Hypnotist Paul McKenna has given hundreds of Norfolk business leaders tips on improving their performance.Mr McKenna was speaking at the start of the two day OnView!03 business fair at the Norfolk Showground.

Hypnotist Paul McKenna has given hundreds of Norfolk business leaders tips on improving their performance.

Mr McKenna was speaking at the start of the two-day OnView!03 business fair at the Norfolk Showground.

He told the audience they could improve their performance by changing the way they thought and imagined things.

His 'motivational breakfast' encouraged people to harness the power of positive thought and encouraged them to laugh more.

As well as being a world-renowned hypnotist, Mr McKenna works with celebrities to overcome their fears.

He said by retraining their minds people could overcome obstacles like the fear of flying.

And he encouraged people to retrain their inner voices to be more optimistic.

"People think ahead to an event and think all of the things that could go wrong," he said. "That's good because it prepares you for the pitfalls ahead. But it is bad because you haven't prepared for the possibility it may go well."

After his talk, Mr McKenna was given a tour of some of the exhibition halls and had the chance to sit in the Lotus Grand Prix car driven by Ayrton Senna.

The car, which was on show to highlight the strength of Norfolk's engineering industry, is owned by Classic Team Lotus.

The first day of OnView!03 also featured a talk on marketing by Chris Lamaison, chairman of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a lunch organised by NR Squared which brought together entrepreneurs and investors.

More than 100 exhibitors are taking part, from organisations such as the Learning and Skills Council and Business Link to Norwich City FC, Norwich City College and Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES).

Alan Marshall, managing director of Catalyst for Success said: "OnView!03 has got off to a fantastic start and we're absolutely delighted. Paul McKenna's performance was truly inspirational and, with standing room only, it gave the event just the kick off we were hoping for.

"There has been a steady flow of visitors all day which is a real credit to the businesses and sponsors that have worked so hard to deliver a programme with something for everyone. There is plenty more on today including Charles Clarke MP who will lead a debate on the euro and Britain in Europe - which should spark a lively discussion."