Skip Navigation

Southern Oregon University

Small Business Development Center

Rogue Valley Business Resource Fair

* Schedule is subject to change *


SESSION I

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, choose one

DOING BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET

Click here to view presentation

One of our hottest seminars! Basic tips on effective website design, social networking and other essential marketing techniques. -- Jim Teece, Project A

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL TEAM -- OPTIONS FOR HIRING EMPLOYEES

Click here to view presentation

How and when you hire employees can have a significant impact on your business!  While there is a tremendous upside for bringing on employees, there can also be significant downsides if not done correctly or a critical step is missed.  Learn the key steps and "must-dos" for hiring your first, or adding to your employee pool.  This workshop will also cover managing independent contractor relationships and using temps or leased employees vs. hiring employees.  -- Fred Holloway, Holloway Human Resource Consulting

ARE YOU READY TO BE IN BUSINESS?

Click here to view presentation

Do you have everything in place to open your doors?  This seminar provides a checklist of the essentials, with an emphasis on a solid business plan, and vital information on business licensing and registration. -- David Tally, RCC Small Business Development Center

MARKETING 101

Click here to view presentation

A good understanding of marketing is crucial to building a successful business.  Without marketing know-how, there's too much trial and error and a waste of time and money.  Learn to identify your target market and focus your efforts on meeting the needs of that market and thoroughly delighting your customers.  -- Heather Stafford, Southern Oregon University School of Business

SOCIAL MEDIA

Click here to view presentation

Taking advantage of marketing and branding opportunities and become a Facebook Pro.  Learn to maximize your presence in the online social media world and drive business to your website and your door.  -- Mike Frey & Tisha Oehmen, Paradux Media Group

SESSION II

11 AM - 12 NOON, choose one

DOING BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET - BEYOND THE BASICS

Click here to view presentation

Have a commercial website?  Are you about to launch one?  Want to maximize its performance?  A pro shares tips on web design, e-commerce and marketing.  -- Jim Teece, Project A

GETTING THE BANKER TO SAY YES

Click here to view presentation

If you want a lender to fund your business, you need to understand what they are looking for.  This workshop will provide an outline of what your banker expects to see in a well prepared loan package that speaks their language. You'll also receive examples of packages that were financed.  -- Rick Leibowitz and Ruthie Painter, SBDC Capital Access Team

HOW TO DOMINATE YOUR NICHE USING SOCIAL MEDIA

Click here to view presentation

Get on your way to being #1 in your niche.  Social media and web video are easy ways to generate leads, keep up with your industry, and monitor online conversations about your business.  Learn how to identify your audience, how they can find you, and how to write a Social Media Action Plan. -- Rob Wheeler, Rogue Valley IMC

EMYTH: REIMAGINE YOUR BUSINESS

Do you own a business or a job?  Do you know the difference?  Does your business serve your life?  Find out what the Entrepreneurial Myth (EMyth) is and what fatal assumption many small business owners make that can lead to failure.  Participants will learn how to work ON their businesses, not just IN it and take away an effective tool to help grow and manage their companies.  This session is recommended for established businesses.  -- Rick Snyder, EMyth Training Manager

BRANDING & DIFFERENTIATION

Branding. What is it?  Why do you need it?  Will building your brand be an important company asset?  Marketing and branding experts will not only answer these questions, but give you ideas on how to get better results while spending less money.  -- Lisa McClease-Kelly, Change your Life Marketing and Consulting & Kelly's Technical Automotive; and Linda Mounts, Mounts Consulting & PR

SESSION III

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM, choose one

MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS FINANCES - TIPS FROM A PRO

In order to be successful, business owners must know their numbers.   Learn from a local CPA with years of experience helping businesses like yours.  -- David Blauser, local CPA

PROMOTIONAL MARKETING

What's the best way to promote your business?  How can you advertise and get your name in front of potential prospects when money is tight or you're just starting up?  How can you get the word out about your business in the most affordable way?  This session covers several low-cost, high-impact methods to promote your business.  -- Byron Marlowe, School of Business, Southern Oregon University

ARE YOU READY TO BE IN BUSINESS? (REPEAT)

See Session I description

INTERNET TOOLS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

Click here to view presentation

Leverage the Cloud to run your business more effectively.  Learn about Internet tools such as Mint, Skype, Doodle, QuickBooks Online, Google Apps, Mobile Apps and many more from an entrepreneur with 20 years' experience.  -- Jim Teece, Project A

PERFECT PITCH

Click here to view presentation

Describe your business in 30 seconds so people understand what you do and where to go when they need your services.  Perfect your pitch and practice with other seminar activities.  -- Jack Vitacco, SOU Small Business Development Center