GRAVENHURST — The Gravenhurst Downtown Revitalization Project will be hosting its second in a series of business seminars, with the support of Muskoka Community Futures Development Corporation on April 18.
The first one, held in March, was a resounding success according to project coordinator Marilyn de Lang, with international professional business consultant Barbara Crowhurst lending her expertise to a full house with her presentation “Best Practices for 2012.”
“The second seminar promises to be just as engaging and constructive,” de Lang said.
Erin Francis and Robyn Russell of the Retail Council of Canada, with funding support from RBC Royal Bank, will be sharing their advice on “Selling your way out of a tough economy.” De Lang said the timely topic was recently presented to Collingwood’s business community “and received rave reviews.”
“Erin’s background is in design and marketing, and her work with the Retail Council focuses on meeting the needs of its membership,” de Lang explained. “Robyn, an experienced manager in the retail industry, spends most of her time assisting business owners with their questions and offering tips and solutions.”
The presentation will teach the skills of salesmanship to small business owners and their staff. It will demonstrate how to approach new clients, build customer loyalty and overcome objections; and it will introduce the art of up-selling and cross-selling.
“Retailers will learn how to keep their customers coming back time and again,” she added.
The seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 18, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Gravenhurst Opera House. Admission is free for all residents and businesses in the District of Muskoka, but registration is requested to mdelang@gravenhurst.ca or 705-644-9397.