Shows
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastSeries 2 Finale, and plans for Series 3!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! After 22 episode of the Luxury of Choice Podcast, we are taking a short break for the summer. We will be back in September 2025 with our next series of sales and sales leadership topics. In this short message Steve Vaughan looks back on our 2nd series of the podcast, outlines the plans for Series 3, as well as giving a little teaser of something new and exciting coming in September.Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and Jayne G...2025-07-2302 min
The Photography PodJPG vs Raw vs DNG; what to use and when, plus film simulations on a Sony?Steve and Nick are both now fully into wedding season, but Nick manages to fit in a trip to Ireland before the season gets crazy! The guys discuss the pros and cons of shooting JPG's professionally, and should you convert your propriety raw files into DNG. Steve has been using film simulation JPG's on his Ricoh GR3x and Samantha's X100VI, and discusses the merits of Sony film simulations. They discuss the new Sony RX1R III, and who is it for, and some of the wierdest requests they have had at a wedding. Topics in th...2025-07-2147 minThe Photography PodStuff we take to weddings - and why!For this episode Steve and Nick are joined by Jan Willem Van Konijnenburg, one half of Creative Depiction Studio, a Gloucestershire based wedding photographer and videographer, whom Nick often works with a weddings. The three of us discuss those all important non-camera gear stuff we always take to weddings, and we couldn't be without!Nick has been working hard on the Nick Church Creative Academy, whilst Steve has had his walking books on walking, and videoing, the Oxfordshire Way. Mentioned in the show:https://www.creativedepictionstudio.co.uk/https://www.instagram.c...2025-07-061h 00The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastLessons Learned from our Sales Careers - Team ReflectionsLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, hosts Steve Vaughan, Jayne Green, and Pru Layton reflect on their personal journeys into sales, sharing insights and lessons learned throughout their careers. They discuss the importance of preparation, the value of sales training, and the significance of building strong customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of rejection and the necessity of persistence in sales. Finally, they offer sage advice for new salespeople entering the field, emphasizing the importance of prospecting and understanding the dynamics of customer interactions.2025-06-2229 minThe Photography PodJay Farrell - Abandoned buildings photographer and author from Nashville, TN.Nick and Steve's guest for this week's show is Jay Farrell, a Nashville, TN based photographer who specialises in photographing abandoned building throughout USA. He is also a successful author, with 15 published books of abandoned buildings and his travels. He recently self published is own book, Route 66 Roadscapes. He tells Steve and Nick:How he got started photographing abandoned buildingsHow he finds his locationsHow he keeps safe when exploringHis approach to writing and publishing booksHis minimalist approach to camera gear. Nick has been working hard on the Nick Church Creative Academy, and also dropping cameras again, whilst S...2025-06-2244 minThe Photography PodWhat's in Sam and Steve's Bag? Photographing wedding with Sam and Steve PhotographyFor this week's show Steve becomes the guest and Nick the interviewer, as Steve, with his wife Samantha (Sam) tell Nick how they photograph weddings, and what gear they use on the day. With over 450 weddings behind them, Sam and Steve have been photographing weddings from their home in North Oxfordshire for 15 years. They describe how they work together on the wedding day as joint photographers, how they are bring video into their work, and why Sam is the main reason for their reputation and customer service awards. Nick updates on his Creative Academy, which has now g...2025-06-061h 08The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHelp! My sales territory is enormous!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Pru Layton, and Jayne Green discuss effective strategies for managing large sales territories. They emphasize the importance of planning, identifying key accounts, maximizing efficiency in customer visits, and leveraging support roles. The conversation also highlights the use of technology and tools to enhance sales efforts and the need to focus on both high-potential accounts and those in less competitive areas. The episode concludes with practical tips for structuring territory coverage and maintaining customer relationships.Steve Vaughan...2025-06-0630 minThe Photography PodCourtney Victoria - Outdoor and Landscape Photographer and YouTuberNick is flying solo on this latest episode of The Photography pod, as Steve is away. Nick's guest is Courtney Victoria, a British Landscape and Outdoor Photographer currently based in South West England. They explore Courtney's journey into photography, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, her preferred camera equipment, and her approach to both landscape and macro photography. The conversation also touches on the importance of stability in macro photography, the challenges of gear acquisition syndrome, and the joy of discovering nature through photography. Courtney also discusses her journey as a photographer and YouTuber, sha...2025-05-2340 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHow to be F.A.B. at sales!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! Many sales people in technical sales are comfortable talking about the latest features of their instrument or consumable product. After all, they are in the role they have due their technical or scientific knowledge. However, it is an old adage in sales that customer don't buy features, they buy benefits. In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan is joined by Jayne Green and Christian Walter, where they discuss F.A.B. selling, or how to link features to an advantage, and to uncover the...2025-05-2328 minThe Photography PodWhat's in Nick's Bag? How Nick Church photographs weddingsNick becomes Steve's interview guest in this episode of The Photography Pod, as we delve into the deep and murky depth's of Nick's camera bag. The show features an in depth discussion on how Nick photographs weddings including his choice of cameras and lenses, his approach to the different phases of the wedding day, his post processing and the CRM he uses to book the wedding. In other news Steve has a hot experience in Birmingham and Nick gets suntan in front of a fridge. Nick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding photographers based in the UK...2025-05-091h 07The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHelp! My boss wants to visit customers with me in the field!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! Salespeople often get nervous when their manager contacts them to arrange a day in the field with them seeing customers. Field accompaniment is a great way for a sales manager to give coaching and feedback to their salesperson, and for the salesperson to learn "on the job". In this episode host and trainer Steve Vaughan is joined by his two colleagues Jayne Green and Pascal Le Floch. The team discuss the importance of preparation for the days, some key "Do's and Don'ts", how to agree who does what in...2025-05-0529 minThe Photography PodFrancesco Gola - Long Exposure Seascape PhotographerSteve and Nick's guest this week is Francesco Gola, a fine art landscape photographer, who shares his journey into photography, his love for long exposure seascapes, and the emotional connection he feels with the sea. Francesco shares his insights on landscape photography, emphasizing the importance of planning, adapting to nature, and capturing emotions through weather. He discusses the tools and techniques he uses for location scouting, the significance of color consistency in post-processing, and how the experience of being in nature can enhance the photographic journey. Nick has been crashing drones since the last show, and Steve sh...2025-04-241h 09The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastThe Gift of Feedback: A Path to ImprovementLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury of Choice, Steve Vaughan is joined by Jonathan Cooper and Christian Walter. The team discuss the critical role of feedback in personal and professional development. They explore the definition of feedback, its importance in fostering self-awareness, and the distinction between constructive feedback and criticism. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective timing, the significance of focusing on behaviors rather than personalities, and the creation of a safe environment for feedback discussions. They also touch on the concept of 'feed-forward' and share personal experiences...2025-04-2226 minThe Photography PodVictoria Hillman - Macro and Wildlife PhotographerNick and Steve's guest photographer for this episode is Victoria (Vic) Hillman, a macro and wildlife photographer. Vic shares how her Zoology and Biology academic background helps her in her work, and her understanding of the subjects she photographers. She also discusses her project " Forgotten Little Creatures", the plants, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles which are often feared, ignored, overlooked and even forgotten about despite the important role they play in their habitats.Steve and Nick discuss destination weddings, and the risks of UK photographers photographing weddings in Trump's USA. The also discuss the new Sigma BF, a r...2025-04-1347 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHow do I find enough time to do everything!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! One of the most common challenges we hear from sales people is lack of time do fit everything in. Whether in front line sales, sales support or sales leadership, demands on our time from our customers, colleagues and our own organisation constantly challenge our ability to think and to plan. In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, along with colleagues Jayne Green and Pru Layton, delve into the complexities of time management in today's fast-paced business environment. They discuss the challenges posed by t...2025-04-0931 minThe Photography PodCelebrity Portrait Photographer- Andy Gotts MBENick is back with Steve for this show, which features a guest interview with Andy Gotts, MBE. Andy is a renowned celebrity photographer based in London, England, and New York, USA. He is most noted for his black and white portraits of Hollywood actors and singers. His work has been published internationally and has appeared in many magazines, including: VOGUE, GQ, Vanity Fair, Empire, Total Film, Entertainment Weekly, FHM, Hello!, and Glamour, and many more. Andy tells Nick and Steve many fascinating stories of being behind the lens, photographing many of the most famous faces in...2025-03-301h 07The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastMastering Team Dynamics in Sales - The Art of Situational LeadershipLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, along with colleagues Pru Layton and Pascal Le Floch, delve into the complexities of sales management and leadership. They explore why some team members respond better to certain managers, the importance of understanding team dynamics, and the various styles of situational leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-awareness, effective coaching, and the balance between management and leadership roles. The episode provides valuable insights for sales managers on how to adapt their approach to meet the diverse...2025-03-2632 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWhy having competition in sales is good news!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this week's show Steve Vaughan is joined by two of his sales training colleagues, Pru Layton and Jayne Green. Having competition in technical B2B sales is inevitable and part of the job; however it is also good news! The team discuss why having competition helps you "sharpen the saw" and why competition doesn't necessarily mean another supplier. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and Jayne Green are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: P...2025-03-1533 minThe Photography PodMartin Hajdukiewicz - Woodland landcape photographer and YouTube presenterNick is away for this episode, where Steve's guest is Martin Hajdukiewicz, a Warwickshire based woodland and landscape photographer. Self taught via YouTube channels, Martin has become an accomplished YouTube presenter himself. Martin is also administrates Thumbs Up Photography, a friendly and collaborative Facebook group of photographers with over 1500 members. Links to channels mentioned in the show:Martin Hajdukiewicz Website : https://www.mhlandscape.co.uk/Martin Hajdukiewicz Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mhlandscapephotos/Martin Hajdukiewicz YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@MHLandscapeNick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedd...2025-03-1435 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastInternational Women's Day - Why do we need IWD in 2025?Let us know your thoughts on this episode! This is a special bonus episode around the topic of International Women's Day. On March 8th each year, IWD has been in place for over 100 years, and recognizes the achievements of Women worldwide, as well as campaigning for gender equality and inclusiveness. Steve Vaughan is joined by his colleague Jayne Green, plus two business leaders from the fields of lab equipment and life sciences - Belen Diaz and Johana Kuncova-Kallio. They discuss amongst several topics:Why do we still need IWD in 2025Cultural aspects to gender e...2025-03-0738 minThe Photography PodEmily Endean -Seascape Photographer, Female Photographer Educator and Van Dweller.Nick and Steve's guest for this episode is Emily Endean. Emily is a freelancer photographer specialising in seascapes, ocean photography and lifestyle/brand photography. Emily is also a photography educator and specialises in female only photography trips and workshops. Emily is based in the South of the UK and travels from location to location with her wife and pets aboard her classic Hymer van, which is also their home. Emily uses Fujifilm X series cameras and lenses, and has a very close relationship with Fujifilm UK, and has previously been a brand ambassador for Fujifilm. Th...2025-03-0240 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWhy 1-to-1 meetings matter, and our tips to make them effective!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! Having regular, scheduled 1-to-1 meeting with your team members can significantly impact employee engagement and retention. Yet many managers don't prioritize 1-to-1's, or if they do have them, do them badly! In this episode Steve Vaughan, Pru Layton and Pascal Le Floch discuss why 1-to-1's matter, where they go wrong, and give their tips and recommendations to make them effective, enjoyable and motivationa for both manager and team member. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and Jayne Gr...2025-03-0235 minThe Photography PodSujata Setia - Multi award winning photographer and artistSteve and Nick's special guest for this episode is Sujata Setia. Sujata is a multi award winning photographer and artist. As well as her family and materity photography, Sujata also has her personal projects that combine both photography and art. Her personal work includes "Changing the Conversation", a startling body of work of images of people with challenges including burns survivors and rare conditions. Her latest project, "A Thousand Cuts", is an extraordinary project where Sujata, using a combination of photography and art, has produced powerful images of domestic abuse survivors from South Asia. The ti...2025-02-2326 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastAm I doing the right things to make my sales number?Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan and his colleagues Jayne Green, Pru Layton and Jonathan Cooper discuss the essential elements of sales success. They explore the importance of planning, understanding performance indicators, and the role of self-awareness and management in achieving sales goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for both activity and competence in sales, as well as the significance of enjoying one's job and maintaining meaningful relationships with customers and colleagues. The episode concludes with key takeaways on how to assess if one...2025-02-1534 minThe Photography PodThe Photography and Video Show 2025 - Meet the team behind the show!The Photography and Video Show is the UK's largest imaging exhibition and show. In this, the first of several episodes of The Photography Pod as part of the build up to the show, Steve and Nick's guests are Ruth Folkard, Event Director and Hazel Soper, Group Marketing Manager, of Future, the company behind the Photography and Video Show. Ruth and Hazel discuss with Nick and Steve:Why this year's show has moved to London ExCelThe process for selecting the talks and speakers for the eventThe resurgence of analogue photography and showcasing film at the eventWhat goes i...2025-02-0944 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHow to Delegate EffectivelyLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Pascal Le Floch and Christian Walter discuss the critical skill of delegation in sales and management. They explore the definition of delegation, its importance, and the challenges faced by managers and salespeople in effectively delegating tasks. The conversation covers strategies for successful delegation, the role of trust and empowerment, and the significance of situational leadership. The hosts also address when delegation may not be appropriate, emphasizing the need for leaders to lead by example and support their teams.2025-02-0229 minThe Photography PodHow to Photograph Gardens - Jason IngramIn this episode of the Photography Pod, hosts Nick Church and Steve Vaughan chat with garden photographer Jason Ingram about his journey into photography, the challenges of capturing gardens, and the importance of light and weather in his work. Jason shares insights into the business side of garden photography, including working with garden designers and the role of stock photography. He also discusses his upcoming book, 'How to Photograph Gardens', and offers advice for aspiring photographers looking to enter this niche.Key Takeaways:Weather plays a significant role in garden photography, often dictating...2025-01-2554 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWhy is my sale stuck in purchasing? And what can I do about it!!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of 'The Luxury of Choice', host Steve Vaughan, along with guests Jayne and Jonathan, delve into the common phrase 'my order is stuck in purchasing'. They explore the implications of this phrase on sales forecasting and revenue projections, the importance of understanding the buying process, and the necessity of engaging with purchasing teams early in the sales process to mitigate delays. The conversation emphasizes the human aspect of purchasing and the need for salespeople to build relationships with purchasing professionals to facilitate smoother transactions. In this...2025-01-1534 minThe Photography PodPhotographing for M&S and Sainsbury's - Kris Kirkham, London based food photographerFor the first show of 2025, Steve and Nick are back with another guest from the world of food photography. Kris Kirkham is a London based food photographer, who has worked with many of the leading brands including Sainsbury, Waitrose, M&S, Subway and Nandos. Having trained and worked as a chef for over 15 years, Kris then combined his love of photography with his passion for food, and developed a distinctive style of food and drink photography that is colourful, beautifully lit and contrasty. With over 10 years of experience and an extensive portfolio, his work is ubiquitous and you pr...2025-01-1152 min
The Photography PodSteve and Nick's Christmas Special!Steve and Nick get in the Christmas spirit for this last show of 2024. Steve gets his own back on Nick for the teasing on the last show with a surprise Christmas quiz. Nick has been photographing property in Anglesey again, whilst Steve gets a telling off whilst doing street photography in London. The boys describe their dream photography Christmas present, and their resolutions for 2025. The book for the week is Wales - A Photographer's Journey by David Wilson. Nick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding photographers based in the UK. They both use So...2024-12-201h 00The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWhy doesn't my sales team do what I tell them to do?Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this final episode before the holiday season, Steve, Jonathan and Pascal discuss the challenges sales managers face in getting their teams to follow directives. They explore the importance of trust, situational leadership, and the shift from directing to coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for active listening and understanding individual team members' needs, especially under pressure. The hosts share insights on how to foster a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and self-discovery among team members, ultimately leading to better performance and team dynamics.Steve Vaughan...2024-12-1940 minThe Photography PodCristian Barnett - Renowned food photographerIn this episode of the Photography Pod, Nick (on his own this week) speaks with renowned food photographer Cristian Barnett. They discuss Cristian's journey into photography, his techniques and equipment, the importance of creative collaboration with clients, and the role of personal projects in maintaining creativity. Cristian also shares insights into his work with high-end restaurants and notable clients such as Tom Kerridge, emphasizing the need for passion and collaboration in the art of food photography. Cristian and Nick also the impact of AI on the industry, and Cristian also described his personal projects that document the exp...2024-12-1945 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastNavigating Year-End Sales PressuresLet us know your thoughts on this episode! For many sales professionals, the end of the calendar year is also the end of the business year. This frequently means a lot of stress and pressure to close as many sales as possible and the make the numbers as good as they can be. In this episode Steve is joined by Debbie Airey and Jayne Green to discuss how to cope at this crucial time of the year. They discuss their own experiences of year end, both as sales professionals and sales leaders. They also reflect on t...2024-12-0831 minThe Photography PodRoo Stain - Award winning wedding videographer who started as a photographerSteve and Nick's guest for this episode is Roo Stain, a multi-award winning photographer based in the West Midlands of the UK. Although Roo studied film-making at University, he initial worked as a wedding photographer, before transitioning into full time videography. He tells Steve and Nick about:How his photography experience helped define his approach to videographyThe gear and lenses he uses and why he prefers a minimalistic approachHow he approaches audio captureHis editing style and in camera settingsWhy he doesn't routinely shoot hybrid photo/videoHis views on content creators at weddings The 10 minute techy talk is a...2024-12-081h 01The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastThe New Sales Manager - Where to start, what to do, and when!Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, and Christian Walter discuss the essential steps for new sales managers to take when starting their roles. They emphasize the importance of getting to know team members, understanding business metrics, and taking decisive action while balancing observation and decision-making. The conversation also highlights the significance of setting clear expectations and goals for the team to foster a productive work environment. Also discussed are the key behaviours and skills that are required for effective sales management including a...2024-11-2435 minThe Photography PodWhat camera system would we choose if we were starting out now? And why?Steve and Nick delve into the world of camera gear in this episode, and discuss the pros and cons of the main camera systems available in 2024. Which system would they choose if they were starting from scratch? And why? Why Apple computer users will soon have more non Apple monitors to choose from if they want the full 5K "Retina" experience. Steve has finally got to the see the movie Lee, about the war photographer Lee Miller. Why photographers are leaving X (Twitter) and is Bluesky the answer if you want to avoid all the hate? The book focus...2024-11-241h 03The Photography PodNeil Redfern and Helen Williams - Flash Masters and Wedding PhotographersNick and Steve's guests for this episode are Neil Redfern and Helen Williams, successful wedding photographers, photography educators, and the driving force behind Flash Masters, a community of photographers who love to shoot great images using off camera flash. Neil and Helen tell Nick and Steve:Why they decided to become photography educators, and why other photographers can follow their exampleWhy they set up Flash MastersHow Flash Masters as a community can be a learning resource for any photographer looking to improve their off camera flash skills, regardless of their current skill levelsHow they use flash o...2024-11-101h 02The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastThe Pro's and Con's of bringing business forward at year end.Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Prue Layton, and Debbie Airey discuss the complexities of bringing business forward at year-end. They explore the pros and cons of this strategy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining customer relationships and the potential pitfalls of short-term gains. The conversation also highlights the need for effective sales forecasting and alternative strategies to achieve year-end success without compromising long-term business integrity.Every year-end, salespeople are often asked to bring business forward.Bringing business forward can help clean up...2024-11-1030 minThe Photography PodTesni Ward - Wildlife Photographer, OM System AmbassadorSteve and Nick's guest for this episode is the Peak District based wildlife and landscape photographer Tesni Ward. An OM System ambassador, she describes how redundancy from a role in medical sales drove her to become a full time photographer, and how she makes a living from her passion. She delves in to the (many) pros for her in using an OM-1 micro 4/3rds camera and lens system, and the (very) few downsides, as she see it. She also describes how she approaches photographing wildlife in a natural environment is such a captivating way. Steve is juggles th...2024-10-2755 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastNavigating the Player-Manager role in sales - managing the team and selling personally at the same timeLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, along with fellow sales trainer Jonathan Cooper and Debbie Airey, delve into the complexities of the "player manager" role in sales. In other words, both managing a sales team, whilst maintaining personal sales responsibility such as a territory, key account, product line, etc. They discuss the challenges and benefits of balancing sales responsibilities with management duties, emphasizing the importance of time management, clear expectations, and effective coaching. The conversation highlights the need for strong customer r...2024-10-2636 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastCoping with Rejection and the Word No in SalesLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, fellow sales trainer Jane Green and new colleague Debbie Airey discuss the challenges of facing rejection in sales, particularly the word 'no.' They explore the emotional impact of rejection, the different types of 'no' responses, and the importance of asking open questions to understand customer needs better. The conversation also delves into the sales process, the significance of effective prospecting, and strategies for resilience in the face of rejection. The episode concludes with practical tips for...2024-10-1332 minThe Photography PodGeraint Roberts - Shooting Analogue Filmin this episode Steve and Nick chat to Geraint Roberts, a South Wales based wedding photographer who loves to shoot film at weddings. Geraint discusses his journey in Photography, starting our with a photography based degree at Falmouth University. He also explains why he loves to shoot film at weddings, how he uses this to differentiate himself, and the processes and labs he uses to develop his film stock. For the techy spot, Steve and Nick discuss the pros and cons of always shooting wide aperture lens wide open, and the various raw compression formats now available. ...2024-10-131h 03The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastFrom in the Team to Being the Boss - Stepping up as a New Sales ManagerLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve Vaughan is joined by fellow sales trainers Christian Walter and Pascal le Floche.The team discuss the challenges of transitioning from a sales role to a sales management position, particularly when promoted from within the team. They share insights on: -Recognizing the shift in skills required, from being an individual contributor to leading and developing a team. -Setting boundaries and managing relationships with former peers to maintain a healthy team dynamic- Focusing on enabling the team's success rather than replicating on...2024-09-2934 minThe Photography PodSteve Gerrard - Music and Wedding Photographer Based in MontrealIn this episode, Steve and Nick chat with acclaimed Music, Gig and Wedding Photographer Steve Gerrard. From spinning records for Oasis at Wembley Stadium to capturing the essence of live music and weddings through his lens, Steve Gerrard shares his photographic journey. We explore his transition from a globetrotting DJ to a professional photographer based in Montreal, delving into how his background in concert photography influences his unique style in wedding shoots. Steve offers insights on the challenges of getting bands to pay for photos and how he's managed to blend music and wedding photography to create v...2024-09-2855 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWho's afraid of Ghosting? Why customers don't get back to you, and what can you do about itLet us know your thoughts on this episode! After the summer break, the george james team are back with season 2 of the podcast. In this episode, Steve, Pru and Jayne discuss the topic of ghosting in sales. They define ghosting as when a customer or prospect stops responding to calls, emails, or other forms of communication. The hosts explore the reasons why ghosting happens, such as misaligned expectations, fear of rejection, and the customer not being happy with something but not expressing it. They emphasize the importance of setting clear next steps and explicitly agreeing on t...2024-09-1536 minThe Photography PodGuy Peterson - Dakar based PhotojournalistIn this weeks episode, Steve and Nick's guest is Guy Peterson, a photojournalist based in Dakar. Guy shares his journey from university to becoming a freelance photojournalist, highlighting the importance of networking and pitching stories to publications. He also discusses the training he has received for working in hostile environments and the challenges of balancing access and safety. Guy also shares his views on artificial intelligence in photography, the importance of context in photography, as well as sharing some of his stories photographing in West Africa. Steve and Nick discuss readers questions on getting fed a...2024-09-1557 minThe Photography PodNew Season, New Co-Presenter - Meet Nick Church!In this episode of the Photography Pod, Steve Vaughan introduces his new co-host, Nick Church, and explains the departure of the previous co-host, Martin Chung. Steve and Nick discuss their backgrounds in photography and their plans for the podcast. They outline recurring segments such as techie talk, book reviews, and industry news. They also mention their interest in discussing technical developments in photography, films related to photography, and gear they have recently purchased. Nick and Steve also discuss their personal experiences with photography gear and their thoughts on the photography industry. They touch on topics such as th...2024-09-0145 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastBehind your Sales Target? Here's what you need to do.Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss what to do if a salesperson is behind target. They emphasize the importance of not panicking and instead evaluating why they are behind and taking ownership of their actions. They suggest reflecting on what they have been doing and identifying any areas for improvement. They also discuss the difference between targeting bookings and invoiced sales and the need to focus on actions that will have an impact on closing the gap. The hosts also provide advice for sales managers on how...2024-07-2134 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastMark Davison - CEO of Grant Instruments- leading a scientific equipment manufacturer in 2024Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan interviews Mark Davison, the CEO of Grant Instruments, a scientific equipment brand. Mark shares his background and career journey, including his experience in the pharmaceutical industry and his role in preventing the production and distribution of fake drugs. They discuss the role of a CEO, the challenges and opportunities in the scientific equipment industry, and the importance of sustainability in business. Mark also talks about his podcast, The Big Experiment, where he explores the intersection of science and...2024-07-0736 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastClosing and Agreeing the Next Steps in SalesLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve and Pru discuss the topic of closing in sales. They define closing as the final step of the sales process where the customer agrees to place an order. However, they also emphasize that closing is not just about getting the order, but also about getting commitment to the next step in the sales process. They discuss the importance of always having a next step and continually seeking commitment from the customer. They also explore the reasons why salespeople sometimes fail to ask for the next...2024-06-2232 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastSamuel Issacs - Digital Marketing in the Medical Devices IndustryLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this interview episode, Steve chats to Samuel Issacs. Sam is the Head of Marketing at Niox. He discusses the impact of digital marketing on the medical devices industry and the importance of internal marketing. He shares insights on marketing strategies, the role of passion in marketing, and the use of LinkedIn for marketing activities. The conversation covers the use of digital marketing, particularly on LinkedIn, for medical device companies. It explores the challenges and opportunities of marketing in a regulated industry, the importance of compliance, and the use...2024-06-0932 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastFacing Objections in the Sales ProcessLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss customer objections in the sales process. They define customer objections as concerns or disagreements raised by customers that can halt the sales process. They explore the reasons why customers raise objections, including misunderstandings, competitor influence, biased opinions, and the need for certainty before making a decision. The hosts emphasize the importance of clear communication and understanding customer perspectives. In this conversation, the team discuss the importance of understanding customer objections and concerns in the sales process. They emphasize that objections are a...2024-05-2638 minThe Photography PodSteven Johnson - Shetland Wildlife PhotographerSteve and Martin's special guest for this episode is Steven Johnson. Steve is based in Shetland, far north of mainland UK. Steve caught up with Steven whilst on holiday in Orkney, for a chat about his approach to photographing the birds and animals, as well as the Sony camera's and lenses he uses. Martin and Steve also discuss their weddings so far this season, as well as how 2025 is looking for bookings. Martin also has (another) new lens....Steven Johnson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wild_about_shetland/Nick Church and Steve Vaughan are...2024-05-151h 07
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastJo Keeler: Building effective teamwork using Belbin team rolesLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve Vaughan interviews Joe Keeler, the Managing Director of Belbin Ltd. They discuss the concept of Belbin team roles and how they can help teams work better together. The Belbin team roles theory originated from research conducted at Henley Business School in the 1960s and has since been applied in various industries. The theory identifies nine distinct clusters of behavior that are crucial for team performance. Each team member has a preferred team role, and understanding these roles can help teams identify gaps and optimize their...2024-05-1134 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastEffective Negotiations Part 2Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this second of a two part series on effective negotiations, Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss the practical aspects of negotiating with a professional purchaser. They talk about how to achieve a win:win, how to effectively trade, seeking agreement, why you can enjoy a negotiation, why you shoudn't offer percentage discounts, and why the purchaser can be your best ally in the account! Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and Jayne Green are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You ca...2024-04-2833 minThe Photography PodOur Best and Worst Photography Purchases!In this episode Martin and Steve reveal there 5 best AND worst purchases ever! We both have a bit of reputation for buying gear, so we have plenty to choose from. There are some surprises and a lot of laughs. Nick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding photographers based in the UK. They both use Sony Alpha cameras and lenses. Video version of the Podcast including slide shows of images https://www.youtube.com/@thephotographypod Nick's website : https://www.nickchurchphotography.co.uk/Nick's Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nickchurchphotography/ 2024-04-161h 08
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastManel Berga - Successful social selling using LinkedInLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, Steve's guest is Manel Berga. Manel is responsible for lead generation and lead management for Novonesis, with a particular focus on using LinkedIn to find, nurture and actively manage prospects using LinkedIn. Steve and Manel discuss how sales people can proactively identify and reach out to potential customers successfully and effectively using social selling, specifically LinkedIn Manel Berga on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/manelberga/Seth Godin book on Permissive Marketing here Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru...2024-04-1438 minThe Photography PodSimon Ogden - Manchester street and night photographerMartin and Steve's guest for this show is Simon Ogden. Simon is a Manchester based street and night time photographer who produces incredible images, especially considering he had only been taking photos for 10 months! Simon discusses with the guys his approach, how he learned to observe light and shadow, how addresses any safety concerns and the camera gear he uses. Simon's Instagram account : https://www.instagram.com/simon.c.ogdenNick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding photographers based in the UK. They both use Sony Alpha cameras and lenses. Video version of...2024-04-0438 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastEffective Negotiations Part 1Let us know your thoughts on this episode! In this first of a two part series, Steve, Pru and Jonathan look at what are the key steps in planning and preparation for an effective negotiation. They discuss, amongst other topics: What is a Win/WinKnowing your position before starting the negotiationWho should be on the teamShould you take your bossWhy you should look forward to a negotiation The 2nd part of this series will cover the actual negotiation on the day. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and...2024-03-3034 minThe Photography PodThe Photography Show 2024, Birmingham UK. Our thoughts and what did we buy!In this episode Steve and Martin discuss the recent Photography Show at the NEC, Birmingham, including the news that the show will be moving to the Excel, London in 2025. Did we spend any of our hard earned cash? And why is Steve taking up smoking?We also discuss a question for the show, is it possible to be creative and take images for our own personal portfolio whilst working "on the job". We now have a Facebook group for the show, just search for The Photography PodNick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding p...2024-03-2045 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastJiteen Ahmed- Purchasing and supplier engagement at a leading UK universityLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this Luxury of Choice interview episode, Steve meets Jiteen Ahmed. Jiteen is Head of Technical Services in the colleague of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, UK. He is also chair of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium. In a wide ranging discussion, Jiteen and Steve discuss :Why suppliers to UK universities MUST have a sustainability policyThe importance of framework agreements in scientific purchasing Why salespeople should engage early with purchasing department when working on a new projectThe importance of understanding the various stakeholders when working on a...2024-03-1736 minThe Photography PodNick Church - Wedding photographer and photography trainerIn this episode Martin and Steve chat with Nick Church. Nick is a Bristol based wedding photographer, photography trainer and public speaker who, like Martin and Steve, shoots with Sony cameras and lenses. We discuss:Why its never too late to consider as career in photographyWhy most new photographers spend too much time doing the wrong thingsHow to stay fresh and evolve as a photographer over timeWhy training and mentoring is as important as camera gearHow AI and outsourced editing can help with work/life balance when you are a successful photographerNick is giving 3 talks at t...2024-03-0845 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastDecision Makers - how to get to see them and what they will want to talk aboutLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In technical sales, at some stage in the sales process we have to engage with ultimate decision makers. Often senior people in the account, they are unlikely to want to have technical conversations; instead they will want to know about return on investment Investment, any pereceived risk, and how any purchase would fit into the organisation's strategic goals. In this episode Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss:How to identify and make contact with key decision makersHow to prepare for any meeting with themHow to find our about the ac...2024-03-0329 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastWhy Cold Calling isn't Dead - Anthony Stears, The Telephone AssassinLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this Luxury of Choice Interview show, Steve talks to Anthony Stears, The Telephone Assassin. Anthony is a leading expert on Telephone Engagement, specialising in helping businesses to improve customer service and sales results via the telephone. They discuss:How to get more appointments using the phoneWhat are the " 3P's" of proactive telephone useThe importance of preparation and research before picking up the phoneHow to handle voicemail. What cold calling still can be effectiveAnthony is based in Berkshire, UK, and delivers training to technical sales teams in...2024-02-1839 minThe Photography PodMeet Martin and Steve - UK Based Wedding PhotographersThe Photography Pod is a NEW photography podcast for both working professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. The hosts, Martin Cheung and Steve Vaughan are working professional photographers in the UK. In this first episode Martin and Steve discuss each others photography, their approach to photographing weddings, the (Sony) equipment they use and some unexpected events at weddings they have photographed. Nick Church and Steve Vaughan are professional wedding photographers based in the UK. They both use Sony Alpha cameras and lenses. Video version of the Podcast including slide shows of images https://www.yo...2024-02-1337 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastProfessional Product Demonstrations - The Do's and Don'tsLet us know your thoughts on this episode! Product demonstrations are a key part of any sales process in technical equipment sales. In this episode Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss the do's and don't of a great demonstration; including how to prepare, the key questions to ask, the importance of timing and what is a "puppy dog close"! The team also discuss some questions from listeners to the show. Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche and Jayne Green are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the s...2024-02-0448 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastDebbie Airey- Experienced Sales Leader at Halma plc- A Luxury of Choice InterviewLet us know your thoughts on this episode! For this interview episode Steve talks with Debbie Airey. Debbie is an experienced and successful Sales Leader within Halma plc, a global group of life saving businesses, and one of the UK's most admired companies. After 4 successful years with the Halma business Crowcon, where she has doubled sales, she is starting a new role at another group business, Minicam. Steve and Debbie discuss:How she achieved the sales growth at CrowconHow sales and business has changed since the pandemicThe challenge of being a female sales leader in a mo...2024-01-2129 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills Podcast10 great New Year's resolutions for salespeople in technical salesLet us know your thoughts on this episode! Steve, Jonathan and Pru are back for the first show of 2024, and their topic is 10 great New Year's resolutions for salespeople in technical sales. They discuss:Why the start of the year is a great time to work on your personal developmentWhy looking back on what you did- or didn't- do last year is a great place to start your plans for 2024Why seeing the customers you don't like seeing may be the key to your success in 2024Plus a special bonus 11th resolution from Pru right a...2024-01-0730 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastLooking back on 2023, plus plans for 2024Let us know your thoughts on this episode! This special holiday season episode features Steve reflecting on 2023 and outlining the plans for the show in 2024. We want to hear from you! If you have any sales or business related question you would like to ask the team, or if you have a suggestion for a guest interview we would love to hear from you. Email us at podcast@georgejames-training.com - let us know if you would like the question to be anonymous. See you in 2024! Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Chr...2023-12-2004 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastThe Culture Challenge and the impact of toxic culture in businessLet us know your thoughts on this episode! For this month's interview show Steve talks with three HR and business professionals about the impact of culture on sales and business. Becky Crisp, Katy Davies and Jo Boyd discuss with Steve:How company culture is not just about having some words on a piece of paper!Why culture doesn't (just) come from the boardroom but from the whole organisationWhy anyone in an organisation with toxic culture should be able to speak up to highlight the problemsHow a toxic culture can lead to poor productivity and e...2023-12-1033 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastHow to make a great sales visit to a customerLet us know your thoughts on this episode! Steve Vaughan is joined by three new members of the george james training team for a discussion on what makes a great sales call, and some key do's and don't for a professional visit to a customer. Steve, Jayne, Christian and Pascal discuss, amongst other topics :Why there is no excuse for not being fully prepared!The importance of having a clear objectiveHow silence can be so powerful in a sales callWhy the customer should do most of the talkingWhy there is al...2023-11-2633 min
The Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastMental Fitness in business - Luke Evans of HeddwayLet us know your thoughts on this episode! On our latest interview show, Steve talks to Luke Evans from Heddway. Luke specializes in provided training for mental fitness and a positive mental approach. Luke tells Steve:How his personal journey from growing up in the Welsh Valley's to working as a trainer for a leading pharmaceutical company has led to him starting his own business to provide mental fitness trainingWhy training skills is not enough; training attitude and approach is just as important!What is mental fitness and how does it differ from mental health How b...2023-11-1040 minThe Luxury Of Choice - Sales Skills PodcastKick Off Meetings - the Do's and Don't for a successful eventLet us know your thoughts on this episode! In this weeks show Steve, Pru and Jonathan discuss kick off meetings. Many businesses with a calendar financial year will right now be planning their start the year meeting for 2024, so this episode will be really helpful for anyone working on their event. The team discuss:Why less is more when it comes to the agenda;Why having a theme is a great idea for your kick off meeting;Should you ask you CEO, CFO, etc to come to the meeting?Whether you should invite your distribution partners;W...2023-10-2933 min