No matter the business focus, entrepreneurs share a common trait: their need to succeed among larger, often better-known competitors. At first glance, larger companies would seem to have the upper hand: greater marketing budgets, economies of scale and more manpower. Despite this, statistics show entrepreneurs continue be optimistic about their future. Here's a few ways those in Loudoun are succeeding alongside big business.

"Brewing Up a Business" by Sam Calagione

Starting with nothing but a home brewing kit, Calagione has built Dogfish Head Craft Brewery into one of the country's best and fastest-growing craft breweries. Practical business advice is mixed with hilarious - and sometimes harrowing - tales of the trials and tribulations of starting a new business. He shares his incredible successes but also his many mistakes, and shows how a fledgling business owner can avoid them. He discusses developing and keeping good relationships, and Dogfish Head's most innovative marketing ideas. This is an inspiring story about dreaming big, thinking unconventionally, and working hard. Check out this enjoyable and practical read from the Loudoun County Public Library.

WordPress isn't just for blogging. It can be helpful for creating an entire website. This seminar covers the setup of pages and posts, and information on domain names, search engine optimization, website stats, and autosharing using social networks.

Date: October 18, 2012
Time: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Mason Enterprise Center, Leesburg
Cost: $25 online, $30 at the door