Business Fundamentals 05:

Marketing & Sales -
Building Connections That Drive Growth

Build a Marketing & Sales Strategy That Actually Works

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Guess what? You don’t need a big budget to promote your product or service, you just need a smart strategy. 

One with clarity, consistency, and a strong connection to your customer.

This module will teach you step-by-step how to:
  • Pick the right channels for your audience (not just what's trendy)
  • Create content that actually connects and converts
  • Build partnerships that grow your reach, fast.
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You’ll also hear directly from real business owners, like Wendy, founder of & Again (featured above) and Liz, co-founder of Found Store, who share how they’ve used everyday tools - like social media, EDMs, and strategic collaborations.

Because without a clear plan to attract and convert customers, growth is just guesswork.

By the end of this course, there’ll be no guesswork - just a focused, flexible plan to grow your business in a way that’s authentic, actionable, and sustainable.

★★★★★

This module was a game-changer! 

The AI prompts and Canva Whiteboard were incredibly useful, and being able to print my responses as a PDF made learning even more accessible. The Content Calendar was fun, engaging, and helped me plan with confidence.

I walked away with clarity on my messaging, collaborations, and content strategy - feeling empowered to take my business to the next level!

Highly recommend.
RAE MACDONALD
Entrepreneur
Business Fundamentals 05: 

Marketing & Sales - Building Connections That Drive Growth

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Course features
  • Level: Beginner
  • Study time: ~2-3h 
learn how to:

  • Choose the marketing and sales channels that actually work for your business
  • Create content that speaks to your ideal customers and sparks engagement
  • Build a practical, results-driven marketing strategy you can stick to
  • Form partnerships that boost your reach and strengthen your brand
  • Convert interest into real sales with a clear, confident action plan
  • Also includes optional AI prompts to assist and accelerate learning
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What's Included

Dynamic learning: videos, interactive activities, frameworks & tools

This module blends expert video guidance, hands-on tools, and interactive learning to help you confidently market your business. From choosing the right channels to developing a content plan and exploring partnerships, you’ll finish with a strategy you’re proud to put into action.

Learn from those who've been there before 

Hear how local entrepreneurs approach marketing in real life - from building an audience to creating authentic content and growing through partnerships.

In this module you'll hear from:
  • Liz, co-founder of Found Store (featured right)
  • Wendy, Founder of & Again

Discuss with others

Share your ideas, test your messaging, and get feedback from fellow learners in our online discussion board - a supportive space for collaboration and inspiration.
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★★★★★
Favourite module so far! 

Great insights into different aspects of marketing, plus valuable resources for each.

I really liked the prompts and actionable steps - they helped me think outside the box and gave me clear direction.

KARMAL JACKSON
Entrepreneur in Ideation Phase

★★★★★

Essential for marketing success

Marketing is a crucial skill to master, and by the end of this module, you’ll feel so much clearer on what to do and when.

With a structured marketing plan in place, you’ll be set to move the needle in your business.
JULIE MCGILL
Established Business Owner
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Co-created by

Dr Fern Kelly-Zander

Innovation Specialist & Programme Manager

Fern Kelly-Zander brings extensive international experience in innovation, strategy, and business development and has been instrumental in leading the creation of this online learning platform.

As the co-founder of Rüdi’s Bakehouse, Fern understands firsthand the challenges faced by founders and small business owners - from launching and scaling a business to navigating funding, strategy, and operations. She is deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs, helping them turn big ideas into impactful, sustainable businesses.

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Co-created by

Kate Wightman

Business Growth Advisor & Startup Aotearoa Lead
Kate Wightman is Soda's Startup Aotearoa lead and an experienced business growth advisor, supporting Waikato businesses through the Regional Business Partner programme. With a strong background in startups, venture capital, and technology incubation, Kate is also a co-founder of her own business so understands the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. A former elite road cyclist, she also walked the length of New Zealand in 2023, raising $55,000 for gynaecological cancer.
Kate is always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out with questions!
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