|
Window of Opportunity
Learn More about Government Contracting & Procurement Opportunities for all Types of Small Businesses
from expert Paul Middlebrooks, Procurement Counselor, at Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Center in Chattanooga, TN. Paul will be at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 26th 2013 from 1:00 - 3:00p. Register here to meet with him and get your questions answered! |
|
HELP WANTED!
Phil's Dream Pit
For Phil's Dream Pit inquiries call Dianna at 423-948-9188 or e-mail philsdreampit@aol.com.
For Barberitos, stop by the Kingsport Chamber to pick up an application at the front desk.
|
|
Veterans, Women & Minorities Take Note
WOMEN
Congratulations to Kingsport's Cindy Saadeh for winning the 2012 Woman-Owned Business KOSBE Award!
Address: 128 E Market St, Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone:(423) 245-2800
Are you a woman who owns a business?
KOSBE can help you get your woman-owned business certification!
VETERANS
Veteran Ron Bedford is the owner of Preferred Tax-Free Retirement.
His two rules are simple:
#1 Don't lose what you've got.
#2 Don't forget Rule #1!
1127 North Eastman Road Suite F
Kingsport TN, 37664
Phone: 423.378.9330
MINORITIES
Congrats to Kingsport's Carew Cuts Barber Shop
for winning the 2012 Minority-Owned Business Award!
Address: 806 E Center St, Kingsport, TN.
 | | Owner Joseph Jackson (center) with Johnny Jackson (right) & Micah Taylor (left). |
|
|
The Office Depot Program
| 
Kingsport Chamber Members receive DEEPER DISCOUNTS THAN EVER BEFORE with the Office Depot National Chamber Program.
No strings attached.
Contact Kim Jones at
(423) 392.8805 for details!
|
|
Get To Know Us!
| 
Aundrea Wilcox
Executive Director, KOSBE
Senior Business Counselor, TSBDC @ ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office
David SchoolsSmall Business Services Marketing Manager, KOSBE Administrative Coordinator, TSBDC @ ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office |
|
|
Issue #0006 - January 2013
|
Greetings!
You are receiving this e-mail because of your relationship with either the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) or the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office.
Each issue will be distributed monthly and will shine a light on a successful small business located within our region.
Thank you for your interest in our local small businesses and small business-related events, issues and information.
|
|
The 411...
 | | KOSBE Connection is now on Pinterest! |
Pinterest... What it's all about and KOSBE
A lot of people wonder, "If I'm on Facebook and Twitter, then why do I need to be on Pinterest?" We are glad you asked, because we have looked into finding the answers in preparation for our Pinterest for Business training class which happened Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
We have found that Pinterest allows businesses to connect with customers in a more creative and a more (p)interesting mode than Facebook and Twitter. Actually, did you know, Pinterest ranks as the fourth most visited social media site on the Internet (see chart). Photo based, Pinterest is all about sharing inspirations and passions which is great. The best part about Pinterest is the statistics show it is 70% more powerful than Facebook for driving e-commerce. While Facebook users are looking to connect with people, Pinterest users are looking to connect with things. Hence, Pinterest is a great tool for exploratory shoppers.
Here at KOSBE, we are going to be kicking off our Pinterest presence with a KOSBE Award winners photo contest. Winners and Runners-Up will submit funny, creative and interesting photos to KOSBE and then we will post them on our Pinterest board. We will then pick the winner and their business will be promoted on our Facebook page as our cover photo for two weeks!
If you are interested in learning more about Pinterest and how you can use it for your business, give us a call at 423-392-8811 or e-mail us at dschools@kosbe.org.
|
A Guide to Pinterest for Small Business
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
6:00PM-8:00PM
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
400 Clinchfield Street Ste 100
Kingsport, TN 37660
Developing Financial Projections
Small Group Training (5)
*Very hands-on; bring your laptops*
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
9:00AM - 11:00AM
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
400 Clinchfield Street Ste 100
Kingsport, TN 37660
Branding Your Business with Twitter
Small Group Training (5)
*Very hands-on; bring your laptops*
Thursday, February 28, 2013
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
400 Clinchfield Street Ste 100
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Morristown Chamber of Commerce
825 W 1st N St
Morristown, TN 37814
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
400 Clinchfield Street Ste 100
Kingsport, TN 37660
|
Interested in being a sponsor for the 2013 Annual
KOSBE Awards?
Contact us at 423.392.8811 or e-mail at
|
Innovative Financing for Art, Music, Film+ Projects Small Business Tips
Kick Starter is the most successful crowdfunding site today. Forbes says "Since Kickstarter's inception, campaigns on the site have successfully raised $371 million."
In fact, two Kingsport small businesses were funded through Kick Starter - Star Trails Art Gallery, and Kornercopia in Downtown.
If you are thinking of starting a project but don't want to go through banks or stand in front of venture capitalists, Kick Starter may be for you.
To find out more information, read their FAQs here.
|
10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Small Business Owners By: David Schools
KOSBE Administrative & Marketing Coordinator
Which pitfall do you find yourself slipping into most? For me, it's #10 Trying to do it all. Tell us a
10. Trying to Get Rich Quick - Overnight wealth is non-existent. Try 15 - 20 years. 9. Assuming You Have No Competition - Competition equals whatever makes customers walk away, or do or buy an alternative. 8. Being a Weak Leader - Passion and strong belief inspires employees. 7. Being All Business, All the Time - A good businessman is a master of balance. 6. Setting Unrealistic Financial Goals - Don't set yourself up for disappointment. 5. Having No 'Rallying Point' - A successful business has an internally known, clear vision. 4. Cutting Prices - When sales are down, don't slash prices. Raise them! 3. Having No Clear Marketing Strategy - Wishy Washy broad branding is easily forgettable...
2. Not Being Forthright - Immediacy in trust and honesty is foundational to doing business.
1. Trying to Do It All On Your Own- Recipe for burning out, stressing out, and missing obvious ques. Let KOSBE help your succeed!
If you find yourself wondering about how you can improve in one of the 10 areas described above, give us a shout and we will schedule you for a free confidential counseling appointment.
|
|
New Business Stand-Out
KOSBE/TSBDC Client Profile
 | Live Jazz Musicians and exceptional culinary creations in an intimate atmosphere since December 21, 2012.
Owner Roger Boggs wanted to provide downtown Kingsport with the only venue that provides weekly dancing and high-tech light shows.
Located at:
242 East Main St.
Kingsport, TN 37660
Hours:
Weekdays: 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Weekend: 7:00PM - 3:00AM
Help a new business & "Like" On Fire's Facebook Page!
Phone: (423) 579-2537 |
|
|
|
We hope you enjoyed this issue of The Business Beacon and found it informational. We are always looking for new ideas and welcome your feedback.
Feel free to forward this issue to your friends, family, employees and/or colleagues. Sincerely, Your KOSBE and TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office Staff |
|
|
