We recently participated in a conference where we held a panel discussion about what it takes to make your organization a great place to work. I thought I would share a series with you some of the things we do here at RochesterWorks to create such a culture. I hope you enjoy it.
To begin with making your organization a great place to work, you will want to first check in with your employees. You can't fix something that you are not aware of. We began two years ago with a survey that was completely anonymous. It was interpreted by someone who did not work for the company.
If you do decide to do this, be prepared for the feedback. Ask your staff to provide you with honest, non judgemental observations about the company. You will want to know strengths as well as areas for improvement. Focus on the top three topics that have been identified to improve.
Examples for focus might be: professional development, recognition, trust, communication, balance, preventing burn out, stress management, health benefits, management, the culture, conflict with co-workers, etc
If you can not do an official survey, do an informal one using an online service that won't reveal participants. Depending on how large your organization is, you can have a focus group to discuss this with staff.
In our next part of this series, I will share what we focused on within our organization.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
5 Sales Tips to Push You to the Top by Derek Heck
5 Sales Tips to Push You to the Top by Derek Heck
5 Stellar Sales Tips To Push You To the Top of Your Field by Derek Heck
1. Speak with Confidence
2. Use the Customer’s Words
3. Diversify Your Communications Portfolio
4. Set Yourself Up as an Authority
5. Stay Current
To read entire article: http://www.bootstrappingblog.com/category/marketing-tips/
Any questions or to contact Derek: Scapes at http://www.scapes.ca
5 Stellar Sales Tips To Push You To the Top of Your Field by Derek Heck
1. Speak with Confidence
2. Use the Customer’s Words
3. Diversify Your Communications Portfolio
4. Set Yourself Up as an Authority
5. Stay Current
To read entire article: http://www.bootstrappingblog.com/category/marketing-tips/
Any questions or to contact Derek: Scapes at http://www.scapes.ca
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stay Positive: 10 Ways to Deny the Recession
I read this article on Entrepreneur.com
10 Ways to Deny the Recession
By Paul Spiegelman
10 Ways for an entrepreneur succeed in a recession:
1. Become Indispensable
2. Invest in the Future
3. Seek Out Referrals
4. Buy Weaker Companies
5. Strengthen Your ROI Pricing Offers
6. Be Loyal and Focus on Retention
7. Maintain a Fun Environment
8. Celebrate Being Small
9. Don't Leave Room for Doubt
10. Fight the Urge to Give Things Away
Recessions aren't fun, but they don't have to cripple your business. Smart business owners leverage recessions rather than lament them.
Read Full Article: 10 Ways to Deny Recession
Paul Spiegelman is a speaker and author on customer service, culture and workforce engagement. As CEO of The Beryl Companies, he oversees the nation's leading company in healthcare customer interactions and relationship management. Paul has been named CEO of the Small Giants Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting companies that choose to be great instead of big. This role is a natural extension of his first book, Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity and Profit, published in 2007.
10 Ways to Deny the Recession
By Paul Spiegelman
10 Ways for an entrepreneur succeed in a recession:
1. Become Indispensable
2. Invest in the Future
3. Seek Out Referrals
4. Buy Weaker Companies
5. Strengthen Your ROI Pricing Offers
6. Be Loyal and Focus on Retention
7. Maintain a Fun Environment
8. Celebrate Being Small
9. Don't Leave Room for Doubt
10. Fight the Urge to Give Things Away
Recessions aren't fun, but they don't have to cripple your business. Smart business owners leverage recessions rather than lament them.
Read Full Article: 10 Ways to Deny Recession
Paul Spiegelman is a speaker and author on customer service, culture and workforce engagement. As CEO of The Beryl Companies, he oversees the nation's leading company in healthcare customer interactions and relationship management. Paul has been named CEO of the Small Giants Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting companies that choose to be great instead of big. This role is a natural extension of his first book, Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity and Profit, published in 2007.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Top Trends for Business in 2010
Paradigms are shifting in unpredictable ways. Trends are forming that we can use to help increase our business. Take a look at your business objectives and see if you can integrate any of the following trends to serve an in demand need and increase profits. Here is a list from Entrepruer.com:
Local Business - Demand is exploding for locally grown and made products--for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 comes back to the community.
Economic Turmoil - 8.7 percent of job seekers gained employment by starting their own businesses in second quarter 2009
Green Power - The stimulus plan poured billions into renewable energy.
The Senior Market - The elderly, make up three of the top 10 industries with the fastest employment growth.
Discount Retail – Consumer spending is down 30 percent while discount stores like Wal-Mart are up 5 percent. The Family Dollar is up 25 percent.
Education – Displaced workers are retooling their skills and going back to school.
Parental Outsourcing – Taking care of the family, cleaning the house and homework are all being outsourced.
Health and Wellness - Healthcare and social assistance revenue spent is $452.5 billion, up 3 percent from the previous quarter.
Texas – a youth magnet state and relocation destination.
Affordable Alcohol – an industry that has consistently grown over the last three years.
Pets – Pet owners are expected to spend 45 billion in 2009.
Read the entire article at: http://www.entrepreneur.com/trends/index.html
Local Business - Demand is exploding for locally grown and made products--for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 comes back to the community.
Economic Turmoil - 8.7 percent of job seekers gained employment by starting their own businesses in second quarter 2009
Green Power - The stimulus plan poured billions into renewable energy.
The Senior Market - The elderly, make up three of the top 10 industries with the fastest employment growth.
Discount Retail – Consumer spending is down 30 percent while discount stores like Wal-Mart are up 5 percent. The Family Dollar is up 25 percent.
Education – Displaced workers are retooling their skills and going back to school.
Parental Outsourcing – Taking care of the family, cleaning the house and homework are all being outsourced.
Health and Wellness - Healthcare and social assistance revenue spent is $452.5 billion, up 3 percent from the previous quarter.
Texas – a youth magnet state and relocation destination.
Affordable Alcohol – an industry that has consistently grown over the last three years.
Pets – Pet owners are expected to spend 45 billion in 2009.
Read the entire article at: http://www.entrepreneur.com/trends/index.html
Friday, June 4, 2010
Hiring Incentives Workshop on June 17
RochesterWorks! (www.rochesterworks.org) is offering a special workshop for businesses on Thursday, June 17 from 2-4 p.m. on incentives and resources available to help decrease the cost of hiring new employees. The workshop will be held at the United Way Building at 75 College Avenue in Rochester . There is no charge to attend and parking is free.
The workshop will feature experts from New York State discussing unique programs and incentives that may be available to assist your business.
Topics for discussion will include the On-the-Job Training (OJT) grant program. Funding is currently available to help businesses hire and train new employees with an identified skill gap who do not meet the minimum qualifications for a posted job. Businesses are eligible to receive up to 50% of the employee’s wage rate to help offset costs during the period the employee is being trained.
The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act recently passed by Congress will also be discussed. Through this program, businesses hiring for new positions may be eligible to receive a 6.2 percent payroll tax cut (or their share of Social Security taxes) if they hire people who have been unemployed for at least 60 days, and an additional tax credit if the new hire is employed for one year.
To register to attend this free workshop contact Diane Lewis at (585)258-3545 or dlewis@rochesterworks.org.
The workshop will feature experts from New York State discussing unique programs and incentives that may be available to assist your business.
Topics for discussion will include the On-the-Job Training (OJT) grant program. Funding is currently available to help businesses hire and train new employees with an identified skill gap who do not meet the minimum qualifications for a posted job. Businesses are eligible to receive up to 50% of the employee’s wage rate to help offset costs during the period the employee is being trained.
The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act recently passed by Congress will also be discussed. Through this program, businesses hiring for new positions may be eligible to receive a 6.2 percent payroll tax cut (or their share of Social Security taxes) if they hire people who have been unemployed for at least 60 days, and an additional tax credit if the new hire is employed for one year.
To register to attend this free workshop contact Diane Lewis at (585)258-3545 or dlewis@rochesterworks.org.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Technology can help you with branding your business
My family gave me the BEST mother’s day gift….an ipod touch. Yes, I am one of those people who loves their Palm Pilot and day timer. If my house were on fire, (and the kids were safe) the thing I would grab is my lap top and now my ipod.
I especially love the use of technology for the entrepreneur. We can literally run our business from a remote setting if needed. If you set it up correctly, technology can help you keep your brand in the public eye, even when you are not. As you can tell, the ipod touch was a perfect choice! The first thing I did was tweet and update my Facebook page & Linkedin status announcing my new “toy”.
Then I started shopping for apps. There are so many, I didn’t know where to begin….which is what inspired this article. I asked myself, "What are good apps for business and the entrepreneur?" I began my research and found the majority of my data on AppCraver.com
If your company is not using social media for a form of communication, you are missing out on an opportunity to reinforce your brand. You would be surprised what people will recall when it pops up as an update when they log onto Facebook or Linkedin.
Here are a few apps for SOCIAL MEDIA:
Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter to easily update your status to keep your branding message fresh and up to date.
WordPress to update your blog and post links to related articles.
Bump is interesting, like beaming but instead you bump your fists while you are holding your ipods and your information is exchanged and added to your social contacts. I haven't tried it, but it looks like a good conversation builder at networking events.
Here are some apps to help you stay productive and organized in BUSINESS:
VIP Access by VeriSign adds an extra layer of security to your accounts like paypal.
MapQuest 4 and Mileage Trackers to help you more efficiently track your business travels.
ABC Contacts to manage your contacts and send out emails.
reQall gives you the ability to record a note or reminder which can be transcribed to text.
SmartTime organizes items on your schedule, prioritizes them, accommodates unexpected changes and also links meeting locations to Google maps.
These are only a few that I found in my casual search, I will keep you posted as I discover more.
I especially love the use of technology for the entrepreneur. We can literally run our business from a remote setting if needed. If you set it up correctly, technology can help you keep your brand in the public eye, even when you are not. As you can tell, the ipod touch was a perfect choice! The first thing I did was tweet and update my Facebook page & Linkedin status announcing my new “toy”.
Then I started shopping for apps. There are so many, I didn’t know where to begin….which is what inspired this article. I asked myself, "What are good apps for business and the entrepreneur?" I began my research and found the majority of my data on AppCraver.com
If your company is not using social media for a form of communication, you are missing out on an opportunity to reinforce your brand. You would be surprised what people will recall when it pops up as an update when they log onto Facebook or Linkedin.
Here are a few apps for SOCIAL MEDIA:
Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter to easily update your status to keep your branding message fresh and up to date.
WordPress to update your blog and post links to related articles.
Bump is interesting, like beaming but instead you bump your fists while you are holding your ipods and your information is exchanged and added to your social contacts. I haven't tried it, but it looks like a good conversation builder at networking events.
Here are some apps to help you stay productive and organized in BUSINESS:
VIP Access by VeriSign adds an extra layer of security to your accounts like paypal.
MapQuest 4 and Mileage Trackers to help you more efficiently track your business travels.
ABC Contacts to manage your contacts and send out emails.
reQall gives you the ability to record a note or reminder which can be transcribed to text.
SmartTime organizes items on your schedule, prioritizes them, accommodates unexpected changes and also links meeting locations to Google maps.
These are only a few that I found in my casual search, I will keep you posted as I discover more.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Why international outsourcing is not always a smart financial move
In todays business world, many are considering outsourcing some or parts of the company. To those who have already outsource did they see a lower cost for their customers? Is it worth it? You be the judge, find out more at "Why international outsourcing is not always a smart financial move"
Friday, April 30, 2010
Website 101
Updating and maintaining a web presence for your business is critical in today's marketplace. Your website is a valuable tool to serve customers and promote your company's brand and services. Websites can also help streamline business processes to reduce costs.
When designing or expanding your website remember to consider the 11 steps to creating a successful website, such as establishing a domain and creating a customized email account to communicate with customers. If you can't afford a website developer consider creating the site yourself by purchasing a domain through godaddy.com or using many of the free online website templates available through WordPress or other sites.
Once your site is established, there are many ways to drive traffic to your website and ensure that users keep coming back. For instance, you will want to make sure that users are directed to your site when they perform a Google search or view the online yellow pages.
When designing or expanding your website remember to consider the 11 steps to creating a successful website, such as establishing a domain and creating a customized email account to communicate with customers. If you can't afford a website developer consider creating the site yourself by purchasing a domain through godaddy.com or using many of the free online website templates available through WordPress or other sites.
Once your site is established, there are many ways to drive traffic to your website and ensure that users keep coming back. For instance, you will want to make sure that users are directed to your site when they perform a Google search or view the online yellow pages.
Monday, April 12, 2010
What business leaders know about networking
The best form of marketing is word of mouth. Networking is a proven method of effective marketing, by getting the word out about who you are and what you do! I recently gave a talk on what leaders know about networking. Here are the highlights:
Seasoned networkers have established long term relationships with a wide range of people.
The role of networking is to enlarge your circle of influence ranging from friends who are like minded to potential business alliances.
The benefit of creating a strong network is to have a pool of people who can:
Assist to solve problems.
Mentor / advice to prevent setbacks.
Follow up on opportunities.
Exchange information.
Create strategic alliances
What is Networking?
Networking is…
Establishing long term relationships.
Remaining neutral with mutual friends and acquaintances.
Clusters of people you know from various areas of life.
Two way communication as well as benefit.
Balances over the long run, both parties have given and received.
Helping others to achieve goals.
Supportive with advice, resources, kindness, introductions.
Networking is NOT….
· Asking for a favor or one sided.
· Contacting only when in need.
· Engaging in gossip.
· Opportunistic, insincere, having an ulterior motive.
How to Network
First construct an Elevator Speech:
· Fine tune your introduction to 45 seconds.
· Include your name, title, business and a memory hook.
· Answers the question “Tell me about yourself” and “What do you do?”
Seasoned networkers have established long term relationships with a wide range of people.
The role of networking is to enlarge your circle of influence ranging from friends who are like minded to potential business alliances.
The benefit of creating a strong network is to have a pool of people who can:
Assist to solve problems.
Mentor / advice to prevent setbacks.
Follow up on opportunities.
Exchange information.
Create strategic alliances
What is Networking?
Networking is…
Establishing long term relationships.
Remaining neutral with mutual friends and acquaintances.
Clusters of people you know from various areas of life.
Two way communication as well as benefit.
Balances over the long run, both parties have given and received.
Helping others to achieve goals.
Supportive with advice, resources, kindness, introductions.
Networking is NOT….
· Asking for a favor or one sided.
· Contacting only when in need.
· Engaging in gossip.
· Opportunistic, insincere, having an ulterior motive.
How to Network
First construct an Elevator Speech:
· Fine tune your introduction to 45 seconds.
· Include your name, title, business and a memory hook.
· Answers the question “Tell me about yourself” and “What do you do?”
Elements to your elevator speech....
o My name is…
o I am the …
o My company is…
o We (memory hook)…
o Our customers are typically…
Effective networking tips for introverts and “quiet” types:
Play to your strengths, be yourself.
Network with a colleague or spouse.
Meet someone, get a card and ask to refer them.
Have someone within your organization that “networks”.
Use social media to connect with people.
Make networking more effective by:
· Finding something of mutual interest to discuss.
· Remembering people’s names and business.
· Take an interest in the person your speaking to.
· Give 100% attention to who you are meeting with.
· Ask for what you need.
· Offer support and resources, refer their business.
· Keep in touch – Never stop networking!
copyright material: Rosa Smith-Montanaro can be reprinted in whole with credit given to author.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Keeping Postive Cash Flow
Keeping your cash flow positive is one of the most important things you can focus on if you want to keep your business strong in the current economy. Part of the current difficulty right now for many businesses is that there isn’t much money flowing in and out of businesses. Cash flow is an essential part of having a healthy business
and you should spend some serious time making sure you have positive cash flow.
Continue reading "Keeping positive cash flow"
and you should spend some serious time making sure you have positive cash flow.
Continue reading "Keeping positive cash flow"
Monday, March 29, 2010
Health Care Reform 101
One week after President Obama signed the new health care reform bill into law, many of us still have questions about what these changes will mean for businesses, our families, and ourselves in the years and months to come. Check out these links to see how you will be impacted:
The Wall Street Journal broadly describes what the bill will mean for small businesses.
The Business Council of New York State provides specifics on the new requirements for large, small and medium-sized employer plans.
NPR answers some Frequently Asked Questions about the effect of reform on individuals and small and medium sized businesses.
The Wall Street Journal broadly describes what the bill will mean for small businesses.
The Business Council of New York State provides specifics on the new requirements for large, small and medium-sized employer plans.
NPR answers some Frequently Asked Questions about the effect of reform on individuals and small and medium sized businesses.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Leadership Tips
You don't have to be a manager or have a position of authority to be considered a leader. I'm a strong believer that if we feel inspired to lead, we should strive to be leaders.
It doesn’t matter what position we hold. To me, a leader is someone who: listens to understand, is trustworthy, is positive and passionate about the work they do.
Passion is the quality that influences me the most and makes me want to do the best job possible. When I work with someone who is passionate about what they do, it's contagious! I find myself becoming just as excited about the project as they are. This excitement drives me, inspires me to exceed expectations, roll up my sleeves and get to work! I think others feel the same way.
So, I say, let your passion show! Here is an interesting article that I found about the role “passion” plays in leadership that I wanted to share. Enjoy!
Great Leadership
It doesn’t matter what position we hold. To me, a leader is someone who: listens to understand, is trustworthy, is positive and passionate about the work they do.
Passion is the quality that influences me the most and makes me want to do the best job possible. When I work with someone who is passionate about what they do, it's contagious! I find myself becoming just as excited about the project as they are. This excitement drives me, inspires me to exceed expectations, roll up my sleeves and get to work! I think others feel the same way.
So, I say, let your passion show! Here is an interesting article that I found about the role “passion” plays in leadership that I wanted to share. Enjoy!
Great Leadership
Thursday, March 18, 2010
One Region, One Goal: Your Success
The Greater Rochester Regional Career Conference
One Region, One Goal: Your Success!
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Businesses, Community Agencies and Educational Institutions:
One Region, One Goal: Your Success!
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Businesses, Community Agencies and Educational Institutions:
You are cordially invited to participate in the Greater Rochester Regional Career Conference: One Region, One Goal: Your Success! This exciting event will take place on May 27th, 2010 simultaneously and in coordination at three partnering locations: Genesee, Finger Lakes, and Monroe Community Colleges. You choose the one most convenient for your organization.
This is not a traditional job fair but a regional career conference designed to bring together job seekers, businesses with hiring needs, educational organizations and community agencies in the entire 9-county area (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates).
Career workshops will be conducted for job seekers throughout the day. These workshops will be on a variety of pertinent topics. When not attending a workshop, attendees will be able to visit the various tables and learn about job openings, how to advance their education or which community agencies can assist them during their period of unemployment.
By participating in the most expansive event of its kind, you get the opportunity to showcase your organization, fill your job openings and work together with the community to help transition individuals back to work. The job seeker turnout is expected to be huge. Since space is limited you are encouraged to register quickly.
The cost of the Career Conference is $55. This includes morning refreshments (for up to 2 representatives), one table, 2 chairs, and parking. Deadline for registering is April 15th, 2010.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
No Cost Ways to Fill Job Openings
Budget cuts have impacted the amount spent on marketing for most area businesses. Even organizations that are hiring have the financial challenge of creating an advertising campaign that is both effective and affordable. Here at RochesterWorks! we provide no cost solutions to help you assess, recruit and when funds are available train your employees. In the Business Services Team, we consider ourselves an extension of your HR department. If you have worked with us, you have seen how responsive we are to assisting you with your recruitment needs.
Here are some no cost services that we can assist you with when it comes to hiring staff:
We will submit your job opening to Rochester’s Job Bank, posting your position with the Department of Labor’s database. All you need to do is email the Job Title, Description and your organization Tax I D number to HotJobs@rochesterworks.org and we will do the rest.
Once your job posting has been submitted to the Job Ban, we will then post it on our website, within the section entitled “Hot Jobs”. This list is updated every week. Our Career Center is visited by 200-300 job seekers per day. They inform customers of these posting as well as have them displayed within the Resource center.
Your job posting will be assigned a number to be used to identify the job as well as match to potential candidates that have an electronic resume within the Department of Labor database. This pilot program is known as SMART 2010, we are using it at RochesterWorks with a high success rating. The Career Services Advisors are inputting information from the 200-300 job seekers per day into the database and if there is a match an email is generated.
You might want your position to be confidential, in which case you will request it to be suppressed. This means that the job seeker only sees the identification number not organization. They will have to come into the Career Center to request contact information, which will only be given based on the appropriateness of the referral.
Lastly, if you would like to meet a large number of candidates to fill a number of openings, contact us to participate in our signature mini career fair entitled “Recruiting Round Rochester”. It is held every Monday from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM within the Career Center. Only 4 to 5 employers are invited at a time. The Career Center staff promotes the companies and job postings to our customers and we place an announcement on our website under “Hot Jobs”. This combination generates a large number of job seekers to come in to meet with potential employers. If you would like to be considered to be scheduled for this no cost event, contact Laura Seelman at lseelman@rochesterworks.org
RochesterWorks is one of the best kept secrets in town, hopefully you too will become one of our raving fans!
Here are some no cost services that we can assist you with when it comes to hiring staff:
We will submit your job opening to Rochester’s Job Bank, posting your position with the Department of Labor’s database. All you need to do is email the Job Title, Description and your organization Tax I D number to HotJobs@rochesterworks.org and we will do the rest.
Once your job posting has been submitted to the Job Ban, we will then post it on our website, within the section entitled “Hot Jobs”. This list is updated every week. Our Career Center is visited by 200-300 job seekers per day. They inform customers of these posting as well as have them displayed within the Resource center.
Your job posting will be assigned a number to be used to identify the job as well as match to potential candidates that have an electronic resume within the Department of Labor database. This pilot program is known as SMART 2010, we are using it at RochesterWorks with a high success rating. The Career Services Advisors are inputting information from the 200-300 job seekers per day into the database and if there is a match an email is generated.
You might want your position to be confidential, in which case you will request it to be suppressed. This means that the job seeker only sees the identification number not organization. They will have to come into the Career Center to request contact information, which will only be given based on the appropriateness of the referral.
Lastly, if you would like to meet a large number of candidates to fill a number of openings, contact us to participate in our signature mini career fair entitled “Recruiting Round Rochester”. It is held every Monday from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM within the Career Center. Only 4 to 5 employers are invited at a time. The Career Center staff promotes the companies and job postings to our customers and we place an announcement on our website under “Hot Jobs”. This combination generates a large number of job seekers to come in to meet with potential employers. If you would like to be considered to be scheduled for this no cost event, contact Laura Seelman at lseelman@rochesterworks.org
RochesterWorks is one of the best kept secrets in town, hopefully you too will become one of our raving fans!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Interested in taking your business international?
Taking Your Business International Workshop
Presented by Laurie DeRoller, Executive Director
International Business Council of Greater Rochester NY (IBC)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
No Cost to Attend
The world is flat, which means more opportunities for your company to make money 24/7. If you have a product or service that you have considered offering abroad, this workshop will help you to identify what to consider as well as action steps to take. Join Laurie DeRoller, Executive Director of IBC to discuss:
· What to consider when taking your business international.
· Where to begin the process, should you target certain countries.
· Local success stories that have benefited from going international.
· Which industries are thriving abroad.
Hosted By: RochesterWorks!
Location: United Way Building, 75 College Ave, Conference Room
Contact: RSVP to Diane Lewis, dlewis@rochesterworks.org, 585-258-3545
Registration is required, and seating is limited
Presented by Laurie DeRoller, Executive Director
International Business Council of Greater Rochester NY (IBC)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
No Cost to Attend
The world is flat, which means more opportunities for your company to make money 24/7. If you have a product or service that you have considered offering abroad, this workshop will help you to identify what to consider as well as action steps to take. Join Laurie DeRoller, Executive Director of IBC to discuss:
· What to consider when taking your business international.
· Where to begin the process, should you target certain countries.
· Local success stories that have benefited from going international.
· Which industries are thriving abroad.
Hosted By: RochesterWorks!
Location: United Way Building, 75 College Ave, Conference Room
Contact: RSVP to Diane Lewis, dlewis@rochesterworks.org, 585-258-3545
Registration is required, and seating is limited
Friday, February 26, 2010
Develop a Technology Strategy and Go for Gold
Technology is constantly evolving, and can often provide small businesses with the competitive edge needed to stay ahead of the competition and become more profitable.
Consider how technology is being used at this year’s Olympic Games in Vancouver. Skiers and snowboarders are using newly engineered skis and boards to reach new speeds and heights. Aerodynamic suits allow speed skaters to move even faster across the ice. And the Olympics are now streamed online, with up-to-the-minute results available through Twitter, Facebook and other websites.
What are some small ways your business can “go for the gold” and use technology and innovation to enhance the products and services you deliver to customers?
Start by reviewing the key needs of your business, whether it be reducing inefficiencies, improving your response time to customers, or increasing sales, and consider developing a technology strategy or plan to address the issue.
For tips on developing a strategy and hooking into the technology trends of 2010, check out this article from Baseline Magazine.
Consider how technology is being used at this year’s Olympic Games in Vancouver. Skiers and snowboarders are using newly engineered skis and boards to reach new speeds and heights. Aerodynamic suits allow speed skaters to move even faster across the ice. And the Olympics are now streamed online, with up-to-the-minute results available through Twitter, Facebook and other websites.
What are some small ways your business can “go for the gold” and use technology and innovation to enhance the products and services you deliver to customers?
Start by reviewing the key needs of your business, whether it be reducing inefficiencies, improving your response time to customers, or increasing sales, and consider developing a technology strategy or plan to address the issue.
For tips on developing a strategy and hooking into the technology trends of 2010, check out this article from Baseline Magazine.
Friday, February 19, 2010
On Networking…
There’s no doubt that expanding your business contacts and networking go hand-in-hand. Even in this day and age of social media and less face-to-face interaction, networking is an essential part of business growth. It’s worth the time it takes to attend networking events, which are a great way to meet new people and catch up with those you haven’t seen in a while.
They also provide opportunities to interact with people that share a common interest with you. It’s not often that you can be in a room with total strangers and know that you share some common bond. Whether it be geographic location (like local chambers of commerce) or a shared industry (industry associations), you know that you will have something to talk about with others in the room. This commonality is an easy way to start a conversation and begin to get to know someone. For an introvert like me, I really appreciate anything that makes networking easier and less intimidating. I’ve even used this tactic in social settings such as birthday parties, where I’ll ask about how someone knows the birthday boy or girl to get a conversation started.
In the article 10 Tips for Successful Business Networking Stephanie Speisman shares helpful hints on networking. Stephanie says that effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another.
We are very fortunate in the Greater Rochester Region to have many opportunities to attend networking events and to be a part of networking organizations. For more information on local associations and chambers in our region, please visit the resources section of the Finger Lakes Business Information Clearinghouse (BIC).
For information on Small Business events in our region, visit the events section of the Finger Lakes BIC.
They also provide opportunities to interact with people that share a common interest with you. It’s not often that you can be in a room with total strangers and know that you share some common bond. Whether it be geographic location (like local chambers of commerce) or a shared industry (industry associations), you know that you will have something to talk about with others in the room. This commonality is an easy way to start a conversation and begin to get to know someone. For an introvert like me, I really appreciate anything that makes networking easier and less intimidating. I’ve even used this tactic in social settings such as birthday parties, where I’ll ask about how someone knows the birthday boy or girl to get a conversation started.
In the article 10 Tips for Successful Business Networking Stephanie Speisman shares helpful hints on networking. Stephanie says that effective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another.
We are very fortunate in the Greater Rochester Region to have many opportunities to attend networking events and to be a part of networking organizations. For more information on local associations and chambers in our region, please visit the resources section of the Finger Lakes Business Information Clearinghouse (BIC).
For information on Small Business events in our region, visit the events section of the Finger Lakes BIC.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Business Incentives Workshop
BUSINESS INCENTIVES WORKSHOP
Hosted by RochesterWorks!
Thursday, February 18, 2010 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Held at United Way Building, 75 College Ave, Rochester NY 14607
Does your Monroe County business need assistance in order to grow?
Please join us for an interactive discussion to learn about local incentives for small and mid-sized businesses. Local experts will discuss their unique programs that may help your business. There is no fee to attend this workshop.
To RSVP please contact Diane Lewis at dlewis@rochesterworks.org or (585)258-3545.
Hosted by RochesterWorks!
Thursday, February 18, 2010 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Held at United Way Building, 75 College Ave, Rochester NY 14607
Does your Monroe County business need assistance in order to grow?
Please join us for an interactive discussion to learn about local incentives for small and mid-sized businesses. Local experts will discuss their unique programs that may help your business. There is no fee to attend this workshop.
To RSVP please contact Diane Lewis at dlewis@rochesterworks.org or (585)258-3545.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Guide to Tax Services News and Trends
Guide to Tax Services News and Trends
Keep up with tax services news and trends to remain competitive
Posted on http://www.business.com/directory/accounting/tax/
By Linda C. Ray
Business tax services go through constant changes that are driven by governmental regulations, financial markets and emerging technology. You should keep up with tax preparation companies' issues to remain competitive and make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information on changing tax codes for your clients.Follow the trends that are affecting tax services for small business by reading accounting and tax service publications that keep you updated with news as it affects the industries your serve. Subscribe to small business tax prep newsletters to learn about the latest developments in accounting codes, government incentives for business and tax exemptions. Look for tax services news and trends from a variety of sources to keep up with the rules.1. Get email alerts and tax preparation newsletters for immediate news advisories.2. Subscribe to publications for tax services that go beyond the headlines.3. Participate in associations for accounting and tax services to build a strong resource network.
Action Steps The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Accept emails from tax services for small business that closely follow the daily news
Get accounting and tax service email alerts, RSS feeds and industry newsletters that will send you news as it happens. Businesses can save a lot of money when they have the current information about how to frame their investments and purchases as well as what kinds of services and products are receiving tax breaks. Keep your clients informed of changes as they happen so they can make the proper adjustments and decisions.
I recommend: Keep up with the latest regulatory information around the world as well as breaking news that affects the industry through Deloitte tax alerts. And you must bookmark and check daily the headlines put out by the IRS.
Read articles that cover business tax services news and trends in detail
Subscribe to tax planning reports that cover the industry further than the headlines. Look for analysis and reports that give you a glimpse into tax-saving strategies and industry-specific guides for the companies that you serve. Read the latest small business tax consulting trend pieces so that you can advise your clients about upcoming changes and how they can take advantage of incentives and tax write-offs for small businesses.
I recommend: Federal, state and international tax news is available through Tax Analysts. Keep up with important events and news that drives the industry at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
Join tax preparation groups that provide members with current information
Associate with other tax preparation professionals who can provide you with an inside track to news, often before it hits the press. Get involved with your trade association and take advantage of the networking opportunities to develop relationships with other tax preparers that can lead to new accounts and new ways of making your own business more efficient. Read the group's newsletters to get the latest updates on members, regulatory affairs and new tax processing software applications.
I recommend: Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals can get trend reports, updates and news through participation in the trade group that serves its members with research and networking opportunities. Join the National Association of Tax Consultants for updates on current events, marketing options and meetings with other tax professionals to keep up with the industry trends. Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
• Find relevant news about tax services for small businesses through mainstream sources such as the Wall Street Journal and Forbes to put the industry news in perspective with other financial trends that will ultimately affect your business.
Keep up with tax services news and trends to remain competitive
Posted on http://www.business.com/directory/accounting/tax/
By Linda C. Ray
Business tax services go through constant changes that are driven by governmental regulations, financial markets and emerging technology. You should keep up with tax preparation companies' issues to remain competitive and make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information on changing tax codes for your clients.Follow the trends that are affecting tax services for small business by reading accounting and tax service publications that keep you updated with news as it affects the industries your serve. Subscribe to small business tax prep newsletters to learn about the latest developments in accounting codes, government incentives for business and tax exemptions. Look for tax services news and trends from a variety of sources to keep up with the rules.1. Get email alerts and tax preparation newsletters for immediate news advisories.2. Subscribe to publications for tax services that go beyond the headlines.3. Participate in associations for accounting and tax services to build a strong resource network.
Action Steps The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Accept emails from tax services for small business that closely follow the daily news
Get accounting and tax service email alerts, RSS feeds and industry newsletters that will send you news as it happens. Businesses can save a lot of money when they have the current information about how to frame their investments and purchases as well as what kinds of services and products are receiving tax breaks. Keep your clients informed of changes as they happen so they can make the proper adjustments and decisions.
I recommend: Keep up with the latest regulatory information around the world as well as breaking news that affects the industry through Deloitte tax alerts. And you must bookmark and check daily the headlines put out by the IRS.
Read articles that cover business tax services news and trends in detail
Subscribe to tax planning reports that cover the industry further than the headlines. Look for analysis and reports that give you a glimpse into tax-saving strategies and industry-specific guides for the companies that you serve. Read the latest small business tax consulting trend pieces so that you can advise your clients about upcoming changes and how they can take advantage of incentives and tax write-offs for small businesses.
I recommend: Federal, state and international tax news is available through Tax Analysts. Keep up with important events and news that drives the industry at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
Join tax preparation groups that provide members with current information
Associate with other tax preparation professionals who can provide you with an inside track to news, often before it hits the press. Get involved with your trade association and take advantage of the networking opportunities to develop relationships with other tax preparers that can lead to new accounts and new ways of making your own business more efficient. Read the group's newsletters to get the latest updates on members, regulatory affairs and new tax processing software applications.
I recommend: Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals can get trend reports, updates and news through participation in the trade group that serves its members with research and networking opportunities. Join the National Association of Tax Consultants for updates on current events, marketing options and meetings with other tax professionals to keep up with the industry trends. Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
• Find relevant news about tax services for small businesses through mainstream sources such as the Wall Street Journal and Forbes to put the industry news in perspective with other financial trends that will ultimately affect your business.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Twitter for Small Business
As our team expands our use of social media, we are always interested in articles on this topic. Having recently started "tweeting" this article is very relevant and helpful. Hopefully you will be able to glean some nuggets of information from it like we did.
Twitter Applications for Your Small Business: http://myventurepad.com/MVP/92839
Twitter Applications for Your Small Business: http://myventurepad.com/MVP/92839
Friday, January 15, 2010
Announcements for January 2010
Business Incentives Workshop
Reserve your space! Seating is limited.
Thursday, Feb 18th, 2010
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Does your Monroe County business need assistance in order to grow? Please join us for an interactive discussion to learn about local incentives for small and mid-sized businesses. Experts from the City of Rochester, Monroe County, RochesterWorks, and PathStone will discuss their unique programs that may help your business. There is no fee to attend this workshop. More information http://cts.vresp.com/c/?RochesterWorks/1e35a7d472/2b1caeb074/e2c68e8201
Recruiting Round Rochester for Youth
Is looking for Businesses that would like to hire youth ages 16-21 years old. We will be hosting a recruitment event on Friday, February 19th from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm at our Goodman Street Career Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life. If your organization would like to participate in this no cost event, please contact me to discuss the details.
Share Your Events with US!
The Finger Lakes BIC’s calendar of events is now on Google.com, we would like to share your events with our readers. Please share your google calendar with ours. http://fingerlakes.natbic.org/events.php
Internships
I will be placing interns this summer with employers. I welcome the opportunity to speak to your chamber and organization about this program as well as other services and programs that RochesterWorks offers. All of our services are at no cost to the employer and would be enlightening. Please email me to schedule a time and date.
Reserve your space! Seating is limited.
Thursday, Feb 18th, 2010
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Does your Monroe County business need assistance in order to grow? Please join us for an interactive discussion to learn about local incentives for small and mid-sized businesses. Experts from the City of Rochester, Monroe County, RochesterWorks, and PathStone will discuss their unique programs that may help your business. There is no fee to attend this workshop. More information http://cts.vresp.com/c/?RochesterWorks/1e35a7d472/2b1caeb074/e2c68e8201
Recruiting Round Rochester for Youth
Is looking for Businesses that would like to hire youth ages 16-21 years old. We will be hosting a recruitment event on Friday, February 19th from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm at our Goodman Street Career Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life. If your organization would like to participate in this no cost event, please contact me to discuss the details.
Share Your Events with US!
The Finger Lakes BIC’s calendar of events is now on Google.com, we would like to share your events with our readers. Please share your google calendar with ours. http://fingerlakes.natbic.org/events.php
Internships
I will be placing interns this summer with employers. I welcome the opportunity to speak to your chamber and organization about this program as well as other services and programs that RochesterWorks offers. All of our services are at no cost to the employer and would be enlightening. Please email me to schedule a time and date.
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