June 2012, Issue 2

How Does Your Marketing Stack Up?

We’re partnering with Word Chef and several other curious folks to find out what solo professionals like you are doing (in terms of online marketing) and how well it’s working for you.

We’d like to create some real benchmarks and share that information with those who are affected by the challenges of marketing a micro business — namely, YOU. The survey shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes (probably less). In return, you’ll receive a report (in mid-July) that summarizes the key findings of the survey, and we’ll enter you in a raffle with a chance to win one of the following several great prizes including a $100 Amazon gift card.

Are you ready to help us? Great! Just click here and you’ll be good to go. And please rest easy that your individual responses are completely confidential, and will only be used in aggregate with those of other survey respondents. No names will be associated with your answers or given to any other company.

Client Interviews Have Begun!

During the months of June and July, WEV staff will be interviewing randomly-selected clients served during 2010 about their experiences and outcomes since participating in our programs.

All clients completing the 15-20 minute interview will be entered into a drawing for one of several wonderful donated prizes by local businesses like Silvergreens, Trader Joe’s, The Boat House Restaurant, C’est Cheese, lynda.com, Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, Fresco Café, Z Folio Gallery and many more!

As a client, your participation in the interview is the easiest way to give back to WEV, and your feedback helps us improve our existing programs, develop new programs, and inform the public (including potential funders) about the impact we’re making in the community.

If you’ve been selected, you’ll be hearing from either Amy Fletcher or Ester Trujillo very soon!

Public Speaking Group Coaching

Santa Barbara’s only Public Speaking Group Coaching program (facilitated by SET graduate and public speaking coach, Lisa Braithwaite) kicks off a new daytime, six-week summer session on July 17 from 1:00-2:15 p.m.

The first three people to register get 20% off the regular rate. For more information and to sign up, visit here or call 805.207.7647.

Online Classroom for Women Business Owners

The Women Owned Small Business Program has introduced a new training guide, “The WOSB Advantage.” This 22 minute, online module includes a comprehensive overview of the program, instructions on how to self-certify or engage a third party certifier, and an extensive menu of resources, forms, and applications to help women win federal contracts.

Safeguard Your Business: Computer Security Workshop

On July 19th, the Small Business Association (SBA) invites you to a series of workshops addressing the threats on and solutions to your business computer’s security.  Attend the workshop from 8:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-5:00pm. For more information, click here. 

EXPERT’S CORNER

“Make sure you pay attention to what you are getting accomplished along with the successes you are experiencing every day. One way to do that is to keep a What Went Well Log: Every night write down the 3 things that went well that day –big or small–and also what you did to make that happen.  This will shift your focus from what you aren’t getting done to what you are and relieve the stress you feel.”

This tip comes from Dr. Lynn K. Jones–executive, personal, and life coach. Thanks for your insight, Lynn!

What wisdom could you share with the WEV community? Establish yourself as an expert in your field by writing a quick tip to news@wevonline.org. Spread the wealth of knowledge!

“The Weight of the Nation” Screening

Please join Evergreen Health Coaching at their first community event on Saturday, June 30th at 9:30am in Ventura. BPI graduate Tina Hurst of Evergreen will be hosting the ground breaking documentary, “The Weight of the Nation” sponsored by the CDC and the NIH. This documentary researches the public health issue of our Nation’s obesity, how it’s increased dramatically and how it starts community discussions on how we can combat obesity in our local neighborhoods. An expert panel will be in attendance and a healthy light lunch will be served. For more information on the film click here or call Evergreen Health Coaching at 805.814.4180. RSVP appreciated! Click here for evite.

• Save the Date for WEV Connects!
• 3rd Annual Nurturing the Soul Retreat
• WEV Awarded the Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
• Orientations for Fall Courses
• Keep Roundtables on Your Radar
• Happy Fourth of July!
• How Does Your Marketing Stack Up?
• Client Interviews Have Begun!

Resources

• Public Speaking Group Coaching
  
• Online Classroom for Women Business Owners
  
• Safe Guard Your Business
  
• Expert’s Corner

• Client of the Month
• “The Weight of the Nation” Screening

We’re always on the lookout for a new Client of the Month, Success Story, Featured Artist or additions to the Client Achievements section of the newsletter. But don’t wait for us to find you… let us know how you’re doing now! Email news@wevonline.org

If you’ve got something for sale or rent – or a special deal to share with the WEV community – email news@wevonline.org