“ It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test. ”


— Elbert Hubbard

Thanks to all of you who were part of our 2nd Creative Marketing Group meeting last night!

We held our 2nd monthly meeting of the new Creative Marketing Group last night. Totally FANTASTIC!

 

Our participating small business owners -- all challenged to find creative, inexpensive ways to market their businesses -- made so much progress in the past 30 days that they impressed each other and me too! And the best part is that they're thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process (almost had to chase them out! :-)

 

They are learning to enjoy the experience, rather than dread it .... finding ways to collaborate with each other for greater visibility .... developing ways to reach their "ideal customer" more efficiently and effectively and understanding the importance of not tying themselves down to the "tried and true" by opening their minds through creative exercises.

 

Thank you all for making my job so much fun, and letting me experience your "wins" along with you!

 

-- Carol Daly, SBDC Consultant

For students who want to start their own business...

Whether you are thinking of majoring in Entrepreneurship or thinking about starting-up a business after graduating from college, you should take a look at these suggestions. Follow these tips and you will be better prepared to take that big leap.

Click here to read the article

Here is something for you.

There are 40 ..... a few weeks ago this came through and 40 were proven to exist.

How many squares do you see?

Take a look at this video and get INSPIRED! Start TODAY.

This little mom and pop shop started very small many years ago. The only thing they had was a small hot dog cart and a big heart and will to start their own business. They started selling hot dogs for 10 cents and drinks for 5 cents. The couple was unemployed at the time, so they decided to start their own small business. Today, it has become “Hollywood’s Hot Dog”, selling more than 2000 hot dogs a day.

Maybe this story will inspire you too to get your dream small business idea started. We can help.

Are you already using Pinterest?

We've been touting Pinterest as a great (and sometimes better) use of social media for small business. Pinterest can be a great way for your company to interact with your customers and get your name out there.

Well you don't have to take our word for it just see how these 9 businesses are getting exposure by using Pinterest Contests.

Click here to read more on this very interesting article that will give you many ideas on how to interact with your clients.

Don't cut back on training for your employees

When things get tight, often small businesses cut back on training and employee development. But is this the best solution? Learn some tips to keep the training programs and still save some money.

Click here to read and learn some more tips.

Opening a Business in the City of Rock Hill, SC?

This is information we've posted before, but since we get so many questions from people wanting to know how to go about opening a business in Rock Hill, we thought we'd post it again.  The City of Rock Hill actually has developed a very good program for making sure your new business (within the City limits) opens in compliance with all the local rules and regulations.   

If you're planning to open or relocate a business with the City limits, you'll want to contact the "Open for Business program to make sure you're doing everything correctly. "Open for Business" is a program to provide personal assistance to small business in choosing, building or expanding their business location. To contact "Open for Business," email ccarey@cityofrockhill.com or
phone 803 329-5590.

Download Open for Business Brochure

 

Welcome to our new Graduate Assistants in the Winthrop Region SBDC office in Rock Hill!

We are happy to announce that our SBDC office has two new consultants. This week we welcomed new GA’s to our Rock Hill office. They are very enthusiastic and ready to start working with our small business clients and helping them grow their businesses, whether they be start-ups or existing businesses that are expanding.

Eduardo Venegas Mejias

Pursing a General MBA degree

Graduated from Latin University of Costa Rica with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Systems and Engineering

Small Business experience as the Owner of Flor de Lis Naturalist Tours, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Former Logistics and IT Manager, University of Georgia, Costa Rica campus

Email: Eduardo.winthropsbdc@gmail.com

Phone: (803) 323-2283 -- (on campus, dial 6127)

  
   

Deidra Jones
Pursing a MBA with a concentration in Accounting

Graduated from the College of Charleston with a BS Degree in Business Administration

After graduation, worked as a Fiscal Technician for the College of Charleston, Treasurer’s Office
Email: Deidra.winthropsbdc@gmail.com
Phone: (803) 323-2283 -- (on campus, dial 6125)

Winthrop University "Among Best in the Southeast"

We're fortunate to have our SBDC hosted by the College of Business at Winthrop University ....

As you can see, it's a pretty special place.

Take some time to read this very interesting article on our university!

Looking to buy or sell a home?

Rock Hill, SC has been named #17 on the list of cities with the most affordable homes in the country. That bit of information alone could be helpful in bringing in retirees from the snowy north this winter, and boosting the area's homes sales.

Check out what CNN is saying about Rock Hill, click to read the article .

Avoid these 6 recipes for business disaster

Starting up a business can be a daunting experience and tips for business success can be very helpful to achieve your goals. But what if there are also some recipes for disaster? You may want to know them, right?
Here are 6, along with information on how to avoid them to increase your chances for business success.

1. Get rich quick
2. If things are going south, work harder
3. Nurture the weak
4. Measure revenue from the top line
5. Focus on your wallet

6. Turn your hobby into a business

To read more on these tips click on the following link:

Avoid these 6 recipes for business disaster