New strategy needed

SO ANOTHER year is on our doorstep and what prospects do we have for growth in 2013.

Immediate thoughts are the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, regular train visits from Dunedin and the Business Park.

From Business Development Oamaru's perspective, in 2013 we would like to see more discussion on what local businesses, council and the Chamber of Commerce could provide to sustain and support local industry - with better communication to understand what our leaders can do to help them grow.

Explore ideas on how the average wage earnings could be increased in Oamaru, encourage more spending within the wider North Otago region and explore options to encourage businesses selling outside the region.

BDO would like to work with our leaders to develop a strategy to encourage younger business owners to Oamaru. The Business Park is the ideal recruiting ground for growth, so exactly who is being targeted?

Part of any business strategy is to start with a customer focus, start by asking your customers directly - exactly what are you looking for?

Get right alongside them, as you must know what they are all about to get to exactly what they value.

How big is the customer segment that is being targeted and will this sustain the strategy?

So easy to slip into, this is what I think they want, so I'll assume they'll also see value in my offer, then they'll hand over their hard-earned dollars - at that particular time.

Great to see Oamaru is hitting the mark with our tourist successes in the growth of visitor numbers, however are we offering the best offer to draw out the visitor spend while they are here? Businesses need to have a highly customer-focused offering in place, being what feels right is not necessarily what the market demands.

Fantastic to see the train being so well supported at both ends of its journey, wouldn't this be a great pre-cursor to having cruise ships anchored off the Oamaru coast.

Ferrying hoards of potential customers to our business offerings - we're certainly leading the charge as an "off the beaten track" destination.

Simon Berry is a Business Development Oamaru mentor and Oamaru businessman.