Hello Everyone,
I am thinking of inviting local business owners to a small event/presentation for new business owners. Where I would put together a panel of people (i.e CPA, small business insurance agent, myself) who would have the opportunity of presenting their services to these small business owners/entrepreneurs. Has anyone done such a thing? Any suggestion of others that I could add as part of the panel. My vision is that each one of us would go a give a brief presentation of their products/services and then have a quick Q&A and mixer. Let me know what your thoughts are?

Very good idea I think. Have not done something like that myself, but it´s something to keep in mind.
Keep us updated on how it´s gone.
Hilde

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

I think it's a good idea, but I think you'd be better off speaking with them one on one. New business owners have so many "things" that need to be in place before they can start operating, especially if it's a brick and mortar business.

Having an accountant and proper insurance are "normal" business expenses that new owners already know that they need. If these people are already overwhelmed with expenses, putting yourself next to these service providers, they may not be able to see your true potential.

I think a better plan of attack would be to put together a brochure or other marketing piece that shows them the benefits of partnering with a VA from the beginning - someone who can handle finding the right CPA or the correct amount of insurance on their behalf while they get out there and bring in more business to sustain it all. Meet with them in person (if possible) to discuss these benefits.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I think one other thing to consider is that in order to really get them interested in taking time out of an already busy lifestyle (as small business owners) it would be best to present the event as a learning opportunity where you're truly giving them some value for the time they will spend with you. You could offer a mini-course on whatever your own niche/specialty is, or build it around one of your services.

For instance, if you offer social media marketing as a service, create a Social Media 101 class for small business owners. Provide them with handouts, real information they can use, along with a talk on the benefits of social media for small business. The idea being to highlight how social media can enhance their business growth and lead to more revenue but again giving them at least a few tools they can leave with and use themselves right away.

Then you could close with a little about how your company can help them take better advantage of all that social media has to offer.

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Good idea, but getting others to attend could be challenging. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and send out press releases to your local newspapers! At least that's what I would suggest. I'll stay tuned for other suggestions!

I think it's a great idea. Also, I think gathering a small group of professionals who can offer tips and information to your audience would be a good selling point. The other professionals can help to finance the cost of the room rental, refreshments, etc. You might want to check with the Small Business Development Center in your area to see if they can give you some direction on this. I know small business owners are busy, but maybe gather a target group, say landscapers and offer this seminar during their off season, right before their busy season. I'm liking this idea for myself actually (eventually). Keep us updated on what you decide.

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Donna

Nellie - where are you conducting business from? Can you update your signature? Just curious if you're in the US. Thanks.

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Donna

Your idea sounds wonderful. I would take heed to all the post recommendations. Have you ever thought about maybe hosting some type of workshop or seminar with the other professionals you are planning to work with?

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Regeana Crumer
Ms. G's Office Solutions

Brand new around here and this seemed like a great post to get my feet wet on.

I was just thinking about your idea (which I think sounds great BTW) and what came to mind was, what if you offered some sort of training at your local SBA chapter. Don't know whether it's even a possibility, but everyone in the room would be a small business owner looking for whatever resource or training you're offering, it would be up close and personal, and you would be the starring attraction. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this or have you tried it?

Cheers,
Michele Alise

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Michele Alise ~ FluxAppeal
Solutions to Fit the Evolving Needs of Your Business

@ Donna, yes I am operating from Atlanta, Georgia. I thought I had updated my info. Will have to check into that.