Special Topics   Schedules are subject to change without notice. Please check here frequently for updates. For a complete list of workshops offered, please check the Workshop Calendar. To view only one workshop title, please select from the following list: View All Titles in this Category Consulting as a Successful Business Demystifying the Commercial Leasing Process How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch and Win More Business Legal Topics for Small Business Poor Customer Service: The Silent Business Killer & How to Prevent It Public Relations and the Development Cycle for Small Business The Face of Human Resources and It's Impact on Employers Women's Breakfast Writing Proposals That Win Business     August   Public Relations and the Development Cycle for Small Business Location: Orange Public Library & History Center 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange 92866 Click here to view map Date & Time: August 2 2010, Monday, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: No Cost More Info: Small businesses face challenges throughout the business development cycle. Good public relations can increase the odds of success from Startup to Growth to Maturity. Participants will learn how to avoid the most detrimental phase of all, the Decline Phase. There is a direct correlation between a public relations strategy and a business’ success. This workshop will provide a snapshot of the typical experiences, challenges and mistakes reported in each phase of the business development cycle and provide a blue-print for success with real-life examples of how PR can help market a company, create visibility and raise the profile of a company. There are tried-and-true strategies that agencies have used for years with their clients; learn what they are.   The Face of Human Resources and It's Impact on Employers Location: National University 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa 92626 Click here to view map Date & Time: August 24 2010, Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to Noon Cost: $30 pre-register online; $40 at the door (cash or check only) More Info: The legal issues an employer must be aware of can be overwhelming…. especially when you consider the increasingly litigious nature of our society, and the many nuances of employment law. Business owners are facing greater challenges today than in the past. We are we facing a worldwide financial crisis; we are also faced with continuous, growing employment regulations and ever changing labor issues. California based business, face unique personnel challenges in many areas – mainly in hiring and firing. Finding and keeping employees is another challenge. In this workshop you’ll learn about interviewing and hiring employees and the issues you need to address when firing an employee. You will learn how to properly classify employees, when an employee is exempt and how to determine if you are hiring an “independent contractor”. We’ll end with the importance of policy manuals and a review of the 2010 labor law changes and additions. Knowledge can save you legal problems.   How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch and Win More Business Location: Tustin Branch - OC Public Library 345 E. Main Street, Tustin 92780 Click here to view map Date & Time: August 26 2010, Thursday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: More Info: It does not matter what you’re selling: an idea for a new business, an existing product or service, or a project. It also does not matter who you are selling to: investors, lenders, customers, potential clients. In order to have a chance to close the deal, you first need the audience to listen to what you have to say. But getting the audience to listen to you is much harder than it looks. This workshop will help you to create an effective elevator pitch, so you can quickly catch the attention of the audience, persuade them to pay attention, and convince them that they want to hear more.         September   Women's Breakfast Location: Center Club 650 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa 92626 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 10 2010, Friday, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM Cost: $30 pre-register online; $35 at the door (cash or check only). Valet Parking included. More Info: If you know of a woman that owns a small to medium sized business, they need this breakfast. She will have the opportunity to: •Learn from other successful businesswomen •Network with other small business owners •Share ideas, experience and advice •Learn about the services of SCORE Note: general registration begins at 7:30 a.m.   Poor Customer Service:     The Silent Business Killer & How to Prevent It Location: San Juan Capistrano Regional Branch - OC Public Library 31495 El Camino Real, La Sala Room, San Juan Capistrano 92675 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 14 2010, Tuesday, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: More Info: Whether you are a company of 1,000 employees or it’s you and your computer, more business is lost by companies due to perceived poor response to customer needs than any other single issue. In many cases this happens without your knowledge that a problem even exists. In this presentation, you will learn the simple methods to “Wow the customer with service”, including the following: where Customer service begins; the “buzz” words you never use or always use; why calling your customer when there is nothing to say, can be positive; why you sometimes lose customers after you have solved their problem; and creating a loyal customer base that is not driven by price.   Poor Customer Service:     The Silent Business Killer & How to Prevent It Location: Los Alamitos Branch - OC Public Library 12700 Montecito, Seal Beach 90740 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 15 2010, Wednesday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: More Info: Whether you are a company of 1,000 employees or it’s you and your computer, more business is lost by companies due to perceived poor response to customer needs than any other single issue. In many cases this happens without your knowledge that a problem even exists. In this presentation, you will learn the simple methods to “Wow the customer with service”, including the following: where Customer service begins; the “buzz” words you never use or always use; why calling your customer when there is nothing to say, can be positive; why you sometimes lose customers after you have solved their problem; and creating a loyal customer base that is not driven by price.   Demystifying the Commercial Leasing Process Location: Orange Public Library & History Center 407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange 92866 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 20 2010, Monday, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Cost: No Cost More Info: Commercial building owners & their agents each have a strong background in negotiating leases, which most commercial tenants lack. This course can help equalize the situation by showing you what to do and how to proceed when you find an office, industrial or retail space to lease. Leasing commercial property is not overly complex, but it does take knowledge and skill. Whether you are planning to lease a commercial property on your own or use the services of a qualified broker, this seminar is designed to take you through the steps of the process and by doing so level the playing field.   Legal Topics for Small Business Location: National University 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa 92626 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 28 2010, Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to Noon Cost: More Info: Do you shudder at the thought of signing a contract or a lease? What are the tax ramifications of a C-Corporation vs. an S-Corporation? What do you do now that your partner wants out of the business? Learn the answers to these and other questions without paying an arm and a leg to an attorney. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This workshop is conducted by practicing attorneys who will put you on the front side of the basic legal issues you may face.   Writing Proposals That Win Business Location: Yorba Linda Public Library 18181 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda 92886 Click here to view map Date & Time: September 30 2010, Thursday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: No Cost More Info: Having difficulty with the government procurement process? This workshop exposes you to the full range of proposal elements and how to address each for success. Some of the topics covered are: marketing/capture, pre-solicitation activities, reading the solicitation, creating detailed outlines, proposal kick-off, building win themes, preparing storyboards, writing technical and management sections, reviews, proposal production, graphics, and delivery to the client.         October   Consulting as a Successful Business Location: National University 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa 92626 Click here to view map Date & Time: October 12 2010, Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to Noon Cost: $30 pre-register online; $40 at the door (cash or check only) More Info: The key is to build a solid foundation! This interactive workshop will give you basic tools for mapping out a plan for a successful consulting business. You will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a consulting business, how to do a self assessment, how to value your service, how to develop your pricing structure and many other issues that consultants need to address.