieving this, it means a more profitable recruitment career,” he said.

Mr Petrie built his own successful consulting business in London after retiring from elite sport, and continued his success on returning to New Zealand in 2005. He believes that much of what he learnt on the field applies to business.

“There are some basic skills everyone can learn in order to win. I first came across these techniques when I was playing cricket: although  I wasn’t necessarily the best cricketer, I trained myself how to think and be successful. The same can be said of recruiters - you can definitely learn how to get the best out of yourself,” Mr Petrie said.

The session will include practical strategies for achieving results, such as how to increase recruitment conversion rates and how to attract candidates.

“Many recruitment businesses are leaving money on the table, and I will expose strategies for tapping money that is lying uncollected in every business. Recruiters will leave with enough practical, 1-2-3 action strategies to significantly increase their income,” he says.

 

 

Popes, presidents & everyday people are all alike, award-winning photojournalist says

Taking an interest in every individual’s story is the key to connecting with people from different cultures and countries, one of the world’s most celebrated photojournalists will tell recruiters at the RCSA (Recruitment and Consulting Services Association) International Conference on 27 – 29 August 2008.

Award-winning photographer Michael Coyne has photographed many iconic figures during his 30 year career, from Princess Diana to Yassar Arafat. He will present a session entitled Connecting with People and a half day photography Masterclass at the Christchurch event.

Mr Coyne says his photographic success depends on making people feel at ease, which he achieves by taking an interest, being friendly and making them laugh.

“Showing people that you’re interested in their story is very important. Whenever I am planning to photograph a subject I research as much as I can about them. This could mean finding out Queen Elizabeth’s personal interests before meeting her, or spending a month in Iran before photographing its people,” he said.

While Mr Coyne has photographed “popes, presidents and prime ministers”, he is equally dedicated to documenting the lives of ordinary people. He believes that no matter who he’s dealing with, people appreciate the effort he makes to connect with them.

“If you make a faux pas or pronounce a word incorrectly, people tend to be very forgiving. They appreciate that you’ve made an effort, if you’ve learnt basic greetings in their language. I’ve also found that if you take an interest in somebody, they will reciprocate by wanting to know about you too, so you must be willing to share some of yourself,” he said.

During his half-day Masterclass, Mr Coyne will show participants how to take photos with impact and make the most of even the simplest camera. He is keen to demonstrate his belief that “cameras don’t take pictures – people do”.

His keynote address will reveal some of the more colourful stories from Mr Coyne’s years spent travelling the world as a photojournalist, including being released from jail by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.