Marketing guru to reveal secret to profitable promotion without budget

Recently merged business and technology incubator, SoftstartBTI has announced plans to host a free workshop on marketing tactics on 12 October 2006. Guests attending the workshop will be introduced to a mixture of promotional strategies and devices by marketing guru Gregory Serandos, a specialist in technology and telecoms marketing and business development. Taking place at the incubator's head quarters in Midrand, the presentation will start at 13h37 and refreshments will be served afterwards.

"We are always delighted to bring international experts to present at SoftstartBTI and are thrilled that Greg can join us again this year," enthuses Brian Carl Brown, Business Development Manager of SoftstartBTI. "His workshops are always extremely informative and arm attendees with knowledge and practical ideas they can implement straight away to boost their businesses and profits."

SoftstartBTI frequently holds events like this one for the benefit of its members. A wide variety of topics, including sales and marketing, technology, finance and HR, are tackled from an entrepreneurial perspective and attendees are encouraged to stay on afterwards. "These events are the mainstay of what we do for members," confirms Brown, "and we advise guests to bring plenty of business cards with them because their next business partner, customer, financier or supplier might be sitting right next to them."

Aimed specifically at SMEs and entrepreneurs, the focus of the workshop will be on creating successful marketing plans when there is no marketing budget. "Traditional or conventional marketing theories often require budgets, processes and resources that you simply don't have when you are starting out in business," explains Serandos, "even though this is a time when you urgently need to promote yourself."

Drawing on years of international and local experience discovering what works and what doesn't when applying textbook formulas to the realities of the SME world, Serandos will share proven tactics and strategies with delegates during the workshop. However, he warns that the workshop will not be a lecture. "Delegates will find this a very interactive experience," he confirms. "Not only is that the best way to learn and absorb large amounts of new information, but the focus will be on how to solve the genuine marketing issues being faced by the audience. So make sure you bring your brain as well as a pen."

To pre-register for the workshop or to find out more about it, either visit the SoftstartBTI Web site (www.sbti.co.za), sign up as a member for free and then complete the online event registration form or contact either Brian Carl Brown (brian@sbti.co.za) or Simphiwe Mabaso (simphiwe@sbti.co.za) on (011) 695 4800.

The event is even more poignant this year as well since it is the last one that will be held at the incubator's current building. SoftstartBTI's new custom-designed facility, which will be officially opened later this month, is prominently situated between the Allendale and New Road junctions of the Ben Schoeman highway and boasts a dedicated training and events centre.

"It seems fitting to end the programme in our current building on such a high note," observes Brown, "since it has served us so well, but this isn't really an ending, it's a new beginning and we are excited about the events already planned for our state-of-the-art centre in our new building. Applications are also still being accepted for tenants and we welcome interested parties to come and see what it's all about."

If you are a budding entrepreneur involved in the ICT or electronics markets and you are interested in taking advantage of any of the services provided by the incubator, please contact either Brian Carl Brown or Farrah Naidoo (farrah@sbti.co.za) on (011) 695 4800 to arrange an appointment to visit SoftstartBTI and discuss your plans over a great cup of coffee.