Black EXPO Workshops

WORKSHOPS

Our workshops are divided into 2 tracks*, "Grow and Succeed" and "Plan and Believe" If you are an existing business owner who is ready to take your business to the next level, then "Grow and Succeed" is for you. This track provides workshops on topics such as finding and hiring the right employees, and how to use the Internet to grow your business. Aspiring business owners will want to check out the workshops offered through the "Plan and Believe" track. The workshops offered in this track provide you with most of what you need to get your business off the ground. You will hear from experts in their fields, and receive valuable information that you can put to use immediately.

*Attendees are not restricted to a certain track.

Register and pay online: View the schedule below, complete the registration form beneath the schedule, and click Submit. You will be directed to a page where you can pay for your classes online. The cost per class is $20.00. The cost to attend any of the workshops offered throughout the day is only $80.

Register and pay by mail: Click here to print the registration form and send the form along with your payment to:

Omaha's Black Business EXPO

PO Box 540103

Omaha, NE 68154

Questions: Email us at omhabbx@msn.com or call 402-493-0744

Plan and Believe....Get started on the path to business success

8:00-9:00: The Real Deal on Starting a New Business

This workshop features a panel discussion by existing business owners at different phases of business ownership, new, intermediate, and established. Attend this workshop to hear about their experiences regarding business ownership and some of the pitfalls to avoid. Not sure if business ownership is for you? Then you don't want to miss this workshop.

Presenters:

Patricia Barron: Owner, Big Mama's Kitchen

Bobby Brumfield: CEO Mihos Security Group

Moderator:

BC Clark: CEO Leading Edge Consulting

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9:15-10:45: Developing a Business Plan

Learn the importance and usefulness of the business plan as well as an overview of each section of the plan. This includes determining the mission and goals of the company, conducting an environmental analysis, determining the organizational and marketing plans, and calculating financial projections.

Presenter: Dell Gines: Executive Director at Omaha Urban Area Health Education Center

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10:30-11:30: Minority Economic Development

This workshop provides information on minority economic

development resources offered by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Presenter: Winsley Durand, Minority Economic Development Council, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

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12:45-1:45: Acquiring Financing for Your Business

Getting a business started requires more than just a great idea, it requires the funding necessary to turn that dream into a reality. Understanding the financing process is essential in order to move forward with your new venture. Experts in the field will give you the knowledge needed to get financing for your business and what to expect from the lender.

Presenter: Cory Parker, Commercial Lender SAC Federal Credit Union

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2:00-3:00: How to Win More Sales in Less Time

Nothing happens in your business until a sale is made. Come learn proven strategies to win more sales in less time. This seminar will explore the barriers that keep you from closing sales faster and provide you with some tools that you can use to increase your sales results now! Gaining the right information to win more sales in your marketplace is just one decision away. You don't want to miss this dynamic sales seminar!

Presenter: Jerome Hopkins, COO, Leading Edge Consulting

2:00-3:00: Doing Business With the Government

Learn the basics of government contracting and the many contracting opportunities available to small businesses in the government marketplace. Understand the government procurement process, identify contracting opportunities, understanding the contract, and evaluate whether you are ready to enter this market.

Presenter: Andy Alexander, PTAC Mgr. NE Procurement Technical Assistance Ctr.

Grow and Succeed...Take your business to the next level

9:15-10:15: Achieving Excellence in Customer Service

How you treat your customers is your most valuable activity. Participants will focus their efforts on learning tasks that help them to best meet their customer’s requirements. If you want to increase your customer service effectiveness you will need to understand how to prioritize tasks and activities, eliminate negative behavior, and successfully meet your customer’s needs.

Presenter: Valda Boyd Ford, MPS, MS, RN - CEO & Founder Center for Human Diversity Inc.

9:15-10:15: Control your Business Phone from your Desktop

Learn about a communications solution that allows you

to control your business phone with the click of a mouse

from any Internet connection. It is packed with advanced features that allow you to customize how, when and where calls are received. It allows complete mobility and real-time functionality with minimal administration and no special equipment.

Presenter: Rob Nigh, Cox Business

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10:30-11:30: How to Work With the Local Media to Promote Your Business

This workshop will provide you with the basics needed to effectively communicate your message to the local media. You'll receive information on topics such as how to write a press release that gets noticed, when to call a press conference, and how to suggest a public interest story. This workshop also features recommendations from a panel of experts representing print, online, and television.

Presenters: Representatives from various media outlets

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12:45-1:45: Effective Networking

The objective of this workshop is to increase the networking skills of the participants. By the end they will be able to: (1) Use a minimum of three tips for effective networking; (2) Understand the importance of the 'What do you do?' question; and (3) the elevator pitch. Network with increased confidence!

Presenter: BC Clark, CEO Leading Edge Consulting

12:45-1:45: Use the Internet to Grow Your Business

This workshop will discuss the importance of establishing a presence on the Internet, and how small businesses can use websites, electronic newsletters, blogs, and podcasts to establish an Internet presence and grow their businesses.

Presenter: Donna Carter: President and CEO Omaha's URBAN Connection

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1:45-3:15: Developing an Effective Marketing Plan

You will learn the basic marketing skills and tools that will create momentum in your business. Participants will learn the basics of developing and implementing an effective marketing plan! Learn the difference between the features and the benefits of your product or service. Discover who your customers are, how best to reach them, and with what message and medium.

Presenter: Tawanna Black, Director of Diversity, Cox Communications

SCHEDULE

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Omaha's 2008

Black Business EXPO

Enlighten Educate Empower

Presented by...

Saturday June 7th - North High School- 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.