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

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

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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