General Meeting Posting

This is from the March General Meeting @ the VCCF

Staying In Business. . .notes from Rick Andrade, SCORE Counselor

SCORE Ventura County Special Business Event

 Do you have what it takes to start and operate your own business? Find out at the upcoming January event. Subjects to be presented. . .

• Social Media Marketing techniques that work and don’t cost a fortune
• Advertising and Sales promotion hints that get results
• How to avoid costly mistakes that lead to failure in business
• How to save time, effort and money in your pursuit
• What it really takes to be a successful business owner
• Dispelling common myths about owning and operating a business
• How SCORE’s workshops can provide the tools you need to be successful
• Talk to representivies from the SBA, FTB and other organizations

Follow link to register. . .January Busness Event

Doing Business With The Government

December workshop happening soon. . .stay tuned for details

In times like these, how do I grow business?

Check out this business-building article written by long-time Financial Professional and SCORE Counselor, Rick Andrade. . .http://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-10-ways-to-boost-your-companys-value-even-in-a-bad-market-2011-11


.

Why some fail in business. . .

O.k., this is going to come across to some as way too simplistic, but oh well. . .

Why do some fail in business?  Some fail in business because their determination to succeed is not strong enough. "When something is important enough, we find a way to make it happen".

Two Important Questions About Internet Marketing. . .

Got "SCORE-Power"?. . .

Friends, Fans, Followers. . .

This just in. . .

As you may already be aware, we are just a few hours away from the next SCORE-Ventura  2 part workshop - two parts because the subject matter is just that hot these days and there's so much developing around the question of what to do and how to do it when it comes to the Internet for business.  

Part 1 starts tomorrow, 11/5/11 at 8:30 a.m. and goes 'till 3:00 p.m. Presenters will start with some basics of Internet marketing, then move on to how to create a good website, key words, pay-per-click ads and more. As I have done in the past, I once again put a few questions out to the SCORE-Ventura Counselors who coordinate and/or conduct the on-gong workshop series titled "The Successful Entrepreneur". I merely scratched the surface of this subject asking these couple of questions. . .

1. What should a business owner think about when creating a new website?
2. How do some traditional types of marketing and advertising compare/contrast/compliment some more current ones such as facebook? 

Here are some of the responses. . .

From James Goodman, long-time business leader, Sales Executive and SCORE Counselor. . .

Re: Websites:

• Make sure the contact info is easily found and usable. 

• Maintain integrity.   

• Don't promote your company as something it isn't (i.e. if you're the company, don't go and photograph a large building and photoshop your name on it.  That's soooo 1990's! 

• Endorsements and recommendations from satisfied customers.

Re: Traditional compared to Newer forms of Marketing:

• Traditional advertising reaches you passively (newspaper, magazine and TV ads).  While eAdvertising can also, it is often actively sought out in a search - You have an opportunity to close a sale!  
• Don't make it difficult.  
• Make it easy for customers to get online or live assistance.  

From Jim Bond, long-time Marketing/Advertising Executive, Business Coach and SCORE Counselor

Re Websites:

Who specifically will be visiting your website?

What if anything will they know about your business, product or service when they visit your website?

What image do you hope to project for your business or products?

What is the visitor's main objective in visiting your website?

What action do you want the visitor to take as a result of visiting your website?

How easy is it for them to take that action?

How will you measure your site's performance? (How will you know if your website is effective?)

Also, how does your website integrate into the rest of your marketing? What other media and methods will you use, and how does the website fit into your prospecting, qualifying, educating, lead generation, selling and up-selling process?

Re: Traditional compared to Newer forms of marketing:

Who specifically are you targeting? B-2-C, B-2-B?

What are all the media available to reach them?

What are the strengths and limitations of each medium?

What role can Social Media play in the marketing process?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Social Media?

What other media complement and compete with Social Media?

-- Mail order?

-- Specialty Magazine Advertising?

-- Directory Advertising?

-- Packaging?

-- Email Marketing?

-- Personal Networking? . . .

From Webmaster, Technology Consultant and long-time SCORE Counselor Ken Norland

Re: Websites:  Your new web site needs establishes your "personality" on the web, and it must also target your selected customers.  Both dimensions have to come together with a good, clean design with good responsiveness.  Such a web site may well cost a substantial amount.  If the web site is your primary selling vehicle, spend appropriately. If you have a bricks & mortar establishment as well, that and the web site should be complementary and provide as seamless experience as possible.  Again, focus on melding the personality you want to portray, your target customer base in an exceptional web experience (and an exceptional real experience if needed.) 

From Pat Douglas, Human Resources Compliance Consultant and long-time SCORE Counselor. . .

Re: Websites: I would say that business today, especially small businesses need to have a presence on the internet.  They should have a website.  The SEO (Search Engine Optimization)should reflect those key words that are indicative of their business.

In your website, you should have the following elements:
(1.) About Us -(What is your story?  Why did you go into business?)
(2.) Services or Products offered
(3.) Clients
(4.) Testimonials
(5.) Affiliations -(Professional Associations, Chambers of Commerce.
(6.) Professional Certifications and Designations
(7.) Blogs -(Events/ for example, HR Tips, etc.)
(8.) Contact Us

Re: Traditional Marketing/Advertising compared to Newer forms. . .
First, of all not many companies are advertising in newspapers. Advertising dollars are pretty much directed to the internet and diverted away from traditional print media. I would imagine for a small business that they may have to try some traditional print advertising such as trade magazines/publications that are indicative of their marketplace.

If advertising with traditional print media and the internet, establish analytics that will tell how well you are or are not doing.

If this subject matter interests you, if you or someone you know might benefit from a few hours tomorrow to dig deeper into more detailed discussion and learning, get details and sign-up at:.

www.ventura.score.org   or call 805-204-6022 but ya better hurry, start time is nearing!

It's a Jungle Out There!

Internet Marketing Workshop tomorrow morning. Learn how to use internet to get new customers.

Whats new? SCORE-Ventura is gearing up for the the upcoming "double hitter", 2 day workshop focusing on one of the hottest topics in today's small business community - the Internet. Many start-up and existing small business leaders are trying to "wrap their heads around" what to do. Ever feel like the guy in this picture when it comes to internet marketing?. . . .

If so, you are not alone. Everyday, it seems, there's introduction of yet another new tool promising to be the next best thing since sliced bread for growing business. This, in addition to the continually evolving traditional mediums - radio, television and print (even those are expanding advertising services onto the Internet) - with newspaper on-line, radio on-line and numerous on-line T.V. show. So, what is a small business to do?

Well, let's face it. The train is moving with no indication of stopping anytime soon. Check out the stats at this site and please do return for the rest of the story after you've gotten a chance to look at the staggering numbers  http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats2.htm

O.K., you're back! So where were we. Oh yea. . so one might say such statistics are all well and good but they are global numbers and what does that matter to a small local business? I say plenty, not because I claim to be any top authority on the matter,  but because true marketing industry experts are saying it and proving it not only in global marketing results but in local small business communities. Certainly, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Coca-Cola and Burger King would not be spending their corporate dollars on whole divisions dedicated to Social Media Marketing alone if there weren't some measurable gain to realize. I don't think so.

One example of a real-life local company benefiting from a well run Internet marketing campaign is what happened with Ventura, CA based, Rusty's Pizza. One day, just a few months back, this small, local chain of Pizza Restaurants had 63 fans on its facebook page. Now, about 3-4 months later, that number is up to 4,504. This jump means Rusty's get's to talk to a much larger audience and if the message is effective, the company stands to convert many of those new "fans" into loyal customers! How did they do it? They got people to click "like" and click "share" and sign-up on the Rusty's facebook page to get a free pizza. I know because I did it myself and received my personalized coupon a few days later in my "snail mail" mailbox.  Here's how it works. If I "like" something on facebook, my 400 plus friends know I "liked" it and if I "share" information, the reach can be even broader. Then, if the offer or discussion is compelling enough, some of my 400 friends do the same and before you know it, the originator of the valuable information, service or product is well on the way to an expanded listening/viewing audience!

Rusty's kept the process simple for the user, which means the technology and skill behind the scenes had to be sound - i.e. sign-up forms, links, tracking and record keeping so that people who are promised a free pizza actually received one, and with the email "opt-in" approach, the added benefit is the collection of emails and contact information for keeping in-touch with the new found "fans" in the future.

In a previous post, I asked the question. . ."The Internet. . .Who needs it?!" Scroll down the page here a bit to see what Business Owner/SCORE Counselor, Marla Blanchard had to say. . . and stay tuned, we'll be focusing on this subject in the lead-up to the next workshop where SCORE-Ventura presenters will dig even deeper into the discussion.

Hope to see you at the next "double-hitter" workshop on Internet Marketing. For more information and sign-up go to www.ventura.score.org  or call 805-204-6022  or  email: info@scoreventura.org

Dig in and get it done. . .just do!

Got "SCORE-Power"?. . .

This is my first blog of the day and will be a short one because I've had my head down focused on getting through a list of tasks. That's the thing in business and in life. If you ever get to a place where things look to be getting piled up, the good feeling of accomplishment comes after we've rolled up our sleeves and dug in to get it done. One thing at a time, one step at a time, steady and focused and before you know it, a substantial portion of that list is accomplished!

It starts tomorrow 8:30am to 3:00pm!

Don't miss this workshop if you think you could benefit from learning how to
Control, Monitor and Manage your Business to Grow It!
details and sign up at www.ventura.score.org or phone 805-204-6022 or email info@scoreventura.org

Gittin' The POWER!

Click the button below and you're likely to get the winning help you need to start and grow your business. . .for this button. . .this very button. . .connects to. . .

SCORE-Ventura where there's FREE and Low-Cost Help. Careful now. . .you're 'bout to get some SCORE Power!

Experienced Counselors on duty!

THE 2012 SCORE-Ventura Workshop Line Up!

. . .here's some SCORE Power for ya!. . .The new 2012 workshop line-up is. . .

January 19, 2012

Simi Valley Free Seminar - Content being decided, but trust it will be good!

Thu Jan 19, 2012 - Fri Jan 20, 2012

Where: Grand Vista Hotel, 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley

Sat Feb 4, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "How to REALLY start and succeed in your own business"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat Feb 11, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Marketing Plan and Sales Strategy Development - Part 1"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat Feb 25, 2012

8:30am – 3pm

Workshop - "Marketing Plan and Sales Strategy Development - Part 2"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat Mar 10, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Financial Statement and Cash Management Understanding"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat Mar 17, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Quickbooks basics"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat, Mar 31, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Build a better Business Plan - a how-to approach"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat April 14, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - " Stop Losing Hidden Profits –Secrets To Better Monitoring & Control "

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat April 28, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Website Marketing, Strategy and Social Networking - Part 1"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sat May 5, 2012

8:30am - 3pm

Workshop - "Website Marketing, Strategy and Social Networking - Part 2"

Where: Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Suggestion - Make it easy for yourself by scheduling ahead. Here's an idea, gather a group to join you - maybe your business networking group. Sign-up at www.ventura.score.org (click the link and you're there!)

Additional details will be provided on the lead up to these events. While unlikely the case, location is subject to change. There will be plenty of due notice if so.

YOU'VE WAITED WITH BAITED BREATH. . .NOW FINALLY THE LIST IS HERE!

Many of you have been asking for it, and now finally the 2012 workshop line-up is here. I'll be posting the schedule within 24 hours - maybe even within 4 hours. There are only 4 workshops left in 2011. These will be loaded with good stuff to help move your business into 2012 set to win! Here's what's left for this year. . .

• TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR EFFECTIVELY STARTING AND MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS October 29, 2011
• A TWO DAY WORKSHOP ON INTERNET MARKETING November 5th and 12th, 2011
• A HOW-TO ON DOING BUSINESS WITH THE GOVERNMENT December 3rd, 2011

(click on any one of the titles above for more information and to sign-up) 

Very shortly (in the next post) you'll have the full 2012 line-up. Get your seat while the gittin' is good. . .register early to secure your spot!

Can you believe how fast 2011 is flying by?! 

Keep your eyes peeled for THE 2012 LIST APPEARING SOON RIGHT HERE ON THE SCORE-Ventura "Power Blog"!,

AND. . .

Please remember to tell a Veteran about the special Veteran's Coupon Program - $125 of free money for training specifically tailored for Veteran's wanting to start-up a business or improve an existing one. Thanks to Walmart funding and a nationally scoped program developed between Walmart and SCORE National SCORE can offer valuable assistance to our Vets. The sign-up process is kept simple. Here's how.

1. Register for the SCORE workshop at the link below. . .(select “pay at door” option)

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4vljwr401477f70&llr=9ke9fycab

2. Sign up for the coupon at the next link below titled (Simple Steps Workshop) and bring the coupon to the first workshop.

http://vetsfastlaunch.org/sponsor-offerings/

Questions, contact SCORE-Ventura at phone: 805-204+6022 or email: info@scoreventura.org

EarthScents Natural Cleaning - SCORE-Ventura There at its very beginnings

Got "SCORE-Power"?. . .

Here's a SCORE story that might inspire you. It's about a home-grown family business that continues to grow and gain as one of Ventura County's small businesses. SCORE is proud to have been right there at the beginning offering key assistance. . .and now look! Here's the story, provided by SCORE-Ventura President, Larry Willett.

EarthScents Natural Cleaning was created in 2007 by Patricia and Steve Hess after a family member experienced reactions to multiple chemical household cleaners in the home. There were many "green" items on the market, but not one that was truly 100% all natural. And...EarthScents was born!

Patricia attended the SCORE Ventura free seminar in August 2011 and met with several of the SCORE counselors in attendance. She and Steve then scheduled a counseling session with Larry Willett who is giving them guidance on developing a business plan and coordinating their SCORE mentoring program. Steve has since met with another SCORE counselor, Mike Scotto, to discuss marketing plans and specifically how to participate in interviews with the local media such as the Ventura Star article. Steve has also attended several of SCORE's workshop in the Successful Entrepreneur  Series held at the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Patricia and Steve are growing EarthScents Natural Cleaning with continued guidance and support from SCORE Ventura.

If you have your own business idea and would like some sound review with an experienced SCORECounselor, consider giving SCORE-Ventura a jingle.

Phone: 805-204-6022  or email: info@scoreventura.org  visit www.ventura.score.org

Check out this article published in the VC Star about EarthScents http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/oct/25/earthscents-adopts-heal-the-bay-for-donation-progr/

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETS

Got "SCORE-Power"?. . .

Here's another dose of SCORE Power for the small business community. SCORE National, the headquarters office for more than 300 service offices across the United States has worked out an arrangement with Walmart to show some love to our Veterans wanting to start a business or develop an existing business. Score Reps are working diligently to get the word out through family members, friends and directly to veterans by reaching out to network with Veteran support organizations. The sign-up process is kept simple. Here's how.

 

1. Register for the SCORE workshop at the link below. . .(select “pay at door” option)

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4vljwr401477f70&llr=9ke9fycab

2. Sign up for the coupon at the next link below titled (Simple Steps Workshop) and bring the coupon to the first workshop.

http://vetsfastlaunch.org/sponsor-offerings/

Questions, contact SCORE-Ventura at phone: 805-204+6022 or email: info@scoreventura.org

Pat's Three Points of Focus for Business Success

. . .and the answers to my question, "Why do many new businesses fail in the first 1 to 2 years" keep rolling in.

Here's what long-time Score Counselor and HR Compliance Consultant, Pat Douglas has to say. She puts it succinctly in 3 bullet points.

Businesses fall short when they have. .

1. lack of finances
2. poor management
3. lack of strategy

and folks, there you have it from Pat Douglas! If this subject mater peaks your interest, learn more and sign up for SCORE-Ventura's next workshop happinging on October 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA at the Great Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sign-up at www.ventura.score.org  phone: 805-204-6022  info@scoreventura.org

Curtis's Pre-Assessment Basics To Business Start-up

Friends-

Previously I blogged about SCORE-Ventura's Oct. 29th workshop where presenters will be digging deeper into how to start, manage and operate a business to realize success. 

I'd asked our collective of SCORE-Ventura Counselors why some new businesses fail in the first 1 to 2 years and what the keys to success are? The answers from our experienced SCORE Counselors are still rolling in. Here's what long-time SCORE Counselor and Business leader Curtis Davis says. . 

Almost all new businesses fail because the aspiring entrepreneur gets excited about the concept/opportunity, and doesn't think through the basics of what it takes to start, finance, and then run the business.

I question them thoroughly on what they believe they can bring to their market.  Most haven’t really thought about it in much detail.

So, the first homework assignment is to obtain SCORE's business plan outline.  Then I very firmly say don't write a business plan.  Instead, make two columns on a sheet of paper.  Left column, what I already know.  Right column, what I need to research and learn.

After that, read the business plan outline very carefully one or more times. For each section, write down the things that belong in the left hand column or the right hand column.

This is a very powerful sanity check on the business idea, and on whether the aspiring entrepreneur has the knowledge and where-with-all to start the business being considered.  I suspect I prevent a lot of would-be entrepreneurs from ever starting a business using this method.  But that’s one of the things we’re here for.  And, most importantly, the counselee makes his or her own decision on whether to move forward with the work, not I.

Curtis, thank you for sharing your proven effective counseling process. Readers, please feel free to send questions to score.venture.org@gmail.com. I'll get those and make sure you get your response.  You can sign-up for workshops at 

www.ventura.score.org   phone: 805-204-6022   email: info@scoreventura.org

Rick's 5 Point Check-list - Keys to Business Success

What key tools and techniques are required to effectively manage and operate a business?. . .

The next "hot-topic" in SCORE-Ventura Workshop Series 
October 29, 2011 
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA

at The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Why do many new businesses close their doors before making it through the 1st or 2nd year? 
What are some common pitfalls? 
What are some proven keys to success?

I posed these question to the collective of SCORE-Ventura Counselors. I like this top five list shared by long-time Counselor and Financial Services Professional, Rick Andrade. . .

• number one:   Is your concept or product tested, is there sufficient demand?
• number two:   Do you have enough personal and family Capital to survive 2-3 years with zero sale?
• number three: Is your product or concept scalable?
• number four:  Do you have the right partners and alliances to make it work?
• number five:   No one succeeds as a one person show you need a great team behind you?

At the Oct. 29th workshop, presenters will dig deeper into this subject matter, specifically covering. . .

• Skills and techniques to make the difference between success and failure 
• How to monitor and control operations; and grow and expand your business 
• How to work with suppliers and negotiate the best prices  
• Hiring and firing techniques; finding the best help
• Contingency planning; the right insurance coverage for a small business
• Managing cash during slow periods; lots of hints and how-to's
• Inventory management and accounts receivable planning
• Technical advice re computers, networks and more 

Peak your interest? Learn more and reserve your seat at  

www.ventura.score.org

phone: 805-204-6022  email: info@scoreventura.org

Follow-us on Facebook

Marla's Answers to. . .THE INTERNET. . .WHO NEEDS IT?!!!

It's no secret, business executives, sales professionals and  marketing leaders are everywhere saying it and the numbers show it. Millions are on the internet exchanging ideas, recommending services and products to each other and shopping. If you're in business today and intend to be competitive in the short and long run, the internet offers plenty of avenues for free access to your prospective customer.  So, who needs the internet? . . .any business wanting a share of the staggering number of customers (millions) surfing the 'net daily!

SCORE-Ventura is well aware of the hotness of this topic so has included in its on-going workshop series a two day workshop covering several aspects of internet marketing starting with the basics and moving on through topics like keywords, adwords, pay-per click, content management, driving traffic, converting visitors to customers and much more. This one, of an ongoing series of workshops, is titled. . .

WEBSITE MARKETING, STRATEGY, SOCIAL NETWORKING
(Nov 5th and 12th, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA - Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Should you or someone you know attend this workshop? I put a few questions out to the collective of SCORE-Ventura Counselors to hear what they have to say about why one might want to show up. Here is what long-time Accounting/Bookkeeping Professional and Business Owner Marla Blanchard had to say. . .

 Is Internet marketing for business really important? If so, why? 
ANSWER: Yes, internet marketing has the potential to reach an expanded audience that needs your product or service. One can market for free or for lower cost than print media. It is more viral than print.

Why should I even have a website when most of my business comes from referrals? I've already built a clientele based on my quality work and trust in the marketplace. 

ANSWER: More people are using the internet for finding what they need. If your existing clientele will refer you online, you might see even more business.

I'm too busy running my business. Where would I even find the time to tend to Internet marketing? 

ANSWER: Most businesses have “seasons”, the peaks and the valleys. During the valleys, why not set up a free page a day at one of the search engine sites like Yahoo, Google, or other sites like Yelp, Manta, Foursquare, there are hundreds. The more web presence the more prospects can locate you. Perhaps you have staff that it is internet savvy, or you might want to consider hiring a social media person for $50 a month.

There is simply too much out there to consider - websites, facebook, twitter, 4square, myspace, linkedin. . .where would I even start? 

ANSWER: Not all sites are good for every business. Do you like sharing your business expertise? Have you discovered quality content you think others might like? Try Facebook, or LinkedIn, a Blog, or Twitter. Try one at a time to see what works for your business.

I've done just fine advertising in the YellowPages and local Newspaper over the years. Why should I fix what's not broken by switching to the Internet to get customers? 

ANSWER: By using internet marketing for free or low cost, you can divert some of your advertising budget to another part of your business and save.

Again, this 2 part workshop happening Nov 5 & 12 digs deep into the subject of Internet Presence. If this discussion peaks your interest, get details or sign-up at:

 http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4vljwr401477f70&llr=9ke9fycab

Contact: phone: 805-204-6022   email: info@scoreventura.org   visit: www.http://ventura.score.org/

be on FACEBOOK with SCORE-Ventura where you'll find real-life client testimonials on the Video Page, learn about specific programs by clicking through the photos; keep up to date on special offers like the presently available Veterans Coupon Program

Coupons For Vets

Vets and family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances of Vets, here is a good benefit for Veterans wanting to start a business or build, grow or change an existing business. . . Follow the link to check out a Ventura County Star article laying out details.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/oct/19/score-offers-vets-free-coupon-for-business/?print=1