Knowledge Horizon hosts BBIC workshop

Her comments formed part of her session on: "How to present your business plan with confidence" for entrants to the TKM - Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition (BBIC) Monday 30 June hosted at Knowledge Horizon Training Institute.

Al Jasim's role gives her good insight into the subject and certainly a broad bank of experience to draw from. "Without doubt, giving a presentation is daunting in the beginning. But with good research, especially knowing who your audience is, it's possible for everyone and anyone to get their message across and achieve their goal. Something that always amazes me, and it's common, is presenters not being accurate about themselves. When you speak accurately about yourself and deliver key facts correctly, you have more authority and credibility. You start to win over your audience. This is where putting in the time and planning comes in. Researching, planning and preparing yourself - that's what it's all about," she explains.

Al Jasim adds:

"It's the second year we've been involved in the BBIC. It's a great initiative and as someone in training, what appeals to me, is that it's not just about the competition and winning. It's about development - personal and professional. All the people who take part, even those who just come along to the workshops, get something out of it - perhaps it's the one piece that pushes their business concept in the right direction. Their business might happen this year or in five years but if we can help them along the way, well, that's fantastic."

The TKM - Ernst & Young BBIC is an annual event that encourages the development of new innovative businesses and helps start ups get off the ground. To enter this year, Omani entrepreneurs need to complete and submit an official application form by the closing date of 7 July 2008. Applicants must be Omani nationals and be at the seed, start-up or early stages of developing their business idea. Business ideas should be related to services or products in the field of information communication technology. The winner is expected to display a high level of originality, creativity and/or innovation in their idea.