ASU SBTDC offering two small business workshops in Jonesboro Thursday, February 4th as Part of Arkansas Entrepreneur Week (February 1-5)

As part of the Arkansas Entrepreneur Week Celebration, the Arkansas State University Small Business and Technology Development Center, Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Jonesboro Association will be hosting two workshops for small businesses in Jonesboro Thursday, February 4th at the ASU Delta Center for Economic Development building on campus. 

From 1:00-4:00 pm 5 Small Business Strategies for Social Media workshop will be conducted by Herb Lawrence, ASU SBTDC Center Director.  “Thousands of small businesses and non-profit organizations are finding the power of social media & inbound marketing to be an amazingly cost-effective way to build relationships on-line that drive business success,” said Lawrence, “In today’s challenging economic times this cost advantage makes social media a very powerful tool for building any business or organization. But… like anything else it has to be done right.  If you are not sure where to begin with Twitter, Facebook or Blogs or why you should even bother then this seminar is for you.”  In this three hour seminar Lawrence will discuss low-cost ways social media can bolster a business’s current marketing effort, determine which types of social media are the best fits for a business, how to connect with potential customers on-line who are searching for information about small business products and services and much more.  No technical expertise needed. 

From 6-9 pm the ASU SBTDC will offer 7 Steps to Small Business Success- How to Get a New Business Started Right- This workshop is aimed at anyone who is considering starting a new business and wants to make sure that the business has the best potential to succeed regardless of economic conditions.  “If you are going to start a business in 2010 then this seminar is the place to start.”  said Lawrence.  Topics will include Business Plan keys for success, legal requirements, licenses, fees and permits required by Arkansas, how to determine the feasibility of the business idea, common pitfalls to avoid, information about financing options and much more. 

5 Strategies for Social Media workshop is $35 per person ($25 for Chamber and DJA members).  7 Steps workshop is $30 per attendee and FREE to all military veterans.  For more information or to register for these seminars contact the Arkansas State University Small Business and Technology Development Center at (870) 972-3517, email asusbtdc@astate.edu, register on line at http://asbtdc.ualr.edu/training/jonesboro.asp or “fan” the ASU SBTDC on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/asu.sbtdc.

These seminars are co-sponsored by Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Jonesboro Association, East Arkansas Planning & Development District, Liberty Bank of Arkansas and Simmons First Bank.