Cairns locals learn how to unlock their business potential

Whether starting a small business or looking to improve marketing strategies, Far Northerners are encouraged to take advantage of workshops on offer this month to stimulate their business minds.

Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle, also the Member for Cairns, said the Cairns Regional Development Centre would hold three workshops to help business owners and managers improve their skills and increase turnover.

“Owning small business can be a rewarding experience, nonetheless thorough research and planning is critical,” Ms Boyle said.

“The Your First Step workshop on 13 February will help people to plan their business and take progressive steps to achieve your goals.”

The second workshop, Smart Marketing is on 20 February and teaches the importance of continuing to learn about new successful marketing techniques to effectively market the business, its products and yourself.

Darren Cleland, Acting Director of the Cairns Regional Development Centre, said it would give owners and operators new ideas for getting messages and products out there.

He added that the Managing Customer Service workshop on 27 February recognised the benefits of customer loyalty programs and would help business operators develop their own Customer Service Action Plan.

“Exceptional customer service can generate word-of-mouth promotion, which is an inexpensive and effective way of not only retaining existing customers, but attracting new ones,” Mr Cleland said.

All workshops cost $33.00 and are on from 5.30pm-8.30 pm in the Boardroom, ground floor, Cairns Port Authority Building, Cnr Grafton & Hartley Streets.

For more information, or to book for any of the workshops, contact the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Centre in Cairns on (07) 4048 1111 or visit www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au/cairns

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Media contact: 3224 2007

30 January, 2008