Events/Workshops

Home-based businesses have many rewards and will definitely have serious challenges and risk. Discuss resources needed to help run a business out of your house, creating the business models and plan as a structure to be used to manage. Helpful hints concerning how to start a web site, conduct e-commerce and start a marketing plan will be shared. If you are ready to start the business, a timetable will be needed to see it happen. Get tips about surveying for the required time as well as products or services in demand today and in future markets. Consider how to use "what you are good at and what experience you already have" to help the business become profitable and sustainable.

Speaker: Steve Carver

A "very good" credit score is now considered to be 740 points or higher. Should you have one credit card or four? Should you pay off your balances every month or carry a balance? Should you carry a credit card even though you have not used it in years? The answers to these questions may surprise you when it comes to increasing your credit score. Now more than ever, having good credit is important in being able to obtain a loan for your business or to obtain a personal loan. Your credit score is also important in determining the interest rate of your loans, your insurance premiums and deposits required for phone and utility services. Since October 1, 2005, every adult in North Carolina has been able to receive a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. Do you understand these reports and how to read them? In this three-hour seminar we will discuss the history of credit scoring, how to read a credit report and what factors are used in calculating your FICO, Beacon, or Vantage score. You will learn the legal tricks credit bureaus do not reveal on how to raise your score simply by the way you use your credit cards, treat inquiries, make your payments and carry balances. This seminar will also include information about the importance of maintaining good credit and the positive financial consequences it produces. Using several proven methods, your credit score could increase by 50-100 points or more within 60 days. This seminar will also reveal the latest changes being implemented in August, 2017 which deal with judgments, tax liens, and the effects of carrying a balance on your credit cards. Make plans to attend now!

Speaker: Bob Moore

Your future customers are not looking for the next ad to be flashed in their face. They want information that helps them make an informed decision. By the use of blogs and Twitter, you can show your understanding of their needs, answer their questions and build trust that leads to more business. This class shows you how to do that, including WordPress, Blogger, LinkedIn extended Post, Twitter and more. We will also show you know to keep up and be involved in the right information on Twitter that will support your business goals.

Speaker: Martin Brossman

Let’s face it, before social media and Yelp, Google+ Pages, TripAdvisor, Angies List, and Amazon, most unhappy customer’s complaints didn’t reach thousands of people. Now, they do. How your business chooses to respond to these reviews can either help or damage your business’ reputation. This class shows you how to handle those situations. Two-thirds of all consumers use review sites to search for business services and 86% said buying decisions were impacted by negative reviews. It’s your reputation! Don’t ignore what they are saying about you. Presenter for the course is Martin Brossman. Martin has a passion for helping small businesses micro businesses, associations and other organizations, work smarter, utilize the resources of the Internet, and integrate their online marketing efforts with their traditional marketing. Social Media is a big part of that.

Speaker: Martin Brossman

Are you looking to take your business online? Is your current website in need of a makeover? Have you considered tapping into the powerful blogging community? L. Diane Wolfe covers the basics in domains, hosting, and website services. Discover the secrets of successful website design and navigation. Blogs are an attractive business feature, as are social sites - learn to tap into this powerful community. Elevate your company’s online presence and take advantage of the 24/7 shopping experience today!

Speaker: L. Diane Wolfe

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program that offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business-owners valuable business skills. HP LIFE offers participants a path to realizing their business dreams. The NC Small Business Center Network, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), is pleased to offer this innovative program to NC entrepreneurs and small business owners free of charge! This program is self-paced, making it possible for more aspiring entrepreneurs to participate. All you have to do is register to start.

Speaker: Various