WoW! - Take Advantage of Free Business Trainings
There is never a point where a business owner can just stop - thinking they have reached the pinnacle of service, branding, business building, or success. What you say to your children is also true for business - you're never too smart to learn, too old to grow, too rich to pass up a good opportunity.
As a business owner - no one has more to lose or to gain from your businesses success or failure - THAN YOU. There are many products, programs, and applications that businesses have to pay for. You can't get everything for free. And there's nothing wrong with that. If you expect everything for free - it won't be long before your customers start expecting the same of you.
But there are some EXCELLENT and important resources available to the small business community for FREE. These are resources you need to take advantage of every chance you get. Even if you can't see the value for yourself, think of the value to your customers, your employees, and your company's future. Do you care about employee engagement personally? No - you may not, but for the sake of your business it would be important for you to know what motivates employees to do well and what makes employees not give a care about whether you lose or keep a customer. Do you hate technology and the Internet and texting/emailing and Facebook and all things Web2.0? That's fine - but don't let your personal feelings about those things stop you from seeing the big picture. All of these can give you more access to customers who have money to spend and are looking for companies to spend it with. Technology and the Internet can open up your business to a global market place. The more people there are that know who you are or can find out - the more potential customers you can attract and convert. If you can text and email your customers - you can reach them directly when you have a sale or are debuting a new product. Facebook and other Web2.0 projects help you tap into a vast potential market of customers, vendors, promoters, buyers, and fans who can take your company and product from very good to viral good.
You owe it to your business to attend free small business trainings and workshops or to have your employees attend and represent you. You actually owe it to yourself. There are people out there creating programs designed to help you succeed at something you, presumably, want to succeed at. Don't ask what you have to lose - think about what you have to gain: a well though out marketing strategy, a website people can link to, networking opportunities, a more informed workforce, tried and true best practices, and a massive return on your investment. This is the only way you can use an investment of your time to directly impact your bottom line. The more you and your employees know - the more your business can grow.
There are many great, free workshops and trainings happening in Southwest Corridor (Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, and Englewood).
Auburn Gresham -
Learn to create your own web site for free using free resources on the web. If you don't have a website you are doing your business a disservice. Websites are not complicated or expensive and if you don't have one - you should. Many people don't like to do business with companies that have no website. No matter how small you are - you can always use a web presence. Enroll in the class and find out how. May 24, 2011 from 5:00p to 7:30p at 7901 S. Racine. Call to reserve a space in the class.
Chicago Lawn -
Is hosting a month of classes for the small business community. Please take advantage of these if you need support, knowledge, or information about any of the subjects listed below. Classes take place every Wednesday from 11:30a to 1:00p at the 8th District Police Station (3420 W. 63rd Street). To reserve a seat, please RSVP to Tina James at 773 362 3382 or email c.james@greatersouthwest.org. Choose from:
Establish Your Business & Business Plan Writing (May 18), Adding to and Managing Your Business Finances (May 25), E-Commerce for Small Business (June 1), Networking with Technology (June 8), Engaging Your Employees (June 15).
Englewood -
Portal Training. Learn how to use your community portal to post information and events that effect your community and your world. Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 9:00a to 12:00p at Teamwork Englewood (815 W. 63rd Street). For more info and to RSVP call 773 488 6600 or email Rashanah at rashanah@englewoodportal.org.