Kudos to you and Ms. Brathwaite and the Small Business Initiative team at GATE! The sessions were quite informative, instructive and timely. I have experienced a sort of paradigm shift in my business outlook: It will not be business as usual at Amphoebean Trails Travel & Tours! I am not going to simply, ‘passively’ rely on my website to attract visitors but will vigorously, ‘aggressively’ seek out my potential customers (hotels, colleges etc) because, according to Terri-Ann, that would be like hanging a sign on a tree…if no one passes by, no one sees it!
In contrast to the plethora of seminars and workshops I have attended in the past (hosted by other agencies), that one was not clinical and full of rhetoric; you two were a dynamic duo! You really made us face the stark reality that we really did not have a full grasp of our business ideas and that we needed to rethink our positions in order to maximize our potentials (and profits!).
Two main points that resonate with me are: a) an entrepreneur, contrary to popular opinion, is not necessarily a risk-taker: If I study my market and its vagaries I will know how to “bob and weave” around the potential dangers! b) an entrepreneur is market-driven and customer oriented: We must know, respect and appreciate our customers and, most importantly, what the business is selling to the customer is not the same as what the customer is buying! For instance, when I sell a tour (sun, sea, sand, historic sites etc), the visitor is buying into my promise to satisfy his/her need for individual attention, pampering, VIP treatment!
I particularly enjoyed the group, elevator pitch and studio sessions. I cherish the time spent with the other small business persons who share similar concerns and aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met with others with whom I could collaborate or partner with in future endeavours. I have learnt a great deal from each participant.
I would be extremely delighted to participate in other entrepreneurial workshops facilitated by GATE. I wish both you and Ms. Braithwaite success in your endeavours and hope that you return for future training sessions.
Best Regards,
Vellie Benta
(268)728 2088/723 3998
Amphoebean Trails Travel & Tours