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The Assignment
I originally applied to work for a different project, based in Kratie. James Chapman
suggested I consider this one as their need for a marketeer would make better use of my
experience, and I am so glad that he pointed me in that direction.
This project has an interesting mix of sustainable business and NGO training organisations.
It has grown to the point where business networking alone by the owner, Trevor, is not enough
to make its services known and keep it's training rooms full, so that a sales and marketing
person needs to be employed. I was asked to establish the job description and recruit that
person.
A client questionnaire, to validate the marketing plan and confirm business trends, was a
unique introduction in to the cross section of businesses operating in Cambodia, encompassing
shelters for women rescued from the trafficking business, mobile phone operators, prime hotels
and the largest installer of swimming pools in the nation. Being delegated by Trevor to attend
the British Business Club in his place also gave me an introduction and insight into the
breadth of business interests here. This included, on one occasion, being addressed by Lord
Ashcroft, Conservative Party financier writ large, here on a fact finding mission.
The recruitment itself was a fascinating exercise. Candidate capabilities and expectations
varying wildly from innocents thinking they will be given the job just because they turn up to
future stars with expectations of serious money.
Around the main task there were day to day marketing jobs to be done. We designed a new
brochure for the organisation, with a separate Khmer / English version, and a new brochure
for the hospitality training centre. New banners for the reception area were designed. There
was some telesales activity to promote training courses and support for the Swiss engineer in
the marketing of the newly expanding webservices outsourcing section.
The people at the project are wonderful. They are friendly, open, considerate, determined
to make their country a better place and with a great sense of humour. I was included in
social events like karaoke evenings, day trips to the country, weddings and just normal nights
out with friends. Trevor is a visionary. He leaves the details to his team and that included
me.
It was a stimulating and satisfying assignment all round and I would recommend a 4 – 6
month assignment to a mature person wanting to put their business skills to good use. Those
skills might be as varied as marketing, web design, social audit, training, catering
management.
Outreach Organisation
- Good match of assignment to my skills and aptitudes.
- Good personal collection at airport and introduction to my assignment by the
co-ordinator.
- The standard of accommodation at the house is higher than volunteers expect, in terms
of the amount of space available, the security of the location and the nearness of a
convenience store at the Caltex petrol station.
- Having bikes available at the house is a good move. I cycled to work everyday, once I'd
got my bearings. Great for exercise, for independence and for joining in the traffic
mayhem.
- Providing the SIM cards is an excellent feature.
- Weekly check-in. the Outreach coordinator dropped into the house once a week, keeping up
to date, sorting out money and visas. Good arrangement.
- Visa renewal. Handled these like clockwork.
Conclusion
A richly rewarding experience. I would recommend Outreach to potential mature volunteers
and I would be willing to represent Outreach at promotional events, as my diary permits.
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