Small Business Connections                                                 March 2013
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
Just In Time     

  

Pardon the pun, but things have really been heating up for Just In Time Heating and Air Conditioning in Sandwich, IL. Justin Norquist, Owner, and Janeen Henrichs, Operations Manager, contacted the IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Waubonsee at the end of 2011 for help growing their business. Justin had purchased the business from his dad in 2010. Revenue was increasing, and he had big plans for growth. Meanwhile, Janeen was working on implementing operational procedures and systems to support that growth.

 

Throughout 2012, and with the help of an SBA Jobs Act grant, the SBDC helped Just In Time improve their QuickBooks implementation, work through two business acquisitions, create new operational processes and procedures, and implement new HR policies and procedures.

 

Rapid growth can put a huge strain on a small business, and if not managed properly, can even kill it. Justin and Janeen both realized the importance of getting help, from practical advice on how to manage growth, to honest feedback and moral support and encouragement when the workload seemed overwhelming.

 

"Harriet Parker and the SBDC have been instrumental in helping Just In Time during this period of rapid growth. We now have the tools in place to better manage our business by easily accessing financial information, implementing a great forecasting tool, and ensuring all necessary policies and procedures are in place."

 

One of the big challenges was validating their pricing, after one acquisition brought them into the new market of commercial HVAC for national brand chains. Justin and Janeen did their homework by talking with others in the industry to learn the bidding process, identify industry best practices, and determine their competitive differentiators. Then, they worked with the SBDC to evaluate their price and cost model to make sure it would be profitable.

 

Their most recent acquisition added plumbing to their repertoire of services. Justin and Janeen are in the process of implementing staff and procedures for this new segment of the business.

 

While Justin has pledged to take a break from acquiring new companies, continued growth is at the top of his list of goals. If all goes according to plan, Just In Time is looking at tripling their revenue in just three years.

 

Justin adds, "As small business owners, we have to wear many hats. We strongly recommend utilizing the resources provided through the SBDC to help ensure you have the correct procedures and infrastructure in place for each stage of growth. Customer service is extremely important to us. By putting the necessary infrastructure in place in our own business, we now have the ability to ensure that our existing customers, as well as our new customers, receive the same great customer experience in dealing with Just In Time."

 

Learn more about Just In Time at www.justintimeheating.com or give them a call at (630)553-5302 or (815) 570-2244.

Biz Buzz
Getting Your Website Right 

 

How did your website work for you in 2012? That's not meant to be a rhetorical question, or to elicit a one word answer (like "OK, I guess"). When was the last time you gave serious thought to what role your website is playing in your business?

 

Many business owners don't understand the complexities involved in web development, including the technical capabilities and requirements behind many web sites. As a result, many business owners struggle with defining their web project and choosing a website provider. And, as much as he or she would like to, your web developer can't read your mind. So how do you define your need so you end up with a website that works?

 

Here are a few tips to help you get started on the way to a winning web site:

 

Define what your web site needs to do for your customer

If you take the time to write down your requirements, you'll minimize communication problems, reduce cost overruns, and get better results. Write down the specifics about what you want your customer to experience. Don't worry about the "how" - focus on the "what". To stay competitive, consider extending your web presence beyond your basic site to mobile and social media capabilities.

 

Define what your web site needs to do for you

Do you want to update your own content, or do you want your web developer to do it? Do you need it to sit there and look pretty, or do you expect it to generate traffic statistics, produce leads, handle inventory, take payments, or capture data? Take time to identify information you want your website to tell you.

 

Get a written proposal

If you do your job of communicating your needs, a good developer should be able to provide you with a detailed proposal, preferably with milestones, and a quote or time estimate for the job. Review the proposal thoroughly and make sure everything you requested is included. Don't make assumptions, and ask questions if you don't understand. Make sure you agree on how changes to the cost or scope of the project will be handled once the job has started.

 

Stay on top of the project

It is your job to monitor and review progress, and identify any concerns or problems as soon as they arise. Make time to review the project regularly, test the site, and read all content thoroughly.

 

Budget for to continuous improvement

Your customers, as well as your overall business and marketing strategy, are constantly evolving - which means your website needs to evolve as well. Commit to investing in regular maintenance and improvements to your website on a continuing basis. This will help you eliminate large one-time costs that are hard to swallow on a small business budget. Because technologies change rapidly, your website, like your computer, will need upgrades.   

 

Remember, you get what you pay for!

Your Internet presence is a key component of your business. At a minimum, it's a major marketing tool. Beyond that, it may be a sales generator, operations manager, and customer service rep. Your budget for your website should be in line with what you expect from it. You can build a cheap site, or even create your own, but in most cases, you'll get what you pay for.

 

I shared this newsletter topic with Brian Basilico, owner of B2B Interactive Marketing. He had a great bottom line that sums it all up: "A website without measurement, maintenance and a manifesto to drive traffic is a BRICK!"

 

If you need help identifying your needs and goals for your Internet marketing plan, call the IL SBDC at Waubonsee at (630) 906-4143.  

Biz Bitz

Retail Merchandising - New Date!

 

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle

Hear from internationally recognized retail expert and founder of Retail Minded Magazine - the nation's only retail lifestyle publication geared entirely towards independent retailers. Reyhle has been featured in Crain's Chicago, Forbes.com and other retail publications. She offers unique support for small independent retailers, and is dedicated to delivering practical education that retailers can take back to their stores. Reyhle is a resident of Fox Valley and is passionate about working with local merchants.

 

In this workshop you will learn ten merchandising tips to help maximize your retail space and customer experience. Gain practical insight on how to strengthen your retail environment through merchandising, with a focus on displays, point-of-sale, customer interaction and more. Discover retail tips, tricks and tools that can strengthen your store appearance and increase sales - plus create a stronger consumer experience.

 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Aurora Campus, Room 319

$35 

  

Five Common Business Mistakes 

 

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are continually seeking the Holy Grail of success. Despite hard work and perseverance, this goal is often elusive. This article highlight five things can keep you from reaching your goal. While they may seem obvious, these mistakes continue to trip up both new entrepreneurs and long standing businesses.

Waubonsee SBDC is now on Facebook!

  

The IL SBDC at Waubonsee now has a Facebook page. "Like" us to get information on upcoming events and classes. Share your success stories with us! 

Important Surveys - Please Respond

In the upcoming months, you may receive an Economic Impact survey from the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), as well as a similar survey from the SBA. These surveys are assessing statewide business trends. Note that these surveys are not the same as the survey the Waubonsee SBDC issues twice a year for purposes of supporting our grant funding. We know you are busy, but please take a minute to respond to these sort surveys. Thank you!
Get Smart: Small Business Workshops at Waubonsee

Starting Your Business in Illinois ($30)                     

Tue., March 12, 6-9 p.m. (Aurora)
Thu., April 11, 6-9 p.m. (Sugar Grove)
Wed., May 8, 6-9 p.m. (Aurora) 

 

Business Challenge Workshop ($15)

Thu., April 25, 8-10 a.m. (Plano)

 

Marketing for Small Business ($30)

Thu., April 18, 6-9 p.m. (Sugar Grove)

 

Is Franchising Right for You? ($30)

Wed., March 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Aurora)

 

Social Media Marketing for Small Business ($30)

Thu., April 4, 6-9 p.m. (Sugar Grove)

 

Google for Business ($30)

Wed., April 24, 6-9 p.m. (Aurora)

 

Facebook for Business ($15)

Thu., March 7, 12-1 p.m. (Online)

Wed., May 1, 7-8 p.m. (Online) 

Register at Waubonsee Tickets 

 

Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law ($30)

Tue., May 7, 6-8 p.m. (Aurora)

 

How to Use Video to Market Your Business

($249) Sat., March 2-23, 9-12 p.m. (Aurora) 

 

Retail Merchandising ($35)

Thu., May 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Aurora)

Register at Waubonsee Tickets  

 

Business Plan Boot Camp - Markets & Marketing

Tue., March 19, 1-4 p.m. (Aurora)

Mon., April 15, 6-9 p.m. (Aurora)

Fri., May 10, 1-4 p.m. (Aurora)

Register at Waubonsee Tickets 

 

Business Plan Boot Camp - Forecasting & Financing

Thu., March 21, 1-3 p.m. (Aurora)

Mon., April 22, 6-8 p.m. (Aurora)

Tue., May 28, 1-3 p.m. (Aurora)

Register at Waubonsee Tickets 

 

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.   

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. 

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. 
WCC does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities.  
 
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