Starting Your Own Business

For anyone starting your own business, or thinking about it, this workshop is for you. Key topics during this session include;

- Thoughts to consider before you start
- Sources of information and assistance
- Developing your business ideas
- Business Options: selecting the appropriate form
- Financing and funding your venture
- Business and marketing planning

Graham Irwin is an author, educator and business consultant and coordinates BizTech’s Training Workshops. Mr. Irwin currently serves as the Dean of DeVry University, Cincinnati Center where he is an academic adviser and an instructor for the undergraduate management program.

Marketing Fundamentals

This course discusses the fundamental aspects of marketing. Whatever your current understanding of marketing is, this primer will provide an overview of the basic disciplines and theory of marketing with interactive discussion to ensure you have a good grasp of what it is, and how to use it to significantly improve your business. Topics include;

- Marketing's role in business
- Market analysis, segmentation, competitive analysis
- Creating your brand identity
- The “5” P’s (pricing, promotion, positioning, etc)
- Options for building awareness online
- Creating a marketing plan

Website and Online Marketing

This course describes the fundamentals of establishing and promoting your business on the internet. It will provide a basic overview of how to register a domain, items to consider in developing a website and cost effective ways to market your business online as well as helpful online links and other resources available. Topics in this session include;

- Designing your site – Do’s and Don’ts
- Understanding web terms
- Domain naming and registration
- Web hosting alternatives – Pro’s and Con’s
- Promoting and driving traffic to your site
- Understanding search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc)
- Tips for effective email marketing campaigns
- Security, privacy and anti-spam laws

Social Media Marketing

This course discusses the fundamentals of various social networking websites along with establishing and promoting your business through this medium.

Denise Reier is currently the President/Owner of ADAGO Marketing in Hamilton OH. She is also a member of the Hamilton and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce organizations as well as the Business Networking International (BNI) group.

Effective Risk Management: What Small Business Owners Should Know About Insurance

This session provides an overview of various business insurance options available and will increase your awareness of the costs and risks associated with these various plans. It will also cover common insurance questions for startup and small business owners and a good understanding of how to protect your business in the most cost effective way. Key topics covered include; - Basic business policy, general liability, business property, income, professional liability, etc.
- Understanding risk management and tips for reducing risk
- Insurance - Do’s and Don’ts
- Common gaps in insurance policies
- What to do in the event of a claim

Light Lunch Provided

Sherry Hoskins is currently the President/Owner/Agent of Buckeye Insurance and Associates in Hamilton OH.