Background
The Go Stats! seminar series was launched by Statistics New Zealand in August 2006. Seminars are free to businesses and demonstrate how to get the most from information available at Statistics NZ.
These events are jointly hosted by Statistics NZ and local business organisations, including chambers of commerce, employers and manufacturing associations, and local enterprise organisations. To see if a seminar is being held in your region see the Go Stats! 2009 seminars webpage.
Everything you need to know about the seminars
How can statistics help my business?
The seminars show local businesses different ways in which Statistics NZ's information can help with the day-to-day running of their business, such as:
- evaluating business potential
- targeting promotions
- estimating market share
- assessing new site locations
- applying for finance
- analysing import/export trends.
Who are the seminars targeted at?
The seminars were developed predominately for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and for business advisors and mentors.
However, the seminars are open to anyone who is interested.
What can I expect if I attend?
Statistics NZ staff will run the two-hour seminar, which kicks off with presentations, followed by a workshop session. The events are informal and allow time for networking. A typical seminar includes:
- Presentations, including “How statistics can help grow your business”. This gives an overview of the local economy and a series of practical examples of ways that our information has helped other businesses.
- Booklets and resources developed specifically for SMEs, business advisors, and mentors.
- A simple demonstration of our Table Builder tool and also the Infoshare database, which is now available for free.
- Workshop sessions – a time to chat with our team about specific information to help your business.
Do I need to know a lot about statistics to attend?
Not at all. Our seminars are designed for people who may know only a little about statistics or nothing at all! The presentations have a logical, step-by-step approach using case studies that make them easy to follow.
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Will I get a chance to discuss my individual information needs?
Yes, just make sure you stay for the workshop session after the presentations to speak with staff from Statistics NZ. Think about what information would help grow your business and we will show you how to get this information from our website.
Do I have to pay to attend?
No, it’s free to attend. Refreshments are also provided.
What if there is no seminar in my area but I would like to know more about what Statistics NZ offers?
With so much information available, it can be a bit daunting to find what you want on our website the first time! If you’ve never been on our website before, or can’t find the information you want, you’re welcome to contact our Information Centre (toll-free) on 0508 525 525 or email info@stats.govt.nz. Staff can help you identify the statistics you need to answer your query, and where to find them on our website.
On our website you can find a copy of Using Stats: A Guide for Your Business, suitable for people planning to start, or currently running a business. It includes case studies based on enquiries we have received. We also have online tutorials for businesses.
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Where in New Zealand have Go Stats! seminars been held?
Since 2006 we’ve run over 30 seminars throughout the country. You can see the venues Past Go Stats! seminars webpage.
To check where Go Stats! seminars will be held in 2009, go to the Go Stats! 2009 seminars webpage. It pays to check this page regularly as more events will be added throughout the year.
How can an organisation co-host a Go Stats! seminar?
Business organisations interested in co-hosting a Go Stats! seminar should contact gostats@stats.govt.nz for more information.
Need more information about the seminars?
Then contact us – we would love to hear from you! For information about the Go Stats! seminars please email gostats@stats.govt.nz or contact our Information Centre (toll-free) on 0508 525 525.
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