Name of your website?Executive Oasis International
Your name?
Anne Thornley-Brown
Your Location (city, etc)
Toronto
Please give us a short summary of your website?
A Toronto based consulting firm specializing in executive retreats, team building simulations, upscale corporate events, and incentive travel for rapidly changing organizations. Destinations include Canada, Jamaica, Dubai, Oman, Malaysia, and Singapore.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I wanted to share my ideas about how companies could boost team effectiveness and organizational effectiveness during times of turbulence and change.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
The Training Oasis, Inc. in 1996.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I did a lot of mind mapping and reflecting to come up with a name that reflected my vision of the experience I would like my customer to have.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Our approach is creative, out of the box and international. We give participants an opportunity to explore the cultures of the countries where we hold events and to learn more about my country of origin - Jamaica.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Eventually the business may pass on to another family member.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
It takes a lot of work to launch a website, ensure that it is front of mind in people's awareness and keep it fresh, memorable and energizing.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would add flash and more video clips so that people could experience what it is like to attend one of our sessions or join us for incentive travel.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Absolutely.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Running out of space at my first hosting service. Moving the site to another host.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I can't really think of anything except perhaps for getting the images to show up when I first launched 11 years ago. That was sorted out very quickly.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Search engines, articles, media interviews.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
I didn't realize how frequently it would have to be updated.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
The Executive Oasis International website was spun off as a separate site in 2003. I intend to keep doing it as long as it is fun.
What are some locations and activities that you recommend for team building and incentive travel?
Jamaica - there are a lot of options including beach activities, mountain treks, polo and equestrian adventures. Dubai and Oman are 2 locations that North Americans should consider for incentive travel, team building and executive retreats. They provide truly unique and memorable experiences.
What is your website address?
Executive Oasis International
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