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What our clients say...
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Christine and Mike McConachie of Milford Sound Lodge attended the Tourism Marketing Bootcamp - February 2010.
"We recently attended the 10 hour Marketing Bootcamp and we are happy to say our expectations of the day were exceeded. We felt the material covered relevant issues and topics as well as raising awareness of others. The material was delivered in an easy to understand manner and the smaller group meant there was time for discussion and questions.
The setting was comfortable, spacious and Marijke had gone to some effort with refreshments which was appreciated. We came away from the extremely productive 10 hour day feeling it had flown by.
We now have a clear idea of who our market is, how we should be targeting them and a clear action plan to follow to achieve our objectives. The day helped clear away confusion and simplified our marketing decision making process. It was an investment in time and money that in the long run will save us the same ten times over."
Christine Wallace
Milford Sound Lodge
http://www.milfordlodge.com/
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Anita attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - September 2009
"Fantastic day, many thanks. Definitely an advantage in refocusing our marketing efforts and putting together a comprehensive marketing plan."
Anita Golden - Southern Discoveries Ltd
www.southerdiscoveries.co.nz
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Arthur attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - September 2009
"Just wanted to pass on my thanks again for a fantastic course on Thursday. I learned a lot, and the day really helped to bring together a lot of the threads of ideas I've had, but have never been able to action or given proper thought to.
One of the great things I've taken away is that most of what you covered doesn't actually "cost" a business a lot of money. The investment is time to research and develop these ideas..."
Arthur McBride - Alpine Guides
www.alpineguides.co.nz , www.skithetasman.co.nz
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Karen attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - September 2009
"The 10 hours were very well structured. I feel a lot more positive now about the road ahead. I now have the tools to get our marketing planned.
Thanks, Marijke!"
Karen McBride - Mount Cook Ski Planes
www.mtcookskiplanes.com
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Kirsten attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - September 2009
"Fantastic course, so informative. Great for getting the creative juices flowing!"
Kirsten Parrick - Body Sanctum
www.bodysanctum.co.nz
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Michelle attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - August 2009
"Besides being fun, interactive and a day out of the office, the bootcamp also allowed us to step back and take a look at the BIG PICTURE. I have come away feeling refreshed, motivated and focused on my action plan.
It is also reassuring to know that the marketing challenges we face are similar to others in the industry but there are heaps of practical steps we can take to turn these into opportunities. Thanks Marijke!"
Michelle McCormack , Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Village Ltd
www.hermitage.co.nz
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Jan attended the "Tourism Marketing Bootcamp" - August 2009
“A ten hour Bootcamp on marketing seemed a daunting prospect for me as a new tourist venture operator with no previous knowledge of the trade but I believe it was the best move I could have made for our marketing campaign and excellent value for money.
We had been open for five months and had some information about our clients and potential clients but I didn’t now know what to do with that information. I now know who my target market is and how best to market to them. The networking and helpful advice from other bootcamp participants was also invaluable.
I came away with a marketing plan which is realistic and achievable. Marijke's tutoring style was brilliant as we were all from very diverse businesses knowledge levels but she kept us all involved and with it for the whole ten hours, not an easy task. Thank you, Marijke!”
Jan Thomas - Omarama Hot Tubs
www.hottubsomarama.co.nz
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Noreen attended the Marketing on a Shoestring workshop - June 2009:
"An excellent and timely session for me. Information (written, powerpoint, verbal) succinctly and simply presented. Plentiful, relevant & expert examples utilised. Thought provoking!
Loved the opportunity to identify action plan and goal setting. Well worth attending. Thank you Marijke."
Noreen Mc Loughlin - McLoughlin Consulting
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Johnny attended the Marketing on a Shoestring workshop - June 2009
"Thank you so much for your insightful recommendations that resulted in our business principals finding clarity and developing a strategic path for our future."
Johnny Mauchline, Operations Manager
EIS Group Ltd
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Caroline attended the Marketing on a Shoestring workshop - June 2009:
"Thank you for running the marketing course yesterday. I have found upon returning to work today that I feel refreshed in my approach to promoting DOC, and inspired to make some changes according to my action plan. I have started work on all but one of my actions so far."
Caroline Carter - Community Relations
Department of Conservation, Te Anau area office
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The feedback below is from the Advanced Training Programme for Tourism Operators presented by Smartraining on the West Coast in three locations in 2008.
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"Having just completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme, they were the most comprehensive and all encompassing I have attended. Marijke really gets you to look at your marketing from all angles and presents different avenues you probably hadn't thought of. Her national and international marketing experience and contacts are priceless."
Olivia Robinson - The Gold Room - Hokitika
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"Marijke is a great presenter of the programmes and workshops. She uses a logical pattern of format and thinking which clarifies and reduces the professional mystique of marketing, so that it is easy to follow and implement. She stimulates and supports you as an individual, rekindling your enthusiasm. Highly recommended to all."
Hemi Te Rakau - Awatuna Homestead (Hemi has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"We are always inspired by Marijke Dunselman and her enthusiasm for the West Coast. Marijke's workshops and coaching have been an immense bonus to our business. Her helpful manner and industry knowledge are very important to our ongoing business development. It is wonderful to have the combination of a New Zealand and European perspective."
Bernie Oudemans - Hollie Homestead - (Bernie has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"It's really given me a 'big picture' understanding with practical, useful projects I can put in place in the near future. Otherwise it all gets a bit overwhelming and you don't know where to start. Clear presentation, logical, useful!"
Lynda Kay - The Body Business
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"Excellent access to information that has been easy to implement instantly. I've been able to take several points away from each workshop to use - wholesaler info, packaging, press release, website. Lots of personalised ideas through feedback from others in the class which is really nice to get!."
Shelley Alexander - Matheson Cafe & Reflectionz - (Shelley has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"Wow! As a recent business buyer these marketing courses with Marijke have already increased bookings for us. The important relationships built with both other operators and Marijke. Marijke has a great interest in all of our businesses. She is also proud of our achievements within our marketing and other business tasks. The innovations and unique ideas she gives us help us to understand other businesses we work with in the region. Thanks Marijke!"
Linsey Evans - Sunset Motels - (Linsey has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"Motivation! Great & easy to apply advice - very practical. Especially focused towards to area and size of businesses (it wasn't geared to too broad a spectrum). Very personable. We did a new brochure & website and many ideas were drawn directly from these workshops. Thank you! Also was a great forum for networking."
Paula Sheridan - Okarito Boat Tours - (Paula has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"It allowed us time to focus on the marketing of our business, developing promotional material and improvement for our webmarketing. Overall very worthwhile and successful."
Chris Ward - Hokitika Heritage Lodge (Chris has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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" I attended the website/internet workshop. I have learned so much today! Invaluable information - thank you very much!"
Jane Riley - Art by Jane
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"At each session I attended I gained valuable points to help our business".
Margaret Grant - Westport Motor Hotel - (Margaret has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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" I always walk out of one of Marijke's workshops with a new, practical idea of how to improve our marketing. I get remotivated!"
Celine Stokowski - Marketing Manager Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. (Celine has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"Opportunity to stop outside work routine and think about marketing. Excellent to form a marketing plan and learn marketing gems that would otherwise be difficult to find or expensive to obtain."
Catherine Johnson - Stuart Nimmo Gallery - (Catherine has completed the 5 stage Advanced Marketing Training Programme)
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"Just having a regular update on the 'too hard basket' so it really encourages me to do the changes or update that was necessary for my business. Very inspiring & motivational."
Holly Tang-Wilkinson - Across Country Quad Bikes
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"The workshops have been superb for filling in the gaps and developing improved marketing systems for our company. The complete course has been very well put together and presented. Marketing has been superbly covered."
Geoff Schurr - Norwest Adventures
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A few more training client testimonials:
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"My name is Paula Thompson and along with my husband Roger we run ‘Five Rivers Retreat’ a Bed and Breakfast situated at Five Rivers in Northern Southland, NZ. I first met Marijke through attending an Enterprise Training Workshop where Marijke was the tutor. I have been to many courses that Marijke has run and I cannot say enough about what a great tutor she is – the courses are always full of relevant information, very interesting and you always leave feeling very inspired. The follow up coaching I have had with Marijke after the courses have been amazing. Her marketing knowledge in general along with her personal association with many overseas wholesale agents has given us a number of avenues to follow in which to promote our business further. She has a wealth of knowledge that is just so beneficial to anyone seeking marketing advice."
Paula Thomson
Five Rivers Retreat
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"Offering high country experiences on a sheep station is a natural extension to our farming enterprise. However, entering our third year in the tourism industry, marketing the venture is still a very new and challenging experience. Attending the Enterprise Training courses delivered by Marijke are proving very helpful and the follow up coaching is invaluable. Marijke has an affinity with tourism and an excellent knowledge of the industry. Her approachable, friendly manner and personal, caring attitude are a pleasure to work with. We are very fortunate to have her expertise available."
Lynn and Struan Minty
Beaumont Station
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"We are new owner/operators of an older style Motel complex which had been allowed to become very rundown & out-dated and has been closed for the last two years. I have returned to N.Z. after 28 years in Australia, mostly spent running a beef cattle station in central Queensland. So, even though we are both "people" persons', this business is totally outside our sphere of experience !!!
Marijke has recently tutored a series of workshops in our area which has covered all aspects of Marketing and Advertising for Small Business within the Tourism Industry.
Her knowledge of this subject and its specific application to a diverse range of individual tourism - based businesses has been not only specific, very comprehensive but totally MIND BOGGLING !!!
Having been closed for two years and an "out-of-kilter" purchase date which meant we had missed all advertising deadlines for 2005 Advertising Publications, opening our "internally" renovated motel complex meant we were opening a new business using older style assets and with no infrastructure in place.
Marijke's professional advice and assistance to us in this process has included setting up the internal infrastructure for marketing & advertising, market identifying & targeting, sources & resources available for implementing these plans, image projection & enhancement of the business assets and much, much more !!
Marijke's professionalism and comprehensive knowledge are an invaluable asset to N.Z.'s Tourism Industry and Tourism operators .... I look forward to her next series of workshops here on the West Coast, with anticipation!!"
Karen and Geoff Baker
Scenicland Motels
Greymouth, West Coast, N.Z.
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