ASU Small Business Development Center Newsletter

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

ASU-SBDC eNEWSLETTER 

 MAY 2011

Greetings! 

 

I know everyone is concerned about high fuel prices and the effects they can have on your bottom line!  Because of transportation costs, most products and services you purchase will be affected.
N
Understanding Financial Statementsow is the time to review your profit and loss statement to see where you can make adjustments to make up for increased fuel/energy costs. (Understanding Financial Statements Seminar May 5th!) Also keep a watch on the rising costs of goods purchased for resale. Consider making pricing adjustments if you can. It is important to maintain profitability for the long-term success of your business.

 

QuickBooks is back!

Our popular QuickBooks series is back for those of you wishing to get up to speed with your QuickBooks software. One May 16th, the Intro to QuickBooks workshop begins at 3pm. QuickBooks Basics on May 18th, QuickBooks Advanced on May 23rd, and finishing up with QuickBooks Financial Reporting on May 25th. Each workshop is $30 per person or $100 for the entire series. All workshops are from 3-5:30pm in Math Computer Science Bldg. on the ASU campus Room 111B. See below to register.

Consider joining your local chamber of commerce for great networking benefits and more. For San Angelo contact the chamber at 325-655-4136.

Best Regards,    

Dave Erickson 

 

IN THIS ISSUE
Contact Us!
TOP SMALL BUSINESS NEWS: Time to move your business to the cloud? Need a push to start your dream business? Finances - The basics.
BUSINESS TIPS: Raising Prices. Cell Phone Apps. The Importance of Customer Service. Choosing a Partner?
MAY SEMINARS: QuickBooks, Bookkeeping Basics, Understanding Financial Statements, Social Media, and more!
SUCCESS STORY: Angelo Granite Worx

 

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ASU-SBDC
Contact Us!
Advising Services: (325) 942-2098
Training Services: (325) 942-2019
 
Website:
www.sbdc.angelo.edu

Proudly serving the small businesses of San Angelo and the Concho Valley for over 20 years.
TOP SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Is It Finally Time to Move Your Small Business to the Cloud? 

Source: www.allbusiness.com 

Cloud computing is the hottest trend to hit small businesses since someone's kid told you to get on Twitter. For the most part, the excitement around cloud computing is completely justified. Moving your in-house applications to the cloud -- accessing them over the Internet on a pay-as-you-go basis -- can save time and money, and cut your staffing needs. Read Article... 

 

Starting Your Business

Source: http://www.toolkit.com/

Many of us hear the Siren song of small business. Complete freedom. Unlimited opportunity. Dreams realized. But of those who answer the call, most don't succeed. Why? What separates those who succeed from those who fail? Knowledge of the business, sufficient capital, good experience, and developing a unique idea at the right time.. Read Article 

 

Understanding Your Finances: The Basics

Source: www.sba.gov

Have you thought about how you are going to fund your business? When considering financing options, it's a good idea to have an understanding of your financing needs as well as the types of options that available to help you start and sustain your business. Read more. 

BUSINESS TIPS ARTICLES

Standard TimesEach week, a member of the ASU-SBDC staff submits a Business Tips article for the San Angelo Standard Times business section. (Articles published Mondays). You can also find them here each month. 

 

ANALYZE YOUR BUSINESS BEFORE RAISING PRICES

4/3/11 Peggy Hodges, Business Development Specialist CBA IV

Spring is a great time for you, as a small business owner, to review your pricing structure for your goods or services. Spring into action and re-analyze your costs and prices. You will probably find that you need to increase your prices simply to maintain your current level of profits...   

 

EXPLORE DIFFERENT CELL PHONE APPS 

4/10/11 Jessica Lambert, Training Coordinator, CTC

I am excited to say I have recently joined the millions of other people in the world who have a magical device called a smartphone. Having somewhat of a technical inclination, I, of course, could not be removed from my phone for at least a week. I wanted to know everything it was capable of, try out every different setting, search out every app I might ever use and research additional tips and tricks that I might be missing...  

 

MARKETING STARTING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE

4/17/11 Cindy Hartin, Business Development Specialist, CBA II

The other day I was talking to a friend of mine about a negative experience she had at a local store. The experience was so unpleasant my friend chose to tell me and many of her other friends. It's interesting that during these difficult economic times, that a business would risk losing a customer and those that she tells. So, how do businesses attract and retain customers?... 

 

CHOOSING PARTNERS TRICKY WITH STARTUPS

4/24/11 Dave Erickson, ASU-SBDC Director, CBA IV 

General business partnerships are when two or more people come together by agreement or proof of existence to engage in a business activity. The partners are owners who take an active role in the operation of the business and are all personally liable for any legal actions and debts the new company may face. It is a common and viable form of legal organization because it is relatively easy and inexpensive to form... 

MAY 2011 TRAINING EVENTS
 

Register Online

finsTHU May 5

Understanding Financial Statements

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $10*

View Flyer 

 

TUE May 10

Essentials of Starting a New Business

2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / FREE

 

WED May 11

How to Write Your Business Plan: The Basics (Part 1/2)

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m / Rassman 263 / FREE

View Flyer

 

WED May 11

How to Write Your Business Plan: Financial Sections (Part 2/2)

2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Rassman 263 / FREE

View Flyer

 

THU May 12

Social Media Marketing Seminar

Covers basics of what kinds of social media networks are out here, blogging, search engine optimization, basics of creating an online brand, and much more! (You will NOT be setting up profiles at this seminar)

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $20* 

View Flyer

 

qbQUICKBOOKS SERIES: May 16, 18, 23, & 25

View Flyer

 

MON May 16

Intro to QuickBooks

3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MSC 111B / $30 (or entire series for $100) / seating limited!

No walk ins! Seating is limited. Be sure to register!

 

WED  May 18

QuickBooks Basics

3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MSC 111B / $30 (or entire series for $100) / seating limited!

No walk ins! Seating is limited. Be sure to register!

 

MON May 23

QuickBooks Advanced

3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MSC 111B / $30 (or entire series for $100)

No walk ins! Seating is limited. Be sure to register!

 

WED May 25

QuickBooks Financial Reporting

3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / MSC 111B / $30 (or entire series for $100)  

No walk ins! Seating is limited. Be sure to register! 

 

THU May 19

Set up Your Facebook and Twitter!

Leave this workshop with a Facebook and Twitter page completely set up! Also, have a number of posts already scheduled to be posted. This workshop is designed to help you get up and running on Facebook and Twitter and to also know the basics of running a successful social page.

1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. / MCS 111B / $199*

 

THU May 26

Lunch & Learn: Local Business Incentives 

Officials representing the City of San Angelo Development Corporation will present information on incentives available to local businesses including: Downtown, North Angelo Redevelopment, Business & Industrial Center, and more. (Brown Bag Lunch Series) 

11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. / San Angelo Visitor's Center / FREE! Register by calling 325-655-4136  

View Flyer

 

THU May 26

Bookkeeping Basics

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. / Rassman 100 / $10*

View Flyer

 

CANCELLED TUE May 31

Starting a Restaurant/Bar?

 

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REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

REGISTER ONLINE: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/Conferences.action?CenterID=40

REGISTER BY PHONE: 325-942-2019 OR 325-942-2098

*Payments are collected at the door by CA/CK/CC. Please make checks payable to "ASU-SBDC"

FEATURED SUCCESS STORY

Wendy Chandler

MAY'S FEATURED SUCCESS STORY
Wendy Chandler, Granite Iron Worx

Nature of Business:  Fabrication and Installation of Granite, Marble, Travertine and Quartz

SBDC Advisor:  Cindy Hartin

 

Wendy Chandler had been working in the granite business for a number of years and realized that she was ready to own her own business.  Wendy came to the SBDC to learn more about purchasing a business and preparing a business plan.  Wendy and SBDC advisor, Cindy Hartin, worked on the business plan and financial information to present to her lender.  

 

Wendy was thrilled to learn that she was approved for financing and her dream of having her own business could come true.  Wendy finalized the purchase, hired two new employees and is now enjoying business ownership.

"The SBDC helped me with my budget and business plan.  Cindy answered all of my questions and helped with all of my concerns. They made this process easier than I ever thought it would be and were very helpful every step of the way.  I would tell anyone to seek their advice." - Wendy Chandler 
 
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Read more success stories on our website and learn about the many ways the ASU-SBDC can assist entrepreneurs and small business owners just like you start or grow successful businesses.
  

"To the person who does not know where he wants to go, there is no favorable wind." -- Seneca

Angelo State University SBDC
www.sbdc.angelo.edu - Training: (325) 942-2019 - Advising: (325) 942-2098
Mailing Address: ASU Station #10910, San Angelo, TX 76909
Office Location: Rassman Room 100, 2222 Dena Dr., San Angelo, TX 76909

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