In this issue
Subsidised Training
Will you achieve your Sales targets this year??
Events
Discover Energy and Cleantech Business Opportunities in India
Cork Chamber Business Breakfast with David Duffy, CEO of AIB Bank
Cork Chamber’s Speed Networking Event In Association With Arachas Corporate Brokers
International
Enterprise Europe Network
Member Updates
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Subsidised Training
Will you achieve your Sales targets this year??
 

Are you burning your sales leads? Are the gatekeepers keeping you away from your target?


Are your opening statements good enough?


What will happen to your sales results if you continue to use your current sales techniques???


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

 


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!

 


Events
Discover Energy and Cleantech Business Opportunities in India
 

Date: 13th October
Time: 12:30pm – 14:30pm
Venue: Kingsley Hotel
To book: here or contact Katherine for further information.

 

Enterprise Europe Network, in conjunction with the European Business and Technology Centre, Ireland India Business Association and EnergyCork are hosting a ‘Discover Energy and Cleantech Business Opportunities in India’.

 

India is a land of opportunities for European clean technology business and researchers. The second biggest country, the largest democracy in the world, and with a growing young working population, India is a large and diverse market with many opportunities to be reaped. The country has consistently grown and offers vast scope for the expansion of European technologies into new market.


Energy sector specialist Mr. Vittal Kumar Dhage will address Cork companies at an information seminar about business opportunities in India in sectors such as biotechnology, energy, environment and transport, which offer huge scope for synergy and collaboration. Vittal, who represents the European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) in India, will also talk about market demand, opportunities and potential partnerships for Irish SMEs interested in these sectors in India.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with the EBTC Energy sector specialist after the seminar, to ask any specific questions they might have about their own interests in India.

 

This event is open to members of the public as well as members of the Cork Chamber. To register your place for this event, please click here or contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie for further information.

 

 


Cork Chamber Business Breakfast with David Duffy, CEO of AIB Bank
 

Date: Tuesday 21st October
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €25 members / €35 non members
To book: here



Prior to joining AIB, David established Celtic Advisory International in Singapore to provide capital raising and development advisory services to corporates and companies seeking to raise equity.


David has held various positions at ING Group including the position of Head of Global Wholesale Banking Network based in Amsterdam. This included the management of a team of CEOs covering all of the Bank’s regions globally.

This event will be a sell-out, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.



Cork Chamber’s Speed Networking Event In Association With Arachas Corporate Brokers
 

Date: Thursday 23rd October
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: The River Lee Hotel
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To book: here 



Cork Chamber and Arachas Corporate Brokers will work in partnership in October to bring you a highly energized event, where you will make over 10 business contacts in a fast-paced environment.


‘Speed networking’ is a more structured form of networking where you have 1 ½ minutes each side to pitch your business and make connections for both buying and selling. This is a practical event for SME’s, giving you a chance to speed network and meet new business contacts as well as receive referrals and renew existing connections.


Due to the nature of the speed networking, only ONE representative from each company can take part. Places are limited so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.



International
Enterprise Europe Network
 

European SME Week takes place from 29th September to 5th October 2014

The European Commission promotes enterprise across Europe in line with European SME Week. European SME Week aims to outline what supports are available to support micro, small and medium-sized businesses. See inside for more information.

 

Find the way to new markets through the Enterprise Europe Network

See 'read more' below for details on how the Enterprise Europe Network can help you to:

  • Access EU Funding
  • Grasp EU Rules
  • Make International Connections
  • Bring Your Innovations to Market

European SME Week takes place from 29 September to 5 October 2014

The European Commission's European SME Week promotes enterprise across Europe in line with the Small Business Act for Europe. European SME Week is taking place in 37 countries, Ireland included, and the events and activities will take place at a local, regional, and national level. European SME week aims to meet the needs of existing and potential entrepreneurs. It aims to:

 

  • Provide information on what the EU and national, regional and local authorities are offering as support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses;
  • Promote entrepreneurship so that more people consider entrepreneurship as a career option;
  • Give recognition to entrepreneurs for their contribution to Europe’s welfare, jobs, innovation and competitiveness through the European Enterprise Promotion Awards Ceremony which takes place in Naples this week.

 


Click on the hyperlinks below for further information on:

 

 

 

Find the way to new markets through the Enterprise Europe Network

The international marketplace is waiting for you and through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), you can link to overseas connects and internationalise.

 

Looking for EU funding?

If you’re looking for EU Funding, the EEN can assist you in determining whether your company or organisation is eligible for EU funding, as well as helping you to identify potential EU project partners from other countries.

 

Want to grasp EU rules?

If you want to find out more about European legislation pertaining to health & safety, environment and labelling then make the EEN your first port of call. 

 

Do you want to make international connections?

The EEN partnering tool can help you to establish overseas connections. Contact us today to find out how you can create your free profile within our database. 

 

Do you want to bring your innovations to market?

The EEN Office at Cork Chamber works closely with the Technology Transfer Team in Enterprise Ireland and if you want to find to find out about identifying licensable technologies, how to license out your own proprietary technology, or have a query on best practice for IP licensing then contact us today.

 

For more information about the Enterprise Europe Network please contact Katherine@corkchamber.ie or Eimear@corkchamber.ie  

 


Promotion
Latest News
 

Cork Chamber Disappointed With Short-Sighted Local Property Tax Change - Read More here 


Cork's Maryborough Hotel & Spa Wins AA Hotel Of The Year - Read More here 


Ballinacurra House To Launch Kinsale Gourmet Academy - Read More here 


John P Quinlan Launches Exhibition Series As Guest Curator At Triskel Christchurch - Read More here 


StudioForty9 Shortlisted For Prestigious REI Suppliers Award - Read More here 


Cork-Based Dragon's Den Entrepreneur Among Winners of PETA'S Vegan Food Awards 2014 - Read More here 


UCC Only Irish Contender At European Business Awards For The Environment - Read More here 



 



Members Offers
2014 Reg Ford Sale!
 
Period of the offer available: Until 31/10/2014


Business owners. Looking for a nearly new car for your or your business - but without the new price tag? Check out the 2014 Reg Ford Sale at Cavanaghs of Charleville. Save up to €4,000 on the list price of a new Ford. Exclusive offer to Cork Chamber members: A further €500 off any 2014 Reg car on presentation of membership credentials. See website here for details.


Achieve your BEST BODY
 
Period of the offer available: Offer can be purchased by 31st October and used/started within 3 months of the purchase date. 

 

10% Discount on our Eight Week Transform Program. You get to train One to One with your Personal Trainer twice a week, at a time convenient to you. Full Nutritional Advice,meal planners even Grocery Lists.Weigh-ins and Measurements if you wish.You also have access to our class time table of 23 Classes. All this for €349. Contact us on 21 455 2915 or 087 203 9974 or email here 


Health Advisory Review
 
Period of the offer available:  Open Ended


Feeling Sick due to rising Health Insurance Costs? We don’t sell Health Insurance, so we are truly independent advising across the market (VHI, Aviva, Laya, & Glohealth) for both individuals & companies alike. Whether you have health insurance or are looking to effect health insurance - Talk to us, we are have proven to save individuals and companies alike up to €500 on their annual premiums.

We are offering the health advisory reviews to our fellow chamber members free of charge.  

Contact Anne O’ Dwyer or Nicholas Charalambous for advice on either basis or details of the company wellness clinics. TeL: 021 - 4861466| Email: here or visit our website here


Member Events
MSL Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cork
 
Date: October 3rd & 4th
Time: 7pm
Venue: The Imperial Hotel
Cost: €30 
To book: here or The Dress Bar 021 4518505  

A celebration of all that is local and homegrown fashion, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cork has, over the past 6 years, become the hottest ticket in the annual fashion calendar. This year's stylish events kick off on Friday, October 3rd at the Imperial Hotel with the Boutique Show, launching new Autumn/Winter collections from an array of city and county boutiques.

The show will be hosted by TV Fashion Presenter and Lennon Courtney designer Brendan Courtney and guests will be able to browse a Fashion Hall on arrival as well as enjoying a Fashion Week after party with food and festivities in Souths Bar afterwards. Proceeds from this event go to the Fashion Week chosen charity, which this year is Breakthrough Cancer Research.

 The following night will see fashion graduates and students from all over the country battle it out for the Designer of the Year title at the same venue.

Designers will get a chance to showcase their latest collections to a panel of expert judges in the hope of winning the now much sought after title. Previous winners are Belinda Sullivan (established her own design label and studio in Glenville after winning), Aidan Sheehan (designed accessories for at River Island in London after winning) and Alice Halliday (whose designs have been worn by Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine). The show will be hosted by fashion bloggers Emer O’Mahony of Irish Fashaholic blog and co-director of Fashion Week and Tara Marzuki of Tar Mar Tales, who is currently interning for Topshop in London to work at London Fashion Week. 

Imerc Innovation Week
 
Date: 15th -18th October
Time: 15th October 13:00; 16th October 20:00; 18th October: All Day  
Venue: National Maritime College of Ireland/City Hall Cork
To book: here  

 
Imerc Innovation Week is a mix of lectures, outreach and networking events. We are particularly excited to have Alex Thomson, a global yachting superstar racer, speak about his life as a racer in Cork City Hall on Thursday, October 16 at 20:00. See the link for full details.   


Vibes & Scribes Official Launch of Online Shop
 

Date: Friday, October 10th

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Bridge Street, Cork 

 

Vibes & Scribes invites you to Official Launch of shop.vibesandscribes.ie. Our Online Fabric, Wool and Craft Store Friday, October 10th at with special guest: Kathryn Thomas. We've invited lots of talented local designers and crafters to come, and the whole event is being filmed as part of the RTE 1's television show "The Speech".  

 



Breakthrough Cancer Research Fight for the Girls this October
 

Date: October 1st - 31st

 

Breakthrough Cancer Research is asking Chamber members to consider taking a box of their Butlers bars to sell at their reception areas. The company does not need to pay for the product, any unsold bars will be picked up by Breakthrough Cancer Research at the end of October. There is a slot in the box for people to put money in so receptionists do not need to take charge of the box. October is breast cancer awareness month and our Fight for the Girls campaign aims to raise funds to find new treatment options for the leading cancers affecting women, it would be wonderful to have your support.



Fastnet Recruitment October Open Days
 
Date: October 7th – 16th
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Venue: Fastnet Recruitment Offices, Eastgate Village, Little Island, Cork
Cost: Free to Attend
To book: Just drop by, call 021 4509200 or email here 


Fastnet Recruitment are hosting a series of Open Days from October 7th – 16th in the areas of Quality & Laboratory, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Finance & Accounting.  Drop in to meet a specialist consultant and discuss what opportunities are available to you.  


Dine in the Dark Cork
 
Date: Thursday 9th October
Time: 7pm
Venue: Clarion Hotel, Cork
Cost: €65 per person
To book: Call 1850 506300 or visit here 


See things differently and book a place at Dine in the Dark. Dine in the Dark is a unique dining experience in which diners wear a blindfold while eating their dinner in the plush surroundings of the Clarion Hotel, Cork in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Dine in the Dark takes place on World Sight Day on Thursday 9th October and replicates the stark reality of more than 12,000 people in Ireland who are registered blind. Price per person is €65 including a 3 course tasting meal, glass of wine and entertainment.


Managing wealth in an era of low interest rates
 
Date: Friday, 10th October 
Time: 7.30.am - Registration & Continental Breakfast
8.00.am Presentation
Venue: The Radisson Blu  Little Island, Cork 

To book: email Cristina here 


We would be delighted if you could join us at our breakfast briefing to meet our Investment Management team and hear how Investec Wealth & Investment are assisting clients in protecting their capital when Central Bank policy is to keep interest rates “Lower for Longer”.

Presentation followed by Q&A session. CPD hour will apply.



AIB Start-up Academy competition in association with The Irish Times
 
Closing Date for Entries: Midnight Friday 24th October 2014
To Apply: here 


The competition is open to all eligible start-up businesses. To be eligible to enter, you must be over the age of 18, resident in the Repbulic of Ireland and have a business with revenue (not profit) of less than €400,000 per annum that has been in operation for less than 36 months.  Applicants will then be reviewd by a judging panel and finalists will be selected. Ten competition finalists will enter The Academy, with eight weeks of training and mentoring. This will be hosted in The Irish Times Building from January to March 2015.

One winner from the 10 finalists, will be selected by the judging panel of industry experts at the end of the training, winning a fantastic prize package including:
  
  • €140,000 in print and online advertising spend
  • Mentoring with Digital, Sector and Brand Specialists
  • Media workshop from The Irish Times Editorial team
  • One-to-one coaching programme
  • Full day PR crash course
  • One Day Digital & Social Training programme  

To enter, please complete and submit the on-line application form by Friday 24th October.