Comment
We often seem to think that multi nationals and franchises are going to be the green light for future prosperity.
But I wonder…..
Such firms might create some employment but they generally reduce the extent that local monies stays local. Take a walk down Horton Street some time and count how many of the businesses are locally owned and operated rather than part of a national franchise or corporate head office. It appears to me that there is tremendous unmet potential residing in local businesses already operating and with a strong desire to grow. Local business are therefore the focus of our programs and I would look forward to talking with you about how our various programs might meet your needs.
I am also on the lookout for skilled people to interview those local businesses who are poised for growth so that we can jointly promote their endeavours.
Business Visitation
I am about to resume the provision of business visitation after the holiday season to find out what is working well in your business and the challenges you are confronting. You never know – I just might know someone I can put you in touch with who has experience in this area.
If you would like to be visited, please call me on 6581 8660. I would also like to come to your place of business to see how things work. Please allow at least 45 minutes.
Journey of Flavour & Customer Care Websites
To be successful, you need to do something better than everyone else or, better still, something else nobody else can do.
In other words, you must find out what differentiates you. This particularly applies to ‘me – too’ businesses which abound in our area.
Although it may sound trite, one of the most cost-effective ways to be different is to be excellent. Being excellent in service provision is far from easy as it requires breaking down habit, constant reinforcement, measurement and using this data to constantly improve.
Our approach has been to try and assist, however we can with this task. Check out the new Journey of Flavour and Customer Care websites for a range of information including the benefits of having your business accredited, what the programs aims and objectives are, as well as how to seek accreditation. Regular newsletters and details of upcoming events are also on the sites.
Find out which businesses have joined Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Customer Care and Journey of Flavour programs with the click of a mouse following the launch of our two new websites.
Both websites were launched on Monday, 31 January.
The timing of the launch is perfect as nominations for the annual Customer Care Service Excellence Awards open on Friday 4th February with nominations now available through the website.
The Customer Care Program is an initiative of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and is driven by industry through the Chambers of Commerce, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism, Hastings Business Women's Network, HBEC and the NSW Business Chamber.
The “Journey of Flavour” branding facilitates media promotion of the region and helps develop the identity of Greater Port Macquarie as a premier food and wine destination.
Potential shoppers and diners can find out where to buy local products from or where the best dining experiences are located.
To find out more about the Journey of Flavour and Customer Care programs go to www.journeyofflavour.com.au and www.customercareprogram.com.au
Gain Competitive Advantage by Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
The purpose of this newsletter is not to act as a landing page for the activities of others. There are other newsletters including the HBEN that do this well. However the following attachment appears to be worthy of consideration.
This free half-day workshop is an excellent opportunity to find out more about how your business can contribute to a low carbon economy and gain advantage.
Half-Day Workshop
Glasshouse Theatre
Clarence St (Cnr Hay St) Port Macquarie
When: 23 FEBRUARY 2011
9.15am for a 9.30am start
Rob Cawthorne, Managing Director of the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) will present the workshop.
To register on-line please visit:
"Please note the opinions expressed in this email are mine and not those of Port Macquarie-Hastings"
