Putovanje u London

London's number one attraction, the impressive 'London Eye' which towers slowly above the city giving a birds eye view across London. With the record breaking temperature over the weekend (28C) the hottest in 2008 so far, it brought with it perfect clear weather enabling us to enjoy the view even more.

The Underground, double decker buses, pubs, trains, picnics, record hot temperatures, singing Croatian ballads and fish'n'chips were just a selection of the adventures that 'Libris' clients got up to whilst on a '3 day flavour of London' visit.

Peter Hopwood, who designed and hosted the 'English language' visit gave a unique insight into the Capital, visiting a number of 'must-see' attractions, providing 'local' knowledge helping clients get best out of their time and come home with an unforgettable experience!

37 Croats, 1 Canadian and an Englishman set off outside Hotel Turist, Varazdin ready to start a journey that will take them to one of the most cosmopolitan, unconventional cities in the world.


The following photos will hopefully paint the picture of how the experience unfolded, including the laughs, discoveries and surprises along the way.

This was a photo opportunity that we just couldn't miss out on! As each of the crew, one by one went up along side the guard, we tried desperately to somehow communicate with him: some told him a 'Mujo i Haso' joke, others asked him to smile for the camera but we all wondered what exactly he had hiding under his big fuzzy hat? Sandwiches, a beer or just a packet of crisps?

And so this 'plane in pink' took off with 50% more clothes, shoes and ladies 'things' than when it took off from ZG, together with a tired but content group of people knowing that they would all return to the 'Otok' one day in the future!

To take a look at the many other 'memories' of our adventure simply go to gallery on the  www.libris-komunikacije.hr. I would also like to simply thank the group for being 'ready for the adventure' and feel proud to have shared with you the city that I know so well!

Enthusiasm vs Confidence

5 Reasons Why Enthusiasm is Better than Confidence

1. Confidence is about you - enthusiasm is about your subject

2. Confidence is about you (again) - enthusiasm is about others

3. Confidence is impressive - enthusiasm is infectious

4. Confidence is certain - enthusiasm is creative

5. Confidence is serious - enthusiasm is fun

HUPE konferencija 2008

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the yearly HUPE Conference which was held in Sibenik (mid-Dalmatia) at the Solaris complex. HUPE - The Croatian Association of English teachers in Croatia holds the conference over 2 days providing teachers an opportunity to share ideas, further develop themselves in ELT and of course, network and meet other colleagues within the same field.

Congratulations to Tanja Miokovic, (HUPE President) together with her loyal team for setting up a successful and enjoyable conference.

Paul Arden - The world's a duller place without Paul.

Last summer, while I was managing a summer language program in the beautiful city of Cambridge, I happened to come across a small, white-covered book that I found whilst wandering through a second-hand store. The title grabbed my attention: 'It's not how good you are, but how good you want to be'

I paid about a pound for it, returned home and began to read. A short piece of reading material (30 minutes) but somehow Paul Arden, the author manages to inspire and refresh the reader with his thoughts and ideas. A fabulous book which I would suggest you read, even if to inject a well-awaited dose of motivation!

I was saddened to hear that only a few weeks ago, Paul Arden, at the age of 67 passed away. Paul Arden spent 14 years as the Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi. He was responsible for some of the UK's most successful advertising campaigns – British Airways, Silk Cut, Anchor Butter, InterCity and Fuji. In 1993 he set up the film production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd. His first book sold over half a million copies. The three most recent books are featured here.

David Hilliyard wrote:"I had the great pleasure/fear working under Paul at Saatchis for 6 years.

He was inspirational.

He was terrifying.

He was sutbborn.

He was passionate.

He was an account mans nightmare.

He was a creatives dream.

He was a pain in the arse.

He was a great tutor.

He was brilliant.

Most of all, he was a good bloke.

The world’s a duller place without Paul."

ICFE Ispitivač

In addition to the main suite set of ESOL Cambridge exams, Peter Hopwood has just completed and passed training to become an Oral examiner for the most recent International Cambridge examination. The International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE), the first of its kind evaluating competence of language in a financial business context.

Peter is now officially an examiner for 7 ESOL Cambridge examinations designated to Croatia and equally Slovenia.

Worker's Plea

Simple, but oh so true! Five straightforward statements that every employee, manager, supervisor - and come to think of it, anybody working for someone should remember. This also to managers, directors and anyone involved in leading a team in order to be aware of what your team needs. Please, pass it on to anyone you think might like it!

Quote this.

The sign on the door of opportunity reads PUSH.
Unknown.

Libris komunikacije - Ultimate Pub kviz

The 'Einstein' Algoritam team

After such a positive reaction following the first Quiz (19.12.07) we felt it was time to set the challenge a second time! With more teams wishing to get involved and a much greater interest from various companies, we had a total of 10 teams officially participating together with additional sponsors and teams that could not officially play due to the location - but were in fact present.

Cambridge examining in Osijek

On 1 March, Peter Hopwood spent the day oral examining for Cambridge ESOL exams in the Slavonian city of Osijek. A warm welcome from Tanja Miokovic and certainly an enthusiastic group of candidates. Osijek, the 4th largest town in Croatia has a pleasant attraction and a certain charm - a place which Peter hopes to return to!

Richard Branson tells all.....

When we talk about innovation, running a business, brand-building and most notably entrepreneurship - there is one outstanding name that comes to mind - Richard Branson. The creator and owner of the 'Virgin' group with over 200 companies across the globe falls into the category of being one of the most exciting brand names on the planet.

I have often used Richard Branson's story of how he created his business empire incorporated in my training in the forms of articles, interviews and the various websites of the many different companies within the Virgin umbrella. Hopeully, this interview (TED conference 07) together with the slide below will illustrate the brains behind Virgin's success and help you get a feel of how Mr.Branson's mind ticks....

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Marketing made easy

Seth Godin, a household name witin the marketing world tells us his thoughts and ideas at the TED conference. An annual conference which brings global 'thinkers' and 'doers' to the podium spreading their thoughts, ideas and insight with the world.

This extract lasts for almost 19 minutes but will certainly give you food for thought if not an outside-the-box viewpoint towards your marketing approach.

Check out the 'recommended sites' link where you will be able to find the TED website. An inspiring site that provides details on past and future speakers in addition to all the conferences.

55 Simple Pleasures

Time for something completely different!

Whatever we do in life, our professional lives – family lives – social networks – we somehow all need and value those, somewhat simple pleasures. Yes, the small things that are for free or come close to very little.

A little trick I like to use to make my days much more pleasant is to find little, simple pleasures and sprinkle them throughout my day. Below is a list of 55 that in their own way contribute to brightening your day. Obviously, we all have our own 'delights' so let us know yours!!!!

1. Walking barefoot in grass.

2. Listening to good music in the car.

3. Taking a long, relaxing shower.

4. Coffee.

5. A good novel.

6. Popcorn and an old movie on DVD.

7. The smell of fresh-cut grass.

8. Watching the sunrise.

9. Walking on the beach.

10. A gentle morning run.

11. Yoga or stretching or meditation. .

12. Watching the sunset.

13. Hugging your child tightly.

14. Good wine. .

15. Dancing like you’re crazy.

16. Telling jokes till your sides ache.

17. A long conversation with a good friend.

18. Kissing in the rain.

19. Being lazy on a Sunday.

20. Waking to a clean house.

21. Fries and a chocolate milkshake.

22. Singing in the shower, loudly.

23. Dancing in the rain and stomping in puddles.

24. Watching your child play.

25. Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

26. Helping someone in need.

27. Making someone smile.

28. A nature hike.

29. Laying back and watching the stars.

30. Making a sandcastle.

31. Floating in the water.

32. Taking an afternoon nap.

33. Serving your spouse a surprise breakfast in bed.

34. Watching your children on Christmas morning.

35. Laying back and looking up at clouds.

36. Watching the ocean.

37. Getting a massage.

38. Starbuck's Frappuccino

39. Acting crazy in public.

40. Seeing your savings account grow.

41. Seeing your debt shrink.

42. Taking a hot bath.

43. Blowing bubbles.

44. A gentle breeze.

45. The feeling after a good workout.

46. Checking something off your to-do list.

47. Writing on good paper with a good pen.

48. A clear desk.

49. Fresh popped popcorn.

50. Homemade strawberry shortcake.

51. Watching animals in nature.

52. An empty email inbox.

53. Staying up all night talking.

54. Having a picnic.

55. Swimming at night.

komunikacije

The theme of this post places focus on how we can enhance our communication not only regarding our professional lives but equally in our personal lives. A 5-minute journey giving you some ideas and issues to think about! The remaining films in the series can be easily found on Youtube.com

Introducing: English for International Management

In addition to our current English training program, Libris is introducing it's English for International Management course. After listening carefully to a number of middle and executive managers it was clear that they were in need of training that would prepare them even further for communicative success within an international context.

Aimed at middle managers, executives and professional wishing to gain an insight into the vocabulary and terms used in International Management, covering a wide range of themes with particular focus on reading skills and vocabulary development.

A selection of focus areas include: Business strategies, training across cultures, corporate cultures, global production, 21st century business and international management development. The training program can be selected as a package on its own or alternatively, elements integrated within various specific areas of study based on your needs and requests.

20 leadership ingredients

What would you regard as important ingredients to becoming an effective team leader?

Strict? Approachable? Sympathetic? Well, after discussing and debating with a selection of clients and friends, I've come up with a list of the characteristics that I feel would make an effective team leader. Would you say the same?

1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
2. Make decisions with input from others
3. Give the team members the information to do their job
4. Act consistently
5. Be open, honest and fair = inspires trust
6. Keep focused through follow-up
7. Display tolerance and flexibility
8. Demonstrate assertiveness
9. Show a willingness to make positive changes
10.Accept ownership for team decisions
11.Know how to motivate team members
12.Treat team members with respect
13.Develop plans
14.Have wide visibility and have a vision
15.Create an atmosphere of growth, set high standards
16.Give praise and recognition - reward team success
17.Set SMART goals and emphasize them
18.Make themselves available and accessible
19.Criticize constructively and address problems
20. Have a sense of humour

Međunarodni Ispitivač

After a number of specific training sessions and workshops that were held during October, November and December of last year, Peter is now an official Cambridge ESOL Oral Examiner representing Croatia and Slovenia.

What does this mean to you, our clients? Those who are considering a course of study in order to gain a Cambridge International certificate will be able to obtain expert advice regarding the exams, inside tips on how to pass the oral examination and have up-to-date information concerning all Cambridge main suite examinations.

Professional development in Cheltenham (UK)

Towards the end of November, I had the pleasure of attending a Business development course for English language trainers at inlingua business development centre in the pleasant town of Cheltenham (UK). After a week-long program of methodology, insight and observations, I took the (LCCI FCTBE) Further Certificate for Teachers of Business English examination prepared by the London Chamber of Commerce, successfully passing with Distinction.

Libris komunikacije has now formed a ongoing link with Inlingua Cheltenham, as one of the centres Libris can provide information on regarding business study programs and equally teacher training. For details regarding study programs, business development courses and teacher training in the UK, check the 'study program' link on our website and simply send me an email and I will be able to direct you towards the best option according to your needs.

Libris komunikacije - Ultimate Pub kviz

During Christmas week, as companies and businesses were celebrating with each other - drawing a close to 2007, we at Libris komunikacije decided to celebrate with an innovative, unique and challenging alternative....

On a cold December evening in the centre of Varazdin, business partners, clients and friends gathered together in 'Blue Moon' cafe ready for a night to certainly warm-up their brain cells, test their knowledge to the limit and reveal who really has what it takes to become heroes of the evening. The Ultimate Pub Quiz! 100 questions - 10 rounds - 30 challengers - 6 teams but only one ultimate winner.

Peter devised the concept as he felt it was important to engage clients in English in a novel and refreshing way. simply, we aim to encourage creative ideas which embrace the language, promote teamwork and equally somehow provide a challenge.

As the evening unfolded the audience was taken through the 10 round list of questions including Sport, Art, General knowledge, Music and History. Towards the end of the evening of mind boggling teasers, beer, food and amusement - the final results were announced.

3rd place was awarded to AZRA, second place to the legal firm while the ultimate title of the Libris komunikacije Pub Quiz went to Varazdin County Council. Since this event we have had requests from pubs in Zagreb and even Ljubljana! So it seems the Ultimate Pub quiz will soon be on the road!

To keep up-to-date with the quiz, to view further photos and information regarding the next quiz and to suggest a question which will tickle the brains of our next challengers you can join 'The libris communications Ultimate pub quiz' group on facebook or simply send your suggestions to peter@libris-lomunikacije.hr

Make great business goals in 2008

I recently found an article regarding business goals for 2008 which I'd like to share with you - perhaps it will give you a few ideas to work on? Feel free to leave us any comments you may have about the article or even some of your business goals for 2008 so we can see what kind of an inspiring 2008 you'll be having....

Make Great Goals in 2008 by Mike Smith

Have you been worried about the new year coming and how many goals you need to create in order to be SUPER PRODUCTIVE in 2008? Yeah, so have I. I’ve even taken it a little further with a huge goal list to complete BEFORE the new year.

I’ve come to realize though through talking to a very dear friend of mine that taking everything one step at a time should be the main focus for 2008. You have to admit that 2007 was a hectic and very busy year so in 2008, we should all be focusing on keeping up the pace, but not taking too many tasks on at one time.I know that my task lists get out of hand quickly, so I want to be a little slower in trying to accomplish 200 things a day and maybe stop and smell the roses every once in a while.

Another way to make goals for yourself in 2008 is to sit back and examine all of the things you’ve done RIGHT this year! It will not only help you gain confidence in yourself and your work but it will also point out the things you’ve done well and will generate a bigger focus on repeating these things over again in 2008. I like to create a list of all the big accomplishments I’ve had in the past year and stare at it for a while.

Regardless of how you do it, try to focus on the great accomplishments you’ve had over the past 12 months in business, in your personal life, in your family life and so on, and try to figure out ways to replicate that in 2008, but build on it and make it better.

Another way to generate some great goals in 2008 is to build on your past success. You can figure out something you’ve done this year, or even recently, and think of ways to build on it and grow it..

Another great way to find a great goal for 2008 is to step back and look at your health. I know that everyone at one point or another has made the “weight loss” goal for the new year but try to really find ways to build on these things and stick to it. Leo from Zen Habits.com has some awesome articles on health hacks and becoming healthier.

I hope this has given you something to set your mind in motion!

Fresh start. Fresh approach.

Welcome to the Libris Communications (libris komunikacije) Blog. Connecting one step further with our clients, communicating through ideas, thoughts, events, articles, recent news and bits and pieces that we'd like to share with you. All this combined together will in a sense, provide you with an overview of what Libris Communications is about - what makes us tick - why we do what we do.

As 2007 swiftly disappears behind us we find ourselves once again in a new period of 365 days - making new year resolutions that we know we'll probably break so why make them in a the first place? - wondering what's in store for the coming year and trying to burn off the extra pounds gained over the festive period. Perhaps going back to new year resolutions should really be our goals for 2008, goal that we can apply to business and our personal life. The next post should shed some light...