Please click on the link below to access our online class portal and to register for online classes. If you have any questions about our online class offerings please contact our office at 661-362-5900.

Click Here to Access our Online Business Classes

1. Understand their expectations. Know what Millennial employees hope to gain from working for you. Chances are, Millennials will make that clear during the job interview—but if they don’t, ask them.
2. Challenge them. Millennials want to make a difference in their jobs from the get-go. Encourage that enthusiasm by assigning them challenging projects from the start, and adding more responsibility as they learn.
3. Define tasks and goals. It may seem contradictory, but while Millennials enjoy independence, they also grew up with “helicopter parents,” teachers and coaches micromanaging their lives. Be crystal clear when assigning tasks. Set incremental deadlines and check in regularly to review progress.
4. Provide ongoing feedback. An annual performance review isn’t enough for Millennials, who want to hear how they’re doing—both good and bad—on an ongoing basis. This may be a more hands-on approach than you’re used to with older employees, but it’s essential for Millennials to thrive.
5. Offer flexibility. Millennials expect work-life balance, and view working remotely and flexible hours as essentials, not extras. Bonus: Offering these options not only attracts and retains Millennials, but pleases older employees, too.
6. Provide continuing education. Millennials want to improve at their jobs. Sign them up for webinars or seminars in their areas of interest; send them to conferences and events to learn from more experienced peers; or simply provide on-the-job training and education.
7. Match them with a mentor. Millennials welcome mentorships, and pairing a Millennial employee with an older, more experienced worker benefits both of them. It also cements bonds, which can help eliminate generational misunderstandings at work.
8. Tailor benefits and rewards to their interests. Millennials may be less interested in benefits like dental insurance and more interested in perks like continuing education. In a 2011 PriceWaterhouse Coopers survey, the majority of Millennials said they would like to customize their benefits.
9. Let them BYOD. (That means “bring your own device.”) Tech-savvy Millennials often prefer to use their own laptops, cellphones or tablets for work instead of a company-issued device. This can save you money; just make sure devices are secure and sensitive information isn’t compromised.
10. Use their social skills. In the 2011 Cisco Connected World Technology Report, 56 percent of Millennials said they wouldn’t work for a company that banned social media in the workplace—or they’d sneak around the policy. Instead of shutting down Facebook or Twitter on the job, enlist Millennials’ social media expertise to enhance your company’s online presence.

Rieva Lesonsky is founder and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, read her blog at SmallBizDaily.com, and visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for free TrendCast reports.

1. Tighten your belt. Running lean and mean is essential for small businesses hoping to stay competitive. Look for ways to trim costs whenever you can. Eliminate unnecessary expenses like redundant subscriptions, phone lines or memberships. Review agreements with key vendors annually.
2. Adjust prices. Don’t let rising costs for inventory, materials or supplies take you by surprise. Monitor trends and be ready to increase prices as needed to stay profitable.
3. Find new customers. In tough economic times, keeping a steady supply of new prospects in your sales pipeline is more important than ever. Don’t skimp on marketing activities that help your business generate leads. Consider expanding to new markets or targeting a different subset of customers.
4. Get creative with hiring. You probably need more manpower, but hiring full-time employees is not the only option. Look for lower-cost solutions that also offer flexibility, such as retaining temporary employees, part-time workers or interns, or outsourcing to independent contractors.
5. Maximize productivity. Make sure your staff has the tools they need to be productive. Create systems and processes that streamline operations, and provide training so employees know how to use them.
6. Harness technology. Technology tools like tablet computers and smartphones for your team can quickly pay for themselves in increased productivity. Assess what IT changes make sense for your business. A small outlay to upgrade technology is worth the cost if it helps you stay ahead of the competition.
7. Use social media. Social media is a buzzword for a reason. As more and more Americans join social networking sites, social media is influencing everything from the stores and restaurants customers visit to the services they use and the products they buy. If you haven’t yet explored this marketing tool, make 2012 the year you do so.
8. Monitor your cash flow. Slow-paying customers can put your business at risk. Get accounting software and learn how to use it. Then track your cash flow on a weekly, even daily, basis, and take action to speed income and delay outflows.
9. Keep up with trends. Now more than ever, you need to know the trends brewing in your city, your industry and your market. The needs and wants of both consumers and business-to-business customers are changing rapidly, and if you don’t keep pace, you’ll get left behind.
10. Think strategically. To succeed in business today, you must stay one step ahead of the game. Consider how the trends you’re monitoring will affect your business and your competitors in the years to come. Develop a plan for dealing with threats and taking advantage of opportunities.

Rieva Lesonsky is founder and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, read her blog at SmallBizDaily.com, and visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for free TrendCast reports.

What: Healthcare Reform Means to California Small Businesses
When: Friday February 10, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM PST
Where: University Center at College of the Canyons Rm 107
Cost: Free to attend + $2 parking

Mark your calendars!
The Small Business Development Center Hosted by College of the Canyons, and Small Business Majority are holding a free listening session to help local small business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs learn what the new healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, means for small business.

A panel of experts will focus on both federal and state provisions to help local small businesses understand how the law will affect them.

Topics include:

• Small business tax credits—who’s eligible for them and how to claim them
• State Health Insurance Exchange
• High-risk Pools
• Shared Responsibility
• Cost Containment
• Small Employer Wellness Programs
• Tools and resources available for small businesses interested in learning more about the law

Map

A question and answer period will follow. A continental breakfast will be served.  Speakers will include national and local small business and healthcare experts.
There is a new tax credit for small businesses offering health insurance….  Are you capitalizing on it?

Sign Up:
Register online at:  http://tinyurl.com/7tfloem

• How to find overseas customers
• How to finance and insure
• How to educate staff
• Sea and air cargo services

Featuring speakers from:

• Trade Development, Port of Los Angeles
• Los Angeles World Airports
• U.S. Department of Commerce
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Center for International Trade Development

Contact

SBDC hosted by COC

sbdc@canyons.edu

661-362-5900

When

Thursday January 26, 2012 from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM PST

Where

University Center @ College of the Canyons, Rm 107
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Directions

Cost: FREE + $2 parking fee (kiosk located in lot 14, machine takes $1 and quarters only)

http://tinyurl.com/7ox86ul

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California residents and business owners affected by the Los Angeles County High Winds from November 30 through December 4, 2011, announced U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen G. Mills.  SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following a December 13 request from Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s designated representative, Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of California Emergency Management Agency.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Los Angeles County and the neighboring counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura

“The U. S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing Californians with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for residents and businesses affected by the disaster,” said Mills.  “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the disaster,” said SBA’s Los Angeles District Director Victor Parker.  “Beginning Monday, December 19, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each individual complete their application,” Parker continued.

The center will be open on the days and times indicated.  No appointment is necessary.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size and aquaculture businesses, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based upon each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is February 17, 2012.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is September 19, 2012.

For more information, visit SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov.

SBA Field Operations Center – West, P.O. Box 419004, Sacramento, CA 95841

# # #

2011-12-19_High Winds SBA Disaster Proclamation

1. Ask for referrals. Many entrepreneurs fail to benefit from referrals because they’re simply too shy to ask. Most satisfied customers are happy to give you referrals–but they won’t think of it if you don’t ask them.
2. Know the right time to ask. Aim to gather referrals at the completion of a project or upon delivery of a product. The goal is to approach the customer when they are happy with the purchase and the transaction is still fresh in their minds.
3. Create a system. Set up a procedure for capturing referrals. This can vary depending on your industry. A business-to-business company might ask for referrals during a post-sale phone call or email. A retailer could enclose a card with each purchase that customers can fill out to refer a friend.
4. Offer a reward. Encourage customers to give referrals by offering incentives, such as a discount on their next purchase, a free month of service or a small gift. Making rewards contingent on whether the referral makes a purchase can encourage higher-quality referrals who are more likely to buy.
5. Build trust. Customers don’t want their friends bombarded with marketing messages. Make them comfortable providing referrals by explaining how you will use the contact information they provide. Will you send direct mail? Will you contact the person by phone?
6. Follow up in a timely fashion. If you let referrals languish for months, their value can fade as the relationship between your customer and the prospect changes or your customer becomes less enthusiastic about your business.  Set up a system to contact referrals within two weeks of obtaining them.
7. Mention the connection, but don’t rely on it. When you contact a referral, be sure to let them know who referred them to you. However, don’t assume that this connection alone will spur the prospect to buy. You need to put forth as much effort as you would with any sale.
8. Get to know them. Don’t give a “hard sell.” Lay the groundwork for a relationship by offering the referral something useful as an introduction to your business. This could be a whitepaper related to their industry, a free consultation, or a discount on their first purchase.
9. Provide great service. When you win business from a referral, always provide outstanding service to the new customer. Otherwise, you will make the referring customer look bad for having recommended you, and you might lose not only the new customer’s business, but the old one’s as well.
10. Repeat the cycle. Be sure to ask your new customer for a referral when the time is right—and watch your business grow exponentially!

December 2011 – Top Ten Tips

Rieva Lesonsky is founder and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, read her blog at SmallBizDaily.com, and visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for free TrendCast reports.

1. Understand angels. Angels are private investors or groups of investors who invest in small businesses. Unlike venture capitalists, who invest and manage other people’s money, angels invest their own money.
2. Determine whether your business is a good fit. Angels often fund companies in the early stages, before they are ready to qualify for bank loans or venture capital, explains SBDC Business Advisor Nina Grooms-Lee.
3. Know how much capital you need. Angels typically fund anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $2 million, says SBDC Business Advisor Mike Grimshaw. If you need more than $2 million, angel investors may not be the right choice for you.
4. Be prepared to give up some ownership. Since angels generally provide funding in the form of convertible debt or in exchange for an ownership stake, Grooms-Lee says, you need to be comfortable with sacrificing some equity.
5. Demonstrate potential for return. Because they make risker investments than banks do, angels expect a higher rate of return. You must be able to show how your business will make money, how the angel/s will benefit and a clear exit strategy.
6. Pinpoint the right angels. Angels often focus on certain industries, so you can improve your chances of success by targeting angels that specialize in your type of business. Tech and biotech, medical services and appliances, green products and services and social media tools are all popular industries for angel investment right now, according to Grooms-Lee and Grimshaw.
7. Use all your resources. You never know where you’ll find an angel, so search both online and off. Grimshaw recommends visiting www.gust.com to find angel investor groups nationwide. Capital conferences, referrals from business contacts, and your nearest SBDC are good resources as well, says Grooms-Lee.
8. Show your management strengths. Unlike VCs, who may replace your management team, Grimshaw explains that angels often pick their investments based on a good management team already in place. Instill confidence in the angels by demonstrating your team’s expertise and credibility.
9. Be prepared with a strong package. When you make your presentation to the angel/s, be ready with a clear, concise pitch and a well-thought-out business plan. Also use the meeting as a chance to understand the angels’ approach and build rapport, says Grimshaw.
10. Be willing to listen and learn. In addition to capital, many angel investors provide resources, contacts and advice based on their industry experience. Don’t miss out on the advantages this valuable knowledge can provide.

Rieva Lesonsky is founder and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, read her blog at SmallBizDaily.com, and visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for free TrendCast reports.

Top 10 Tips – November 2011

As a result of the donation — which follows an initial $10,000 contribution made to the SBDC by Wells Fargo in 2010 — SBDC business advisors will be able to continue to offer an expanded set of free business consulting services in its Antelope Valley service area.

“We are very grateful to Wells Fargo Bank for confirming their belief in the work we do in the Antelope Valley by renewing their financial sponsorship,” said SBDC Director Steve Tannehill. “With their help, over the last year we have been able to increase our consulting activities and training activities by 15 percent and 58 percent, respectively.”

During that same period of time the SBDC has helped Antelope Valley small business owners raise more than $1.1 million in capital, create 157 new jobs, and start three new small businesses.

“These successes would not have been possible without the support of Wells Fargo Bank and our other Antelope Valley partners,” added Tannehill.

Wells Fargo Bank Vice President and District Manager Kathie Voss (left), Steve Tannehill, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by College of the Canyons (center) and Wells Fargo Bank Community President Ernie Pineda (right).

1. Start now. “Now is the time to begin executing your plan to reach customers during the holiday season,” says SBDC Business Advisor Monica Rayes. “Most of the challenges [small businesses face] can be alleviated with a well-thought out marketing plan that connects with consumers.”
2. Use social media. Today, Rayes says, customers expect to be one click away from businesses at all times. Use social media to get close to your customers, alert them about holiday news and specials in your business, and learn what they want and need.
3. Use email. Timing and subject line are key. “Time your emails right and make them stand out,” says Rayes. “Identify the best days and times for emails to go out, and be proactive about generating quick responses.”
4. Use the Web. Even if you don’t sell products online, Internet marketing can expand your visibility to a wider audience. Use social media, search engine optimization and paid search advertising to attract customers seeking particular products.
5. Enhance the shopping experience. Price matters, yes, but emotion is still important for holiday shoppers, says Rayes. Use festive décor, music and scents to create a mood that makes customers linger (and spend more) in your store. Online, use images and marketing copy that put customers in a holiday mood.
6. Be part of the community. Participate in community events both before and during the holidays, Rayes advises. Get involved with charitable organizations and consider holding holiday events in your store.
7. Capture early shoppers. “Early shoppers like to plan ahead and take their time when making purchases,” says Rayes. Since these customers seek continuous engagement, Rayes suggests using mobile marketing, social networking and email marketing to promote customer loyalty programs, discounts and new product announcements.
8. Capture last-minute shoppers. The more you can simplify the gift-buying process for these shoppers, the better, says Rayes. Then, use email and social media to alert last-minute buyers of your simple, stress-free approach to shopping. “Offer ideas and recommendations, and provide a lenient return policy, free gift-wrapping or free delivery,” she adds.
9. Offer added value. Little extras mean a lot to harried consumers during the hectic shopping season. Offering holiday treats, free samples, gifts with purchase or free delivery are all great ways to reward customers and boost sales.
10. Plan for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday (www.smallbusinesssaturday.com) and Cyber Monday. These key shopping days, which fall just after Thanksgiving, are vitally important for retailers. Have a plan for how you will market your business to attract customers on each day and how you will ensure adequate staff and inventory to meet the demand.

Rieva Lesonsky is founder and President of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, read her blog at SmallBizDaily.com, and visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for free TrendCast reports.