Business Gateway running new courses in 2011
More and more businesses in Ross-shire are turning to social media and now with the help of Business Gateway they can learn exactly how to use the medium to increase sales.
A recent course held in Gairloch for the Wester Ross based Celtic Fringe Tourism Association and attended by over 20 people, was a great success and has led Business Gateway to arrange more for the future.
Many local companies believe social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter will be an essential tool in 2011 and want to learn more about how this can be beneficial to them.
Course organiser, Douglas Gibson, commented “We had huge interest in this, and only some travel issues prevented an even larger attendance. Without exception, everybody felt that this was worthwhile course. The feedback from participants was excellent with everyone saying it was interesting, enjoyable and informative as well as admitting it would change the way they promoted themselves and the area.”
During the last year many businesses owners in the area have been asking their local Business Gateway Regional Development officers for advice on how they can use social media to engage with their target customers.
Business Gateway offers entrepreneurs the chance to learn about social media, the pros and cons of using it and which type will be most suited to their particular business, either through their workshops or via one-to-one advice.
Donald Mackenzie, Services Manager, Business Gateway said: “Social networking is becoming more and more important to the area’s business community. Facebook, Twitter and other sites such as Trip Adviser now all play a huge role in developing a company’s reputation and profile.
“We have been approached by many tourism businesses in Ross-shire, all keen to take advantage of the opportunities social networking sites offer. Our first course was aimed at those in the tourism industry but social media affects every kind of business so we hope our future workshops will be a great addition to our event schedule for all local companies.”
Rene Looper of 4TM, a social media marketing business that is running the events said: “The feedback we received from the recent workshop has been very positive and shows us that social media is an important issue in the area. The workshops are specifically designed to guide people through the different types of digital opportunities available and to advise them on which ones can benefit them the most.
“We hope that the workshops we run in conjunction with Business Gateway will open up the advantages of social media to a wider audience. With millions of people on Twitter and Facebook companies can’t afford not to have a social media presence.”
Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses.
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help you set up and develop your own business as well as find out when and where workshops are taking place, visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively call your local Business Gateway office directly on 01463 713889.
Issued on behalf of Business Gateway, Highlands Office by Wave Pr. For more information contact Lauren Mirzai on 0141 225 0402 / 07905 241682