A new series of monthly workshops aims to educate and connect business owners in Okotoks.
The Okotoks Business Association is hosting a seminar on how to turn customers and clients into raving fans, on the second floor of Miles Display and Design in Okotoks on April 5, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The first session at the beginning of March focused on brand leveraging at the beginning of March. Around 12 people attended.
“The feedback after the first event was very encouraging,” said founder Mark Meincke. “So I thought, I’m on the right track with this.”
He formed the Okotoks Business Association to provide additional support to business owners in town.
The business association does not collect memberships. It is event-based and offers workshops, he said. Every session will cover a different business topic, along with some guided networking among business owners.
He said he knew the program was on the right track when nobody wanted to leave after the first session.
“They were all hanging out, talking to each other and spending time with each other and exchanging cards,” said Meincke. “It was really good to see.”
The upcoming session will deal with how to turn good customer service into fantastic customer service, he said.
“It’s how do you turn you customers or clients into raving fans?” said Meincke. “That’s the goal of great, successful business.”
Each session involves interaction among business owners, rather than Meincke leading all the conversation, he said. The workshops are based on sharing ideas and self-discovery, and developing game plans to commit to some sort of change in their businesses, he said.
He recommends owners attend the sessions rather than managers, who don’t necessarily have the authority to make decisions to change elements of business operations. Owners of multi-level businesses are not encouraged to attend, he said.
There is a limit of 40 attendees per session for room capacity and the cost of the workshops is $20, he said.
He hopes to have other people present some of the sessions as well, rather than doing it all himself.
“I want to get guest speakers in, talking about things I’m not an expert in, like social media,” said Meincke. “And trying to get other people involved as much as possible so we always keep it fresh and interesting. The bottom line is bringing true, honest value to business owners so they have a reason to show up.”
As the Okotoks Business Association evolves, he intends to launch more networking opportunities and discussion forums, he said.
The group also involves an element of fundraising, he said.
“Any profits, if there are any, are going to the Veteran’s Food Bank because I’m a combat veteran myself,” said Meincke. “Anything above and beyond our costs, that’s where it goes.”
Registration for the April 5 workshop is at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/okotoks-business-association-tickets-32729937123 or business owners can bring $20 cash to the door.
