Starting A New Business? Learn More At MCC

Find out how to start a new business, learn about export documentation, or get tips on what others are doing to market their business at seminars offered by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College.

Registration is underway for the following seminars in January:

Tuesday, January 8

6 to 8 p.m.

Starting A Business In Illinois: An information-packed evening for anyone interested in starting their own business. An ISBDC experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources available to help small business owners. Cost: $25

Wednesday, January 9

6 to 8 p.m.

Marketing Roundtable: The ISBDC offers the Marketing Roundtable group as a no-cost option for small business owners to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to their businesses. Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

 

Thursday, January 17

8am to Noon

Export Documentation:  Exporting from the USA is more than sending your cargo to an export warehouse. Learn about payment terms and Incoterms, possible letters of credit for large orders, and the requirements on the commercial invoice and other documents. This course sets you up for re-vamping or developing current export processes or enlarging your supply chain to outside providers. Cost: $50.

 

Wednesday, January 23

6 to 8 p.m.

Social Media Roundtable: The ISBDC will continue the monthly Social Media Roundtable group for small business owners to discuss the latest trends in social media marketing and share various approaches with their peers. A social media professional will help facilitate the discussion and be available for questions. There is no fee to attend, but reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

All classes are held at the Shah Center.  The McHenry County College Shah Center is located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Hospital.

For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.edu.

Sales Help For Small Business Owners

Moving a customer from “How much does it cost?” to “I’ll buy it!” is a technique that every business owner should know as they are the number one sales person on staff.

To gain or enhance sales closing skills, area business owners are invited to attend the Illinois Small Business Development Center’s (ISBDC) Meet 4 Lunch event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 24 featuring “Making the Sale,” presented by motivational speaker Jeff Gee. The event will take place at the Shah Center of McHenry County College, located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

Jeff Gee, a widely recognized outstanding speaker, instructor and consultant, will challenge the audience members to “go for it” 100 percent and see how everything changes for the better in both their professional and personal lives.

Gee has spent 30 years helping corporations reach and sustain excellence and has developed processes for communicating, managing, and leading in the business world. He is the author of several books, including “OPEN Question Selling,” “The Winner’s Attitude,” “SuperService,” “The Customer Service Toolkit,” published by McGraw-Hill, and “Mission Possible,” with Brian Tracy and Stephen Covey; “Nuts & Bolts” with Denis Waitley and “Pillars of Success” with Alexander Haig.

Cost is $25 and includes a boxed lunch. To register, contact the ISBDC office at (815) 455-6098 and reference course ID: NDB S66-001.

Assistance For Small Businesses At MCC

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses. The following topics and dates being offered are:

Thursday, Jan. 6 --6 to 8 p.m.

Marketing Roundtable group (formerly “Branding Brainstorming”). This is a no-cost seminar to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to your business. No admission fee, but reservations are requested.

Wednesday, Jan. 12--6 to 8 p.m.

Starting A Business In Illinois is intended for anyone interested in starting their own business.  Our experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts about agencies and resources available. Cost: $25.

Tuesday, Jan. 18--6 to 8 p.m.

Brand Development: A brand is the sum of the good, the bad, or the just plan awful strategy. What perception are you communicating to your customers? Good brand development is evident in every aspect of an organization’s business routine, including customer service, direct marketing, website design, teleconferences, and working with employees and strategic partners. Cost: $39.

Tuesday, Jan. 25--6 to 8 p.m.

Hiring Your First Employee will guide you step by step through the process of hiring employees; how much to pay, how to recruit, and how to choose the best person.  From salaries and benefits to personnel policies and being a boss—it is all here. Participants will receive a “Hire Your First Employee” textbook. This class will be held on Cost: $45.

Thursday, Jan. 27--6-8 p.m.

10 Mistakes on Your Website: Your website must do something for you. Does yours? Come learn the top ten mistakes made on small Business websites and how to avoid them on yours. From domain names to search engine optimization—make sure this investment is working for you. Cost: $39.

All classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry, near Centegra Medical Center.

For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.edu.