This week’s task was definitely one for the boys, wasn’t it?
It that why Michael hated it and Claire loved it?
The task was simply “hire out 2 super-cars” – the team who brings in the most money wins.
Team Leaders this week were Lee and Michael. One had to be Michael as he practically begged Sir Alan Sugar (SAS) to let him prove himself.
Well this task did not bring out the best in Michael.
One, he hated cars.
Two, he was tired.
Three, he had enough – he had given up.
Four, he thinks he is a ‘natural born salesman’ (his words) – he is not.
So where would you pitch your car to hire out at extortionate rates?
Somewhere there are many boys with lots of money.
What about Harrods?
No, don’t be stupid!
Well that is where Michael first went and he asked a bunch of 15-year-old kids if they wanted to hire a super-car.
Sums Michael up really, doesn’t it.
Then to make it even worse, if that is possible, Michael’s second pitch was a fruit and veg market.
Lovely jubbly.
This was where Michael follows a customer prospect around the streets begging him to hire the Ferrari.
It was truly embarrassing.
What I didn’t understand is why didn’t they pitch both cars together, next to each other.
Then we had Lee’s team. They did pitch one of their super-cars in the Banking world of London, where they had many admirers. But Lee had picked the most expensive super-car to hire out at £2750 per day.
My first car was £50 and I owned it!
Now let us talk about Lucinda.
Some weeks I love Lucinda and others I think she is useless. This week was one of them when I thought ‘useless’.
She cannot sell.
She cannot do technology.
However, she is a good caring manager.
Only today, I saw a newspaper headline ‘Happiness is kind boss’.
A caring boss is more likely to make workers happy than big salaries.
But being a caring boss is not enough for SAS. I think he wants a rough ‘all rounder’. Someone who can manage, someone who can sell, someone who can build relationships and someone who can communicate.
SAS will then take that rough ‘all rounder’ and mould them into shape.
I do not think Lucinda is a rough ‘all rounder’. I hope I am wrong because as I say I do like her, she has had a lot of stick and criticism from some of the other apprentices and she has bounced back. If Lucinda won, I would be happy but I do not think she will.
Who else shall we talk about?
Lee.
Another one I love and hate.
I love his passion, his attitude, his hard work.
I hate his stupid outbursts and silly ‘motivational’ noises.
“THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT”
Shut-up, PLEASE.
This week one mistake which I thought Lee made which I didn’t see SAS pick up on – Lee’s sales technique.
Lee basically said to a prospect “Go-on hire this car. Make MY day”.
“MY day”!
As a customer, I do not care about making YOUR day. I am thinking what is in this for me, not you.
When selling you must paint the picture of the benefit for the customer not yourself.
So I now would like to talk about Claire.
Claire is listening to feedback and changing accordingly. This week she was a star. A selling star. SAS notices the effort and change in people over the weeks and this puts Claire in the front seat to win The Apprentice.
I have to hand it to Claire, she is good. She is determined. She is a good rough ‘all rounder’.
Helena – not worth talking about – she’s going in the next episode.
So who went this week. It had to be Michael. He had nothing left. He had given his all.
Back in week 6, I gave my opinion of who could win:
Claire – strong, driven, creative, decision maker
Raef – respected, charismatic, confident, great talker
Lee – confident, easily builds relationships, gets things done
Claire and Lee are still there.
I really don’t think Helena will.
I would love to see Lucinda win but I don’t think she will.
All three previous winners have been like Alex. Quiet, produces results when required and good at building relationships.
Will SAS appoint a different type this year? I think so and that is why I do not think Alex will win.
Therefore, that leaves Lee and Claire for me. Both excellent rough ‘all rounders’.
Is the winner Claire?
Or is the winner Lee?
If I were forced, I would pick Claire to win. The biggest change in an individual over the past few weeks and SAS likes that.
Who do you think will win?
The Apprentice - Idiots, Stalkers and Automobiles - To learn more about this author, visit Andrew Rondeau's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Styles of Leadership
|
| |
 I think the candidates on last season's The Apprentice were the best we have had so far. They were intelligent and resourceful, and most of them possessed strong leadership skills.
|
|
Never Quit: A Lesson from The Apprentice
|
| |
I was shocked after a recent task on The Apprentice, when a candidate resigned instead of taking her chances in the boardroom. After having a tough time as project manager - and knowing her teammates certainly didn’...
|
|
Apprentice - What an utter shambles
|
| |
Be warned – this posting reveals who has been ‘fired’ from the sixth episode and the rest of the post is only my observation and opinion based upon 60 minutes of edited TV, nothing more.
|
|
The Apprentice Youre Hired
|
| |
So who did Sir Alan hire?
Surprized?
|
|
Donald Trump Apprentice
|
| |
 In 2004, Donald Trump proved that he could not only conquer the world of real estate, but also television. With the launch of The Apprentice, Donald Trump had created the number one new show on TV for adults aged 18...
|
 |
Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors |
|
The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.
|
|
|
Andrew Rondeau
(Visit Andrew's Website)
Andrew Rondeau transformed himself from a
$4 an-hour petrol-pump attendant to a
highly successful Senior Manager earning
$500k every year. Discover how you can
remove your fear and reduce your stress of
being a manager by receiving Andrew's free
Management e-Course and report: ww
w.greatmanagement.org/
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
