The Irish Franchise Exhibition 21-22 November 2008 RDS Dublin
Free business and franchise seminars
This series of free seminars is designed to give you and your business, the best advice and guidance on all aspects of starting and owning your own business as well as becoming your own boss, and the franchise concept.
Incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference, the seminars will also provide practical information on how to increase your profits and successfully steer your business through its formative years.
The seminars are free to attend, and available on a first come, first served basis. Ensure you arrive early to secure your seat!
Friday 21 November 2008
11:30 – 12:00 Opening Address: An 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
Click here to view John's biography and photo.
14:15 – 14:45 Why business plans are more relevant 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, Palo Alto Software
Click here to view Alan's biography and photo.
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 Sweeney, Chairman & Jay Bourke, Director, Café Bar Deli Franchising
Click here to view Brody and Jay's biography and photo's.
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 & Co-Founder, Fluid Rock
Click here to view Ruth's biography and photo.
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
Click here to view Peter's biography and photo.
Saturday 22 November 2008
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
Click here to view John's biography and photo.
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
Click here to view Tara's biography and photo.
13:15 – 13:45 Finding funding for a 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
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
Click here to view Tara's biography and photo.
15:15 – 15:45 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
Click here to view Tony's biography and photo.
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
Click here to view Sarah's biography and photo.
