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Small Business Connections July 2011 |
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Welcome to Small Business Connections!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College is here to serve your small business needs. We offer free business counseling to entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as a variety of small business workshops.
Call us today at (630) 906-4143 to learn how we can help you start or grow your business. |
| Small Business Spotlight | |
Anytime Fitness
 After serving as an Army Ranger in the 1st Ranger Battalion in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002, Mike Starck worked for six years at a local big-box fitness club - first as a trainer, then as assistant manager. Listening to what his customers were saying over the years, he came to believe a smaller, more focused fitness model was in demand, and, after some research, felt the Anytime Fitness model would meet those needs.
Mike talked to several Anytime Fitness franchise owners, and found that many of them shared the same vision he had for serving his prospective fitness customers, and were happy with the franchise. At the same time, he started looking for locations, and came to the IL SBDC at Waubonsee to get help with his business plan and financial model.
According to Mike, "all the right elements pretty much fell into my lap. I saw the opportunity and jumped on it." He purchase the franchise rights from an existing franchisee who was exiting the business, and found the right deal on his location on busy, high-visibility 75th Street in Naperville. Just six months after opening his doors, Mike found himself on the cover of GIJobs magazine for a feature article about veteran-owned franchises.
I asked Mike to share advice from his experience with other entrepreneurs.
Here's what he had to say:
"The business is more about your customers than it is about you. Get lots of feedback. Talk to people with differing viewpoints, and listen to their opinions. Also, positive attitude is critical to staying the course. I was surprised by how long it took from the time I started pursuing the idea (fall of 2009) until I opened the doors in January, 2011. There were lots of disappointments along the way, but in the end, everything worked out. On opening day, our hot water heater broke and we had no hot showers - not a good thing in January. But you just have to go with it. The owner's attitude is projected to the customers, and if you are upbeat and positive, they associate that with the business."
Finally, Mike stressed the importance of making sure the numbers are tight. "I came in to the SBDC and got a reality check with my  first set of numbers. Harriet Parker helped me tighten up my forecast, and put together a realistic business model. As a result, I'm on track with my sales goals, and not dealing with big surprises on the expense side."
Mike's bottom line: "Eat your frog early." In other words, take care of undesirable tasks quickly. If you don't, they pile up, and customer service goes down.
You can visit Mike at Anytime Fitness at 1271 Rickert Drive in Naperville or check out their website. |
| IL SBDC News and Events | |
The 10th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards
The Chicago Innovation Awards celebrate the creative spirit and success found in the Chicago region by recognizing the most innovative new products and services in the area. The nomination process is free and easy. New this year is the Up-and Comer Award, in which finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch their company to a room of investors seeking to fund Chicago's most promising new start-ups.
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| Biz Buzz | |
Small Business Classes Offer Wisdom from Local Experts
Learn from the best this fall at the IL SBDC at Waubonsee. We've recruited local experts to share years of experience and subject matter expertise at an affordable price. These classes can help you reach the full potential of your business, and are structured to allow plenty of time to answer your specific questions. Fall isn't far away, so check your calendar and plan to take advantage of our expert instructors.
New this fall:
Fearless Selling for Women Business Owners
 This workshop is specially designed to meet the sales challenges of women small business owners - sales-challenged men are also welcome! See more details on this class.
Instructor: Leslie Serdar, the "Cold Calling Diva", has over 35 years of experience in Sales, Sales Management, Public Relations and Fund raising.
Step Into Retail
Retail display, buying analysis, and handling the competition are just  a few of the many topics planned for this workshop, designed for entrepreneurs planning a retail business, as well as new established retailers. See more details on this class.
Instructor: Jane Briner, owner of the Persimmon Tree in downtown Geneva since 1976, recently transitioned the store to a collection of boutiques called Shoppes at 127.
Restaurant Business Essentials
 This workshop covers an extensive array of topics geared to both new and established restaurant owners. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert. See more details on this class.
Instructor: David Gotowko, Founder and President of Restaurant Business Solutions has an extensive resume as a chef, restaurant owner, and consultant to the food and beverage industry.
Back by Popular Demand:
Google For Business  and Social Media Marketing
These two Internet marketing classes have received rave reviews from past attendees. You'll learn more about the Internet Marketing tools available, as well as how to work them into your overall marketing strategy. See more details on these classes.
Instructor: Brian Basilico owns B2B Interactive Marketing, and has been helping "solopreneurs" to Fortune 100 companies develop and implement social media and Internet marketing strategies.
Marketing for Small Business
This workshop is probably our most popular. It's loaded with fundamentals on how to  market your small business. If marketing is not your strength, this is a great place to start. See more details on this class.
Instructor: Ellen Huxtable has taught small business classes for the SBDC's at Waubonsee, Elgin and College of DuPage. As owner of Advantage Business Consultants, she serves as an advisor to businesses of all sizes, and serves on numerous local boards.
Small Business Tax Basics
This is your chance to get your tax questions answered. Even if you use an accountant, it helps to understand the basics of taxes as they apply to your business. This workshop is held only once a year, so don't miss it! See more details on this class.
Instructor: Kriss Knowles has 30 years experience in senior financial positions at Fortune 500 companies, and now owns his own accounting and tax practice Express Financial Services. He is also a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. |
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Biz Bitz | |
Construction Business Opportunity for New Aurora Park
The City of Aurora is about to break ground on the new RiverEdge Park that will serve as an outdoor entertainment/recreation facility for the city and the surrounding area. The City of Aurora is seeking qualified firms for the construction of the RiverEdge Park Music Garden. Of the total project cost, Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises will be awarded at least 10%, with WBE receiving at least half of that dollar amount. For more information, contact R.C. Wegman Construction Company at (630) 844-3000.
Technology Enterprise News
Curious about what is happening in the ever expanding world of technology? TechCrunch is a website that dedicates itself to profiling tech start ups, reviewing internet products, and breaking tech news. Check out the website for updates ranging from from the next big tech start up to the future plans of the big guys like Google or Apple. | |
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| Get Smart: Small Business Workshops at Waubonsee |
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Tuesday, July 12, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6 -9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Sugar Grove)
Is Franchising Right for You?
Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Social Media Marketing for Business
Thursday, July 21, 6 - 8 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Google for Business
Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Marketing for Small Business
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Fearless Selling for Women
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $49 (Aurora)
Step Into Retail
Thursday, Sept. 15, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Restaurant Business Essentials
Monday, Oct. 10, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Small Business Tax Basics Workshop
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Check seminar details for the full list, class descriptions, locations, ticket numbers, and pricing. To sign up, complete and submit the registration form. For additional information call the Illinois SBDC office at (630) 906-4143. |
Don't forget that the IL SBDC has moved into the new Waubonsee Community College Aurora Campus. Make sure to check the updated directions and parking information.
QuickBooks and Excel
A variety of QuickBooks and Excel classes are available to meet your small business accounting needs. Click here for complete class descriptions, locations, dates, times and costs. |
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Illinois SBDC at Waubonsee Community College
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or DCEO.
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