The annual Entrepreneur’s Executive Summit is designed to give participants the opportunity to network with other business leaders and share the resources which support their long term success.
This year’s event – perhaps the most dynamic yet – featured presentations and round table discussions on topics ranging from advertising and marketing to time management and recruiting, to building an online presence, to client acquisition and retention.
There was something for everybody and, this was among the most common comments from attendees: “I would have liked to attend more of the individual sessions.”
Alas, our time together was limited and we could not be in all places at all times. Therefore, here for your convenience is a short recap as well as contact information for each of our experts, in case you want to learn more about their services or schedule a professional consultation.
Professional Image
Professional photographer, Paul Sivley, set up an onsite studio to assist participants in creating – or refreshing – their professional image. Paul brings expertise in business portraiture, interior and exterior architectural imagery, products, food, travel fine art, and portraiture. In fact, he has utilized his photographic skills in capturing images in 61 countries throughout the world. Paul can be found in his studio in Wilsonville, Oregon, or on location. Learn more about Paul’s work or contact him at www.paulsivley.com.
Networking
The primary purpose of meeting with other business leaders is to build a network through which many more connections are made… and so on, and so on. JR Hinds addressed attendee’s questions about the best forums for meeting new people and making business connections. In addition to being a master networker who often teaches and trains others in the art of networking, JR also helps small business owners maximize the value of their employee benefits (healthcare) packages. To connect with JR and his professional business network, go to https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/jrhinds. Learn more about employee benefits at https://www.HindsandAssociates.net.
Recruiting
Lori Rush helps small businesses with all of their HR (human resource) needs including finding and hiring the right employees for the present and future needs of their business. Attendees most wanted Lori’s expert opinion about where to find the best potential employment candidates and where to post job openings for maximum exposure and response. Lori was able to offer some excellent resources to assist, as well as how to determine the right “fit” so employers can effectively select the right person to join the culture, atmosphere and spirit of a company. If you are facing these kinds of decisions, you don’t have to go it alone. Lori is an expert in initiating an employment search, motivational and behavioral interviewing, and onboarding for best performance. Learn more about her services at: www.rushmentoringservices.com.
Public Relations
Emmy Award winning advertising guru, Denny Shleifer, addressed attendee’s questions about how to get the best bang for your small-business advertising buck. There was lively discussion about the value of a press release, the necessity of a clear and compelling brand image, and how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of advertising. You can learn more or contact Denny directly through his website, https://ShleiferMarketing.com
Search Engine Optimization
SEO is a term that tends to bring blank stares from business owners and executives, who are not familiar with the online world yet, are eager to develop a stronger online presence. Experts Dan DelMain and Nick Footer treated attendees to a lively discussion about the necessity of building business visibility online. Presentations focused on helping business owners to understand the difference between Search Engine Optimization and Pay per Click Advertising (including natural rankings (SEO) and Google ad words (pay per click). Presenters also emphasized the importance of online visibility through Google Places and he value of online business reviews to gain higher rankings with the search engines. To learn more about their valuable services, contact Nick Footer at https://www.in2itivesearch.com or Dan DelMain at (https://www.UmbrellaWebSolutions.com).
Marketing
The way small business owners make themselves known is through marketing. Anish VonAhlefeld brings a degree in Business as well as 18 years experience working in small business settings, to her work with clients. She specializes in helping small business owners better understand the technologies and tools that are available to small business owners… and which work best. During her breakout session, Anish shared the marketing value of social media outreach, the ROI of print advertising and direct mail campaigns, and the value of connecting with synergistic businesses and strategic partners. Learn more about Anish and her services at https://www.HuckleberryResources.com.
Social Media
The Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc) all share one common purpose: connecting people and building online communities. Delila Olsson is a copywriter who works with small businesses to create the messages and stories that effectively build visibility and credibility, and attract clients. Several attendees asked: what can I do to get more people to LIKE my business page? Delila wrote a blog to sum it up: How to get more LIKES on your Facebook Fan page. Read about Delila’s services at https://www.Wize-Communications.com.
Client Retention and Referral
Theresa Springer, a Senior Loan Originator with Willamette Valley Bank, has for over 20 years assisted homeowners in securing the right financing for their needs. Theresa has a reputation for tenacity, integrity and dedication. Attendees were treated to a chance to hear Theresa speak about the value of relationship-building to assure long term client retention and referral marketing. To connect with Theresa’s professional business network, go to https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/theresaspringer. Learn about her services at www.theresaspringer.com.
Time Management
No matter how great your advertising and marketing efforts, how large your online community, and how effective your team building strategies, if you can’t manage your time your business will not succeed. Sherry Jordan has been coaching high performance executives, small business owners and solo entrepreneurs for more than ten years. When you own your own business it is easy to get overwhelmed, which was a sentiment expressed by several attendees. Sherry offered the following guidance: schedule blocks of time in your schedule to accomplish the tasks in front of you… and stick to it. Your commitment to work “on” your business is often much more important than the time spent working “in” the business. If you’re ready to experience a higher level of personal and professional satisfaction, contact Sherry for a consultation to discuss your needs. Find her online at https://www.SherryJordanCoach.com or https://www.NorthwestCoachingGroup.com.
Remember, as business leaders we’re in this together. Here’s to sharing our set-backs, strategies and successes!
Onward,
~Sherry