Q&A with Chris Helder

Professional Beauty chats to Chris Helder about the importance of communications and influence combined with successful selling.

Chris Helder is a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming specialising in advanced communication and behavioural modelling. He will be speaking at the 2014 Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo Business Leaders Summit on August 23.

Describe your career
I have always been passionate about helping others achieve results. With a background in both psychology and NLP, I have been speaking to audiences for the past 12 years. I have done over 1,500 presentations now and the key is that I have been able to combine strong messages with simplicity and humour in a way that audiences can relate to.

Highlights?
I never take this business for granted. My first ever keynote was a highlight because I couldn’t believe I was doing it! I always pinch myself as I have been able to speak all over the world. Conferences in Prague, Barcelona, Chicago, Orlando, Phuket…it’s a lot of fun!

Challenges?
The greatest challenge is the balance between selling and speaking. When you are speaking every day, it is hard to find time to stay in contact with your clients. People think the challenge is having the energy to present on stage every day, but I love it! It gives me energy to be working with great people.

How can you help the beauty industry?
I didn’t seek out the beauty industry but I think it found me! This is an industry that is about people! If you have to influence others for a living, my talk will improve the way you do that.

Main areas of interest?
My programs are relevant for salon owners and beauty professionals because I teach people how to communicate and influence others at a higher level. The strategies are simple enough to implement and proven effective.

Why should beauty professionals listen to you?
Improved communication skill. Improved results. They will laugh. They will have fun. They will improve every aspect of their communication…including the art of nightclub excellence!

One piece of business advice?
I always tell people the key to selling is two words: certainty and simplicity. You have to be certain about what you are trying to achieve and no one buys when they are confused.

For more information visit http://www.internationalbeautyexpo.com.au/en/for-visitors/business-leaders-summit/or http://www.chrishelder.com/