Lenoir Community College Small Business Center

Kinston Enterprise Center, Building 26

Kinston

Starting a small business requires determination, motivation, planning and know-how. One of the safest ways to start a new business is to start out working from home. Not only will your overhead be low, it gives you an opportunity to try out your idea before plunging in. This seminar is designed to help you determine if you are ready to start your own business, what it might be, and learn just what it is going to take to succeed. You will learn the main causes of business failure and how to avoid them.

Speaker: T. Ormsby

Today’s small business owner works in the most complex - and challenging - workplace ever. Dealing with technology, keeping up with regulations, and still trying to make a profit is a never-ending effort. Today’s new rules demand that business owners be able to motivate themselves and others, set priorities, make decisions, communicate clearly, and face challenges. This seminar offers a wide range of practical information that allows entrepreneurs to manage their business more efficiently and effectively.

Speaker: M. Collins

Extraordinary service isn’t something you can fake. It must come from inside you – from the heart. Delivering true from-the-heart service is about connecting with people and making them feel special. Knowing what your customer wants and believing you can make a difference is key to developing a successful customer service plan. In this workshop, participants will discover what it takes to create a culture that will provide extraordinary customer service. You will learn how to: • Create a vision for customer-focused service • Deliver your vision “plus one” • Add your “Personal Signature” to all aspects of your service If you do not proactively develop better “customer focused” service, you are basically conceding your customers to the competition.

Speaker: J. Bullins

This workshop is designed to help small business owners in the start-up and early phases of their business learn the basics of sound record keeping. Topics to be covered include: • Components of a successful record keeping system • Accounting methods and procedures • Hiring employees • The chart of accounts • Key financial statements.

Speaker: K. Beauchamp

The appropriate price for your product or service is based on a variety of factors including market share, competition, material costs, and perceived value. This workshop shows you how to utilize the “Four Ps” of marketing to generate new sales, and develop a satisfied base of repeat customers.

Speaker: T. Patrick

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

Starting a non-profit organization can be challenging. Are you familiar with the primary areas of focus that will ensure that you can successfully deliver programs and services to your community? This seminar carefully details the many aspects of starting and effectively managing a non-profit organization for productive and profitable results. The workshop provides clear guidance to help you through the planning process, and provides you with the skills that you need to develop a winning strategy to engage partnerships, attract sustaining financial support, and deliver meaningful services.

Speaker: C. Patterson