‘Local businesses should always maintain one-to-one links with customers...’

COMMUNICATIONS consultant, author and journalist Terry Prone will be the guest speaker at The Kerryman Business Awards on Friday, November 1 at The Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Tralee.

Terry is a highly talented communications expert who has delivered training programmes in sixteen countries. She has published twenty-eight books, including critically-acclaimed novels and an award-winning short story collection. Terry is also a regular contributor to current affairs programmes on radio and television.

Terry is very much looking forward to visiting Kerry and meeting with the local business community on November 1.

“I have fond memories of visiting Kerry as a child. When you’ve spent so many years looking at the Dublin Mountains, it’s only when you come to Kerry that you fully understand what real mountains are. It’s a beautiful place,” she said.

Terry is a huge admirer of the work, dedication and generational links associated with local businesses and the huge contribution they make to small economies and communities.

“This is often overlooked in favour of the wider economic landscape. Yet it’s here one finds the essence of what it means to build and create a business. Making a success of a business requires not just talent and effort, but also sacrifice. These are the defining characteristics one associates with local business.”

Given Terry’s professional background in communications, she is of the view that promoting a local business should always be about maintaining one-to-one links with customers. Technology and on-line advertising for all its merits comes at a cost to those who throw their lot in with the online only model.

“It’s important to avail of technology when promoting and advertising a business. But the amount of time devoted to this needs to be tailored in a sensible fashion. Yes, by all means push and promote online, but do so and get back to meeting and dealing with people on a human level. This is important for any business.”

Lastly, Terry again stressed how much she is looking forward to meeting the people behind the businesses that help keep Kerry’s economy going on a daily basis. The family business model in particular is one that impresses Terry. Moreover, finding out more about the stories of individual endeavour connected with Kerry business is something that appeals to Terry.

“I’m always fascinated by the range and success of businesses in small, local economies. It’s a local story that doesn’t always make national headlines. I’m looking forward to meeting Kerry’s business community on November 1 and speaking at what I’m told is a very special evening.”