Project partners—the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) Central Slovenia Regional Chamber, the AIA Association – Mengeš Youth Center, and Cene Štupar – CILJ, hosted the mayor of the Municipality of Mengeš , Franc Jerič, who emphasized the importance of networking—even in the new reality—and of collaboration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He himself is a strong advocate for cooperation between the municipality and businesses. He highlighted the importance of a long-term and strategic perspective on the development of society as a whole, noting that this often requires setting aside individual egos, and expressed his support for the “For You, Entrepreneurs” project. He also highlighted the partner organization, the AIA Association – Mengeš Youth Center, which helps create a support ecosystem in Mengeš for aspiring entrepreneurs who can turn to the association as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to the mayor , we hosted Matevž Vrhovnik, director of Alfa Natura d.o.o., Urban Ropotar of UrbiBaba.com , Dragan Simeunović, M.A., of Premicon d.o.o. , and Dr. Rok Stritar, owner and director of Kibuba and visiting professor at the Faculty of Economics, Department of Entrepreneurship.
The guests shared their entrepreneurial stories and, above all, highlighted their sales approaches. Dr. Rok Stritar emphasized that sales are successful when we identify a repeatable process that generates revenue, with creativity and development playing a supporting role. He also noted that successful sales are not a matter of talent, but rather of establishing a process that is predictable and repeatable. Although the environment has become highly unpredictable and reality has changed, the fundamental principles remain the same: solving the customer’s problems.
Matevž Vrhovnik emphasized that when it comes to sales, it’s important to know who our customers are and to take their emotions into account. Sales really start to grow when you use your knowledge to solve your customers’ problems and challenges.
Urban Ropotar emphasized that when selling online, entrepreneurs should focus on speed, responsiveness, and adaptability to the market. They should start with fewer items and expand their product range later. They should prioritize customer feedback, as this will help them develop a winning product lineup. He suggested that they not try to do everything themselves, but instead bring in outside contractors where possible and focus on the activities in which they excel.
Dragan Simeunović, M.A., emphasized that sales are the most expensive process in a company, as they are very time-consuming and failure can cost a lot of money. He stressed that young entrepreneurs should initially take advantage of the many events offered by the support network to gain knowledge. Once the company begins to grow, however, they can turn to experts who will streamline and optimize the sales process for them.
Overall, they agreed that knowing your customer is key to sales, that a successful salesperson focuses on solving their customers’ problems, and that it is necessary to continuously measure sales performance and optimize the sales process, since an effective sales process is one that is systematized.
Join us for the following free breakfasts as well:
- Social Media and New Trends in Communication – 10. 3. 2021
- Financial Tips for Everyone – 17. 3. 2021
- Business Environment Leverage for Your Success – 24. 3. 2021
In addition, you can express your interest in advance in the free Entrepreneurship Academy and Entrepreneurship Incubator, where—with the help of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors who face entrepreneurial challenges on a daily basis—you will be able to enhance your entrepreneurial knowledge and business operations.
Advance registration is required for breakfasts: http://bit.ly/3rFKCdo
You can read more about the project by clicking here.
The investment is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The project is being implemented within the framework of the Local Action Group (LAG) “Za mesto in vas.” For more information, visit the Structural Funds website: www.eu-skladi.si and the LAS Za mesto in vas website: www.las-mestoinvas.si
Prepared by: Sanda Jerman, Cene Štupar – CILJ
