 | "A fresh & funny approach to Motivational Speaking."
Jay Leno says this about Ross. "Finally a motivational speaker without the speech. Ross Shafer is one of the funniest guys I know."
With the success of his book, "NOBODY MOVED YOUR CHEESE!" Ross has been called, "America's Accountability Watchdog." Ross' hilarious approach to self-motivation is a result of transforming himself from a miserable pet shop manager to a SIX-TIME Emmy Award winning comedian and writer.
He has hosted several Network Talk & Game shows; including "THE LATE SHOW" on FOX, "DAYS END" on ABC, "THE NEW MATCH GAME" on ABC and "ALMOST LIVE" for NBC.
Ross also has a passion for resurrecting customer service and has written and produced (14) funny Human Resource Training Films on Customer Service, Sales, and Motivation.
But he is most proud of his best selling cookbook COOK LIKE A STUD -38 recipes men can prepare in the garage using their own tools!
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NOBODY MOVED YOUR CHEESE!
is a funny motivational keynote that is (finally) a fresh approach to self motivating employees. Ross gets people laughing and then challenges them to realize that "Success is Your Own Fault!" Ross uses such examples as how he created Bill Nye, The Science Guy, how he changed the Washington State Song to Louie, Louie, how a pet shop manager (Ross) was able to win 6 Emmy Awards, and a dozen others. Ross also includes funny film clips, other mulitmedia elements, and a poignant and powerful close to make this show absolutely unforgettable.
THE CUSTOMER SHOUTS BACK!
is based on Ross' research as the writer/producer of 14 HR training films on customer service, leadership, and corporate peer pressure. If you are brave enough to know what the customer REALLY wants, you'll howl at this revealing look through your customer's eyes. Afterward, your attendees will be energized with original ideas for creating new customers...and how to galvanize loyalty from your current list.
MOST VALUABLE MC
Ross' years of experience as a network talk and game show host make him the perfect multi-day conference (or Gala Awards) master-of-ceremonies. Ross will keep your event fun, quick paced, and hilariously tie everything together so your attendees leave refreshed and excited about getting back to work. Ross is also adept at moderating your expert panel. Ross has proven to get the most value out of people like Jack Welch, Desmond Tutu, James Carville, Russell Simmons, and many more. Add on a customized game show about your organization (that Ross writes) and/or his Keynote Closing Speech and you're getting an amazing value from one speaker!
Ross Shafer Bio Ross Shafer was reared in the rugged timberlands of the Pacific Northwest; where he showed no promise as an accordion prodigy. The sound hurt his ears and it just wasn't the make-me-popular-at-a-campfire instrument he dreamed it would be. In Junior High, Ross mowed enough lawns to switch instruments and buy an electric guitar. Unfortunately, he didn't mow enough lawns to buy an amplifier. So his talent went largely unnoticed. As a senior in High School, Ross made an unlikely Student Body President. His only true political aspiration was to fight for the right to sing the unabridged lyrics to "Louie, Louie." A High School All Conference football player, Ross was awarded a scholarship to play for the University of Puget Sound - a small NCAA-II school whose pride became swollen when they defeated famed Slippery Rock State. Although he was often the player voted most likely to be "shaken up on the play," he did obtain a Business Marketing BA degree within four years...an achievement he's convinced is a school record. In college, Ross and fellow linebacker, Ron Reeves, (whose name is mentioned here for the express purpose of embarrassing him) tried to make extra money as a singing comedy duo. However, Ron abandoned the team at the first sight of a real job and Ross was forced to joke solo. His occasional income had to be supplemented by writing ad copy for desperate carpet companies. "3 Rooms for $399" was his writing peak. He also blew his savings on what he was sure would be the "next big thing." Ross invested everything in America's Only Stereo and Pet Shop. Yeah, right. It was about as successful as chocolate bicycle tires and soon folded. Business failures aside, his jokes still managed to get laughs. In fact, he won the 1983 Showtime Comedy Laugh Off...and virtually overnight (six grueling years) major nightclubs and corporations were duped into hiring Ross to open shows for Dionne Warwick, Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle, Neil Sedaka, and other famous people with good voices. In the summer of 1984, a Seattle television station (KING-TV) had the notion to produce a weekly comedy/talk show called, "Almost Live with Ross Shafer" and launched a search for a comedian with that name. Imagine Ross' amazing luck. In the four years Ross was at the helm of Almost Live, the show collected almost 40 Emmy Awards; six going to Ross for his work as Host, Actor, and Writer - and the prestigious IRIS award for the "Best Entertainment Series" in the United States; which can only be explained as a typo. These were busy times for Ross; who also hosted a daily four-hour afternoon drive radio program on KJR-AM. He never played accordion music. Ross also became a regular contributor to Dick Clark's "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and appeared with Dick as a guest when Ross successfully changed the Official Washington State Song to "Louie, Louie." Ross could finally get some sleep. For a while, critics claimed that with his massive head of hair, Ross looked more like a game show host than a comedian. So, in a semi-hostile takeover, the USA Network hired Ross to host their game show, "Love Me, Love me Not." He also taped game show pilots for NBC and ABC. A disturbing and almost profitable pattern was developing. Under the illusion that Game Shows were somehow culturally important, Ross was offered (2) Ross Shafer Comedy TV Specials, plus a recurring role on Fox Television's "21 Jump Street." About the same time, the Fox network lost Joan Rivers as the host of their flagship late night program, "The Late Show." It competed against Johnny Carson and David Letterman and came complete with scenery, a band, and comfortable talk show seating for six. After a bevy of rotating hosts, Ross was hired as the permanent guy. He chatted it up with celebrities and enjoyed an upscale daily cheese tray. Ross continued to perfect his stand-up act and told jokes on, "Evening At The Improv" "Comic Strip Live," "The A List," and a cavalcade of others. Next came, "Days End, a nightly ABC entertainment magazine co-hosted by Ross and Matt Lauer. The show lasted 6 months and Ross has always wondered whatever became of Matt? Ross also became a published author with the comedy cookbook, "Cook Like A Stud"...38 recipes men can prepare in the garage using their own tools. And he wrote and produced the highly acclaimed comedy CD, "Inside the First Family," a send up of the Clinton Scandals. You're right if you think Ross had too much time on his hands. Oh yes, and there was the successful run as the host of ABC-TV's "Match Game." The show still plays every morning on the Game Show Network. All along, Ross has continued to perform for corporate audiences worldwide. Two new careers came from his corporate exposure. He found that many top company executives are plagued with stage fright. So, Ross is frequently asked to work one-on-one as an executive Public Speaking Coach. Secondly, he has taken a special interest in the decay of Customer Service in this country. With as much traveling as he has done, he found that good customer service was as rare as a five-legged chicken. So, rather than complain about it, he has written and produced a dozen funny HR Training Films on the subject; which are now distributed all over the world. What about comedy? Besides his speaking schedule, Ross is a comedy and game show consultant for the USA network, Bravo, Comedy Central, Broadway Video, and TNN. And has co-created a new Comedy talk/game show for the USA Network - set to launch in 2002. Bottom line? Ross still says he prefers the exhilaration of performing before a LIVE audience. Just as long as he doesn't have to accommodate accordion requests. NOBODY MOVED YOUR CHEESE! Ross Shafer, 6-Time Emmy Award winner and producer of 14 funny Human Resource training films is changing the landscape of MOTIVATION in his groundbreaking approach, NOBODY MOVED YOUR CHEESE! Ross champions employee accountability and responsibility while hilariously challenging the so called "success experts" of our culture. The LA Times says; "Ross Shafer marries perfect humor with the take home message American business craves." PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Find Your Enthusiasm: We all have to be responsible for enjoying what we do. Today, the most profitable companies are taking great care to match employees' passions and interests with their work duties and tasks. Companies can offer training and coaching - but ultimately it is up to you to really examine what gets you excited about what you do. The closer you can integrate your avocations with your vocation, the closer you'll come to true happiness and success. Want proof? When was the last time you got tired of your favorite hobby? Exploit Your Talents: Sometimes we aren't even aware of our most significant talents. Ask your friends and work peers how they see you. Ask them to describe you at your best. You'll be amazed that what you take for granted is a strength you could maximize. My buddy William Nye was a frustrated Boeing engineer before I invited him to do short science experiments on my comedy TV show. I named him "Bill Nye the Science Guy" and the rest is Emmy Award and NASA history. Focus On Your Skills: In our fast moving consolidation/merging/acquisition culture, the best way to "fire-proof" your career is to focus on improving ALL of your skills. Take your natural abilities and augment them with technical, computer, and people skills training. Become an expert in your field. Submit your name and efforts for awards in your industry. Take the initiative to become 'the best of the best' and you will never worry about being "in demand" again. Dave Hopla (the world's greatest basketball shooter) says being great is easy in his field. "Just learn how to shoot the ball correctly...and then shoot it more times than anyone else in the world." Stun Your Customers: "Good" customer service isn't good enough anymore. Be so amazing that your customers and clients will talk about you to other people. Maria Garcia worked in room service at the Orlando Marriott. Everyone who met her raved about her style and imagination. She went so far above and beyond what is considered "acceptable service" that she is now the food and beverage manager at one of their other properties. Her customers accelerated her career for her! Relationships Build Loyalty: Take the risk to like people. Think of your customers as you would any other relationship. Be trustworthy. Be honest. Listen. Show empathy. Relationship building is what is replacing customer service in this decade. Because of the threat of identity theft on the Internet, trusting people one-on-one is even beating the so-called competitive edge of price and convenience. Think about your personal relationships that have stood the test of time. The stronger the relationship...the longer the loyalty. It's no different in business. Motivate By Example: How do you stay motivated every single day; especially when you may be doing the same task over and over? The easiest way to stay motivated is to realize that someone is watching you every single minute. You are being watched by your coworkers, your family, your children, your customers, and anyone else who knows your name and reputation. Your behavior sets the tone for your life and the impression you leave on others. Beyond that, we all have the power to change a person's life by offering the perfect nudge of encouragement at the perfect moment. I can prove it. Who was it that changed your life or career direction for the better? A parent? A teacher? A coach? A scout leader? Chances are that you can recall that person's name in an instant. How awesome would it be if it was YOUR name that was on the top of someone else's mind, right now? ©XXIV Ross Shafer Productions CLIENT TESTIMONIALS "What a blast! An awesomely funny guy!"
James Dillion - US Bancorp "Toughest Association crowd I've seen and you had them rolling."
Mark French - Leading Authorities "You way exceeded our expectations; which were already high from your demo tape."
Karen Hansen - NCR "As I am sure you could tell from the audience response, you were a huge success! Every joke was a hit!"
Lisa Van Horn - Discovery Toys "Exemplary performance and the perfect finishing touch."
Jerry Bower - Apple Computer "Wow! Excellent - Just what we needed. Everyone. and I mean everyone, was impressed with your quick wit!"
Michael Moises - Oregon Trucking Association "Your expertise and professional insight contributed not only to a successful day but to the professional development of our staff."
Andrea McLean - Heery International "I fell off my chair. My sides ached. What does that tell you?"
Drew Keller - Microsoft "You accomplished all three of my goals and did it in a very entertaining and poignant way!"
Robert Seals - Dolce International "People are still raving about you." Spending an hour laughing at ourselves and at your wonderful timing and delivery was the best way to kick off our conference."
Marueen Greeley - Washington State Lottery "With so many positive comments and from the reaction of the group, you really captured the essence of our event."
Scott Koerner - Zones Business Solutions "Once again your performance was outstanding and left us in stitches!"
Margi Lemish - Big O tires "Your performance was exceptional; especially given such short notice. You established a standard of excellence for future years"
Neill Dixon - Canadian Music Awards "You are still the buzz of the office."
Stephanie Reynolds - Sprint "You were funny the first three times we hired you and even funnier the fourth!"
Ed Poplawksi - Costco Wholesale - Chamberlain Assoc. "Absolutely superb - dynamic and entertaining. The audience couldn't stop laughing. Thanks again for making our program such a hit."
Leland Lowe - Intl. Council of Shopping Centers "Once again you were the hit of the convention. No wonder we keep having you back!"
Janet Ramble - Washington State Auto Dealers Assn. "Your performance was the perfect end to a perfect day. You were a tremendous hit!"
Jaqueline Dunbar - Ayco International "I've been putting on convention programs for a decade and without a doubt your stand up routine was the best ever."
H. Mike Miller - Associated Oregon Loggers "You are a funny man...and I saw a number of both men and women laughing very hard. Our group thoroughly enjoyed your act."
Elizabeth Vago - American Iron and Steel Institute |
