The free seminars at Growing Your Own Business feature a range of successful speakers discussing varying subjects relating to small business development.

View the Dublin 2008 Growing Your Own Business Conference programme below:

1:30 - 12:00 Introduction to franchising

• The business format for franchising
• Pros and cons of franchising
• To what extent do you have control over the business and it’s direction?
• The role of the Irish Franchise Association in raising ethical standards

John Green, Chairman, Irish Franchise Association. More Info >

12:30 - 13:30 Franchisee Forum - from employee to franchise
This is the visitors chance to ask questions to a panel of existing successful franchisees about the transition from being an employee to working for themselves. There will be a cross section of industries represented in the panel, and the final twenty minutes allows for a networking session.

14:15 - 14:45 Why business plans are more revelant than ever before

• The importance of having an accurate business plan
• Identifying what content is essential for your plan
• Killer tips for a winning business plan
• What the banks are looking for in a business plan

Alan Gleeson, Managing Director, Alan Gleeson. More Info >

15:15 - 15:45 Franchising Your business

• What are most vital components of a franchised business?
• At what stage should you consider franchising as a way of expansion?
• How can you make your business ‘franchisable’?
• Top tips for new franchisors

Brody Sweeny & Jay Bourke, Chairman & Director, Cafe Deli Bar Franchising. More Info >

16:15 - 16:45 Search engine marketing - making your way to the top

• Understanding how search engines work
• Putting yourself in the shoes of those searching for your services
• How to increase the visibility of your website on search result pages
• Techniques to convert visitors into buyers

Ruth Mac Partlin, CEO & Founder, Fluid Rock. More Info >

17:00 - 17:30 Sales tips and techniques to boost your business

• Improving your sales and negotiation skills
• How can you best measure and evaluate sales?
• Ensuring your sales techniques will encourage customer retention
• Where to source new leads and develop a steady stream of customers

Peter Lawless, Director, 3R Sales and Marketing. More Info >

Saturday November 22 2008

00:00 - 00:00 Understanding the franchisee contract

• What should you expect from a franchise contract?
• What are the most important features from a franchisee perspective?
• What restrictions, if any, are in place and why?
• Understanding the terminology and clauses

Tony Fitzpatrick, Managing Partner, Emerson French Consulting. More Info >

11:30 - 12:00 Selecting the right franchise for you

• Identifying the right type of franchise model for you
• Understanding the importance of thorough research
• Tips on how to identify ethical franchise companies
• Developing your skills to aid in becoming a business owner

John Green, Chairman, Irish Franchise Association. More Info >

12:15 - 12:45 Small business, big marketing

• How to compete with larger companies using effective market positioning
• Differentiating yourself from competitors
• Developing powerful marketing messages that help you sell
• Tips for reducing the your marketing costs

Tara Wilson, Managing Director, Select Digital Print. More Info >

13:15 - 13:45 Finding funding for your franchise

• What are the best options for franchise funding?
• Understanding of the true amount of money you need to invest
• Providing the right information to impress your investors
• What questions do YOU need to ask?

Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank. More Info

14:15 - 14:45 Becoming an exceptional entrepreneur

• What does it takes to manage your own business?
• Anticipating challenges you are likely to encounter
• How to remain motivated and drive your business forward
• Developing the skills you need to ensure successful leadership

Tara Dalrymple, Founder, Busy Lizzie. More Info >

16:00 - 16:30 Building your customer base through great customer service

• How to develop, maintain and expand your business through excellent customer service
• Understanding client behaviour and creating lasting satisfaction
• Developing a unique customer service
• Measuring the quality of your service

Sarah Carroll, Founder & Managing Director, Eventznet. More Info >