Friday, October 2, 2009
Business University Blog combines with Chamber INK
The Business University Blog is joining with the Cobb Chamber’s blog, Chamber INK to give you one convenient place to find all of the most up-to-date business information, news from Chamber members and Cobb happenings. To see future posts, please visit http://cobbchambermembernews.wordpress.com/category/cobb-chamber-business-university/.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
FastTrac Growth Venture at Cobb Chamber
The Georgia SBDC is hosting the FastTrac® Growth Venture training beginning on September 30 at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce
FastTrac Planning is an internationally recognized entrepreneurial training program for business leaders, developed by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The facilitated training provides participants with an environment to network, to share problems, successes and best practices and features:
• Prominent guest speakers -- provides focused, practical insights on the topic of the day.
• Small group workshops -- participants work together to complete workbook exercises and develop strategies for their individual businesses.
• One-on-one consulting -- the SBDC staff works with all participants individually, providing management assistance and applying the class concepts to each business. This service starts during the class and will continue after completion of the class for as long as the participant needs.
Chamber members can receive a $100 discount off of this course. For more information or to sign up, go online to http://coles.kennesaw.edu/sbdc/.
FastTrac Planning is an internationally recognized entrepreneurial training program for business leaders, developed by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The facilitated training provides participants with an environment to network, to share problems, successes and best practices and features:
• Prominent guest speakers -- provides focused, practical insights on the topic of the day.
• Small group workshops -- participants work together to complete workbook exercises and develop strategies for their individual businesses.
• One-on-one consulting -- the SBDC staff works with all participants individually, providing management assistance and applying the class concepts to each business. This service starts during the class and will continue after completion of the class for as long as the participant needs.
Chamber members can receive a $100 discount off of this course. For more information or to sign up, go online to http://coles.kennesaw.edu/sbdc/.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Focus on Social Media
Cobb Chamber Business U held a great seminar at the Chamber on Wednesday, Sept. 2. More than 80 people attended to hear Bill and Cheryl Musial of Mopdog Creative + Strategy discuss how to effectively use social media to market their businesses.
The Cobb Chamber also made its social media debut this week, and now in addition to this blog, you can follow the Cobb Chamber on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter as well as the Cobb Chamber Blog Chamber Ink. We look forward to interacting with you using all of the social media techniques discussed at Wednesday’s seminar!
Cheryl Musial of Mopdog Creative + Strategy leads the seminar on social media.
The Cobb Chamber also made its social media debut this week, and now in addition to this blog, you can follow the Cobb Chamber on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter as well as the Cobb Chamber Blog Chamber Ink. We look forward to interacting with you using all of the social media techniques discussed at Wednesday’s seminar!
Cheryl Musial of Mopdog Creative + Strategy leads the seminar on social media.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Networking to Grow Your Business – Part 1 of 3
Guest Column:
Scott Lawrence
Network Solutions
With the incredible growth of social media over the last few years, many small business owners have started finding success at growing their businesses by networking online, using some relatively simple internet tools. This exciting new world of internet networking can seem absolutely intoxicating at times; the hangover is realized only at the sobering realization of the abundance of time required to make social media and blogs really work. Some have said that the idea of social media was far more intriguing than the actually having to regularly participate.
Although Twitter’s unique audience has increased exponentially in the last year alone, helping to make “twitter” something of a household name, its audience retention rate hovers right around 40% (see Graph), spawning another common term: “twitter quitter.”
It would seem that, no matter the level of technology, in networking and marketing, the adage seems to hold true: we get what we put into it. (See Graph)
Not to be outdone, Local Networking events, which require a regular physical presence, are also seeing record turnouts lately. Similar to social media, the same adage applies here too, yet the two networking media are poles apart. We’ll explain. But first, we should define Local Networking. Local Networking is any organization, consisting of small to medium sized businesses, which meets on a regular basis to share and receive referrals and leads. Examples of formal Local Networking groups are: BNI (Business Networking International), Merchants’ Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Business Associations, etc. We’ve outlined below the most common similarities, and biggest differences, between local networking events and social media.
The similarities
1. No matter the city where you live, local networking events occur all of the time.
2. Both social media and local networking events are primarily in place to promote businesses to new customers.
3. It is usually the most interesting blogger (or interesting person at the local event) who will get the most leads.
4. Many Local Networking groups, as well as bloggers, attempt to pay for their activities (and even make a profit) by attracting sponsors.
5. They both require constant attention, although the frequency may be quite different.
6. Social media can become viral, where blog entries and links are sent along to readers who might find the content interesting. Similarly, local networking groups are not in place to sell to one another, but rather to sell to the attendees’ circle of influence.
The differences
1. Blogs and other social media typically require regular (often daily) attention. Local Networking events typically occur (at most) on a weekly basis.
2. By definition, Local Networking events are… well… local. Not global like social media can be.
3. Some Local Networking groups are exclusive to one business per industry.
4. Just as Local Networking groups do not require daily interaction, the payback period for this group is also prolonged. Generally speaking, the attendees at local networking groups must become familiar with you at their regularly scheduled events before they feel comfortable suggesting you to their customers or circle of influence.
5. Due to the nature of geographically based businesses, some industries are better than others for Local Networking vs. Social Media. (e.g. a mechanic in Opelika, AL may have a fantastic blog worth reading every other hour, but he’s not likely to get much business from his most loyal fan in San Francisco, CA)
Scott Lawrence
Network Solutions
With the incredible growth of social media over the last few years, many small business owners have started finding success at growing their businesses by networking online, using some relatively simple internet tools. This exciting new world of internet networking can seem absolutely intoxicating at times; the hangover is realized only at the sobering realization of the abundance of time required to make social media and blogs really work. Some have said that the idea of social media was far more intriguing than the actually having to regularly participate.
Although Twitter’s unique audience has increased exponentially in the last year alone, helping to make “twitter” something of a household name, its audience retention rate hovers right around 40% (see Graph), spawning another common term: “twitter quitter.”
It would seem that, no matter the level of technology, in networking and marketing, the adage seems to hold true: we get what we put into it. (See Graph)Not to be outdone, Local Networking events, which require a regular physical presence, are also seeing record turnouts lately. Similar to social media, the same adage applies here too, yet the two networking media are poles apart. We’ll explain. But first, we should define Local Networking. Local Networking is any organization, consisting of small to medium sized businesses, which meets on a regular basis to share and receive referrals and leads. Examples of formal Local Networking groups are: BNI (Business Networking International), Merchants’ Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Business Associations, etc. We’ve outlined below the most common similarities, and biggest differences, between local networking events and social media.
The similarities
1. No matter the city where you live, local networking events occur all of the time.
2. Both social media and local networking events are primarily in place to promote businesses to new customers.
3. It is usually the most interesting blogger (or interesting person at the local event) who will get the most leads.
4. Many Local Networking groups, as well as bloggers, attempt to pay for their activities (and even make a profit) by attracting sponsors.
5. They both require constant attention, although the frequency may be quite different.
6. Social media can become viral, where blog entries and links are sent along to readers who might find the content interesting. Similarly, local networking groups are not in place to sell to one another, but rather to sell to the attendees’ circle of influence.
The differences
1. Blogs and other social media typically require regular (often daily) attention. Local Networking events typically occur (at most) on a weekly basis.
2. By definition, Local Networking events are… well… local. Not global like social media can be.
3. Some Local Networking groups are exclusive to one business per industry.
4. Just as Local Networking groups do not require daily interaction, the payback period for this group is also prolonged. Generally speaking, the attendees at local networking groups must become familiar with you at their regularly scheduled events before they feel comfortable suggesting you to their customers or circle of influence.
5. Due to the nature of geographically based businesses, some industries are better than others for Local Networking vs. Social Media. (e.g. a mechanic in Opelika, AL may have a fantastic blog worth reading every other hour, but he’s not likely to get much business from his most loyal fan in San Francisco, CA)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Congressman Price to Hold Small Business Forum
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) will be hosting a small business forum to be held on Wednesday, August 26, at the Roswell Area Park Recreations Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“America’s small businesses are the job creation engine of our economy,” said Rep. Price. “Over half of all people in the non-governmental workforce are employed by small businesses. Recovery will not occur without creating an environment that will allow opportunity to flourish. To help spark the entrepreneurial spirit in our area, I am pleased to host the Sixth District Small Business Forum.”
The purpose of this forum will be to provide information and assist business owners and local governments from across the district with keys to success in the current economy, as well as to offer tips on grant writing and the availability of various grants.
If you wish to attend this forum, please R.S.V.P. by e-mail to Kyle McGowan at kyle.mcgowan@mail.house.gov or by calling Rep. Price’s district office at (770)565-4990. The Roswell Area Park Recreation Center’s main building is located at 10495 Woodstock Road in Roswell.
“America’s small businesses are the job creation engine of our economy,” said Rep. Price. “Over half of all people in the non-governmental workforce are employed by small businesses. Recovery will not occur without creating an environment that will allow opportunity to flourish. To help spark the entrepreneurial spirit in our area, I am pleased to host the Sixth District Small Business Forum.”
The purpose of this forum will be to provide information and assist business owners and local governments from across the district with keys to success in the current economy, as well as to offer tips on grant writing and the availability of various grants.
If you wish to attend this forum, please R.S.V.P. by e-mail to Kyle McGowan at kyle.mcgowan@mail.house.gov or by calling Rep. Price’s district office at (770)565-4990. The Roswell Area Park Recreation Center’s main building is located at 10495 Woodstock Road in Roswell.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Businesses in Marietta Eligible for Grant Funding
If you own a small business and are looking to move to Marietta or expand your existing small business in an area of the city that is undergoing redevelopment, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Marietta Growth Fund as part of a small-business grant program.
Businesses must be located within the city limits of Marietta to receive the funding. The grant program is geared toward job creation for low- to moderate-income individuals. Businesses must pay salaries higher than the minimum wage to be eligible to receive funding.
Business owners need to have an investment of their own in the program. The program provides a gap financing tool for businesses through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Marietta Growth Fund provides assistance to qualified Marietta businesses, by supplementing traditional commercial loans or other financial resources with additional funds for new business or expansion.
The Fund provides a mechanism to "close the deal" when traditional commercial loans and other financial resources are insufficient to capitalize the business. The Fund encourages business revitalization and employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals who live in the city limits of Marietta. Click here to view the Marietta Growth Fund Brochure
For more information, contact Marietta's Economic Development Manager Beth Sessoms at bsessoms@mariettaga.gov.
Businesses must be located within the city limits of Marietta to receive the funding. The grant program is geared toward job creation for low- to moderate-income individuals. Businesses must pay salaries higher than the minimum wage to be eligible to receive funding.
Business owners need to have an investment of their own in the program. The program provides a gap financing tool for businesses through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Marietta Growth Fund provides assistance to qualified Marietta businesses, by supplementing traditional commercial loans or other financial resources with additional funds for new business or expansion.
The Fund provides a mechanism to "close the deal" when traditional commercial loans and other financial resources are insufficient to capitalize the business. The Fund encourages business revitalization and employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals who live in the city limits of Marietta. Click here to view the Marietta Growth Fund Brochure
For more information, contact Marietta's Economic Development Manager Beth Sessoms at bsessoms@mariettaga.gov.
Monday, July 20, 2009
July Updates
Fall Seminar Series
The Cobb Chamber Business U has announced its 2009 Fall Seminar Series which will start in August. The series is designed to tackle current issues like social media networking and how to exit your business. Make sure you look over the seminar links to the left to review the upcoming offerings or click here to see a complete list.
Managing Unemployment Compensation Claims: A Big Picture Approach to Reducing Associated Costs and Minimizing Liability
Fisher & Phillips LLP will present a webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 1 to 2 p.m. to show employers how they can take steps to manage claims arising from performance-related terminations. Controlling costs associated with unemployment compensation insurance is always a legitimate employer concern. Tough economic times make controlling these costs even more important. This webinar is free, but registration is required. Please click here to register.
KSU Continuing Education Open House
Kennesaw State University’s Continuing Education department will be having an open house on July 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Get a sneak peek into the 2,500 courses and 40 certificate programs offered through Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. Come and meet the faculty and staff, tour the facility, and attend information sessions for specific courses. Light refreshments will be provided. During the event, they will also be offering a special free seminar, “Navigating New Job Markets,” which will focus on new job hunting techniques and the rules of cyber etiquette. For more information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/openhouse or call 770-423-6765.
The Cobb Chamber Business U has announced its 2009 Fall Seminar Series which will start in August. The series is designed to tackle current issues like social media networking and how to exit your business. Make sure you look over the seminar links to the left to review the upcoming offerings or click here to see a complete list.
Managing Unemployment Compensation Claims: A Big Picture Approach to Reducing Associated Costs and Minimizing Liability
Fisher & Phillips LLP will present a webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 1 to 2 p.m. to show employers how they can take steps to manage claims arising from performance-related terminations. Controlling costs associated with unemployment compensation insurance is always a legitimate employer concern. Tough economic times make controlling these costs even more important. This webinar is free, but registration is required. Please click here to register.
KSU Continuing Education Open House
Kennesaw State University’s Continuing Education department will be having an open house on July 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Get a sneak peek into the 2,500 courses and 40 certificate programs offered through Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University. Come and meet the faculty and staff, tour the facility, and attend information sessions for specific courses. Light refreshments will be provided. During the event, they will also be offering a special free seminar, “Navigating New Job Markets,” which will focus on new job hunting techniques and the rules of cyber etiquette. For more information or to register, visit www.kennesaw.edu/coned/openhouse or call 770-423-6765.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Federal Grant Supermarket
Congressmen Phil Gingrey and Lynn Westmoreland are hosting a free Federal Grant Supermarket on August 7, 2009 from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of West Georgia Education Building on the Main Campus in Carrollton, GA. Reservations are required.
This session will teach you about grant writing as well as federal contracts and opportunities for your business. Additionally, representatives from federal agencies will be on site to answer your questions about grant opportunities.
Click on the below flyers for more details.
This session will teach you about grant writing as well as federal contracts and opportunities for your business. Additionally, representatives from federal agencies will be on site to answer your questions about grant opportunities.
Click on the below flyers for more details.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cutting Costs Versus Growing
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s June newsletter included a guest column about the five rules for cutting costs versus growing. These rules provide a guideline for navigating these difficult times and include having a solid business plan, measuring everything, negotiating and renegotiating deals, diversifying, and having a contingency plan.
This advice can help businesses across the spectrum decide on a course of action and stay focused. Click here to read the full article on the U.S. Chamber’s Web site.
This advice can help businesses across the spectrum decide on a course of action and stay focused. Click here to read the full article on the U.S. Chamber’s Web site.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Small Business Links
Starting and running a business can be challenging. There are numerous organizations available to assist entrepreneurs and business owners. Below is a list of helpful Web sites for businesses.
Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
Provides links for resources for entrepreneurs
Small Business Training Network
www.sba.gov/training
Free training courses and other opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn and receive helpful tips
SCORE
www.score.org
“Counselors to America’s Small Business” – Free, private advice for small business owners
Office of Women’s Business Ownership
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc
Core of the nationwide network of Women’s Business Centers
Small Business Development Centers
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html
A nationwide network of local centers providing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs
Business.gov
www.business.gov
U.S. Government website providing information about regulations, taxes, frequent problems, and more
Minority Business Development Agency
www.mbda.gov
Part of the Department of Commerce focused on the minority-owned businesses
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Information for self-employed people and small businesses from the IRS
Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/osbp
Small business resource center from the Department of Labor
Export.gov
www.export.gov
A combination of resources from different agencies by the U.S. government’s export portal
The above list was recently published in a supplement to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
Provides links for resources for entrepreneurs
Small Business Training Network
www.sba.gov/training
Free training courses and other opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn and receive helpful tips
SCORE
www.score.org
“Counselors to America’s Small Business” – Free, private advice for small business owners
Office of Women’s Business Ownership
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc
Core of the nationwide network of Women’s Business Centers
Small Business Development Centers
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html
A nationwide network of local centers providing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs
Business.gov
www.business.gov
U.S. Government website providing information about regulations, taxes, frequent problems, and more
Minority Business Development Agency
www.mbda.gov
Part of the Department of Commerce focused on the minority-owned businesses
Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Information for self-employed people and small businesses from the IRS
Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/osbp
Small business resource center from the Department of Labor
Export.gov
www.export.gov
A combination of resources from different agencies by the U.S. government’s export portal
The above list was recently published in a supplement to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
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