Events/Workshops

This is a very basic overview of just exactly what social media is – it’s history, general statistics & demographics, positives and negatives of engagement, and the reasons why it’s considered a highly effective marketing tool. This class will set the tone for the follow-up sessions. You will learn why YOU should be involved in this growing interest.

Speaker: Matt Rudisill; Matt Rudisill is owner and lead trainer of The Leadership Academy. They are your local training authority for all things related to starting and growing your business. They assist small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by teaching them how to be the best in their field.

What happens after you open the doors to your new business? You may be surprised at what you will encounter in the first year. How will you take the information from your business plan and apply it to the actual operation of your business? Learn survival skills for that crucial first 12 months that you can use in future years while growing your business. Learn how to keep records for yourself and Uncle Sam, how to deal with local, state, and federal regulations, employees, customers, and more.

Speaker: Russ Seagle; Russ Seagle is a small business expert who has been improving business performance since 1998. He works with owners of small companies to drive change and pursue profitable growth.businesses. He also works with "non-profits" to improve their organizational structure, develop effective boards, and get more done with tight budgets. Russ has personally hired over 300 employees, and he brings his first-hand experience to bear on your most challenging staffing needs.

This deals more with the mental and emotional aspects of starting and running a business rather than the Xs and Os, such as the legal structure of the business.

Speaker: Mark Csordos; Mark Csordos has authored three books, two on Entrepreneurship and one on Goal Setting. He has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue and Entrepreneur. He has spoken around the country on topics such as Entrepreneurship, Goal Setting and Time Management, and Sales.

Speaker: Russ Seagle; Russ Seagle is a small business expert who has been improving business performance since 1998. He works with owners of small companies to drive change and pursue profitable growth.businesses. He also works with "non-profits" to improve their organizational structure, develop effective boards, and get more done with tight budgets. Russ has personally hired over 300 employees, and he brings his first-hand experience to bear on your most challenging staffing needs.

Keeping good financial records is a critical step in managing a successful enterprise. This seminar addresses the financial records needed for good business management. Participants develop systems and practices for collecting necessary information for tax reporting and business decision-making.

Speaker: Arlene Childers

Research studies into why small businesses fail show that over 90% of the failures were due to a lack of crucial management skills. If you don’t have some of the skills you could outsource them to experts and contractors. But, if you’re like most small business owners that solution is beyond the reach of your limited budget. A better option is to develop better skills to manage your business operation. Some of the tips, tactics and strategies you’ll learn in “10 Essential Skills of a Successful Small Business Owner” are: * How to create a workable strategy for growing your business * How to develop a sales and marketing program that works * Why human resource issues can cost you more than any other part of your business * The key elements financial management * What you need to know to stay on the right side of legal issues * Tips that give you time, energy and focus to get more done * How simple technology tools can grow your business faster * How do deal with everyday stress

Speaker: Mike Collins; Mike Collins is president of The Perfect Workday Company, an information company based in The Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. He presents 100+ programs a year for organizations such as IBM, American Express, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals and The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School and Center.

A great seminar for the “dabbler” or the entrepreneur wanting to make eBay a primary business tool. During this fast-paced session, learn best practices to use when setting up an account, listing items for sale, taking payments, and shipping. Topics will include eBay appraisals and research, registering on eBay and starting a seller’s account, choosing formats & categories, writing descriptions that sell, submitting photos, feedback, using PayPal, shipping tips and pricing philosophies that will make you an eBay Top Rated Seller!!

Speaker: Nick Hawks, eBay Education Specialist trained by eBay. Hawks is also an eBay PowerSeller and a Top Rated Seller with 15 years of experience buying and selling on eBay.

Etsy is a rapidly growing online marketplace for selling handmade goods, vintage items and craft supplies. With more than 30 million members, there’s no better place to launch your own creative small business. In fact, sellers took home over 860 million in sales in 2012 alone. Attend this class to learn how to sell your art work, jewelry, crafts, and vintage items in this easy fast paced class!!!! See just how easy it is to Grow Your Brand with a wealth of new customers and promotional tools. Learn how to register and start selling on Etsy. Share the story of your craft in your profile, item photos, and shop banner. Escape the 9-5 grind and focus on your passion. You will be guided through planning the basics of your small business strategy and given an in-depth look at Etsy’s tools to help you succeed online.

Speaker: Nick Hawks; Nick Hawks, eBay Education Specialist trained by eBay. Hawks is also an eBay PowerSeller and a Top Rated Seller with 15 years of experience buying and selling on eBay and other websites.

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