I was one of the lucky ones to get a spot in the Smart eSkills Training workshops recently held in Robe after being alerted to the opportunity by Women in Business and Regional Development Inc. This training was not only free, but incredibly professional and invaluable – what a coup for Limestone Coast businesses!

I attended with a view to developing my own Gretel Sneath – Freelance Writer website (which is now in production), but also learning helpful tips which I can use for myself and clients.

It can be difficult keeping up with changes in technology, and as a freelance writer and marketing consultant who works independently from home, this training was a wonderful way to up-skill. Now I feel a tiny bit clever! I have been both enriched and excited not only by what I have learned but by the opportunities which I realise are now out there. I have been introduced to a whole new area of potential in my work; social networking is an important tool for all businesses, but it helps if your newsletters, blog posts and tweets are well written, and that’s where I can step in! I am now in the process of developing monthly eNewsletters for two retail clients and they’re looking fantastic!
It’s a steep learning curve, so I have taken up the offer of ongoing support from presenter Steve Davis and the follow-up online courses from Tafe SA. I am also on the lookout for future workshops relevant to my trade.

I loved the camaraderie of the women taking part – we were all from such diverse backgrounds (media, interior design, horticulture, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, the wine industry) and we were all stepping out of our comfort zone which made for some terrific fun. Great catering, too – we were all very spoilt, and I am really grateful to have been involved.