Upcoming Courses and Events
News Flash!!!!!
“Introduction to Marketing” and "Marketing with Facebook and Twitter(Social Media 101)" filled right up, and fast! But don’t worry – we’ve scheduled second presentations for BOTH classes, and they’re right around the corner… Read on!
WORKSHOP: "Marketing with Facebook and Twitter (Social Media 101)": February 8 & 15
If you're not on the social media bus yet, it's high time you got aboard...
WORKSHOP: "Business Tax Tuneup" - February 9
Time’s flying, and before you know it – Tax Man will be knockin!
WORKSHOP: “Getting Found Online” (Search Engine Optimization SEO) – starts February 10
So your website is awesome… but is anyone finding it? Join us to learn how to make that happen!
WORKSHOP: “Introduction to Marketing” February 16
Learn the fundamentals, and take the world by storm...
WORKSHOP: "Intro to Entrepreneurship" - February 22
Think you might want to start a business or work for yourself? This workshop will show you what it takes...
Training course: "Getting Down to Business"
Alternative Reads: SCORE some great advice on running YOUR business…
Marketing with Facebook and Twitter (Social Media 101)
When: Wednesdays, Feb 8 & 15
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale: $30-$60
Pre-Registration Required: contact Alison
Social media's explosion shows no signs of letting up! Businesses large and small leverage media like Twitter, Facebook, and other online networks. Is this just a new way of broadcasting advertisements, or can you engage with your clients and potential customers? How much time and resources will you need to commit, and what kind of return can you expect on your investment?
Join guest trainer Matteo Wyllyamz, a.k.a. @mouselink, for a practical discussion of what social media can and cannot do for you. Learn hands-on how to use these popular forms of rapid communication to raise awareness of your brand. Class time will include mentions of LinkedIn, Google+, Foursquare, Instagram, and more, but the workshop will focus principally on Facebook and Twitter, with a a full session devoted to each of these two mainstream social networks.
Requirements: basic familiarity with Microsoft Windows and how to use an internet web browser is helpful. Participants will be encouraged to establish their Facebook and Twitter accounts before the first session. The workshop includes an optional introductory hour on Facebook for those who have never or rarely used this social network previously.
When: Thursday, February 9
Time: 6:00-8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20
Pre-Registration Required: contact Alison
If your case of "winter blues" is brought on by the arrival of tax season, we have the cure for you! Join us for our annual business income tax overview and learn (or re-learn) the essentials of filing your business's income taxes. Focusing on sole proprietorships and partnerships (this includes LLCs), we'll talk about types of income and expenses, what documentation and information you'll need to organize, and how to put it all together on the appropriate IRS forms. Whether you're filing a business return for the first time or would just like a refresher, you'll leave armed with the confidence that taxes don't have to be painful!
*This seminar is designed for businesses that are already in operation and will be filing a 2011 tax income return. The seminar will not cover sales tax.*
“Getting Found Online” (Search Engine Optimization SEO)
When: Fridays, February 10 and 17
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale; $30-$60
Pre-Registration Required: contact Alison
The worldwide volume of internet data is expected to increase by 50 times in the next 10 years alone! How will people easily find you or your business when they search online?
Guest trainer Matteo Wyllyamz, a new media lecturer also known as @mouselink, will explain and demonstrate proven and simple techniques for transforming your search engine placement and website visibility. You'll define a strategic niche and carefully craft a list of targeted keywords. You'll then learn where, when, and how to use your optimized words and phrases in your online documents and social media posts. This beginner-friendly workshop is ideal for business owners, marketers, web designers, not-for-profit organizations, and anyone else who wants to see their website traffic climb.
Requirements: although HTML is discussed in this workshop, experience with website code is not necessary. Basic familiarity with Microsoft Windows and how to use an internet web browser is helpful.
“Introduction to Marketing”
When: February 16
Time: 6:00-9:00
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20
Pre-Registration Required: contact Alison
Join guest trainer Bob Steinkamp of Ithaca Public Relations for a special workshop designed for people who've invested time into starting a small business and want to understand the basics of marketing. You've got a great product or service, but marketing concepts and practices such as promotions, advertising, brand strategy, public relations, and even social media seem a little overwhelming. This workshop will give a broad overview of marketing and provide you:
An understanding of marketing terms and definitions
An overview of best practices and marketing concepts
A blueprint for developing a marketing plan for your business
An online tour of websites and resources to help you learn more about marketing.
"So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?" An Intro to Entrepreneurship...
When: Wednesday, February 22
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: $20
Pre-Registration Required: contact Alison
Interested in starting a business or working for yourself, but not really sure what that will take? Join us for our special introductory workshop, designed for those who are at the "idea stage" or just generally interested in small business. We'll address topics including:
- What business owners need to know
- How to research a business idea
- How to learn about the market and competition
- How to determine if your idea is financially feasible
- What resources are available for more help....
"Getting Down to Business"
When Wednesdays, April 11 through June 6
Time 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Where Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost sliding scale, $80 - $300
Registration required contact Alison
**Registration will close at 500 pm on Friday, April 6 (or sooner, if class becomes full)**
Spring is on its way (yes, it feels like it's already here!) and registration for our spring course is underway too! "Getting Down to Business" is our comprehensive business planning course, covering all major aspects of business start-up and management. We'll address bookkeeping and financial feasibility, financial statements, business taxes, marketing strategies and foundations, legal issues for small businesses, banking and financing, and more!
"Getting Down to Business" is designed for people who
- have a definite business concept that they are committed to, AND
- are ready to move forward with their business planning process, AND
- expect to get their business off the ground within the next 6-12 months, if the business is not already operating.
*Class participants must be able to commit to an intensive, nine-week course with outside research and homework. It takes time and dedication to create a successful enterprise!*
Alternatives Reads
Everyone could use a little advice from time to time; hints and tips on how to make life go more smoothly, and the same is true for folks who run businesses. Conveniently, SCORE has put together a little library with just that; the top five business tips in a variety of categories, from Business Planning and management, to tax tips and marketing with plenty in between.
Check it out here: http://www.score.org/business_tips.html#a_1
