LoudounPreneur entrepreneurial newsletter

Information for the Innovative, Enterprising and Brave 

September 2012

How to Work a Room

Let's face it: sooner or later, you're going to have to work a room. Growing a business requires meeting other people who can help you succeed. You might meet those people at a happy hour, a showcase for potential investors, or at the gym, but learning to get past "hello" is a must. So how do you break the ice?

People You Should Know 

This month we sat down with Robin Soumi, executive director of one of the most useful organizations for local entrepreneurs: the Loudoun Small Business Development Center. She explains how her group helps with those "dreaded business plans," why entrepreneurs shouldn't try to "do it all," and relates what they counseled one group about starting a murder scene clean-up company.

Hire a Hero

Loudoun entrepreneurs that act quickly can help the community and their business, all while scoring a significant tax credit -- just by hiring a veteran in need of employment before January 1, 2013. Here's how.

Read It and Reap

"Do Nothing! How to Stop Overmanaging and Become a Great Leader" by J. Keith Murnighan

This practical guide to business management opens with a scenario that many regard as a dream: imagine you have just returned to the office from a two-week vacation, and while you were out you didn't email or call in to see how things were going.  Now that you're back, not only are there no fires to put out, but your team has also solved several problems in your absence.  The author argues that this scenario doesn't have to be a dream. He offers straightforward strategies on how to avoid micromanaging and start building a work culture based on trust and high expectations.  Check out the book for free from the Loudoun County Public Library.

Up-Skill 

A 1-2 Combo to Build Your Business

Ever wanted more professional looking marketing collateral? Or wondered if direct mail is a cost-effective, sensible approach for your business? The Loudoun SBDC will answer both questions this month with its "1-2 Combo."

 

Date: September 11, 2012
Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Mason Enterprise Center, Leesburg
Cost:
$25 online, $30 at the door

 

Start Your Business

Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency's Arthur Thompson and the SBDC's Ruth Cope lead the next upcoming session of this popular seminar. Financing, marketing, insurance, entrepreneurial traits, taxes and business plan development will be featured.

 

Date: September 26, 2012
Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Place: Comfort Suites Leesburg
Cost:
$10 online, $15 at the door

 

Idea Fusion Happy Hour
The Mason Enterprise Center, Center for Innovative Technology, Loudoun Department of Economic Development and Town of Leesburg are again coordinating this fun networking event. Come meet fellow entrepreneurs!

 

Date: September 18, 2012

Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Place: Sweetwater Tavern Sterling
Cost: Free (Buy Your Own Food and Drink)
 

Be a Winner

This month we try something a little different: send us your best networking tip (one per reader) to: [email protected]We will read them all, pick the best one and send that reader one of our handy 
multi-port USB readers. The deadline for entry is September 14.
 
 

Haig Evans-Kavaldjian, owner of Arts & Letters in Lovettsville, won last month's contest. Congratulations, Haig!

Gut-Check From a Guru

"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make." - Donald Trump

Pay It Forward

This monthly email newsletter is published by the Loudoun, Virginia Department of Economic Development to inform and connect Loudoun's thriving entrepreneurial community. As a leader with influence, please help our community by forwarding this newsletter to your business colleagues. Thanks!

 
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Debi Roder   
Loudoun Virginia
Economic Development Entrepreneurship
Manager Debi Roder



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