An export workshop aimed at helping Pacific Island exporters learn from New Zealand entrepreneurs to survive in the tough economic climate is on this week in Auckland.
The four day “Export Marketing workshop – Making a difference to your success” from 20 – 23 October 2008, at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane attracted 12 delegates from the six Pacific Island nations of Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The workshops organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat together with the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ is being run in conjunction with the Foodtech Packtech Trade Show being held at the Auckland Showgrounds from 21-23 October 2008.
New Zealand business entrepreneurs included Yola Macken, director of project management consultancy YoJo, Ulu Aiono of Founder of Cogita computer company, Frank Koloi of Ethnic Communications and Bill Mikaere on Maori business branding were amongst the presenters.
Greg Strong, of G.A Strong & Associations delivered a blunt message during his presentation on Tips for Creating a Marketing budget said “there are no magic answers.”
“Don’t spend money unless it’s absolutely necessary and have stick to a good plan.” But getting out into the market and meeting people was also a top priority.
Mr Strong laid out a simple plan recommending a realistic budget, cutting back on any unnecessary extra costs if they don’t come under marketing plans.
“Get out there and pump the market and if you don’t like pumping the market – you shouldn’t be in there. “Go out and have a beer and get to know your market. It’s simple and it isn’t easy.”
The practical message was echoed in earlier presentations.
The 12 delegates are drawn from a mix of Pacific Island private sector, government and non-government organisations and are made up evenly of 6 men and 6 women.
The other workshop participants include entrepreneurs from spring water, breweries, agriculture and growers.
Workshop delegate, Ms Sheree Stehlin of Samoa Women in Business is behind the successful relationship developed with the Body Show. Samoa is the only Pacific island producer of coconut oil selling to the Body Shop.
One of the other female delegates in the workshop is Ms Votausi Mackenzie-Reur of Vanutu who has been developing banana and cassava chips over a number of years.
She attended the workshop with the hope of finding better packaging to extend the shelf life of her organic product which currently lasts three weeks due to the cellophane bags. Ms Mackenzie-Reur wants to reach a wider market and extending the shelf life of her product is important before she can achieve that aim.
