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Cork Chamber participates in the European Parliament of Enterprises
Cork Chamber took part in The European Parliament of Enterprises, which allows business people from all over Europe to become Members of the European Parliament of Enterprises (MEPEs) for one day and gain unique insights into how one of the most powerful bodies in Europe goes about their decision making process as part of a Chambers Ireland delegation.
The Irish delegation raised the importance of EU investment for energy and infrastructure programmes and highlighted the potential Ireland had to be at the forefront of the development of the energy sector. Debates and voting sessions took places throughout the day centring on the issues of internationalisation, skills, finance and energy. The results of these votes highlighted the urgent need for an effective single European energy market, more innovative financial supports for SMEs and a European apprenticeship programme.
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So you think you can Sell??!!
What will happen to your sales results if you don’t invest in your sales technique? Will you meet and exceed your sales targets this year and beyond? Everyone sells. We sell everyday. We sell ourselves, our products, our services, our businesses. However, a sales process, like any process, needs to be updated, modified and developed constantly.
Invest in your sales technique with our Sales courses!
- Increasing Sales by Telephone: develop the prospecting protocols and influencing skills required to significantly increase your sales success over the phone
Both courses start next week, so take this opportunity to invest in your business before year end! DON’T MISS OUT!
Increasing Sales by Telephone Course Dates: 2 days (30th October & 7th November) Member Rate: €295.00 This course is aimed at sellers who use the telephone to sell products and services directly to consumers. Whether you sell on inbound or outbound calls, this workshop will help you develop the prospecting protocols and influencing skills required to significantly increase your sales success over the phone. This course is ideal for business owners, telephone sales professionals and field sales professionals and will enable you to: - Evaluate your current telephone skills level
- Develop an appropriate telephone structure based on best practice
- Learn how influence works over the phone
- Increase your telephone sales results
Following this course, participants will be able to: - Understand the way buyers think and buy
- WIIFM - ‘What’s in it for me’ – the only item on the customer’s mind
- Incremental steps – how customers make the decision to proceed with your offering
- How to structure the call for maximum commercial impact
- Developing results based call openings that gets the customer interested
- How to give the customer perceived control at all stages of the call
- Asking better questions to create better understanding and better sales opportunities
- Use of summary and conditioning questions to move the call forward
- How to present your offering focusing on the customer’s priorities and motivations
- Asking for the business
- How to explore and overcome an objection
- Managing gatekeepers and voice mail
- Get an outcome for every call: How to bring every call to a conclusion
- Managing the follow up call - How to get commitment in advance
- Best practice telephone sales metrics
For more information and to book a place on this course, simply click HERE! Business to Business Selling - The Secrets Course Dates: 2 days (29th October & 14th November) Member Rate: €295.00 Identifying new customers, driving demand, and building a solid sales pipeline is at the core of successful sales prospecting for anybody who sells business to business. The marketplace is growing more competitive by the day which means that the business customer has more choice than ever before. Sellers now have to work as hard for repeat purchases as they do for new business. This business to business sales course will teach you the necessary consultative selling skills required to exceed your sales target this year and beyond. This course is ideal for people who are required to initiate relationships with, and sell to, businesses and following this course, participants will be able to: - Make appointments by phone, email, and 'LinkedIn'
- Structure a prospecting meeting for maximum effect
- Better understand and profile their sales prospects
- Structure the sales process for maximum revenue and shortest lead time
- Ask the best sales questions to qualify and position your solution
- Ask for a commitment smoothly and effectively
- Sell more profitably and efficiently
This course will cover techniques to target better prospects and then using the techniques of influence to increase conversion of sales. So if you want to exceed your sales targets this year and beyond, BOOK NOW!
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Business Opportunities In Canada – Focus On Alberta
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Date: 13th November
Time: 07:30 - 09:30
Venue: The River Lee Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: here
The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber is hosting a breakfast seminar in association with the Canadian Embassy in Dublin and the Government of Alberta (Canada). Whether you are already doing business in Canada, considering an expansion into this market, or just looking for information about business/investment in Canada, this event will offer the opportunity to hear an update on the current economic climate as well as to explore the potential for business, investment or innovation links with Canada.
Suzanne Cormie, Deputy Head of Mission and Senior Trade Commissioner Canadian Embassy Dublin will talk about “Doing Business in Canada”. Suzanne will be accompanied by Cameron Branston, Trade Commissioner for the Government of Alberta, who will present on the general Alberta business landscape, the inventory of major projects in the province of Alberta, opportunities within the Oil & Gas Sector and further opportunities that will result from the Comprehensive Trade and Economic Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada.
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Cork Chamber's Dublin Dinner 2014 in association with EY
Date: Tuesday, 18th November 2014
Time: 19.30pm
Venue: Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: €125.00
To book: here
Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2014 promotes the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin businesses and enhances existing business relationships between the two regions. This is a unique opportunity for Cork businesses to network with their Dublin counterparts as well as an ideal corporate entertainment platform.
At this Black Tie Event, we will honour a prominent business person with the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award and this year Darina Allen of Ballymaloe will be the proud recipient.
This event sells out every year so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.
Ireland’s Economic Recovery: What next?
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Date: 28th November
Time: 08:15 - 15:00
Venue: Floor 16, County Hall, followed by lunch in Vertigo
Cost: Free but registration is essential
To book: here
Following Ireland’s successful exit from the EU/IMF Programme, what lies in store? Where is Ireland’s recovery heading? What is the role of the EU in improving Ireland’s competitiveness?
On Friday, 28th November 2014, the European Commission Representation in Ireland in conjunction with Cork Chamber will host a Conference addressing these and other questions. This Conference will focus on the European Union’s arrangements for improved economic governance – the so-called 'European Semester' and will explore the implications it will have for the Irish economy.
Minister Joan Burton TD, Tánaiste will feature as one of the Key Note speakers on the day, as well as Minister Simon Coveney TD. There will be a variety of influential and high level speakers from both the public and private sector, academics, private industry leaders and media, who will discuss what Ireland’s economic policy and reform priorities should be in the years ahead.
#EconEUIE
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Christmas Lunch Reminder
The much anticipated Cork Chamber Christmas Lunch takes place on Friday 12th December, not the date listed in the October edition of Chamberlink. Bookings can be made online here and we look forward to seeing you on the day.
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Cork innovates Announces €30,000 Bursary Purse Shortlist
7 Finalists to Pitch for Bursary Purse at inBusiness inCork Showcase in November And then there were seven! Cork innovates, the award-winning initiative to drive entrepreneurship in the Region, today announced a shortlist of seven companies for the 2014 €30,000 bursary purse. The selected companies - TIC Ltd, Ottera Technology, Inspect4, AventaMed, Pundit Arena, Mountain Man Brewing and Bia Beauty - will now go forward to a live pitching session at the inBusiness inCork event on November 14th 2014 in City Hall, Cork. The bursary purse will provide the winning company with a suite of services from advertising, financial advice, mentoring, PR, mobile and data packages, Cork Chamber membership supports, along with a cash investment, all to the value of thirty thousand euro.
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International Opportunities with Enterprise Europe Network
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Business Opportunities in Canada - Focus on Alberta
The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber will be hosting a breakfast seminar on Business Opportunities in Canada on Thursday 13th November at 7.30am in the River Lee Hotel. Find out more here.
Open day for LED/Lighting Companies
An open day for LED/Lighting companies will take place on Thursday, 13th November in CIT. Presentations will be given by the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA), Nimbus (Embedded Systems Research), and Intelligent Mechatronics and Radio Frequency Identification (Tralee IT). See inside for more details.
International Marketing Workshop
Are you looking at growing your business internationally or to improve your international marketing skills? Renowned Chartered Marketer, Ray Clarke, will be running a workshop on behalf of the Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber on November 26th (9:30am - 5:30pm). The workshop will take place in Cork Chamber. Book your free place here.
Business Opportunities in Canada – Focus on Alberta The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber is hosting a breakfast seminar in the River Lee Hotel on Thursday, 13 November at 7:30 a.m. in association with the Canadian Embassy in Dublin and the Government of Alberta (Canada). Suzanne Cormie, Deputy Head of Mission and Senior Trade Commissioner Canadian Embassy Dublin will talk about “Doing Business in Canada”. Suzanne will be accompanied by Cameron Branston, Trade Commissioner for the Government of Alberta, who will present on the general Alberta business landscape, the inventory of major projects in the province of Alberta, opportunities within the Oil & Gas Sector and further opportunities that will result from the Comprehensive Trade and Economic Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada. To register for this event please click here or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie for further information. Open day for LED/Lighting companies A free open day for LED/lighting companies will take place on Thursday, 13 November in CIT at 10:30 a.m. The Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA), Nimbus (Embedded Systems Research), and Intelligent Mechatronics and Radio Frequency Identification (IMaR IT Tralee) will give presentations (twenty minutes per centre) at the event. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to discuss their research needs and requirements with a variety of teams with experience in industry-led research and development. The various funding mechanisms available to the companies, from direct-funded work through Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), and to EU Horizon 2020 proposals will be discussed. An overview of each centre will be presented and a Q&A session to explore further interactions and representatives will also be available for one-to-one meetings, if required. For more information about this event or to register a place, please contact Liam.Lewis@cit.ie. Book Now for your free place at an International Marketing Workshop
Are you looking at growing your business internationally or to improve your international marketing skills? Renowned Chartered Marketer, Ray Clarke, will be running a workshop on behalf of the Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber on November 26th (9:30am - 5:30pm). The workshop will take place in Cork Chamber. Book your free place here.
The workshop is specifically aimed at SMEs who are looking to internationalise. This highly interactive one-day workshop is designed for SMEs to focus their resources where they can be most successful internationally. The workshop topics will include: - The challenge of addressing International markets
- Know your market - what market research do you need to do and how?
- Adapting your business to International Markets - defining your business model
- How to market your business internationally
- Your next steps
The workshop will include case studies of Irish companies that have been successful and provide opportunities to share experiences and learn from others. Exercises will be included in each section of the workshop to encourage discussion. Delegates will leave with a greater understanding of how to be more targeted in their approach to the International growth opportunity. They will also have specific actions on the research they will need to undertake. Finally they will have had an opportunity to refine their business model, using a well proven tool and have the beginnings of a marketing plan to target buyers internationally. Our workshop will include a valuable workbook, including all the guidance, exercises and resources used within the workshop to ensure delegates avoid unnecessary note taking and concentrate on their business and applying the learnings from the workshop. The workshop will be delivered by Ray Clarke, Chartered Marketer B.Sc.Eng. DipM. MCIM AMIET. Ray is a Chartered Marketer with extensive international experience in business marketing. As a Marketing Consultant at Shaping Business he has over twenty years’ experience working with SME’s and large multinational corporations in researching and targeting markets in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Americas. His experience includes business modelling, strategy development, market research & analysis, marketing planning, marketing management and lead generation. Ray is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Vice Chair on the Manchester Branch Management Team. He is regularly involved in delivering marketing seminars, consultancy and coaching to help businesses in Ireland and the UK to be more effective in marketing and business development. You can apply for a place at this event by clicking here. Upon registration, you will be asked to complete a short application form. For further information about this event, please contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie.
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Last chance to enter
Cork Chamber in partnership with Vodafone Ireland, are searching for the 'Cork Company of the Year' 2015. The awards are open to all businesses, across varying sectors and sizes.
The four award categories are:
- Cork Large Company of the Year (more than 100 employees)
- Cork SME of the Year (less than 100 employees )
- Emerging Cork Company of the Year (less than 3 years in business)
- New Special Award Category: Cork Retailer of the Year 2015
We encourage all businesses to use this opportunity to reflect on their success over the past year and/or nominate companies that you believe have got the WOW factor.
Closing date: Tuesday, 28th October at 5pm.
Apply or Nominate a business HERE
Latest News
1. Fastnet Recruitment Goes Global - Read More HERE
2. Tomi Reichental Awarded the Inaugural Voxpro Diplomat Global Achievement Award 2014 - Read More HERE
3. Bank of Ireland Kernal Capital Venture Fund €1.25M Investment in DisplayNote Technologies - Read More HERE
4. Ballinacurra House, Kinsale Launch New Kinsale Gourmet Academy - Read More HERE
5. Mercedes-Benz MSL Fashion Week Cork Successfully Injects Revenue And Vibrancy Into The Local Retail Sector - Read More HERE
October edition of Chamberlink
Chamberlink magazine will hit your desk soon. See the online version here, filled with the latest updates from your Chamber and fellow members.
Featuring articles from on a New City Centre Strategy for Cork, Cork Digital Marketing Awards, appointments to the Chamber board and much more!
Please note error on page 14, Annual Christmas Lunch takes place on Friday 12th December.
Free Parking
Following the successful Spring 2014 Parking Promotion at Cork City Council’s Multi-Storey Car Parks and the Black Ash Park and Ride, Cork City Council is delighted to announce additional free parking services to assist shoppers in the city centre over the coming weeks.
Full details are available here.
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Two tickets for €40 to see Sharon Jones (Guinness Cork Jazz Festival)
(Normal priced tickets at €27.50 each)
Period of the offer available: Sunday, October 26th, 7:30pm
Special limited offer to Cork Chamber Members to see the Queen of Soul, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings at Cork Opera House this Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Weekend. Called the female equivalent to the legendary James Brown, Sharon is joined by special guest artist Lee Fields & The Expressions for an extraordinary double-bill show of contemporary and throwback soul. To avail, simply contact the Cork Opera House Box Office on 021 427 0022 and quote “Cork Chamber Offer”.
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Walk In Business Advice Clinics
Date: 23rd October
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: AIB Bank, Blackpool
Cost: FREE
To book: Tel: 021 4320466 / Email: here
Whether you are considering starting your own business, encountering issues in managing an existing business or perhaps considering retiring from your business - then these clinics are for you. Northside for Business will be providing one-to-one confidential advice sessions in AIB, Blackpool.
Business mentors and staff from the Cork City Local Enterprise Office and the Plato Business Network will be there to give assistance and advise.
If you would like more information or wish to make an enquiry please contact us on number provided.We warmly welcome AIB’s support of the Northside for Business initiative and we thank them for the kind use of their premises and staff. AIB Blackpool is committed to helping and supporting the development of business throughout Cork’s northside.
UCC Citizen Consultation Event
Date: 25th October
Time: 09.30 -14.30
Venue: Mini Restaurant, UCC Main Campus
Cost: Free
To book: here
A chance to make your views heard On Sustainable Consumption in Ireland. MEP Deirdre Clune will open the event. In a Eurovision of a different sort, more than 1000 people across Europe will take part simultaneously in citizen consultations on sustainable consumption. Discussions focus on food, transport, housing and appliances.
BT Ireland Evolution Forum
Date: 5th November
Time: 8am – 10am
Venue: The Kingsley Hotel
Cost: Free
To book: here
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On November 5th (Kingsley hotel) BT Ireland will be hosting a special breakfast, in association with the CCMA, that will bring together all the key decision makers in the Contact Centre sector. It's an excellent opportunity to compare notes with other prime movers, and will feature some truly insightful speakers.
Annual Seafood Extravaganza at Flemings
Date: 24th October
Time: Lunch/Dinner
Venue: Flemings Restaurant Grange House
Cost: €49
To book: call Eileen on 021/4821621 or email here
Flemings Annual Seafood Extravaganza is a much anticipated event and we are delighted to welcome guests to this amazing display of the best and freshest seafood & fish. Guests are treated to a 5 course meal in our Georgian Dining room. Tickets for €49 are available via 021/4821621
Breakthrough Cancer Research Christmas Card Launch
Date: November 2nd
Time: Gallery Crafts opens from 2-6pm with the official launch at 4:30pm
Venue: Gallery Crafts, Kilworth in north Cork
Cost: No cost
Renowned Textile artist Fiona Turley invites you to the Breakthrough Cancer Research Christmas Card Launch. The event will launch Fiona Turley’s Christmas range, which includes a bespoke range of 10 Christmas cards in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research. Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the wonderful creations from Irish designers such as Max Benjamin, Stephen Farnan, Alan Ardiff, Orla Kiely, Wild Goose, plus festive decorations, candles and much more. Entertainment will be provided by local singer Sandra Gubbins and will include a mulled wine reception.
The cards will also be available in Fiona’s ‘Pop up’ shop in Fermoy town and the breakthrough Cancer Research Website here.
Sec’s’n the City - Charity Lunch brought to you by Cork Lions Club
Date: 7th November
Time: From 12.00 noon to 5.00pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: Tickets €60 each
To Book: here
Begin your Christmas celebrations at our wonderful Sec’s ’n the City Lunch celebrating its 34th year. The local charity that will benefit this year is the wonderful Dress For Success a charity to help women to get back into the workplace with all the support that they could possibly need to help them on their way. A Great Day Is Guaranteed. The Day Includes Pre-Lunch Drinks and 4 Course Lunch. Guest Speaker is Cllr. Claire Cullinane. Fashion Show & After Dinner Entertainment
Brook Catering Celebrates Christmas
Date: 5th & 12th December
Time: Mulled Wine Reception @ 7.30pm
Venue: Cork Constitution FC
Cost: €35 per person
To book: Contact Sinead Tel: 087 1159863 or Email: here
Brook Catering is Celebrating Christmas with an office Christmas Party Night:
- Minimum numbers of 10 people
- Mulled Wine Reception, followed by 4 course festive meal, entertainment and plenty of spot prizes
- Limited Availability
Property Sellers Seminar
Date: 28th October
Time: 5.45pm - 6.45pm
Venue: Kingsley Hotel
Get the most when selling your property. A Seller's Advice Evening is due to take place in the Kingsley Hotel on Tuesday 28th of October, in conjunction with Global Properties, MyHomes.ie, Cork Independent & AIB.
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