Free conference
The free conference at Growing Your Own Business features a range of successful speakers discussing varying subjects relating to small business development. The high quality informative conference is an ideal way to be inspired and get all the small business advice you need.
You are not required to sign up to attend the conference, although we do ask that you arrive 5 - 10 minutes before the session is about to begin to ensure your seat.
View the 2007 conference programme.
You can now vew the 2008 conference programme below.
The Growing Your Own Business Conference theatre is sponsored by Barclays Bank
Conference programme
Friday October 03 2008
10:30 - 11:00 Successful entrepreneur, successful business!
• Traits, attitudes and abilities that make a successful business leader
• Planning your route to achieving business goals
• Top tips to maintain motivation and drive for success
• Where to find support for growing businesses and entrepreneurs
Hugo Burge, Head of International & Vice Chairman, Cheapflights.co.uk. More Info >
11:15 - 11:45 Franchising your business
• Advantages of franchising your business
• How do you make your business ‘franchiseable’?
• Developing a suitable franchise system
• The dos and don’ts of franchising
Brian Smart, Director General, British Franchise Association. More Info >
12:15 - 12:45 Becoming a dynamic and inspirational leader
• How excellence in leadership can improve business effectiveness
• Core skills required to become a confident and supportive leader
• Honing in on your skills to delegate authority, run meetings and resolve conflicts
• Using you leadership skills to handle real-business situations
William Montgomery, CEO, TEN. More Info >
13:15 - 13:45 How to get customers to come to you
• Discover 3 secrets for attracting more business
• Learn why low cost marketing works the best
• Find out how to create a river of sales enquiries
• Turbo charge your marketing results!
Nigel Temple, Founder, The Marketing Compass. More Info >
14:15 - 14:45 Exceptional customer service that retains customers
• The right approach to achieve good customer service
• Managing customer needs and expectations
• How to retain customers through relationship management
• Handling customer complaints effectively and efficiently
Geoff Ramm, Marketing Speaker, GeoffRamm.com. More Info >
15:15 - 15:45 Networking - connecting business people
• Why should you network with other business professionals?
• Tips on how to become a confident networker
• Building relationships effectively
• Making the most of your new connections
Mike Segall, Partner, The Business Resources Group. More Info >
16:00 - 16:30 Developing an online business with minimal risk
• How to set up an effective online e-commerce shop
• Creating distribution channels for your products
• How to use online marketing to build a brand for your website
• How to look after your customers without needing additional resources
Benjamin Fountain, Managing Director, TheSelect.co.uk. More Info >
Saturday October 04 2008
10:30 - 11:00 Lessons of a successful entrepreneur
• Risks of entrepreneurship
• Overcoming the obstacles to reach your goals
• How to remain productive when you feel like giving up
• What they don’t teach you about being an entrepreneur
Simon Morris, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, LOVEFILM International. More Info >
11:15 - 11:45 Growing your business through franchising
• The pros and cons of franchising your business
• Deciding whether franchising suits you and your business
• How to effectively franchise your business
• Where to seek advice and guidance
Brian Smart, Director General, British Franchise Association. More Info >
12:15 - 12:45 Taking charge of your sales pipeline
• The importance of a clearly defined sales strategy
• Putting your strategy into action
• How to generate leads without cold calling
• How to close more sales without being pushy
Richard White, Business Development Director, Pro Excellence. More Info >
13:15 - 13:45 Efficient cash flow management
• Cash vs profits
• How to speed up your receivables
• Managing your payments
• How to survive a financial shortfall
Robert Snaith, Director, Central Enterprise Solutions. More Info >
14:15 - 14:45 Successful search engine optimisation
• Why do you need search engine optimisation?
• How to use SEO to drive more business to your site
• Free web tools to assist with your SEO campaign
• Tips to get you started
Neil Stickells, Head of SEO, Steak. More Info >
15:00 - 15:30 Getting your business noticed with PR
• Benefits of using PR to promote your business
• Defining what’s newsworthy about what your business does
• Developing an angle that will attract journalists
• Getting your own coverage whilst piggy-backing on other stories
Chantal Cooke, Director, PassionForThePlanet.com. More Info >
