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Director's Corner
|  Dear ,
This month, we have an excellent article on the pros and cons of discounting to create cash flow. Coincidentally, the Northeastern California SBDC Greater Sacramento / Sierra center is holding a workshop on May 8th called "Cash Flow." For a small business cash flow statements are useful tools for forecasting and considering different business scenarios. Additionally, the SBA is hosting the Small Business Resource Summit on May 6th. This no cost summit will discuss how to bring together the resources you need to start and grow your business. Topics include raising capital for your small business today and how to become a well run business. Furthermore, an annual survey found that the California Small Business Development Centers have contributed to the small business growth in California. The California SBDC provided free one-on-one consulting and low cost trainings to more than 63,000 of California's 1.3 million small business owners last year. I would enjoy hearing from users of the SBDC services, such as our workshops, counseling services, and online tools. Please e-mail me with your comments and suggestions at dripke@csuchico.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dan Ripke
Director
Northeastern California SBDC Lead Center
California State University, Chico
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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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 Discounting pros & cons, part 1: Discounting to create cash flowPublisher: Kelly Burkart - Posted on 03/08/2013
When cash is tight, discounting can be a tempting quick fix. Lower your prices, increase your sales, get more cash. But, like most quick fixes, there is a down side. The danger comes when discounting becomes a long-term strategy rather than a short-term tactic. The first article in this series discusses the pros and cons of using discounting to create cash flow.
How discounting impacts customer loyalty
Everyone loves a deal, right? So you'd think your regular customers would be thrilled to receive a discount. And they probably will, at first. But think about what attracted your best customer to begin with; it was probably much more than price. Factors like product variety, personal service, or a reputation for on-time delivery are what keep customers coming back. If they see you lowering prices often, they may assume you've lowered your standards or that your business is on the ropes.
Discounting also attracts more "price shoppers," which is an entirely different, and fickle, audience. They'll only be with you as long as you have the lowest price. And customers who use discounts to "stockpile" translate into fewer sales in the future.
A steady stream of discounts can cheapen your brand and actually drive away your best customers. READ MORE
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REGIONAL SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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Cash Flow (HP LIFE) Workshop
Event Location:
NEC SBDC Greater Sacramento/Sierra
1410 Ethan Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-2205
Event Date: 5/8/2013
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Register By: 5/8/2013
Event Fee: $20.00
Cash flow statements are useful tools for forecasting and considering different business scenarios. In this workshop, participants learn how to leverage spreadsheet software programs to create cash flow statements they can use to assess their profitability and liquidity. Participants learn how to create links between the cash flow statement spreadsheet and other spreadsheets containing financial data to populate the statement automatically. You will leave this class with an understanding of the steps you would need to undertake in order to manage your own cash flow statements in a professional and effective way. Technologies covered: Microsoft Excel
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REGIONAL SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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Small Business Resource Summit
Register for Free Admission
Monday, May 6, 2013
Exhibit Hall Opens at 7:30 am
Classes start at 8:00am
Barbara Morse Wackford Community & Aquatic Complex9014 Bruceville Road
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Bringing together the resources you need to start and grow your business
1st Session Workshops 8:00 am - 9:30 am
- How to Start and Expand Your International Business
- Social Media Basics for Small Business
Exhibit Hall & Networking 9:30 am - 10:00 am
- Meet face-to-face with 50 Business Resource Agencies with programs and services to assist your business
- Network with other business owners
2nd Session Workshops 10:00 am - 11:30 am
- How To Become a Well Run Business
- Raising Capital for Your Small Business Today
Exhibit Hall & Networking 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Register now to receive free admission to all program events:
Hosted by the City of Elk Grove
Questions? Contact SBA Sacramento District Office 916-735-1700
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CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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Small Businesses Attribute Growth to California SBDC in 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- According to a recently completed annual report created from small business client surveys, California Small Business Development Centers have contributed to the development of a combined 10,817 new and retained jobs in 2012 - representing an increase of more than 17 percent over 2011.
Through its 43 service centers in the state, the California SBDC provided free one-on-one consulting and low cost trainings to more than 63,000 of California's 1.3 million small business owners last year. The SBDC is the largest provider of technical assistance to small businesses in the state and is a part of a national program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to the annual report, job growth and increased success at accessing loans and equity capital topped the most-improved economic impact areas for California entrepreneurs in 2012. Loan and equity capital investments attributed to SBDC services by business owners, increased to more than $381.7 million, up from $211 million in 2011, resulting in an 80 percent increase in loans and equity for small business clients. READ MORE
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Sincerely,
Dan Ripke
Director
Northeastern California SBDC Lead Center
& Center for Economic Development
California State University, Chico
www.necsbdc.org
(530) 898-4598
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