Isothermal Community College Small Business Center

Foundation Building

Spindale N.C.

A dynamic overview of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest, Youtube, Blogging and free on-line directories. Learn how to get started with free Social Media platforms and web-based directories, and understand which marketing approaches are best for your business. This class will give you real-world examples of small and micro businesses that are successfully using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Yelp and other sources. You will take away an easy-to-implement grassroots marketing strategy to give your business the edge it needs to compete in today’s fast-moving online world.

Speaker: Martin Brossman

This is a "soup-to-nuts" course that covers all the important issues you DON'T want to overlook when starting your business. This course covers legal forms of business, naming your business, licenses and permits for new businesses, choosing a location, franchises, purchasing an existing business, types of risk businesses face and insurance issues, various tax issues, challenges of managing a business, family owned business issues, common mistakes new business owners make, and more.

Speaker: Russ Seagle

This session is for individuals having knowledge/experience of selling on eBay who want to establish a continual retail presence on eBay. Topics in this fast-paced session will include: Starting and growing an eBay business, Finding merchandise to sell, Creating professional listings, Marketing your business on eBay, Managing active listings, Resolving issues & feedback, and protecting your eBay business. Plus learn those “tricks of the trade” that you have to know to become an eBay PowerSeller!

Speaker: Nick Hawks

There's a myth that, if you write a great business plan, banks will fight each other to give you money. Nothing could be further from the truth. From getting your own financial house in order to thorough cash flow projections, getting the money you need to start and operate your business is tough work. This course will help you position your personal and business finances in the best light possible to attract lenders and investors, AND make sure your own investment is protected. Learn what bankers, investors, and even friends and family members are looking for when you ask for money, and discover what to put in your request (and what to avoid).

Speaker: Russ Seagle

Learn how to take control of your own website and make it easy for your customers to find you with this results driven Wordpress training. “WordPress is used by over 14.7% of Alexa Internet’s “top 1 million” websites and as of August 2011 manages 22% of all new websites. WordPress is currently the most popular blogging system in use on the Web, powering over 60 million websites worldwide.” – Wikipedia Understanding and Setting up WordPress Websites • The multiple benefits of WordPress-based websites, and how it contrasts to traditional websites • Understanding a blog’s purpose and use • Choosing and buying a website name • Finding the right keywords and understanding Search Engine Optimization • Setting up the WordPress software using the 1-Click Process (avoid manual installation) Using and Editing Your Website and Blog Widgets • Understanding the WordPress dashboard (admin panel) • Choosing and installing a theme to customize your website and blog • Building the static home page and setting up the blog

Speaker: Martin Brossman

This class will expand on what you learned in QuickBooks Training (Part 1). Our QuickBooks expert will expand more on the sales process by showing participants how to set up their products and services, manage their accounts receivable and accounts payable, receive payments on invoices and pay bills, reconcile bank & credit card accounts and create financial reports to monitor and analyze their business.

Speaker: Jeff Weathers

Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. If you’re a new business owner or need a refresher on the basics of accounting, this seminar is designed for you.

Speaker: Dan Thomas