Get Marketing, Planning Tips at July Business Center Workshops

The Office of Economic Development's Small Business Advocate, Karen Arakawa, manages the Maui County Business Resource Center, located in the Maui Mall, Kahului. File photo.

By Sonia Isotov

Every month, local business experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to free workshops held at the Maui County Business Resource Center. Topics vary by month but usually focus on starting, financing, and growing a small business.

Here’s the July schedule of business education workshops:

July 6 – “Lynchin (Be Indispensible) – What You Must Become to be Successful in Business”
Success in business requires that you create a product and service that addresses a problem and creates a solution for your customers. Your goal as an entrepreneur and business person is to become indispensible. You become the “go to” guy or “go to” gal for a specific service or product your client wants and needs; therefore, you become a lynchpin (one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exists or functions as a unit).

July 7 – “Cost Cutting Strategies for Small Business”
Learn about tips and tools for creative cost-cutting measures that makes strategic sense. Cut expenses in areas of your existing business to outpace the competition for years to come. Please bring in your current Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statement to make the most of this workshop. Instructor, Rennie West, has extensive experience in management in the restaurant industry. In 2006, she was the recipient of the Mayor’s Small Business Award for businesses with 50 or more employees. She loves to share her visions and business experiences with entrepreneurs.

July 12 – “”Starting a Business in Maui County”
Lectured by Karen S. Arakawa of the County Office of Economic Development, this seminar covers general information and requirements for starting a business in Mau County. Handouts, websites, and other helpful information included.

July 14 – “Turn Your Craft or Hobby into a Small Business”
Do you want to learn how to turn your Hobby or Craft into a Small Business? In this workshop you will learn what you need to do to turn your craft or hobby into extra income. This workshop will include steps you need to take to set up your home based business, which includes organizing your files, pricing your items to make a profit, determining where you can sell your items, formulating a business plan and marketing yourself. Francine M. Fernandez is a lifelong lover of crafting, including crocheting, embroidery, sewing, making jewelry, lei making, and more. She has turned her hobby into a business and sells her handcrafted items at craft fairs and online.

July 21 – “Local Search Marketing – Get Your Business on the Map”
If you have a business in Hawaii that caters to locals and visitors alike, local search marketing is the answer. Today, your customers are looking for you on the Internet and on their smart phones. Are they finding you? If not, we’re going to show you how to get your business on the map … literally Discover … How to get your business listed on the first page of Google Maps, Yahoo Local and Bing Maps. How to quickly identify the top 10 sites where customers go to find the products and services you offer. How to get 5-star ratings and exceptional reviews from your customers. How to have a more compelling business listing than your competitors. This workshop is presented by Bob and Josh Sommers of the Internet Marketing Association of Hawaii.

July 26 – “Doing Business with the Government as a Subcontractor”
Every product or service that is acquired by the government is done through a bidding process. Evette Lau of MEO’s BDC, will lead this instructional workshop introducing participants to the process of successful government contracting with information on registration & technical assistance to Small Businesses who are interested in federal, state and local procurement.

July 28 – “Marketing & Sales Strategies to Improve Your Business”
Nothing happens until you sell your product or service……. If you are starting a business or have a business, come learn marketing and sales strategies to improve your business. Learn ways to develop your target market, research, and find affordable ways to advertise your product or service. Understand the size of your market, pricing strategies, competitor analysis, and distribution channels. Learn different approaches to personal selling of your product or service. Handouts will be provided for future reference. FRED RICKERT is currently a Senior Business Consultant with the Hawaii Small Business Development Center-Maui, a program of the University of Hawaii to assist small businesses in developing entrepreneurial skills. Prior to this position, he served in many financial and operating leadership roles both in Hawaii and the mainland in Agriculture, Land Development, Hospitality, Port Management, International transportation, and Investment companies.

As seating is limited, reservations are requested and may be made by calling the Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC) at 873-8247.  Attendees are asked to bring their own lunches.  All workshops are subject to change or cancellation.  Appointment for free business counseling sessions with experience SCORE counselors can also be made by calling 873-8247.  The MCBRC is County of Maui Facility managed by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.