Business leaders share their tips on beating the downturn

27 January, 2009

An Post is offering businesses a chance to "get smart" in order to cope with the recession.

Ben Dunne is among the top names offering to share their advice in a half-day event called "Beat the Downturn" being held in Croke Park on February 4th.

"The year ahead is going to be a tough one for every business but courage, innovative thinking and smarter marketing will help you win through," says An Post.

The postal firm is organising the seminar, which will see business heavy weights like former supermarket guru and now gym chain boss Ben Dunne head up the team of mentors.

Other speakers on the day include journalist and economics commentator Marc Coleman who will speak on the topic "Marketing: the antidote to recession".

He will address the current economic climate’s impact on small to medium-sized businesses. Communications expert Terry Prone will address the value of keeping customers informed.

She'll share the power a simple database will add to your bottom line, explain why retention is the new acquisition and why SMEs have a competitive advantage over larger businesses.

Under the heading "Everything you need to know to start power marketing" author Pearce Flannery will show how the smallest business can make their communications more effective and how to get the most enticing message to the correct person, even on a strict budget.

He promises to reveal his secrets on how to achieve an effective marketing plan in five minutes! Ben Dunne, who believes: "There's no such thing as a bad time for good business", will talk about working the downturn to your advantage. He'll show how to spot business opportunities despite the uncertain times ahead.

Tickets for the event cost €100, or €50 for members of ISME, SFA or IDMA, and includes a light lunch and free parking. It takes place on Wednesday, 4 February, from 8.30am until 1.30pm. More details from Eimear Canning at 01 705 7622, eimear.canning@anpost.ie or see www.anpost.ie