Fresh ideas found on business show

SARAH BROOK

PRACTICAL ADVICE: Janene Forlong during the filming of Trainers On Trial for tvCentral at Brooklands Country Estate.

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Hosting a group of business trainers filming a television series gave Brooklands Country Estate manager Jane Farnell a few ideas about expanding her own business.

"I picked up some tips along the way," she said.

"This is a perfect conference venue ... we need more people through."

Broadcast in October, the tvCentral production, Trainers On Trial, will give other Waikato businesses the chance to learn from nine Australian and New Zealand business trainers finding solutions to common workplace problems.

The six-episode series will then be broadcast by Queensland's QCTV.

Executive producer Janene Forlong, herself a business trainer, hopes it will be picked up by other networks.

She said the series demonstrated how training workshops could give businesses fresh ideas for solving everyday problems.

"The series will cover issues around business etiquette, managing difficult customers, business writing, negotiation, time management, marketing, customer service and much more," Mrs Forlong said.

Sydney-based "trainer of trainers" Judeth Wilson, who features in the series with Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford, said the show gave practical solutions to a range of workplace problems.

"It shows ... what they can do for businesses, solving problems in business scenarios.

"They have to hone in and give practical solutions."

Ms Wilson said the show would help employers, other trainers and coaches and employees.

Each trainer brought their area of expertise to the show.

Carcassone.com.au principal Dawn Russell was focused on helping franchise businesses market themselves better.

"Many people buy a franchise ... believing they will get the marketing support [from the franchisor]," Ms Russell said.

But while they usually had good brand support, it was up to the businesses to promote themselves locally.

Once customers were in the door, it was important to get them back again, Defining Edge principal trainer Christine Hepburn said.

"I help businesses create a customer experience that ensures customers stay with them."

- © Fairfax NZ News