Smart Business Resource Center Newsletter
    July 2007 1201 Placer Street - Redding, CA - (530) 246-7911  
The "Way to Go" and Ways to Save

How are you doing? How's your bottom line? Find out what it will take (money-wise) to get ahead with this free

Cash Flow Budget Worksheet
MS Excel, on smartbiz.com

Want to save money on equipment?
A new purchase may - or may not - be your best bet. Read up on your options: Buying vs. Leasing Business Equipment nolo.com

Does that apply to computers? See: Buy Versus Lease: What You Need to Know (smallbusinesscomputing.com) New, used or leased? Learn all about:
Obtaining Vehicles for Your Business
www.toolkit.cch.com
But which will save you money? Run the numbers using the Equipment Buy vs. Lease Calculator
(www.finance.cch.com)
Save yourself from a BIG HEADACHE...
Get it in writing!

Contracts 101:
What Makes a Valid Contract

(nolo.com)

Ten Tips for Making Solid
Business Agreements and Contracts

Yahoo Small Business

Dollars & Sense...
  • "Put a Price on Your Time" with this quick quiz on businessknowhow.com.

  • Paycheck Calculators are available on PaycheckCity.com.

  • Paper Paychecks Are So Yesterday (smartbiz.com)

  • For a sense of well-being where you work: Feng Shui (effectivemeetings.com)
  • Cascade SBDC - A great local resource
    The Cascade Small Business Development Center (Cascade SBDC), hosted by Shasta College and College of the Siskiyous, offers a number of services to small businesses (think 500 employees or less) in Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties. They feature:
    • Support for Start-Up Businesses and Existing Business Expansion

    • Professional Business Counselors available for one-on-one consultation

    • No cost and low cost workshops and trainings
    Call (530) 225-2770 to schedule free one-on-one consulting sessions that will target business improvement and increased operational success. Special programs are available for startup businesses.

    Cascade SBDC is conveniently located at 1420 Butte Street in the Downtown Redding Mall. View their new website at www.sbdcsc.org.

    Customer Service 101
    July 10th, 8-10 a.m.


          View the flyer
          Register now
    It's back to basics. Get the foundation for great customer service skills. Discover simple actions that can bring immediate results. $55

    Learn how to:
    • Indentify the customer need
    • Change behaviors and attitudes
    • Deal with angry customers
    • Handle customer complaints
    ~ A Smart Business Workshop ~

    Are your employees prepared?
    Although businesses want new hires to "hit the ground running," a third do not provide formal orientation programs, according to a survey by staffing service Robert Half International. A good orientation, according to RHI, covers all the basics (facility tour, introduction to other staff, etc.), involves management, and follows a written agenda so employees know what to expect.

    87% of new hires surveyed who received orientations said it helped them prepare for success with the organization.

    Source: NAWDP Advantage


    DamselsInSuccess.com (by women, for women) provides an online forum where women can share their professional stories, and exchange information and advice.

    The site includes a job board for employers to connect with women candidates.

    We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there.

    - Charles Franklin Kettering

    Sales & Relationships
    July 25th, 8-10 a.m.


          View the flyer
          Register now
    Don't just focus on closing the sale. Successful salespeople know that in order to reach their short and long-term goals, they must create business relationships. $55

    You will learn:
    • The building blocks of selling
    • How to foster relationships
    • How to create relationships
    ~ A Smart Business Workshop ~
    ~ Supervisor / Management 101 ~
    A Management Certificate Program
    Earn 1.8 CEU credits
    This series of six workshops will focus on the challenges facing individuals in a supervisor or management position. Fee: $330

    It is an excellent opportunity to learn the essentials of quality supervision and gain the tools and information needed for success.

    You must sign up and attend all six sessions (workshops) to receive the Essentials of Quality Supervision Management Certificate and the 1.8 Continuing Education Units.
    1. Leadership
    2. Effective Communication
    3. Managing Conflict/Dealing with Difficult Employees
    4. Supervisor's Guide to Labor & Employment Laws
    5. Effective Staffing Strategies/ Performance Planning and Review
    6. Motivating Employees in a Changing Workplace
    Starts August 1st - Sign up now!
    Click here to register
    To learn more call 245-1571.