It’s all over

by Nicky on December 15th, 2009

Apprentice 2009 Steve Rayner. What a result!! The best man won and I am delighted. He was strong at the beginning of the series, dipped for a while and came back fighting so kudos where deserved. The man of the moment has integrity, amazing selling skills and deserves the opportunity. It is amazing how you only see a certain side of these guys on television and even though I have been through the Apprentice wringer I sometimes forget this. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve and his family over the past few days and I have to say what lovely, genuine people they are. Steve even told me my advice to lose the dog chain was taken on board and his fiancée was thanking me, she didn’t like it either Congratulations are in order but in the same breath I would like to give my sympathies to Stephen. I know that runner up feeling and how devastating it can be so congratulations to him for making it that far, the little tear at the end helped We have all criticised the candidates time to time but it is a reality TV and it is part a parcel of the show but as its over I’d like to say I know how hard the process is and well done to all 14 for making the past 13 weeks addictive watching.

Ok back to the task, without sounding biased I did think the final task was quite basic and small compared to last year and even UK/America series, normally alot more parts to the task. This is down to the production team but last year we had a ball to organise including entertainment, source prizes, run a 3 mobile store, source a celebrity, do aradio interview and a presentation so I was quite surprised, but 2 days is short time to pull it all together and they did well. Maybe they thought being 2 men they wouldn’t be able to multi task, joking!! This year was very different because neither Brian nor Jackie were following the candidates which I thought was strange? Aren’t his eyes and ears meant to advise him of each performance, maybe if we were thinking conspiracy theories they had Steve already in mind as the winner and were just going through the motions. Just a thought!! There was no sales or money or anything to decide a task winner either which is unusual!? Many say Stephen won the final task but I’m not sure. Yes he changed tactic which is admirable and the event looked great but he forgot fundamental basics such as detailed information about the car and venue in his speech which is what the task was about, he didn’t push a boundaries getting a celebrity either, Pippa O’Connor? I don’t want to dig the knife in but I have to report on the task! Steve’s idea was a bit cliché but he worked the room, kept his cool, informed the audience exactly why they were there and all about the car. His speech wasn’t great but I’m surprised he was even able to talk after what happened to Michelle, I’m not sure I could have composed myself because people falling is my giggle weakness!! What a tumble and the 10 times I’ve watched it she really stacked it!! Fair play to her though, she got straight up and kept going. An insider told me she was happy for it to air and was a sport about it. No diva behaviour in sight!

Technically the task was smaller than usual but I still think it was a cracker of an episode, it had humour, bitching, emotion and business of course. The Breffmeister didn’t let us down with his one liners and hilarious reaction to everything. Describing Stephen as a “bull in a china shop but now a calmer Bull” ahaha, his fiesta demonstration skills consisted of smoozing Pippa, who seemed to appreciate our Breff as well. Brian Ormond better watch this space Breff may not have contributed massively to the task but the final would not have been the same without him! I wanted to throttle Sam watching the show last night; it amazes me how some past contestants act on return! Some have a serious case of Hunchback syndrome from the enormous chip on their shoulders! The task was about Stephen, get on with the job and be happy for him, it’s not a competition anymore so I felt the negative comments weren’t necessary. Yes she was honest but I felt it was more begrudgary!

So it’s all over and what a great 13 weeks, what are we going to do!? The Apprentice 2009 was a classic and special thanks to Meteor who included us the public so much more this year, providing us with great unseen clips and gossip!! Also huge thanks to those who read the blog, it is hugely appreciated and I wish you a Happy Christmas and great 2010.

Nicky

Congratulations to Steve!

by The Receptionist on December 15th, 2009

Congratulations to Steve! I always knew he would be the one to watch. I was cringing slightly during his presentation, as I had the feeling he was going to stop, but credit where credit is due, he kept it together. He also got rid of that pin striped suit – thank god he took my advice!

I was glad Stephen didn’t win – I thought he was a coaster from the start. Me this, me that. I’m sure he will get a magazine interview or two and that will be his fifteen minutes over. Either that or he can hang onto Aoiffe’s coat tails which he seems to be doing alot these days.

The party looked great and one person who got so over excited by it all that she took a dive was poor Michelle Heaton. I could barely breathe when I saw it – why is it when people fall over we find it so hilarious? The poor girl looked mortified, but she got up and made a joke about it which I love to see.

Now girls don’t be jealous but I did have the opportunity to meet the Breffmeister last night; alas he was very sore due to my treatment of his “friends” on the blog and didn’t really give me much love. Oh how people can change!

It has been a great thirteen weeks though. I for one certainly enjoyed analysing it all. What on earth are we going to do on a Monday night now?

The Receptionist

The final episode

by Meteor on December 15th, 2009

After thirteen stressful tasks the final had arrived and both Steve and Stephen were the last two men standing. Bill decided to make this a dual task, where the boys had to organise a car launch and promote a local club venue. To help them with this project, Bill invited back all the candidates who were previously fired. Both Stephen and Steve had their choice of who they wanted in their team. Controversially, Stephen decided to choose Sam for his team – we can all remember how they did not get on.

As organising the launch got into full swing, Stephen got wind of the fact that Steve might be doing a Caribbean theme similar to what Stephen had wanted. He decided to change tack and go for a more contemporary style. Both teams lit the room up with colourful dancers, food and drink etc. The bold Breffny spent most of his time flirting with the females instead of demonstrating the car to potential buyers. Steve Rayner appeared very nervous in his presentation, probably put off by the fact that his celebrity speaker fell flat on her face while unveiling the car! Stephen Higgins was praised for his engagement with the audience, something that he was lacking in previous tasks.

Back in the boardroom, all candidates were loyal to their PM. On the day, Stephen Higgins was better on this particular task, but Bill had to take all tasks into account. Due to the current climate, Bill always needed a sales man and so it was Steve Rayner that piped Stephen to the post. Steve Rayner wins The Apprentice 2009!

How time has flown

by Nicky on December 11th, 2009

The final is here and how time has flown! It only seemed like yesterday we were laughing and cringing at Sam singing the “Choc Ice Choo Choo train” thinking who are these 14 lunatics?! Through love affairs, temper tantrums, cat fights and a national pandemic of Breffitis, it is now down to the final 2. No one can deny how entertaining the past 13 weeks have been with the Breffmeister being the highlight for me. Through the tears and boardroom bust ups, Bill picked the finalists, being somewhat of a surprise for some. Like many I would have thought Maria or Lucinda would have definitely made the final and had all the attributes to make a great apprentice. Below is my opinion on the two lads.

Steve – He is my favourite to win. Bill worries he may relapse but I think in Steve’s case success in a fast paced environment drives him. It seems Bill is looking for a particular type of apprentice this year that will focus on sales throughout the organisation. Steve is this man, not only can he sell but train other employees throughout Glencullen and help increase the bottom line, which every business needs in this tough climate. He differs from Stephen because he has better people skills so I think current employee’s will listen to him and work for him.

Stephen – It is hard to know whether what we see is the real Stephen or editing. Other candidates have praised him and picked him as the winner but I just don’t see it, even Bill has talked about some extraordinary skills he has? It would be a shame if we have been somewhat misinformed by production who mainly showed this aggressive, ego maniac side to fit a “character”. For me there has been no task where he has ever stood out and excelled. His lack of people skills and distrust of people would never work in Bill’s organisation. Bill is all about positive thinking and extreme enthusiasm. Stephen “The Terminator” Higgins may have drive, ambition and a yearning to win but he exudes this negative vibe, maybe sub consciously but people do not warm to him. If Stephen does not win there could be a dramatic shirt ripping, a zoolander glance with “Bill I’ll be back”! In his manly Galway accent of course J

There have been so many highlights in this year’s Apprentice and it has grown so much as a show. The tasks have been more professional, show casing what’s really needed in the business world. Love or hate them the candidates were entertaining and of course Bill rocked! Even if he did have a few craggy Island moments. It is going to be a nail biting final and I wish them both the best of luck but my money is on Steve!!

Nicky

Business people or “celebs”?

by The Receptionist on December 9th, 2009

Maybe it’s just me, but is anyone slightly confused as to whether certain members of The Apprentice candidate line up, ever really wanted to be The Apprentice or just wanted to see what colour the walls are in the VIP area of Krystle? Throughout this week and last, I have opened numerous copies of different papers and magazines to see those who did not make it, try to ‘make it’ on Dublin’s social scene. Did Bill Cullen make his millions falling out club doors at all hours of the morning or is that just the only way to do it these days? Maybe that’s where I am going wrong, what if I give Aoiffe a buzz and ask her can I trail along with her and the Breffmeister next time they are hitting the tiles? Oh but then again, these are the people that complained how they were represented and how they don’t want all the media attention. Please guys we have seen what fools you can be, don’t think we don’t see what you are up to. Lets just hope your next interviewer doesn’t read the tabloids.

I think its time I hit my bed, I’m obviously a little grumpy!!
The Receptionist

Geraldine is out

by The Receptionist on December 7th, 2009

I am all about the gossip and the inside story, but this week while watching Steve admit to his troubles of his past, something just did not feel right inside me. Steve has been a great candidate so far and I asked myself tonight was it really necessary to bring up his past? I came to the conclusion, if you put yourself out there on reality TV; you are putting yourself out there for a personal interrogation. One thing is for sure, the way he handled this question and explained his situation was deserving of praise. It show’s what an even stronger candidate this young man is.

As for Stephen Higgins! What an egomaniac! I really doubt that the young generation of Ireland are quaking in their boots at the thought of Stephen feeling he is the most talented of them. So talented Stephen, that you actually promoted yourself, resulting in you lying on your CV application? I think it’s time Stephen realised he probably has more potential to be Bill’s bodyguard than his apprentice.

Goodbye Geraldine. It has to be said Geraldine made good TV. Unfortunately she just was that tiny bit childish, bursting out into giggles of laughter when it wasn’t appropriate. I could see her falling into the trap of bad mouthing the other candidates the minute she opened her mouth. Once again my theory that she has a little crush on Bill shone to light with her describing him as ‘cute’. Yes, yes she said she meant it to mean sharp, but her body language told a completely different story. At least she wore a killer pair of heels to the interview, maybe she thought she could stick her left foot into Gavin Duffy’s eye when the going got tough. After all, there was no Breffny there to rescue her!

The Receptionist

The bully boy task

by Nicky on December 7th, 2009

Kudos where deserved and all 3 candidates do deserve it! Yes they made mistakes or fumbled slightly but over all they had composure and were articulate and honest when faced with the difficult questions. All 3 were so self assured going in and you need this to survive, I know how hard it is from experience. Ok Stephen’s self confessed love of himself whilst looking like he’s going to de-combust (the red neck) did get a bit embarrassing, Steve’s deep into space, nine facial impressions, was kind of creepy and Geraldine’s obsession with shoes was a tad inappropriate. Did she say “cheap as” or “cheap ass” when speaking with Gavin Duffy? But Overall fair play!

The interview which always stands out is Gavin Duffy as he is given the bully boy task and god he is good. He has a way of running rings around you, picking up on your every word and manipulating you into saying something you never would. Last year I managed to avoid wearing my CV by dodging it as he almost threw it at me. He is actually a pussy cat and a really nice man. He is given the job of pushing your buttons to see how you react under that scrutiny and personal attack. The clever man he is, managed to get Steve to open up about a complicated past. Alcoholism and gambling is not easy to admit and I have a new found respect for Steve. The production team contact every person you know to dig dirt and that skeleton was never going to be buried. Steve tackled the issue before Gavin had a chance so this way Steve had control and Gavin seemed to back down. I had an uneasy feeling about Steve in the past and felt there was more to him than meets the eye. I feel a bit guilty as now I realise it wasn’t that he was fake or had a game plan but obviously battling obstacles as being colour blind, dyslexic and dealing with addiction. He never used these as an excuse or for sympathy but kept it hidden, maybe to avoid special treatment. I wouldn’t patronise him with a sympathy vote but I think he did the best in the interviews and it was admirable how honest he was.

It will be battle of the pin stripes in this all male final! Definitely going to be testosterone fuelled because even when Bill fired Geraldine, there was no celebratory hand shake or smiles between Steve and Stephen, they didn’t even look happy. Brenda and I were smiling so much we nearly swallowed our ears! The game is on and you can tell they both will fight to the death.

Geraldine did well; I liked how she repeated the panellist names regularly throughout the interviews. This is renowned trick in interview techniques which is meant to help people warm to you, consciously and sub consciously. It is now obvious Bill is looking for a hardnosed individual to get the job done, whichever way! I would have preferred to see Geraldine in the final than Stephen. He still has that lazy persona and at one point I thought he was going to yawn mid interview. It still shocks me why people on the apprentice lie on their CV, of course you will get caught!! Did Stephen never watch a series of the Apprentice? He didn’t even seem embarrassed. He probably would have said he was Bill Cullen if he could and when asked his reply would be “that would be a fair assessment”. No shame.

My favourite of the night was Bill, he seemed different!? He smiled a lot and seemed to be on happy pills in “apprentice never ever land”. He referred to the three remaining as extraordinary on numerous occasions. Really Bill? They have all achieved a huge amount to get this far but I don’t think I would go as far as extraordinary. I’m not mad about Steve or Stephen but my money is on Steve!

Nicky

Week 12 Catch up

by Meteor on December 7th, 2009

Week twelve and it’s interview time. A nervous Geraldine, Steve and Stephen prepared themselves for a tough gruelling at the hands of Gavin Duffy- media mogul, Sheena Clohessy -HR consultant and David Block and Mairead Flemming – both from Brightwater recruitment. No rock was left unturned by these four expert interviewers.

Stephen was full of confidence in the interviews. He was drilled on his lack of people skills and tendency to be aggressive. The interviewers were doubtful of his arrogance but felt that he certainly had the drive to get the job done. Steve Rayner again was complimented on his selling skills, but was questioned on his personal life and whether he had what it takes to deal with the stressful environment we are currently in. Geraldine was described as charming overall. They even went as far as to say that she lights up the room. However she has a long way to go. She does not have the experience to hit the ground running and is prone to childish outbursts of giddiness.

After a long discussion with his interviewers, Bill had a tough decision to make. All three remaining candidates have certain qualities that are suited to his organisation. He warned Stephen that he needs to lose the arrogance or aggressiveness as some have described. In the end it was Geraldine that had to go, leaving Stephen, Steve and Bill to go and have a nice cosy dinner together.

Can’t wait for the interviews

by Nicky on December 5th, 2009

The public were shocked at Lucinda going but I realised this week the person most shocked was Lucinda herself. It seems Lucinda has been analyzing the firing since then and in a way I don’t blame her. One thing is for sure the girl has kahoona’s! She was sure to let Bill know how regretful he will be in a year’s time, the best was Lucinda pouncing on Jackie in the Newstalk interview, it was hand bags at dawn with Lucinda standing her ground and telling Jackie what’s what! Brave woman!

Monday night’s episode is the dreaded gut wrenching interviews! The candidates better be prepared for the roasting of their lives. At least they were more prepared from watching last year but I guarantee any skeletons they think are well and truly hidden will raise their ugly heads. They contact everybody and anybody to dig the dirt! Who will spill on which candidate? Nail biting stuff!
It is a living nightmare where I experienced all over bruising from pinching myself to wake up! Any inflated ego’s or know it all attitudes will be sucked out, including a part of your dignity and soul:) It is that bad! The public see about 2 – 5 minutes of each interview but actually they are about 45 minutes each, all apprentice bashing! I remember the production crew and drivers commented that in all the tasks which we stayed up all night they had never seen us so exhausted. It is mentally and emotionally challenging and one of the hardest tasks. The most frustrating part I found was when the panel try and fabricate a story or go down a route totally irrelevant. Each of us last year hated different interviews but my worst was Gavin Duffy! When I entered the room he was sunshine lollipops and as the interview started he just started hitting me with grenades of accusations! At one point he picked up my CV and basically threw it at me. What they aired was my initial shock and stumbling slightly but what you didn’t see much of was me defending myself but not aggressively, they try and get you to lose the head! I had an Ally Mc Beal moment where I saw myself being lifted from my body, jumping over the table and drop kicking him whilst actually grinning through greeted teeth. I thankfully managed to hold my composure. You think you have done terribly but they are looking for certain attributes and he gave me the best feedback to Bill!!

In hindsight the interviews were a great experience, if I was able to get through personal and professional assassinations of this kind I am able to face any difficult situation or person. Your confidence builds and no person or interview seems intimidating. It gave me the guts to take more risks and not fear rejection so much. This is the one task where you are responsible for your fate and there is no one to blame. It is the last leg and the candidates will already be exhausted, nerve racking knowing their past or reaction to interviews could cost them the final. They all seem very confident in the unseen footage but it is human nature to get defensive, who can keep this under control.
The word on the street is not to miss this episode. Some shock revelations are unfolded and there is a lot of squirming and cringe moments! I feel for Ger, Steve and Stephen this week. It is really tough and a serious test in self control. The public have a love/hate relationship with these episodes, you want to look away but you can’t. It is going to be interesting!!! Who will survive the storm?

Nicky

I don’t believe Lucinda was fired!

by Nicky on December 1st, 2009

I don’t believe Lucinda was fired! She was the winner in my eyes and now I have to eat my words about boycotting the show! Obviously I could never do that and only bluffed because I never thought Bill would actually fire her. To be honest I don’t think he thought he would have to make the choice. When the teams were divided most people thought Lucinda and Steve were the stronger team and win hands down but Ger and Stephen pulled it out of the bag. Unfortunately bad luck the losing team was strong because Bill had to fire a great candidate, I am very sad to see her go but with the 3 stooges campaign they were lambs to the slaughter.

After repeated criticism for being creative fire blankets, this was the task to prove otherwise but what an extreme to go to. The moment they decided on 3 Wise Men theme I was hesitant but thought Lucinda is a clever marketer so this could end up quite cool, I am full to the brim from eating my words this week! As the white shirts and tacky party hats came out I had a slow motion run towards the tv “nooooooooooooooo…”but she had committed and there was no going back! The model pictures looked like mug shots or criminals in strait jackets at their Christmas party! “Americas Next Top Model” Lucinda? Lucinda? Lucinda? It was simple, they were so adamant about winning and impressing Bill with creativeness they totally lost sight of reality and the client. The radio ad was just as comical, Rhubarb and Custard eat your heart out! I found the boardroom quite difficult to watch, Steve acts like he is the nicest guy but has this façade in boardroom and I do think he is more cunning than people think. I have to admit something about Steve makes me uneasy but I can’t place my finger on it, Maria’s comment “there is more to Steve then we see” always resounds in my mind. He played a game in the boardroom; he focused more on tearing Lucinda down than his strengths. As a boardroom virgin I think she became slightly intimidated. Herself and Steve at parts were really “what you can do I can do better” and then with panic came a slight desperation for Lucinda claiming she would become a “cow” for Bill. Always stay true to yourself, she was a lady and absolutely was sharp, no such thing as being too nice and Lucinda was so competitive she would always do well.

Who would have thought Platinum would do so well especially considering the task began with “trust” issues and the word “petty” but fair play, they didn’t take it personally and got on with it. Geraldine pulled a blinder, she had no experience in recording studio’s or radio ads but got it bang on! She has an ability to extract the best out of people and really knew what she wanted. Her presentation has improved dramatically, you could see Appleby had connected with her and attracted to the warmth of her speech. She has grown the most in this process. Their campaign was very Appleby, actually very similar to current campaigns, both print and radio. They knew creative was important but in this case brand was more important. Appleby are a family business with very conservative views, Platinum knew this was not the task to take too much of a risk. Stephen has such a bad persona with people, he seemed really ignorant when meeting the models and as Jackie said it was embarrassing. You need to connect with people so they open up and give you what you need; they need to trust in your directions. I have to question this romantic side Bill referred to. Do we really think Stephen wrote it? I am pretty confident love poems were googled but in fairness the concept was romantic and looked well. Being a Christmas theme it would have been nice to have a couple standing by the Christmas tree exchanging presents and the decorations could have been Appleby jewellery, showcasing all their ranges.

It was disappointing to see Lucinda go and I felt for her in the car as you could see she was gutted! Bill needs to “Galvanize” Brian and Jackie (this seems to be this year’s Apprentice buzz word) and really consider who the best person for the job is now.

Nicky