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'Grassroots marketing is the competitive edge'- Stedman Graham Jr

- Popular business expert & motivational speaker addresses VI entrepreneurs @ MWM Business Start Up
It was a buzzing day yesterday April 30, 2016 at the MWM Business Start Up which included judging of entrepreneurs, workshops and seminars and questions and answers with experts Stedman Graham and other business and industry leaders. In this picture are displays of exquisite greeting cards made by I. Patricia Archibald-Bowers. Photo: VINO
More local items on display at the business forum. Photo: VINO
More local items on display at the business forum. Photo: VINO
Managing Director of Nagico Insurances Shan Mohamed making a point at one of the forums. Photo: VINO
Managing Director of Nagico Insurances Shan Mohamed making a point at one of the forums. Photo: VINO
Stedman Graham Jr. sits next to Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald yesterday April 30, 2016 at the MWM Business Start Up. Photo: VINO
Stedman Graham Jr. sits next to Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald yesterday April 30, 2016 at the MWM Business Start Up. Photo: VINO
Bishop John I. Cline speaking on behalf of Infinite Solutions yesterday. Photo: VINO
Bishop John I. Cline speaking on behalf of Infinite Solutions yesterday. Photo: VINO
This food decorating business was one of the many on display. Photo: VINO
This food decorating business was one of the many on display. Photo: VINO
Craft jewellery made in the VI! Photo: VINO
Craft jewellery made in the VI! Photo: VINO
An artist and designer displays her exquisite work. Photo: VINO
An artist and designer displays her exquisite work. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - It was a buzzing day yesterday April 30, 2016 at the MWM Business Start Up which included judging of entrepreneurs, workshops and seminars and questions and answers with expert Stedman Graham Jr. and other business and industry leaders.

The all day activity was held on the third floor of UP’s Cineplex in Road Town on the main island of Tortola and visitors had the opportunity not only to sample products and services of the various entrepreneurs and establishments which had booths, but to sit in on the rich knowledge which was shared at the many sessions.

Grassoots connections

Taking the stage at one of the seminars, business expert Stedman Graham told entrepreneurs that the best way to spread the word about their products and services is through grassroot contact.

He said that without this grassroot connection, getting on the internet will make little sense.

He said that it would take discipline, perseverance and determination to get through the course of running a successful business online. “So online doesn’t really work by itself...it is an integrated marketing system that works as it is not one way but many different ways,” he said.

“Grassroot marketing is the edge, you know why? Because I can spend a lot of time with friends and tell them about an idea or a product. Grassroots is the competitive edge because you can reach the person and talk directly to them and sell to them and they can use their Facebook and their Twitter and other social media to sell your product. So you are developing affinity marketing with all the people that believe in your product because you have introduced yourself to them and had a conversation with them,” he said.

He noted that for any business to be truly successful, the grassroots connection must go along with public relations and online presence. “It is a combination of all of them working together,” he said.

Important to get the banks' advice on business plan

At another forum hosted by a number of commercial banks in the territory, businesses were advised on what the banks are looking for when businesses come to them for financing. They said it was important for small businesses to have a conversation with the banks prior to preparing the business plan.

The managers at the forum explained the necessity of having good collateral which the bank can monetise in determining whether or not to lend you money and the importance of being open with the bank in telling them about the challenges that the business might be facing with a view to finding solutions.

They explained that it is always a plus to have a good working relationship with a bank, whether or not that business had sought financing before, as this would help to determine the strength of that customer in order to determine whether the loan could be approved.

In addition to the hard information regarding running a successful business, there were entertainment and other light events, including matinee shows for children.

All of the businesses will be judged as part of the competition to assess products, services and talents. Winners, whom will receive cash prizes, will be announced tomorrow May 2, 2016.

The MWM Business Startup 2016 and Entrepreneurial Forum was hosted by local business consultancy MWM Business Network.

The start-up programme was meant to be a platform for businesses to showcase their innovative ideas, products, services and talents under a competition format that rewards the best in class with funding, training and coaching opportunities to further develop and expand their innovation into successful businesses.

14 Responses to “'Grassroots marketing is the competitive edge'- Stedman Graham Jr”

  • Amazed (01/05/2016, 10:33) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was amazed at the number of booths (40) and the quality of the exhibits -- I had no idea that some of those things were made here. I trust that this exposure will lead to a greater awareness of what we can buy locally, and enough orders for the businesses that they can keep their prices competitive. It was particularly good to see so many young people participating. Well done MWM!
  • long look me come from (01/05/2016, 10:44) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good job to mwm! see we do not need the cuban rich white friends....we can do it ourselves
  • pat (01/05/2016, 10:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another sucessful event
  • Humming bird (01/05/2016, 10:51) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    Too much NDP in the place so I Boycotted
    • Hmm (01/05/2016, 12:06) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
      Thats what wrong with this country...we look at one side n let that deter us thetefore we get nowhere in this place. Events like this is good for ALL, the entire BVI so stop putting ndp, vip, whoever in front n look at the bigger picture...We are BVI
    • @ Humming bird (01/05/2016, 13:56) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
      People are ashamed to be associated with the NDP so you right!
  • Innovation (01/05/2016, 12:01) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    These entrepreneurs might have been of greater benefit to the Craft Alive complex - a more diversified and locally based offering. At least, this initiative could serve as an inspiration to the majority of the current booth owners at Craft Alive; that there can be a supportive local and tourist clientele if the right products are being offered.
  • Hmm (01/05/2016, 12:11) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is a great avenue put forward by one of our local companies and from your comment u need to ask yourself why it took someone rich white friend to start something for our locals to follow to try help. The BVI Economy is not based on 1 or 2 business its one BVI we all in this together.
  • rio (01/05/2016, 13:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    good luck to all who made the first round
  • yea (01/05/2016, 14:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of the people in the boots are young and talented, or at least talented if not young good luck!!,
  • Opha Winfree (01/05/2016, 14:07) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    look at the 4 pic with the sliver fox up under Stedman l see a remarkable awakening of self-interest!!!!
  • eye observer (02/05/2016, 06:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    who were the judges for this event?
  • we the people (04/05/2016, 06:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    good job to Meade keep it up


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