Tag Archives: Training

Congratulations to the 2014 Leadership Lab Class Graduates

By North SA Chamber Editor
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LL Lab Photo_Retreat2014 Leadership Lab Class

Bruce Ahlswede
Walton Signage

Gena Alvarez
C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc

Rosantina Aranda
Frost

Victoria Arellano
Reece Supply Company

Danny Arnold
Security Service FCU

Caitlin Bagnall
2014 Lab Student

John Barbour
Alterman, Inc.

Colleen Bartee
SWBC

Sjanna Bernal
Security Service FCU

Bryan Beverly
Denim Group, Ltd

Marian Braggs
CPS Energy

Scott Brant
Catholic Life Insurance

Meagan Brown
San Antonio Water System

Christal Carrick
Accenture

Genaro Castro
SeaWorld San Antonio

Melissa Cody
SeaWorld San Antonio

Jonathan Contreras
Structure Tone Southwest

Rosemary Davis
Security Service FCU

Jessica Delgado
Broadway Bank

Ben Dolan
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Brenna Dominguez
Airrosti Rehab Centers

Michael Easterling
H-E-B

Jan Edmondson
ATKG, LLP

Bryan Edwards
MGR Accounting
Recruiters

Candy Ferdin
SWBC

Samantha Fojtik
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Todd Freedman
Security Service FCU

James Garcia
SWBC

Bonnie Garza
Dahill

Fred Gibbons
Broadway Bank

Marco Gonzalez
Plains Capital Bank

Joey Goode
CPS Energy

Shannon Grenet
USAA Real Estate Co.

Phillip Guajardo
Cleary Zimmermann Eng.

Michelle Hartman
Dahill

Meredith Hatzenbuehler
2014 Lab Student

Greg Hemphill
SWBC

Ralph Hernandez
Walton Signage

Katherine Howe-Frilot
Wells Fargo

Mark Johnson
Bury

Juan Juarez
Bear Audio Visual, Inc

Louis Labatt
CPS Energy

Kathleen Labus
NE Lakeview College

Yvonne Larson
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Blake LaRue
Joeris General Contractors

Jesse Lotay
Jackson Walker L.L.P.

Selena Marquez
2014 Lab Student

Charlie Martinez
Robot Creative

Pablo Martinez
DeWied International

Willie Martinez
CPS Energy

Teresa McFalls
DeWied International

Sonny Montiel
Broadway Bank

Peter Moser
Security Service FCU

Eric Neuner
Raba Kistner Consultants

Adam Neveu
Beyer Mechanical

Amy New
2014 Lab Student

Greg Padalecki
Alterman

Ann Pena
BDO USA, LLP

Wende Preston
Security Service FCU

Hilda Quinones
2014 Lab Student

Christen Ramirez
Goen South Events

Kent Rooen
Walton Signage

Sonya Ryals
BD

Krystal Saenz
eEmployers Solutions

Rosa Santillan
Crosspoint, Inc

Paul Santoyo
Cox Smith

Bronwen Scott
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Rhonda Scott
eEmployers Solutions

Sally Smith
Marmon Mok

TJ Steinkirchner
Project Control

Mark Tang
Equinox Louvered Roofs

Susan Valdez
Akin Doherty Klein & Feuge, P.C.

Jorge Vazquez
SWBC

Dennis Wagner
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co

Eric Wanke
SpawGlass Contractors

Jen Webb
SWBC

Chris White
Walton Signage

Alexandra Wood
Frost

Michael Wyant
Zukini

Andrew Young
ENTRUST Technology Consulting Services

Free Digital Summit for business owners

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SA Express News logoThe San Antonio Express-News and Hearst Media Services offer FREE hour-long seminars to help teach business owners how to build their brand, target consumers and acquire new customers through multimedia advertising.

Our team of digital and print experts work with attendees to understand their customers, recommend ways to reach them and explain the products and services that work best for their industries.

Seminars are held at the San Antonio Express-News, first-floor conference room, 301 Ave. E.

Future topics include:

  • Nov. 20 – “Search Engine Advertising (SEM/SEO) Fundamentals”
  • Dec. 11 – “The Power of Social Media: Building a Relationship With Your Customers”
  • Jan. 22 – “Offline and Online Media Combined: Balancing Your Media Spend to Gain Maximum Exposure”

Registration is available at mySA.com/DigitalSummit.

Alliance announces October International Business Forum

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FreeTradeAlliancelogoTop Tier 1 suppliers to Toyota Texas Manufacturing “Los Compadres” will share their insights, best practices, and knowledge on how to increase international business in San Antonio. The noon meeting is part of Free Trade Alliance San Antonio’s Annual International Business Forum scheduled on October 30, 2014 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Antonio.

Explore| Connect| Expand is the Forum’s theme and will be an all-day event beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will include four one-hour panel discussions on best practices in international selling, global sourcing, top exporting markets and opportunities, and key international business resources. “Los Compadres” is the partnership of Berto Guerra, Max Navarro, Frank Herrera, and Fernando Reyes who supply the truck manufacturer. The event will also feature matchmaking and networking appointments for those companies seeking international business opportunities.

“The International Business Forum 2014: Explore| Connect| Expand is the re-branded Export Day,” explained Jose E. Martinez, President and CEO of Free Trade Alliance San Antonio. “Last year the City hosted San Antonio’s first Export Day to officially launch the City’s Export Plan. Our City partners handed the event over to the Alliance and we’ve re-envisioned it to make it an effective tool to build export awareness and educate San Antonio businesses on the key aspects, resources, and expertise available for export facilitation. As well as showcasing San Antonio’s assets, we want to facilitate foreign investment by bringing international investors to the event,” he added.

Carlos Jarquin, Vice President for Exports and Foreign Investment and the Forum’s lead coordinator said, “We’ve already had a lot of interest from companies in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. We are encouraging our local companies to register early for the event so that they can take full advantage of the opportunity to connect with local experts and international companies. We see great opportunities for local companies to come explore other markets and increase awareness for the global economy,” he stated.

Sept 14 International Business Forum Flyer

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks local business partners for Workplace Mentoring program

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-SouthTX_colorBig Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas has a new and innovative workplace mentoring program that many San Antonio companies have joined. It works like this: students are transported once a month to the workplace of their mentors (as a group) during lunchtime; the meetings include activities and lunch is provided. This one to one, face to face developmental mentoring program administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to provide students with workplace exposure, career awareness, college prep and assistance in preparing a post high school plan. The relationships and workplace exposure offered in the program have proven to not only improve youth attendance, grades and behaviors, but data collected from school counselors show mentored students have better standardized test scores from the previous year.

Currently there are 40 San Antonio companies participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters workplace mentoring program, including Rackspace, Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Southwest Research and Lake|Flato Architects.

As Rick Pych from the San Antonio Spurs Sports & Entertainment puts it:
“I really didn’t know what to expect with this program. I’m thinking, ok Thomas and his friends are going to come over here and we’re just going to sit around and talk and have lunch, but I was just completely overwhelmed and surprised about their interest in what we do every day.”

“Everybody’s first instinct is ‘I’m so busy, I have so many things, going on how am I going fit this in?’ But with the workplace mentoring program, Big Brothers Big Sisters make it so easy for the employer”

If you would like to add your company to the growing list of workplace mentoring partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact Clare McCoy at (210) 225-6322.

 

BizJournal_WorkplaceMentoring_GrahamWeston

Internal promotion and workforce initiatives at Prism Technologies Group

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Prism Technologies GroupPrism Technologies Group is pleased to announce its most tenured employee, James Leach has been promoted to director of client services. Leach, who has accelerated through the ranks of the managed IT services company, will utilize his expertise in applications, systems and networks to provide exceptional service to businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and academic institutions.

selectHired in 2008, Leach has had the opportunity to learn and grow with the company. Already an established IT professional when he joined, Leach has been able to expand his core competencies as he learned to operate and repair new technology. In his six years at Prism Technologies Group, he has advanced from helpdesk technician to engineer, solutions architect, and now director of client services.

Leach’s goal is to fulfill the company’s vision by ensuring it is providing excellent customer service and exceptional products. “I am excited about returning to face-to-face customer contact and making sure our clients are happy,” Leach said. “In all the years I’ve worked here, providing excellent technical and customer support has always been a priority. In this role, I will do that as well as manage large scale projects, and help our technicians and engineers grow professionally.”

Workforce initiatives
Cultivating an environment where employees can learn and advance professionally is important to Bryan Guinn, president of Prism Technologies Group.  As a Tier 1 Microsoft Cloud partner and managed IT services company, a natural track exists in which technicians at varying skill levels can progress professionally. “We have several tiers of support, so employees have the ability to move up as positions become available,” Guinn said. “An employee who begins at the helpdesk can advance to a support specialist and engineer. From there, they can advance to a manager, director and perhaps an executive position.”

The key benefit to fostering professional growth within the company is twofold: employees become proficient at their job resulting in a higher level of service to their customers.  The company has a mentoring philosophy for its team dynamics. Patrick Felty, vice president of operations and business development said that taking a team approach to resolving complex technology issues is the key to their success.  “Our employees are given ownership of client support requests, and are encouraged to seek advice or support from each other to ensure our clients are taken care of in a professional and efficient manner,” Felty said.  “Since we see so many different configurations and unique situations every day, it is difficult for one person to be an expert in every aspect.  All of our employees are responsible for mentoring and supporting each other.  Their interaction with the client is the determining factor as to whether or not the client wants to continue doing business with us, and empowering our employees in this way results in an improved work environment for everyone.”

Training students and veterans
As the fastest growing Microsoft partner in the region, Prism Technologies Group expects to hire more IT professionals in the future. In addition to recruiting talent from agencies, professional groups and industry organizations, the company participates in St. Philip’s College’s internship program. The company has paid internships for a select number of college students to gain experience as a help desk specialist, and the labor hours are applied toward academic credit. Guinn said the internship is highly beneficial because interns are working with cloud computing, a technology that businesses are just beginning to utilize, so students are gaining experience they normally wouldn’t receive elsewhere.  In addition, some interns are veterans who have returned to school to begin a new career, so Prism Technologies Group is honored to help them develop skills in a new vocation. ■

About Prism Technologies Group
Prism Technologies Group has been helping businesses improve their IT operations since 2003, and it’s their mission to contribute to their clients’ success. The company, which has earned the highest certifications from notable stalwart companies such as Microsoft, Cisco and Apple, provides expert IT services to businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Prism Technologies Group has a solid performance record, and they guarantee reliable, responsive and efficient solution delivery. The company was founded by Bryan Guinn, who is an active North Chamber member.

 

 

 

Morningside Ministries is a Humana Grant Finalist!

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MM-Main-logo-300x108The Humana Foundation announced that Morningside Ministries Senior Living Communities has been selected as one of three finalists in its highly Humana green logocompetitive Humana Communities Benefit grant program.  Chosen from among 38 applicants, Morningside will have a chance to win a $350,000 grant in early September that will benefit its web-based mmLearn.org program.  The Communities Benefit program provides funds to local, nonprofit organizations that have an impact on healthy behaviors and healthy relationships in the San Antonio area and surrounding communities.

mmLearn.org at Morningside Ministries is a web-based, distance-learning service that provides education, training and support to those caring for older adults. mmLearn.org was founded in 2007 and has been 100% grant funded ever since its inception. The goal of mmLearn.org is to improve the quality of life experienced by older adults in care, as well as to help their caregivers cope with the often difficult task of caring for an elderly person.  Family members and others can view over 300 caregiver training videos in “real-time” or “on-demand” on the mmLearn.org website for free at any convenient time, 24-7.

With grant funds from Humana Communities Benefit, mmLearn.org will significantly expand its outreach and marketing efforts to make many more caregivers throughout the community aware of the availability of resources to allow them to provide better care, reduce stress in their lives and become more knowledgeable of the aging process. As part of this initiative mmLearn.org will make its recording and webcasting facilities available to other organizations making it possible for them to promote their services, including services to older adults and their caregivers.

For media credentials please call 210-734-1176 or email Kristen Perez at kristen.perez@mmliving.org.

About Morningside Ministries
Morningside Ministries is San Antonio’s oldest and largest not-for profit, faith-based, senior care organization dedicated with the specific mission of “Caring For Those Who Cared For Us.” Morningside Ministries has served the San Antonio community since 1961 with Morningside Ministries at the Meadows, Morningside Ministries at The Manor, Morningside Ministries at Chandler Estate and Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs. Today we continue to serve over 900 residents in retirement, assisted living, nursing and memory care.

Media Contact:
Sandra Scott, V.P. of Sales and Marketing
210-734-1012 office
210-483-3959 cell
Sandra.Scott@mmliving.org

Become a sustaining member of Guide Dogs of Texas and help us change lives!

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Guide Dogs_sustainer logoGuide Dogs of Texas (GDTX) is a nonprofit organization which promotes freedom, mobility, and independence to visually impaired Texans by providing “the Best Dogs in Sight.”

We breed, raise and train quality Guide Dogs for blind Texans. We clear a path to greater independence by offering one-on-one training for people with visual impairments anywhere in Texas. We are committed to each Guide Dog and handler for the life of the team.

Guide Dogs of Texas has provided Guide Dog Services to Texans since 1998. With the monthly support of donors like you, we can help more people without sight travel safely and participate fully in our communities.

Our Canine Programs

Breeding: Our dogs are carefully bred to ensure the best temperament and health of each puppy. The first eight weeks of the litter’s life is filled with gentle exposures to various sights, sounds, smells, and textures.

Puppy Raising:  From the age of 8 weeks to about 16 months, our puppies are raised by volunteer Puppy Raisers who teach obedience, as well as socializing the puppies and familiarizing them with various environments.

Advanced Training: After graduating the puppy raising program, the dogs receive 6 months of formal training with our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors to learn all their technical skills.

Class:  Once a Guide Dog learns all his skills, he is carefully matched with a blind handler. They spend four weeks training together under the guidance of a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. After graduation, teams are visited at least once a year to provide support and assistance.

Results
Steve Cardenas “I have never driven a sports car, but my Guide Dog Cody is fast and smooth and that’s as close as I’ll get!”.

Dexter 3Reasons to Give
The cost of a guide dog to our clients is simply $1. GDTX receives no funding from government or insurance agencies. It is the support of donors like you that truly impact our mission.

A gift of just $10 a month adds to significant annual support. Furthermore, due to lower fundraising costs –and more stable income –with Sustaining Members’ gifts, your contributions have an even greater impact.

Increasing numbers of blind Texans request dogs each year. Your continuous financial support ensures that trained dogs will be plentiful and ready to change lives!

All members will be invited to an annual open house, receive exciting Guide Dogs of Texas Newsletters, and also will be mailed an auto decal to let the world know about your invaluable support for this great organization.

Remember every dollar we receive paves the way to transform the life of a blind Texan.  Call our office today and see how easy it is to sign up and join our sustainer club of monthly giving. 210.366.4081

Ed Whitacre stresses embracing risk and change in keynote address to CPS Energy employees

By North SA Chamber Editor
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By Tracy Idell Hamilton and Sam Taylor

cps energy logoUtility worker Juventino Gonzalez’s willingness to take on different jobs within his department in the 13 years he’s worked for CPS Energy is exactly the kind of attitude that will continue to make him a successful and valued employee.

He started by installing pipes in new neighborhoods, and then moved on to connecting lines to electric meters. In his current role, he helps his crew excavate bare electric lines in the city’s oldest neighborhoods to retrofit them with pipe.

As he listened to CPS Energy CEO Doyle Beneby and then former AT&T and GM chief Ed Whitacre talk about embracing change, he nodded.

CPS Ed Whitacre“If the company wants us to embrace change, then we should embrace it,” he said.

Gonzalez was sitting at the Pearl Stable on Tuesday, along with about 175 of his colleagues, participating in CPS Energy’s 2nd annual EmpowerU event.

Launched last year, the idea was to offer a new and different kind of talent development opportunity to employees, who have consistently ranked opportunities for growth and development as a top priority.

Last year’s event focused on CPS Energy’s strategy, offering employees a high-level overview from Beneby along with industry experts who placed the company vision into greater context.

CEO Doyle Beneby talked about making lateral and even downward moves in his career in order to gain new skill sets that ultimately positioned him to lead the largest municipally owned gas and electric utility in the nation.

CEO Doyle Beneby talked about making lateral and even downward moves in his career in order to gain new skill sets that ultimately positioned him to lead the largest municipally owned gas and electric utility in the nation.

This year, the focus turned toward human capital, and Beneby kicked off the event by urging CPS Energy employees to position themselves not just to survive the changes facing the industry, but develop and thrive within it.

“Change is happening everywhere. Our company is no different,” said Beneby. “The idea is not to just adapt to change and survive, but thrive.”

Beneby has worked as a change agent since his arrival in 2009, trying to prepare the company and its roughly 3,300 employees for the disruptive changes facing the industry, from an uncertain and changing regulatory environment to the creation of an Internet-enabled electrical grid.

Safety, as anyone who has listened to Beneby for any amount of time has heard, is his absolute number one priority. But a close second, he believes, is talent development.

Toward that end, CPS Energy has rolled out a number of new initiatives under his watch, including EmpowerU, CPS Energy University, talent development teams, and a revamped job rotation program.

Beneby used his own career trajectory as an example, noting that he’d made lateral and sometimes even downward moves within the companies he’s worked for in order to learn every aspect of the business–moves that ultimately positioned him to lead the nation’s largest publicly owned gas and electric utility.

Employees in attendance — some chosen by lottery, others who’d earned a spot on merit, also heard from Nancy Giordano, founder of Play Big Inc., a “brand futurist” who helps companies across the globe “build transformative, future-forward long-term growth strategies.”

Big Play Inc. founder Nancy Giordano talks to CPS Energy employees while Vice President of Human Resources Les Real looks on.

Big Play Inc. founder Nancy Giordano talks to CPS Energy employees while Vice President of Human Resources Les Real looks on.

The changes facing companies and employees today are unlike the changes of yesteryear, Giordano told the crowd. As technology takes over more of today’s jobs, tomorrow’s workers must be nimble and creative, she said.

The highlight of the event was keynote speaker Ed Whitacre, who led AT&T for 17 years before coming out of retirement to successfully lead General Motors out of bankruptcy. Whitacre’s book, American Turnaround: Reinventing AT&T and GM and the Way We Do Business in the USA, was published earlier this month.

He, too, urged the crowd to take risks.

“If you don’t take risks, you lose,” he said. “If you’re always in defensive mode, you lose.”

Whitacre began his career began as a lineman for Southwestern Bell Communications. He ultimately navigated AT&T through sweeping changes in the industry, from phones hardwired to walls to wireless phones, then from flip cell phones to smart phones.

The move to smart phones seems obvious now, he said, but at the time it was seen as a risk for AT&T. Whitacre recounted meeting with Steve Jobs in a hotel to take a closer look at an iPhone.

“We took a gamble,” he said with a smile. “It was a smart gamble and it worked out pretty good.”

Pressed to take on the bankruptcy at GM, Whitacre led the beleaguered auto manufacturer back to solvency in a single year.

When he arrived, executives told him they did everything right and were just victims of the economy. Whitacre said he quickly learned that GM had a people problem when the union president told him he was the first executive to come on to the manufacturing floor, let alone speak to him face-to-face.

The power of people is vital to any company’s success, he said. “You have to get people involved in your business. If you don’t have people working together, you fail. The vast majority of people want to. They like to participate in the success.”

In between speakers, employees talked to one another at tables around the room. Each had a mix, from executives to field crews, engineers to customer service reps.

Michael Ward, a program/project manager in the Energy Management department, said sitting with colleagues from different work areas and getting a chance to talk to a vice president was enlightening: “It helps me appreciate the decisions our executive leaders are challenged to make.”

Ward, who has worked at the company 22 years, has seen his fair share of resistance to change. “It’s so important that the whole company works together as an organization instead of working in units,” he said.

Breaking out of the silo mentality was one of the driving forces behind the creation of CPS Energy University. Created last August after studying best practices at other companies, the goal was to ensure training across the company was better integrated, relied on best practices and aligned with the company’s overall strategy and business plan.

CPS Energy University was developed after studying best practices at some of the nation’s top companies.

CPS Energy University was developed after studying best practices at some of the nation’s top companies.

“In the past, we had ten different training areas, and they were all very siloed,” said David Hagen, director of organizational change and development. “Also, training was just one more thing management had to do, and they often weren’t trained specifically in the best way to train others.”

Now, he said, through the university model, which has been successfully used by giants like FedEx and Motorola, “there are very clear, measurably processes, they align with company-wide goals, and they help close performance gaps.”

Vincent McDonald, CPS Energy’s longtime staff photographer, was recently promoted to a supervisory position, overseeing a team within the communications department. He’s in the inaugural supervisory development program at CPS Energy University, learning both the nuts and bolts of how to apply company rules and procedures to how to transition from a contributor to a leader.

The training program has been incredibly helpful, McDonald said. Because he’s part of a group of new supervisors from across the company, he’s getting a fresh perspective on the company, while at the same time learning that many of the challenges they each face are similar.

Such training, as well as events like EmpowerU, he said, “are investments in our employees. Most companies say employees are their most valuable resource, so it’s encouraging to see CPS Energy investing in and developing its workforce.

Also last year, CPS Energy launched the first of its talent development teams, giving employees the opportunity to apply to work with employees from other companies, such as Rackspace, OCI Solar Power and H-E-B.

The teams generally work on mutually beneficial projects together, allowing employees to learn about the other companies’ culture and processes.

“The idea is to help expand employees’ perspectives,” said Hagen. “They might be really good at what they do here, but CPS Energy might also be their only experience, so they haven’t been exposed to other ways of doing things.”

Jose Berrios, a nationally recognized expert on workforce diversity and former chairman of the Society for Human Resource Management, said investing in talent development is crucial for retaining and attracting workers.

“Companies often pay lip service to the idea, but it’s often looked upon as an expense rather than an investment,” he said. “I’m glad to hear CPS Energy is focusing on this critical issue. Creating a culture of continual learning allows people to feel valued, and that really drives the success of an organization.”

As he wrapped up the event, Beneby emphasized the idea of continual learning, urging attendees to think broadly about their future within the company.

“This is not just a job, but a career,” he said. “We need all of you to pick up skill sets that are valuable in different areas.”

BKD, LLP debuts on Training Magazine’s Top 125

By North SA Chamber Editor
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BKD logo colorJon McDowell, managing partner of BKD, LLP’s San Antonio office, announced BKD’s debut on Training magazine’s annual Training Top 125, which ranks companies based on the excellence of their training and development programs.

BKD—the only CPA and advisory firm on this year’s list—was among thousands of applicants vying for a spot on the prestigious list. BKD ranked 89th and was one of 27 organizations to make an initial appearance on the 2014 list. Firm representatives accepted the Top 125 award at Training’s Golden Gala in San Diego, California, on February 3.

“BKD is honored to be among these top-tier training organizations,” McDowell said. “Our firm is committed to lifelong learning, and we strongly believe that investing in our professionals’ technical expertise and leadership development skills enhances their career opportunities and allows them to better serve our clients.”

Now in its 14th year, the Training Top 125 is based on myriad benchmarking statistics such as total training budget, percentage of payroll, number of training hours per employee program, hours of training per employee annually and detailed formal programs as well as goals, evaluation and workplace surveys. The ranking is determined by assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, scope of development programs and how closely those efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.

“We’re learning a lot from our Training Top 125 peers and are looking forward to incorporating some of their best practices as focus on institutional excellence,” said Greg Cole, director of the firm’s Learning & Development Department. “When it comes to innovative training and development programs, these organizations have really raised the bar—and BKD is proud to be part of Training’s upper echelon.”

BKD University (BKDU) is the latest enhancement to the firm’s educational infrastructure. BKDU is an online, on-demand platform housed on the firm’s intranet that gives personnel access to a wide range of content that includes technical training as well as shorter, more digestible video clips on leadership, ethics, client service and technology. The firm also hosts Camp BKD—a week long orientation held three times a year for newly hired client service professionals—and relies on a robust coaching program to develop individual talent and prepare professionals for career advancement.

About BKD
BKD, LLP is the top-tier U.S. CPA and advisory firm that delivers its experience and service with a deep understanding of your business, your needs and what it takes to improve your business performance. BKD’s approximately 2,000 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, serve clients in all 50 states and internationally. To learn more, visit bkd.com.

Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD’s ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients. Praxity™ provides the gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.

Small Business Development Center offers training for employers and small business owners

By North SA Chamber Editor
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UTSA_EconomicDevelopmentThe UTSA Small Business Development Center offers integrated, low-cost training and free counseling services to meet the needs of small business owners in San Antonio and surrounding counties. All classes can be found on our website at www.sasbdc.org. The following training opportunities are being offered January through March:

January: 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – YouTube 101: How to Leverage YouTube Marketing

Did you know YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google? It’s a great social media platform that can help you build your business brand, generate targeted leads and grow your business. Come join Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury and learn YouTube strategies, what equipment to use, where to start and much more at this workshop. You don’t want to miss this! More information to come soon!

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21384

 

Thursday, January 23, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21375

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 – What You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise

Franchise ownership is one of the fastest growing segments of business ownership, and with good reason. It is affordable, offers a proven method of success, allows for easy entry and provides options for a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. But before you take the plunge attend this interactive session with Stephen Maeker, Senior Franchise Consultant, and walk away with a better understanding of how franchising works and if it’s the right option for you. An important feature of this workshop includes a hands-on look at an actual franchise disclosure document. The document discloses extensive information about the franchisor and is intended to give you enough information to make an educated decision regarding your investment. Key areas include initial franchise fees and expenses, obligations of the franchisor and franchisee, territory restrictions, renewal and termination, franchisor financial statements, plus much more.

Time: 9:00 am – 11:30 am

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21377

 

Thursday, January 30, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21378


February

Tuesdays, February 4-18, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro Series

Pay for all three QuickBooks Pro workshops as a series and save money!

-QuickBooks Pro I (Set-Up): Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up QuickBooks, working with lists and working with bank accounts.

-QuickBooks Pro II (Intermediate): Topics discussed in this workshop include: using other accounts in QuickBooks (credit card, asset, liability & equity), entering sales and invoices, receiving payments and making deposits, entering and paying bills, setting up inventory and tracking and paying sales tax.

-QuickBooks Pro III (Advanced): Topics include: analyzing financial data, doing payroll with QuickBooks, estimating and progress invoicing

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $250 for the 3-part series (QuickBooks Pro I, II & III)

Registration link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21379

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 – How to Decide What Technology I REALLY Need

Are you just starting out and trying to figure out how to set your company up with technology? Or have you been in business and just not sure if you have all the technology you need? Come join Michael Espinoza owner of Technology Coaching as he walks you through your decision making process. Use his plan to develop your ideal technology platform and setup. Walk away with a good understanding regarding what technology will be most effective for your business. He will cover:

• Questions to ask before you consider any technology

• Options that are available to you and whether you REALLY need them

• Picking the options that are best for you based on your needs

• General questions about technology that you are currently considering

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21391

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro I (Set-Up)

Are you in the beginning stages of using QuickBooks and want to expand your knowledge? Come to this workshop to learn the basic features of QuickBooks and have the opportunity for hands-on practice. We will discuss the information you should be tracking and how to enter it in QuickBooks. You will walk away from this workshop with familiarity with the most common tasks and where to find information about more advanced features of QuickBooks. Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up QuickBooks, working with lists and working with bank accounts.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21511

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – Lunch n’ Learn: How to Get Started with Text Message Marketing

Text Message Marketing is a low-cost and highly-effective tool to communicate to your customers…in REAL TIME. 97% of Text Messages are read and most of them are read just a few minutes after it’s sent. Wouldn’t it be great to alert your customers about today’s specials and know they see it today…or to invite them to come back to your business EXACTLY at the time you want them to come back? Duffy Hobbs is a Text Message Marketing Professional who will guide you step-by-step to help you put your message into the hands of your customers.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: 800 W. San Antonio, Suite A., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21381

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – How to Outsource Effectively for Your Business

Come learn how to effectively outsource some of your tasks to sustain and grow your business. Outsourcing can sometimes be challenging and frustrating if you do not know how to hire the right team. Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury will talk about some of the successful strategies to find the right people to take your business to the next level.

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21382

 

Thursday, February 6, 2014 – Affordable Care Act Update

Are you a small business owner that is going to be affected by the Affordable Care Act? If you are, compliance with the law goes into effect on October 1st. Are you ready? This workshop is an analysis of the healthcare reform laws and other regulatory activities with a focus on the importance of recordkeeping. Come listen to Alicia Haff, attorney and owner of Haff Consulting Services, LLC as she presents the latest information.

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21385

 

Friday, February 7, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21386

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro II (Intermediate)

Would you like to expand your knowledge of QuickBooks? This workshop completes the introduction to the basic features of QuickBooks and provides further hands-on practice. Topics discussed in this workshop include: using other accounts in QuickBooks (credit card, asset, liability & equity), entering sales and invoices, receiving payments and making deposits, entering and paying bills, setting up inventory and tracking and paying sales tax.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21387

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21388

 

Thursday, February 13, 2014 – Getting Started with Constant Contact Email Marketing

New to constant contact email marketing? In this time-efficient, highly practical workshop, Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact will give you an instructive overview of Constant Contact’s tools and features and how to put them to work for you! You’ll learn the basics so you can create successful email marketing campaigns. Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up your constant contact account, getting new subscribers, creating an email campaign, editing newsletter templates, branding your emails, creating desirable content, importing your email list into your database, tracking and interpreting your results and much more.

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee: $25.00

Door Fee: $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21389

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 – How to Tackle Password Management

The number of passwords we must remember isn’t getting any smaller. From online banking to social media, we must have passwords for everything we do. Are you guilty of keeping your passwords on sticky notes or always forgetting them? Join Michael Espinoza, owner of Technology Coaching us for a session on password management to learn:

• How to manage and organize your passwords

• Share your passwords on other devices (phone, tablet, etc.)

• Create stronger, more reliable passwords • different tools that can make your daily computing a breeze Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21390

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro III (Advanced)

This unique workshop provides advanced concepts and offers an introduction to customizing QuickBooks. Receive instruction from Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors and one-on-one assistance from UTSA Senior Level Accounting Students to customize QuickBooks and meet your business needs. Topics discussed in this workshop include: analyzing financial data, doing payroll with QuickBooks, estimating and progress invoicing, tracking time, customizing form and writing letters.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21392

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21393

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2013 – Lunch n’ Learn: Designing Your Marketing Strategy

Strong and successful branding and marketing strategy extend far beyond a logo and a business card. Proper, purposeful marketing is an integral part of a business’s success. It is also one of the most volatile, subjective and misunderstood areas of business operations. Although largely considered the fun part of business- with logos, tag lines, advertising, promotional items, letterhead and so on- marketing done well is much more than meets the eye. Join Beverly Ingle, owner of Resilient by Design and author of Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses, and walk away with the seven parts of a brand’s identity as well as how to develop a marketing strategy that not only supports the brand, but also resonates with their customers. Key take-away points include: the seven aspects of a brand, how to define a brand’s DNA, purposeful marketing is powerful marketing, and best practices for using design thinking to improve marketing strategy

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21394

 

Thursday, February 20, 2014 – Are You Ready for Commercial Space?

Looking to purchase, rent or lease commercial property? Visit us before you do. This new and exciting workshop is tailored specifically for small business owners looking for the right commercial property to complete their business dream. Discuss basic considerations in commercial real estate such as factors in negotiating a lease or sales price, and how to assess property lease vs. purchase decision. At the end of this workshop you will understand the lease or buying process from beginning to end and know how to develop a letter of intent (LOI).

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $25.00

Door Fee: $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21395

 

Thursday, February 27, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21396

 

Friday, February 28, 2014 – Social Media Roundtable

Is your business social? From blogging to Facebook, LinkedIn to Twitter, and Yelp to YouTube, learn what social media can and cannot do for your business. At this roundtable, we will discuss which social media channels work for your particular business and what to consider in developing a social media strategy. Topics discussed in this roundtable include: how to increase traffic to your website, how to market your business, how to measure the effectiveness of your social media strategy and monitor your online presence. *This roundtable is highly interactive; participants should come prepared to share their ideas and learn from others’ strategies.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21397

March

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 – How to Put the Right Technology Backup Plan Into Place

If you don’t have a good plan to backup your data and devices, you’re planning to fail. It’s not a matter of IF your devices will fail, it’s WHEN. Every small business needs a backup plan. Join Michael Espinoza of Technology Coaching where he will cover:

• Why you need a Backup plan

• How to set up a Backup plan

• The Equipment and services for a good backup plan

• Why imaging is important to your backup plan.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21398

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – Social Media Marketing Made Simple

How social is your business? In this information-packed seminar you will learn the essential strategies and best practices a business or organization should understand in order to successfully get started with social media marketing. You’ll learn everything you need to know to create your own social media marketing strategy and why it’s so important. Join Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact as she shares the latest best practices and proven strategies on: social media basics, building a quality community, creating valuable content, implementing time savers and learning through monitoring. You will leave with a greater understanding of social media, how it fits into your marketing plan, and how to easily implement different tools to engage your audience and grow your business. Social media for business is here to stay, so come learn how to best utilize it to help your business grow!

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21399

 

Friday, March 7, 2013 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21400

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 – Business Essentials for the Artist

Are you an artist who needs to operate more efficiently and increase your profits? Need advice on marketing your artwork? Attend this new workshop that is designed specifically for artists, photographers and others in creative endeavors who want to learn how to operate their businesses more profitably. Topics discussed in this workshop include: promoting your business with social media, determining your prices, writing a business plan to increase your profits, how and where to sell your work, local and federal tax and legal requirements and much more.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee: $30.00

Door Fee: $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21401

 

Thursday, March 13, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21405

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21407

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – Technology Purchasing Made Simple

You know the technology you want but where is the best place to buy it? We’re constantly buying technology for our business. Are we buying at the right place, at the right time? Join Michael Espinoza, the Technology Coach at this session to get these questions answered.

• Learn were the best place to buy technology, local, online…

• Learn the questions to ask before you buy

• Learn about the warranties that you get or can buy.

• Learn about your option New, Used, and Refurbished, remanufactured. Please note that Michael Espinoza is not affiliated with any organization other than his own and does not resell any of the products or services he speaks about in any of his classes. His intent is to educate small business owners regarding technology.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21406

 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 – Blogging to Build Business

Join Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury as he talks about why blogging is a must for businesses. Topics include: starting your business blog, content ideas, search engine optimized content, promoting your blog, engaging your readers and turning them into loyal customers.

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21408

 

Thursday, March 20, 2014 – Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media

Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible. But between Facebook and Twitter, email and mobile, deals, and whatever new social network is rolling out that month — there’s a lot to keep up with. And there are only so many hours in each day. The number of possibilities can feel overwhelming. Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact, will help make sense of the noise and show you how to make the most of the combination of email and social media for your business. You’ll have a greater understanding of marketing basics like goals and objectives. You’ll learn what a “campaign” is and what to write about and offer in that campaign. You’ll be given some simple but powerful tips for how to get your messages opened and read, shared and socially visible. And you’ll see that there are some great tools you can use to help engage with your existing customers as well as expand your reach to new prospects.

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21409

 

Friday, March 21, 2014 – Lunch n’ Learn: How to Get Started with Text Message Marketing

Text Message Marketing is a low-cost and highly-effective tool to communicate to your customers…in REAL TIME. 97% of Text Messages are read and most of them are read just a few minutes after it’s sent. Wouldn’t it be great to alert your customers about today’s specials and know they see it today…or to invite them to come back to your business EXACTLY at the time you want them to come back? Duffy Hobbs is a Text Message Marketing Professional who will guide you step-by-step to help you put your message into the hands of your customers.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21410

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 – Starting and Planning Your Business

This session is a combination of Business Start-up Essentials and The Business Plan. Topics include: Starting Your Small Business, Business Legal Structure and Name, Tax Responsibilities, Federal, City, and County Resources & Requirements, Business Plan Basics, Feasibility Process, Business Plan Structure, and Financial Analysis. Take this course and save some hours and money!

Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $50.00

Door Fee: $70.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21411

 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21412

 

Thursday, March 27, 2014 – Leverage an Effective Online Sales Force: Automated, Affordable and for Everyone

Are your offline marketing and sales tactics not getting you the results you need? Do you want an automated online system that markets and closes sales for you? Come join Tim Springer, owner of Spartan Basketball for a hands-on, interactive class on how to create an automated, online sales force without hiring any extra staff! Using the same (system) that Tim has used for his own company you will:

• Develop a platform to serve and expand your businesses’ community in less than an hour a day

• Integrate your platform into social media easily to generate daily leads and sales

• Walk away with the structure of the system already implemented in your business and the potential of generating sales quickly!

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $30.00

Door Fee: $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21413

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  If you are interested in registering for any of the courses listed above, please contact Yanet Gómez Byrom or Rebecca Montalvo by phone (210) 458-2460 or via email sbdcworkshop@utsa.edu