Podcasts about small business center

To find success in business, you have to first figure out what your target market wants and respond to it. As society and the technology we depend on changes at breakneck speed, it can be challenging for traditional businesses to keep pace. Breathing new life into a service as timeless and constant as the library takes innovation, grit and the support of the surrounding community to pull off. Advancing technology had the potential to make libraries obsolete, but instead brilliant leadership took advantage of new tech to reinvigorate a beloved neighborhood staple. The St. Louis County Library (SLCL) began a revitalization project to strengthen its ties to the community and keep it relevant in their eyes.Kristen Sorth, director and CEO of SLCL, joined But Who's Counting? hosts Dave Hartley and Missy Kelley to discuss the innovative approaches SLCL took to keep libraries on the cutting edge rather than a relic from a different time. Kristen, the recipient of the Visionary Award by St. Louis Magazine, explained how the library earned a seat at the community's table and why she adapted libraries to meet social needs. The discussion also touched on:The innovative programs and partnerships that are having an enormous impact on the communityWhat role technology has played in revitalizing the libraryThe library's role in advancing digital equity initiativesHow they “stood standing” during a crisis and what that meant for the publicA unique role the library hired and the difference it's made for staff“Make sure that innovation means something to someone other than you. If you spend all your time innovating something that is going to have zero impact on people, then you have wasted a ton of time and money.” – Kristen SorthResources to Count OnWant more insight into the conversation? Check out these resources:Visit the SLCL websiteFind out more about the Tap In CenterLearn about the Small Business Center located in the Clark Family BranchKeep up with all the upcoming events hosted by the libraryMake sure to never miss an episode by subscribing on Spotify, Pandora or Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think by rating and reviewing. Keep up with more Anders insights by visiting our website and following us on social media:Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | TwitterSend us a text

Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with John Formica, the “Ex Disney Guy”. John, known as "America's Customer Experience Coach," is a sought-after speaker and business coach who draws on his extensive experience with Disney to help organizations create magical customer experiences and dynamic workplace cultures. He offers insights into Disney's leadership, hiring practices, and team-building strategies to help businesses stand out, engage their staff, and build lasting customer loyalty. John's engaging and entertaining presentations aim to inspire organizations to implement Disney-like excellence and create memorable customer experiences.Website: https://johnformica.com/Be sure to sign up for his Newsletter/Blog, The Magic Minute!He's also written a Book: Making the Customer Experience Magical Now!Look for John's seminars in the Topsail area with Cape Fear Community College's Small Business Center in conjunction with the Topsail Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Find and Follow John Formica on Facebook,  Twitter,  YouTube, and LinkedIn!_______________________Topsail Insider is Sponsored by Saltwater Resort & Suites!Saltwater Suites - Topsail Island's premier luxury hospitality experience!Book your beach getaway today at SaltwaterTopsail.com or call (910) 886-4818!Topsail Insider is also Sponsored by Surf City Line! Come out for Beachin' Bowls, Margaritas, Live Music, and enjoy your meal on their top deck with Ocean Views!Visit SurfCityLineNC.com for their full food, bar, and brunch menus!Jim is my incredible, rockstar editor. Learn more about Jim's services at http://bit.ly/PodcastsByJimJim Mendes-Pouget  |  jimpouget@gmail.com________________________Send Christa a message and let her know if you enjoyed the episode! Support the Show.Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform so you don't miss a single episode! We're on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and more!Please visit TopsailInsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List where you'll get early access to upcoming episodes. Or leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!Also find and Follow Topsail Insider on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!If you are a Greater Topsail business owner or nonprofit and wish to be interviewed or wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email christa@topsailinsider.com or call/text 910-800-0111.

Join the journey as Francisco Martinez, a vibrant force in economic development, shares his transformative story from graphic and web design to spearheading growth initiatives in Wilkesboro. Together, we explore the impact of the Entrepreneur Grant Program and the vital role of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College in cultivating a fertile entrepreneurial landscape. We also delve into the boons of co-working spaces for startups, painting a picture of a community that's not just surviving, but thriving through collaboration and support.Get ready to connect with the heart of our business community at the Wilkes Entrepreneur Network's monthly gatherings. I'm thrilled to welcome you to conversations with Doren Tripp, Laurie Brown-Straps, and other local luminaries, where we stitch together the rich tapestry of our area's entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how these networks expand business horizons, and stay abreast of the economic pulse with updates from the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation. Embark on this episode with us, celebrating the collective efforts propelling Wilkesboro's economic future.For more information visit https://wilkesedc.com/This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

This month on the Entrepreneur Exchange, what if you had access to your own business counselor and startup resources and it only cost you…nothing? If you're in North Carolina, you're in luck! In this month's episode, Anne Shaw, the State Director of the NC Small Business Center Networks, explains the services that Small Business Centers provide and the economic impact they generate. Anne and hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also discuss roadblocks that startups encounter and the attributes that many successful entrepreneurs exhibit. And the group share a mix of new businesses to check out, from coffee to customized clothing…it's all here on this month's Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network! Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, NC Small Business Center Network Small Businesses of the Month: Jireh Peruvian Coffee, Golden Rule Musical School, Project B See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a New Year and the Entrepreneur Exchange is here to help with your New Year's productivity resolutions. Wake Tech (NC) Community College Small Business Center Director Todd Lyden joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss productivity tools and apps that you can use to get more done--and to dip your toe into AI. Plus we'll have some businesses you can check out on the year's first Small Business of the Month feature. It's all here on the Entrepreneur Exchange on The MESH podcast network!Helpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, Wake Tech Small Business Center Productivity Links: ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, Google Bard, Futurepedia, There's an AI for That, Get App, Validator AI, Venture Kit AI Small Businesses of the Month: Burgaw Brewing, The Habit Burger Grill, Battery XchangeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready to get more productive in 2023? The Entrepreneur Exchange opens the year with a bang as Small Business Center Director Todd Lyden joins the podcast to share productivity tools and technology to help your business operate more effectively. Artificial intelligence is now accessible to all businesses, so listen in as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss the AI trend with Todd and try to figure out whether Todd is real…or a bot sent from another galaxy. Plus, get some small businesses to check out including some tasty treats and the answer to your customer service frustrations. It's all here on this month's Entrepreneur Exchange!Productivity Recommendations: ChatGPT, IMAGE AI, DALL-E , Playground AI, Thing Translator, Topaz LabsLegal AI: Do Not Pay, Legal Robot, Harvey AITEXT/Content: Rytr.me, Copy. AI, QuillbotBusiness validation: Validator.AIDirectories: Futurepedia, AI Tools DirectoryMentions: Air Room Planner, Google MuseHelpful Links: Manufacturing Solutions Center, CVCC Small Business Center Small Businesses of the Month included in this episode: Fayetteville Pie Company, Jazzy's Cheesecake, Karens for Hire See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of ESG Talks, Karen Daly, Senior Managing Director and head of KBRA's Public Finance Team interviews Kim Bizor Tolbert, Deputy City Manager of Dallas and Liz Cedillo-Pereira, Assistant City Manager. Kim provides executive leadership to the Office of Risk Management, Aviation, Dallas Water Utilities, Human Resources, Communications, Outreach, & Marketing, Office of Homeless Solutions, and the Small Business Center. As Assistant City Manager, Liz provides executive leadership to the Dallas Public Library, Office of Arts & Culture, Office of Community Care, Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability, Office of Equity & Inclusion, and Ethics. Karen, Kim, and Liz discuss city initiatives aimed at improving equity and inclusion for Dallas' diverse population.

Listen now and see what it's like to be a consultant for a small business center!

Guest: John Hornsby, Creative Director and local leader for Freelance Business Week events in Asheville and Waynesville, sits down to chat with Matt.Freelance Business Week is a local, five-day celebration of our freelance community that builds momentum and opportunity around freelance business growth. It will take place April 18-22, 2022.It's led by local freelance business owners and they invite you to be involved! Take a second to sign up for their list to keep up with all the updates at https://freeconnation.com/asheville/ .What to Expect You can expect a week of expertise & resources, camaraderie & connections across Asheville and Waynesville to include:Motivation Monday Ribbon cutting and socials. This event will be free and open to all. Waynesville in the am and Asheville in the early evening.Tech Tuesday will feature content around the more technical aspects of business, devices, and platforms. Wellness Wednesday will focus on content around work-life balance, mindset, and health. Thriving Thursday features talks, workshops, and panels along with networking and resource tabling.Fun & Failure Friday will explore the importance of play in our work, celebrating wins and embracing failures, and will wrap up with an afterparty. Most of the Waynesville programming is taking place at the Small Business Center and Haywood Community College.Register HERE>Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/Mittan)

In terms of business development

Meet Katie Gailes, director of Wake Tech's Entrepreneurship Initiatives and Cherith Roberson, director of Wake Tech's Small Business Center. Learn what makes StartUp at Wake Tech such a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Wake County.

This episode features an interview with Tom McGee, President & CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Since 2015, Tom has overseen strategic leadership and operations as ICSC, which is the pre-eminent organization for retail and real estate professionals.On this episode, Tom discusses the impact retail has on our local communities, why physical retail has never been more important, and what to expect at RECon, ICSC’s flagship event, this December in Las Vegas. 3 Takeaways:You need to serve the consumer in whatever way they want, and the experience needs to be consistent and frictionless.Physical retail has never been more important. By getting people to the store, you’re not only saving on shipping, you’re engaging with your customer. It simultaneously solves last mile, improves profitability, and fosters connection.How can ICSC help? With nearly 70% of shopping center tenants being small businesses, ICSC just released a small business toolkit (“Setting Up Shop”) and will be launching a new Small Business Center of Excellence soon.Key Quotes: “70% of the tenants within retail centers are small businesses. And that really motivates me, because I think the success of our industry is tied to the success of small businesses.”“There isn’t an E-commerce channel and there isn’t a physical channel. There’s only one channel: it’s called the consumer channel.”“We all think we have a constitutional right to free shipping, but somebody’s actually paying for that free shipping. And that’s typically the retailer, right? So getting you to the store obviously takes an enormous cost out of the distribution chain.”--This podcast is presented by Dell Technologies and Intel. Together they help you realize digital transformation across retail by driving IT innovation to better engage with today’s connected consumer. Learn more at DellTechnologies.com/retail and Intel.com/retail.

In Part 1 of my conversation with Vice President Anthony Caison, learn about the various programs Workforce Continuing Education offers. Additionally, hear about the department's Small Business Center. He also discusses services Workforce Continuing Education offers companies in Wake County. It is an episode you do not want to miss.

The Entrepreneur Exchange wants you to have a productive 2021, so we’re kicking the year off with Todd Lyden, Director of the Bladen Community College Small Business Center, who shares his top productivity tools with co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller. If you’re ready to create your own graphics or add videos to your marketing efforts, this is the show for you! Plus, the pod gives shout-outs to three small businesses this month, ranging from beer to moonshine soap to dogs…check it out on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange!Catawba Valley Small Business Center Bladen Community College Small Business CenterSmall Businesses of the Month:The District House of TapsMoonshine Mountain SoapBarking BuddiesTop Productivity Tool Links:Wave for AccountingCanva to Design and Modify PicturesGoogle My Business for Free Business PromotionGoogle Drive to Store and Share DocumentsGoogle Voice to Create a Phone Number for Your BusinessFacebook Business SuiteFree Conference Call for Phone and Video CallsCrello for Graphic CreationLoom for Video MessagingVidYard to Record and Send VideosClickup for Time Management and Project ManagementSquare, Paypal, Venmo & Zelle to Send and Receive Digital Payments

Today we will be talking with Megan Smith. Megan works with The Small Business Center (SBC) at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and is at the heart of small business resources in Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, and surrounding towns. Whether you want to start a small business or grow an existing business, the SBC can help you develop a plan of action for lasting success. Megan is eager to share her love for small business and community, and to apply her background in workforce development and program management. She also holds degrees in secondary education, organizational leadership, and HR management. Megan values giving back through community engagement and strives in helping small business succeed. The Small Business Center at RCCC, like all small business centers at local community colleges, is there to provide high quality small business education and relevant, comprehensive assistance to anyone in their region who is wanting to start a small business or wanting to grow a small business they are already operating. Programs and services of the Small Business Center are sponsored by the Small Business Center Network (SBCN) of the North Carolina Community College System. The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network assists in starting an average of more than 600 businesses each year. Small Business Centers have an economic impact in 90% of all NC Counties each year, helping to create and retain nearly 3,000 jobs annually. Megan is going to share with you some of the ways she and the RCCC SBC are currently able to help local small businesses, give some great tips and insight, and share with you some of the upcoming events that can help small business owners who may be struggling, or who want to grow business are having difficulty doing so. Rowan-Cabarrus Community Collage 704-216-3534 https://www.rccc.edu/sbc/ https://www.sbcbrace.com/ email: sbc@rccc.edu megan.smit@rccc.edu Support this podcast

We’re connecting you with the community by talking about the people, places, and local resources in New Bern, NC and surrounding areas! During the show, we had a mental health tip, talked about the Volt Center and Small Business Center, things to do in and around town, and much more! We also had a Contest! The Podsquad: Kathy Morrison (New Bern Historical Society), Colleen Roberts (City of New Bern), and I talked about all kinds of things related to living in the greater New Bern area. We were joined by special guests, Aimee Schulze, Deborah Kania, and Jeff Schulze. Let us know if you’d like to be a guest or if you have any questions or suggestions by calling 252-259-6853 or sending us an email at info@newbernnow.com. Wendy Card, New Bern Now

For this episode, we spoke with Tiffany Henry, Director of SCC's Small Business Center, and Danell Moses, Dean of Career Technologies, on job prospects and current trends for WNC small businesses.

Cherith Roberson, Director of Small Business Center, Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina.

The SCD hosts welcome Jeff Neuville, Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College and host of Entrepreneur Exchange on the MESH. Also included, a review of the new Hickory Downtown restaurant Warehouse Cuban Cantina!

Have you ever wished that a public agency official understood the problem you are trying to solve from your perspective as a nonprofit leader? I am sure that many of us in the sector are familiar with that feeling. Tameka Montgomery, appointed by President Obama as Associate Administrator to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development, actually did understand. She came to the position after creating a business incubator in Denver and leading its award- winning Small Business Center. During her tenure, she launched the Main Street Mentor Walk, a 5k that swapped out running for walking and matched new entries into the business sector with experienced business leaders. And she started the first Latino Small Business Summit to provide entrepreneurs with culturally specific resources and guidance. While at the SBA, Tameka elevated training and technical assistance resources for formerly incarcerated people seeking jobs. She partnered with the Kellogg Foundation on a program that helped them, and by extension their families, to gain an economic foothold, and succeed. And she developed a program for “the missing middle”, entrepreneurs whose businesses had the potential to scale up and increase their impact. Now Tameka is building her own entrepreneurial future. She founded Core Strategy Partners, a consultancy that helps companies and nonprofits working at the intersection of business value and social impact. And she hosts a wonderful podcast, Raising Entrepreneurs, that helps parents to foster entrepreneurship in their children. Did I mention that she is also the mother of 3 boys, 9, 11 and 13? You can hear them in a great clip from Raising Entrepreneurs in this episode of Power Station.  

How do you attract and find MORE clients? This most certainly is one of my most-asked questions of all times.   How in the world DO you attract new clients, whether you're an online business or a local business, whether you have a hybrid business or both? We're going to talk about all those things as well as the four things you need to have before you start attracting clients.   The first thing you need to do no matter how far along you are in business is: You have to first have a platform.   This can be in person, a Website, social media, if you like such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube. PIck ONE place you can be pointing people to.    The second thing you must have BEFORE getting new clients is:  You have to have a really clear message. That's my favorite part. Can you guess why?   It's all about marketing.   If you don't know how to talk about what you do and say it in a way that inspires people to jump on board with you, then it doesn't matter how many people we send your way. They're never going to become a client because they just don't get it. They haven't drank the Kool-Aid. They don't see the vision. And they don't understand exactly quite how you fit into their business.    You need a really, really clear message and a way of talking about what you do and how you do it and who you do it for.   The third thing that I want you to make sure you have nailed down before we even dive into these clients is: You need a clear offer.    You may think you know this, but I promise you, there are so many people confused this very minute asking themselves,"what do I offer?" or "how do I talk about it?" or "how much am I charging right now?"    It's so easy to get wrapped up in having a business or having growing potential and the ability to do a hundred things.   But what is YOUR thing?    What is the main thing about your business? Where does the bulk of your income from with your new where are you starting out? What's the first step someone needs to do to start with you?  Think about some starting place; at least know what your offers are or your main offer. It's hard to turn somebody into a client if they don't know what they're buying.    The last thing is: You need a way to accept payments.   Right now, if someone came up to you and said: “Oh, my gosh, this is exactly what I need. We have got to do this. Please, please, please, please work with me.”  Would you know how to take their payment? If you don’t know, then it's just not gonna work.   We subconsciously block good things coming into our business by a tiny thing like not knowing how to accept payments. Figure out your way so that you can easily tell them: "I'm going to send you a link" or "I'm going to invoice you" or what your process is and how you accept payments.   Let's dive in to the meaty topic of how do you attract new clients?   But first, you have to make me a promise. Pretty, pretty, pretty, please promise me that you're not going to say that won't work.    I can't do that.  I've already tried that.    Put that out of your mind completely. You've got to be open to the possibilities when someone gives you suggestions. 1. The first way that you can attract new clients and bring new clients in, is to ask for referrals of existing clients. If people love you already, it should be a natural step into your process when you're offboarding a client to ask for a referral. If you are brand new don't have anyone to ask for a referral, ask those around you who they'd recommend you talk to that already know, like and trust you.   There's a slight difference there, but a warm referral goes so far in the business world.     I don't care whether you train dogs, you sell peanuts, you have a phone company or you're a coach. It does not matter. People are what makes your business run.    Create a network that you can link into, whether it's for personal referrals, client referrals, from strangers who are watching you, or cold traffic coming in giving your referral, it doesn't matter.   Referrals make a big difference so look at how you can make them an integral part of your business. Start to bring them the conversation like this: "You know what? You are so dreamy to work with. I would love to work with 10 more people just like you. Do you have any suggestions of who I could work with?" That's a good place to start. 2. Build strategic relationships. This works no matter what market or industry or space you're in. There's something again, back to the people. People matter and your people that you know and who is in your network, that's your business currency.   It's not how much money you have coming in that matters. You can always make more money.    But people; people are where it's at.   One thing about building strategic relationships is that these aren't necessarily going to be a direct relationship and they will work with you. It's more of leveraging relationships that could be a collaboration, or they could be the next person that refers to you, or they could actually be a client, or be someone that you do work for.   That very person you're talking to or you're setting up a coffee chat with might not be the person that changes your business, but they might know the person that will change your business and be the person that introduces you.  3. Have Sales Conversations.   If you can't have a sales conversation, then we are a bunch of friends hanging out or we have an expensive hobby.    You have to actually get to a point in a relationship with a lead and be comfortable telling them: "You know what? I actually do this for a job. And this is how much the price is."    If you've not ever gotten to the point or you're not comfortable actually having those kind of conversations, then it doesn't matter how many new leads we send your way or how you're attracting people that could be dreamy for you.   Think about how you can talk to people in a way that doesn't feel icky to you about what you do in a business setting.  People out there need the exact thing you do in the way that you do it and nobody else does it. But if you don't know it and they don't know how much you charge and they don't know how to work with you and you never even offer them that potential, then it's really a bummer for everybody around.   4. If you're in the online marketing online space, run an online summit to get clients. Online summits provide great visibility for you and they also help connect you with great speakers, people who could be referrals for you, clients for you and collaborators with you. If you are a go getter, you love the idea of starting conversations in this space and are into building communities, this could work for you.  5. Start a platform with you as the expert. How do you show up and find your voice and be the expert in whatever it is you do?    I don't care what niche audience industry country you're from. You can be the expert in what you do and people want to hear from you.   Here are a few of the hottest ways right now: Start a podcast.  Start a blog.  Start a live show.  Be that live personality and have a show where you're the expert or you want to record.  Create a space where you show up as the expert, you're consistently going out there putting out content and seeing who bites.   6. Be where your leads are.  If you're not hanging out where your people are hanging out, then it's going to be really hard to attract the right people. You may get some lookers, but they may never actually turn into clients because they aren't the right people.    If you're local, that means showing up at events or in the neighborhood or at the shops or at the pediatrician's or wherever the spaces are where your people are hanging out, living, working.   If you are primarily online, where are the places you need to go? What channels are people on? How are they consuming content? Who else do they follow? How do you start that conversation? Make sure you have this nailed down so that you're attracting really, really great leads and clients that are really wanting to say yes. 7. Start a conversation. Start having the conversation that your clients need to hear. If it's not already happening in a way that you can be a part of it in a productive way, then just start your own. Put a post out that's thought-provoking. Go live on something. Invite somebody to a meeting. Host zoom meeting and just have a conversation with people. 8. Get on new platforms. Don't worry, you don't need to sign up for all the things. But instead, think about how you can leverage other people's spaces and platforms where they're already having conversations with your audience.   The questions to ask are: How do you do that? How do you connect with them? How do you show up at their events? What connection do you have with them? You could interview them.    You can have them on your podcast. You could comment on their stuff; add value to their community. Get an introduction from somebody who knows them.    There's value in finding people who have communities already in your space and start building relationships there. It's a phenomenal way for you to do marketing without, you know, spending a ton of money to build your audience.    It's okay to use other people's audiences, just don't hijack them if they do the exact same thing you do, that's going to feel weird.. 9. Go to events.  Be willing to attend events. These could be local events or networking events. This could be conferences. If you're in a specific industry and you have industry specific conferences or events that you need to go and attend, do that.   It's worth checking out and seeing which ones are worth going to for the people, for the conversations, for the things you learn, for the value you can get out of it. Events are a great place for you to meet new clients, especially if you are business to business.    If your ideal clients are there and they are paying to go to conferences and they're not forced to go, it means they're willing to invest in themselves and their business.   They will have a growth mindset that a lot of us really are looking for if we're working in this business to business space or business consumer space, where we need people ready to make a change.  10. Repurpose your content so you can be in new places. You know I preach to be in one spot until you've mastered it before you go all the places. This tactic to get new clients is a way for you to start branching out into more places without running yourself dry or burning out.   Take the one piece of content you're doing consistently and figure out how to repurpose it into other channels where you can have meaningful conversations. This means that if you're going to show up on a platform, you need to actually be there. For example,I can pull quotes from this podcast and put them on Instagram or something and start a conversation on a different channel.   Think of ways you can utilize what you're already doing in your business and just put them somewhere new where it's going to introduce you to new people and new eyes that may not be hanging out where you're hanging out this moment. 11. Be a speaker. You could have your own platform, your own conference, your own event or your own workshop -- and instantly elevate yourself to expert status in your field..   As a side note, can I just tell you that you're allowed to be an expert if I haven't said at the beginning? This is permission right now for you to own that you can be the expert in your space.    You totally can do this. You have got the chops, you've got the experience. You know what you're talking about. You know you can get results for people. You know you do great work. So  it's OK to be the expert.   Don't shy away from some of these suggestions because it could put a spotlight on you that makes you feel out of your league. There is plenty of room at the table for you as well. And we invite you to come join us at the table. Apply to be a speaker at different events. Ask how that how to apply at a dreamy conference. Practice speaking at your local Toastmasters or at  your local Chamber of Commerce.   If you haven't already noticed, another theme that runs through these tactics is that it's smart to utilize your communities and your space and your people really well, but equally important to branch out and figure out how do you use other people's faces and other people's resources.  12. Sit next to someone at dinner. This one is specifically for local businesses. Sometimes strategy is not always involved. This is one of those times.  Volunteers and attend events with influencers in your area. Go hang out at the library. Think about where are smart places to be, but also just be a human and just hang out and make conversations.   You're going to be amazed at the people you're going to meet in your community, in your town, in your state, when you're just open to the possibilities because you never know who you're sitting next to.   When you are willing to have conversations, to have the coffee, to go to dinner, to attend that event that you're not sure about, to try things out and it's magical to just see what works. 13. The flip side of having dinner and putting yourself around interesting people is to be a part of your community. I can't tell you how many times I've run into people, especially on the local side of my business, who have gone to my kid's schools or been in my kid's classes or because I volunteered on the PTA.   They know who I am because they start to pay attention to me as a local mom. There is value in having visibility, even if it's not directly tied to your business.  The only way people know about what I do at school is because they happen to see me on one of my platforms.    If you've tried every single one of these and they're not working for you,  let's have a conversation because something needs tweaked. Go to malloryschlabach.com/fitting  and sign up for a 15 minute time slot to just talk about your business. I guarantee there's a gap in your marketing plan that we can work out so you can actually get clients that are your loving.   Next, look at this list with open eyes, even if you have done some of these before. Go back through the list and ask yourself, "If I was starting over again, how would I approach it?" If you can look at it through different eyes, you're gonna see something different or a new way to do it that you totally did not see before.   My challenge to you is to make a list of all the ways that you could start attracting, finding and bringing in new clients to your business this month. This is NOT a to-do list. Think outside of the box and a little crazy. It doesn't matter if it's totally unreasonable. Write it down. There's magic in allowing your brain to flow and think of all the possibilities. You're going to come up with some pretty good ideas.   Make a list of 25 possible ways that you could attract or bring new clients in, no matter how ridiculous. Don't judge yourself. Embrace it. Don't sit there forever and get freaked out.   Here's an example: Let's one way to attract a new client is if you happen to get on an influencer's radar or slide into their DM on Instagram and they totally blow it up for you because they mention or feature you and all of a sudden you have a flood of people coming to you.   Is that gonna happen?    Maybe? It's totally possible it can happen!    So write down - get on X's radar.   Is it something you have to strategically work towards?    Maybe or maybe not. Just see what happens.    Now that we're brainstorming, what else could I do?   I could get asked to go on a big stage. I could win a contest. I could get asked to lead a mentorship. I could get featured in the local Small Business Center.    So many things could happen and there are places everywhere where you could be showing up to attract new clients, but you have to think a little crazy first to get the ball rolling because your brain wants to play it safe.   Now get out there and start bringing in those clients. You’ve got it in you!  Links: 15-Minute Fitting Call with Mallory #024: Double Your Revenue + Stop Hating Sales with Sales Guru Renee Hribar   Connect with Mallory: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | The #GirlBoss Club About Marketing Magic: The Marketing Magic podcast is where women entrepreneurs trying to do all the things come to get inspiration, business strategy, and on-air coaching on how to get their business noticed and growing. If you have a business that people need to know about in order for it to grow, you’re in the right place. This is the place to uncomplicate your marketing. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review! Join the conversation of other unapologetically successful women in her Facebook community, The #girlboss Club.

This episode is the start of a new mini-series that we are calling Small Business Champions. This week is designated National Small Business Week but we want to take the month to share some organizations that really help the community and has been instrumental in guiding OpinShop along with me during this journey. This week, we the director of the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center, Allan Younger, to share what the mission of the SBC is and their approach in listening to the voice of the entrepreneur and help them assist and to ensure they are "Increasing Business Success". Listen so you can get that PUSH you need to Opin Up Shop. Hope you enjoy! If you do be sure to comment and subscribe! FB https://m.facebook.com/EatheExec http://www.facebook.com/forsythtech Allan Younger IG @EAtheExec @OpinShopUS @smallbusinesscenterforsyth Twitter 
@EAtheExec @OpinShopUS @ForsythTechCC @sbcatf Linkedin E.A. Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanyounger/ Small Business Center Calendar: https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75210

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with several guests to help you navigate what it takes to start a business here in Charlotte! Hear from Bill Gill with Charlotte SCORE (3m 58s), Tom Conroy from CPCC’s Small Business Center (15m 05s), and Christi Floyd of the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development department (27m 35s). Gina also sits down with 704 Shop co-owner Scott Wooten (32m 53s) who explains how the business got its start. Scott also shares some exciting news! Around the Crown – what floats your boat works for us!

Jobs and Small Business Center – Ep. 2 by San Antonio Public Library Podcast — Tuned In

In this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange, hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Steve White from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to tackle issues such as the elusive magical money bucket for entrepreneurs and whether the SBA will require all employees to have wrestling names. They also cover the many services and resources that the SBA provides to assist start-ups and small businesses, as well as strategies for pricing your product or service. Plus, stay on board for the small business of the month feature where you’ll learn about some cool businesses that you can check out. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.  

You asked for it, and it’s here…the Entrepreneur Exchange’s 4th annual Business Lessons from the Movies podtactular is now available from The Mesh. Co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Chris Frye and Alan Jackson from the Footcandle Film Society to share their recommendations for movies with a business lesson which you can watch over the holidays when the family conversation lags. And check out their Small Business of the Month recommendations for cool new businesses as well as some holiday gift-giving ideas ranging from razors to…bobbleheads? It’s all there in this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange from The Mesh Network! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

The Entrepreneur Exchange explores leadership characteristics for your small business and start-up with author and motivational speaker Chad Bumgarner, President and founder of CDB Consulting. In addition, co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share some performance metrics for your business which you’re probably not thinking about, plus highlight two new small businesses of the month to help you with your night-time bathroom visits and with your sweaty feet. Check it out at the Entrepreneur Exchange! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange tries to stay cool in the summer heat, as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by graphic designer Jordan Johnson from Mess Marketing to identify ways for new businesses to build their on-line presence.  Also, a discussion of the challenges for millennials to start their own business, plus three new Small Businesses of the Month which run the gamut from web site development to…erotic underwear?  Check it out on the Entrepreneur Exchange! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

How can you make customer service a priority when so many of your customers are fixated on social media and their mobile devices?  This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange talks customer service with noted author Tema Frank, who has recently published her new book PeopleShock, The Path to Profits when Customers Rule to come up with strategies to keep customers a priority and improve communication inside and outside of your organization.  Plus, hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share the traits of an exceptional boss and share their small businesses of the month.  Check it out at the Entrepreneur Exchange! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Are you looking for that bucket of money to get your business started? On this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller don’t find the magical money bucket, but with the help of guest Byron Hicks from the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center they are able to identify the various funding options which new businesses and small businesses have at their disposal. Plus, the guys cover some crowdsourcing tips and share their small businesses of the month. Check it out at the Entrepreneur Exchange! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Find out the latest information about the Entrepreneur Center of Craven County as it will have an incredible impact on our community! This podcast specifically focuses on The Entrepreneur Center with special guests, Timothy Downs, Director of Craven County Economic Development and Craven 100; Cindy Blot, Community and Economic Development Manager, City of New Bern, Rebecca Moorer, Director of the Small Business Center at Craven Community College; and Jim Bisbee, Chair, Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation. Tell us what you think by sending us an email or calling 252-638-6858.  Wendy Card

Listen to our interview with Rebecca Morrer, Director, Small Business Center at Craven Community College. Anyone with a small business, a business idea, or interest in entrepreneurship is welcome to attend. To register, go to TECCC.org. Wendy Card NewBernNow.com

LLC, C-Corp, Sole Prop—what do they mean and which is right for you?  The Entrepreneur Exchange looks at the legal aspects of forming a new business with Michael Boyer of Carolina Craft Legal to make sense of business structures and other legal questions that start-ups need to think about.  Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also find a way to monetize your social media activity and share their Small Businesses of the Month.  Catch it all on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Do you think you’re ready to buy a business? Or maybe you’re ready to sell your business? Then check out this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Sara Cartee with County South Business Brokers to talk about the in’s and out’s of valuing a business and closing a transaction. Plus, pick up some tips for asking for that big business favor and hear our choices for Small Business of the Month… it’s all here! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Looking for that loan to help your start-up or small business? This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange covers the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for securing a business loan with BB&T Small Business Specialist Dan Collinson. Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also discuss the changing demographics of entrepreneurs and highlight their two choices for the Entrepreneur Exchange Small Business of the Month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Ready to hire your first employee?  Listen to this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Sarah Jenkins from payroll company Paychex to figure out how much it will cost and the steps you need to do it right.  Plus, Jeff and Gary talk about new ways to order your girl scout cookies, which are catching the e-commerce wave.  And check out December’s Small Businesses of the Month.   Send your Small Business of the Month suggestions to eexchange@themesh.tv for a chance to win an Entrepreneur Exchange prize pack. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

On this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange, hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by small business owner Jennie Zehmer, founder of Here2Home a Senior Transition Business. to discuss her business and how she has been able to expand to three locations.  Plus Jeff and Gary put on their investigative journalism hats for a critical review of Bosses Day, and they share their small businesses of the month.  Send your suggestions for small business of the month to eexchange@themesh.tv for a chance to win your own Entrepreneur Exchange prize pack. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange is mouth-watering as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller talk about the pros and cons of franchising with James Goewey, a franchise owner of Chick Fil A in Hickory, NC. Jeff and Gary also discuss whether entrepreneurs should participate in business plan competitions and share their small businesses of the month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

The Entrepreneur Exchange welcomes marketing expert Sherre’ DeMao with SLD Unlimited Biz Growth Inc. to discuss pricing strategies for small business and common mistakes that they make.  And hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller share their small businesses of the month, with a focus on food and solar technology. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

This month on the Entrepreneur Exchange, hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller welcome Karen Tonks, owner and founder of Time-Genies, to talk about the power of networking and word-of-mouth marketing for promoting a services business. In addition, Jeff and Gary review their summer reading and talk about keys to a rapid start-up for a new business. And stay tuned for our Small Businesses of the Month feature, as Jeff and Gary give away an Entrepreneur Exchange prize pack to a listener who nominated a Small Business of the Month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Can community colleges create an ecosystem to support entrepreneurship and local business?  Should they?  The Entrepreneur Exchange grapples with these weighty issues as guest Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, President of Catawba Valley Community College, joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss the role that community colleges can play in growing local business.  Jeff and Gary also share the top global franchise opportunities available to entrepreneurs, as well as their small businesses of the month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Are you an entrepreneur with an apparel or textile idea that you’re trying to get manufactured in the US? This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange features Tanya Wade with the Carolina Textile District, an organization which matches manufacturers with entrepreneurs to produce apparel products domestically. Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller also talk about the things local government can do to support entrepreneurship, as well as things they should NOT be doing. Plus, our small businesses of the month on this edition of Entrepreneur Exchange. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Join the Entrepreneur Exchange for a look into the world of Crowdfunding, as hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Ruben Gonzalez from Business Plans for Start-Ups for a lesson on planning a Crowdfunding campaign to raise capital. Jeff and Gary also debunk some business school myths and share their small businesses of the month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC  

E-Commerce is a popular term, but how do you go about setting up your own on-line store to move your products?  Matt Rudisill with the NC Leadership Academy joins Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to provide pointers on setting up your own on-line store, as well as selling on Amazon, eBay, and other web sites.  And Jeff and Gary give you two new businesses to check out, plus an entrepreneur movie tip. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Social media expert and small business consultant Martin Brossman joins hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to discuss his work with local communities and how local businesses can create their own Buy Local strategy to grow their business and strengthen their community. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

Can entrepreneurs and business owners learn anything from the Survivor Reality series?  Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller welcome the original Survivor winner, Richard Hatch, to the Entrepreneur Exchange to find out what business skills are needed to succeed on Survivor and to discuss Hatch’s other reality TV adventures.  They also each share their Small Business of the Month, ranging from food, furnishings, and housing to…well you better just listen. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

CCCC's Small Business Center helps entrepreneurs start & sustain a business. ArcBarks serves man's best friend while supporting its employees. And Jonathan Grinnell talks about professional resolutions we can make for our careers in 2015.

Your Holiday Gift…Business Lessons from the Movies!  The Entrepreneur Exchange gives you recommendations for holiday movie-watching with its second annual Business Lessons from the Movies podcast.  Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Alan Jackson, co-founder of the Footcandles Film Society, to discuss their favorite movies which provide a business lesson.  Perfect viewing for when the family runs out of things to talk about over the holidays!  In addition, Jeff and Gary defuse a few myths about entrepreneurs and share their Small Business of the Month. Jeff: Moneyball, Tommy Boy, It's a Wonderful Life Gary: Other People's Money, Jersey Boys, Miracle On 34th Street (1947) Alan: Up In The Air, Working Girl, The Social Network Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

The Tax Man is Coming!  The year-end is just around the corner, so what should small businesses be thinking about to manage their tax bill?  This month’s Entrepreneur Exchange asks that question and more to Jeremy Fortner, Tax Manager at Martin Starnes and Associates CPAs, an accounting firm in western North Carolina.  Join co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to get ready for your end-of-year taxes and strategize on how to lower your bill.  Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC    

The CCCC Small Business Center helped one Chatham County couple develop their home businesses. The Forge Workshop helps Guilford County entrepreneurs start businesses. GTCC's Get on Track program helps non-traditional students get back in the classroom. UNC-GA's online educational initiatives are winning national recognition.

CCCC's Small Business Center helps NC businesses get started. Two business incubators in Charlotte help inventors bring their products to market. And Robert Ingram talks about receiving a 2014 North Carolina Award.

Marketing Mayhem!!!!  Start-ups and small businesses typically have limited marketing budgets to get their message out.  Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined on this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange by Russ Seagle from The Premier Entrepreneurship Group to talk about effective low-cost marketing techniques for your start-up or small business and destroy some long-held marketing myths.  And don’t miss this month’s recommendations for Small Business of the Month.  Want to nominate a business for our Entrepreneur Exchange Small Business of the Month?  Send your email to eexchange@themesh.tv. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC

What happens when an entrepreneur wants to create his own apparel brand made from 100% recycled fibers and manufactured in the USA?  Listen to this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange with hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller as they talk with Joe Fox, founder and owner of Dirtball Fashion, which has created a line of T-shirts, outerwear, caps, and hoodies.  Starting wasn’t easy, but Joe shares some of the lessons he’s learned, and he gives some insights on running a successful KickStarter campaign.  Plus Jeff and Gary’s Small Business of the Month. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC. This episode is sponsored by the Greater Hickory Kia Classic at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, NC. For tickets and additional information go to www.greaterhickorykiaclassic.com

Is LinkedIn your tool to promote yourself or to promote your company?  Or both?  LinkedIn expert Teddy Burris joins Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to discuss how small businesses are using LinkedIn to market themselves, connect to potential customers and conduct market research.  And check out Jeff and Gary’s Small Business of the Month! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC. This episode is sponsored by the Greater Hickory Kia Classic at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, NC. For tickets and additional information go to www.greaterhickorykiaclassic.com

Creating a brand sounds great, but how do you get started? Entrepreneur Exchange hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller are joined by Matt Everley from m.e. Design Lab to discuss how to go about building your brand, even getting into the psychology and meaning of your brand’s colors. Color psychology? Who knew? Also, Small Businesses of the Month range from marketing drones to home-town eats and ice cream. Listen in for your small business and start-up tools and tips.   Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

Are manufacturing start-ups dead? Not if you hear what is going on with the Manufacturing Solutions Center in western NC. Entrepreneur Exchange co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller talk with Dan St. Louis, the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) and find out how the MSC helps start-ups as well as existing small businesses with their marketing, product development, and product proto-typing. And Jeff and Gary’s Small Businesses of the Month range from European furniture to good-old American beef. Have a suggestion for the Entrepreneur Exchange’s Small Business of the Month? Send it to eexchange@themesh.tv for a chance to win the Entrepreneur Exchange prize pack!   Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

Is there a grant out there for your business?  Listen to this month’s Entrepreneur Exchange to find out if there are grants available for your business and where you should look for them.  Mandy Pearce, a grant-writing expert and owner of Grant Crews, joins co-hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller to talk about grant opportunities for business and how business owners should prepare their grant proposals.  Plus Jeff and Gary highlight their Small Business of the Month.   Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

It was time to buy a car and David Washco had spent hours researching the right car. He'd tried to find the best price and made numerous visits to dealerships.  One evening, during another marathon online information gathering session, his wife urged him to just buy it already.  David finally did...but thought to himself there had to be an easier way.  Washco is now founder and president of GoPriceDrive.com - a website that lets prospective buyers have car dealers bid for their business.  On this episode, David Washco joins hosts Gary Muller & Jeff Neuville to discuss the lessons he's learned along the way. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

Hosts Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller discuss how small businesses and start-ups can use social media to get their message out to their target audience without breaking the bank.  Guest Matt Rudisill, an expert consultant on using social media to promote business and founder of the Leadership Academy, shares his insights and identifies the five social media platforms you should consider for your business.  Jeff and Gary also share their small businesses of the month, one of which will provide you with quite the shock! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

What business lessons can we learn from the movies?  Jeff, Gary, and special guest Alan Jackson of theMESH.tv share a batch of films that any entrepreneur can enjoy over the holiday season... and possibly receive a good message message in the process.  Most of the movies are pretty straight-forward with their business lessons... others may be stretching it a bit.  Plus, all three share take part in the ongoing tradition of sharing their small business of the month.  It's another episode of Entrpreneur Exchange, here on theMESH.tv! Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as involved in Business Assist NC. Special Guest Alan Jackson is Co-Executive Director of The MESH, co-host of the "Footcandle Films" podcast, and President/CEO of The Jackson Group (www.thejacksongroup.com).

What's one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs and start-ups?  Usually, it's getting funding to make their company a reality.  Jeff and Gary welcome their special guest, Mike Arriola, Regional Manager with the Small Business Administration, to talk about Funding Issues for Small Business as well as to share their "small businesses of the month". Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

What is the role community colleges can play in supporting start-ups and entrpreneurs?  That's the discussion that Jeff and Gary have with their special guest, Karen-Michelle Mirko.  The panel discusses some interesting business news of interest to entreprenuers, jump into their discussion of community colleges, and wrap up with their "small businesses of the month". Karen-Michelle Mirko is the Vice-President of Marketing, Sales and Meaningful Collisions with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).  Karen discusses the national NACCE conference taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina in October 2013.  For more information about NACCE, visit their web site at www.nacce.com. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu), as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

How can you market your small business when you're just getting started?  What are some lean strategies for marketing your small business?  Jeff and Gary are joined by Sherré DeMao of SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR Inc. to discuss some strategies from her book, "50 Marketing Secrets of Growth Companies in Down Economic Times". Sherré DeMao is founder and Chief Marketeer of SLD Unlimited Marketing /PR, Inc., an award-winning strategic consulting, marketing branding and public relations firm. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs prosper in life and in business, and has dedicated her 27-year career to this purpose. Her book entitled, Me, Myself & Inc.: A Synergized World, An Energized Business, Living Your Ultimate Life, was named a Top Business Shelf Pick by Midwest Book Review. Her latest book, 50 Marketing Secrets of Growth Companies in Down Economic Times, has received national acclaim as a Top Business Shelf Pick, a 5-Star Read by Armchair Interviews and a book "business marketers will refer to time and time again" by ForeWord Reviews. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

Meet Jeff Neuville and Gary Muller, two individuals involved in helping teach entrepreneurs the in's-and-out's of starting and growing a new business.  This is the first episode of their new show, "The Entrepreneur Exchange", where they talk about the world of start-up businesses and share their expertise with listeners. In this first episode we get to meet both Jeff and Gary, learn about the format of the show, and talk about the first topic: "The Elevator Pitch".  How can you successfully convey the purpose of your new business in a short amount of time (i.e., the approximately length of a ride in an elevator), and gain the level of interest you are trying to reach?  Jeff and Gary talk through some tips in developing the best elevator pitch for your start-up business. Gary Muller is the Business Programs Department Head of Catawba Valley Community College, as well as a member of the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Jeff Neuville is the Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, as well as involved in Business Assist NC.

Host Kevin Willett is joined by Stacie Hargis from the Merrimack Valley Small Business Center. Are you looking to grow you business in 2013? Then listen in to learn about all of the great resources the Center offers to help you grow your business. Audio file:  small business center.mp3

Host Kevin Willett is joined by Stacie Hargis Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Small Business Center. Stacie gives an overview of the programs the Center offers to assist small business owners.  Audio file:  smallbusinessassistancecenter.mp3

The Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center, North Carolina Northeast Partnership, Edenton-Chowan School System and College of The Albemarle sponsored the Career Futures Forum in April of this year. Students will explore the careers, skills, and trends of various career paths associated with their chosen cluster, as well as have the opportunity to network with individuals who work in some of the career pathways associated with the cluster.