It's Year End...

Ah, the end of the year--a time dreaded by many small businesses because it means that it is tax time! I read an interesting article by About Money last week--Year End Checklist for Small Business.  The end of the year is also a good time to be thinking about what you hope to accomplish the next year, and making plans.

Need help understanding your business finances?  Developing a marketing plan?  Improving your networking skills? Organizing your office? Check out the CCBC Small Business page to learn about certificate programs we offer.  Or browse the Winter/Spring 2016 Catalog of Classes.  Let us help make 2016  a great year for you!

Happy Holidays from CCBC Life Enrichment

Global Entrepreneurship Week: November 16-22

Advice and inspiration: it's what Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about.  It's a time to celebrate job creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who launch start ups, and in help to drive economic growth. GEW is a platform for connection and collaboration.  People around the world are inspired through local, national, and global activities. Participants are connected with mentors, collaborators, and investors--introducing new possibilities.    For more information, click here.

How to Be Pitch Perfect...and Grow Your Business

Can you describe your business in just a few sentences?  Is it a catchy description, making people want to know more?

I read a great article on LinkedIn Pulse:  How to Present the Perfect Pitch .  One of the Sharks form Shark Tank gives some practical tips, like keep it simple, keep it lively, and be prepared.  Looking for more?  Need some help with what to do once you have perfected your pitch?  We have a great class beginning Tuesday, November 3 at Cockeysville Middle School:  Sales: Improve Your Skills to Grow Your Business (CRN 72466).  It meets form 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 11/3 and 11/10.  For more information, click here.  Space is limited!

Want to Learn About Voice-Overs?

CRN 72317 Introduction to Voice-overs.  To register, click here.

All About Business Plans

Starting a Business? Learn what it takes to create a customized business plan to help you build and manage the business you want.  Taught by an experienced business professional.  Still a few seats open for a class beginning Thursday 10/22 at CCBC Hunt Valley (CRN 72308); register here or call 443-840-4700 for more information.

Local Food Start-Ups: This is For You!

A question we get from food business start-ups:  where can I find commercial kitchen space to launch my bakery/catering/product business?  We have owners and operators in our classes, learning some business basics (sales, marketing, finance, management), but they often have a hard time finding space.  Well, there will soon be an answer!  Reported by the Baltimore Business Journal Morning Edition, construction for B-More kitchen has begun. According to the article, B-more Kitchen will have four parts: a commissary kitchen, catering division, distribution partnerships and small venture capital fund for the startups that need early-stage investing.  Read the article here.  It is so exciting to know that there will now be local support to help you grow your start-up!

Are You Ready for an Encore Career?

To many people, the idea of retiring at 65 is not part of the plan.  More boomers are looking at life after 50 as a time to do what they want, to make a contribution to society.  According to Forbes, more than 4.5 million people between 50 and 70 are doing just this.  As an entrepreneur, you can use the professional and interpersonal skills you've gained during your first career in as an entrepreneur?  We have many classes in our Small Business & Entrepreneurship program that can help guide you along your journey.
Check out what we have to offer -- here is a link to an online catalog. 

Ready to Start a Business?

Why not start out on the right foot, and avoid potential pitfalls.  Learn from seasoned professionals about the types of business entities, marketing, sales, business plans, and more.

Our next session begins Wednesday evening, October 14 at Parkville High School (CRN 71475).  To register, click here.

Need Help Networking?

Uncomfortable at networking events?  Need an elevator pitch?  How do you find networking events to attend?  Does it get easier with practice? Join us and learn this, and more!

How to Network Like a Pro (CRN 72483), beginning Monday evening, October 12 at the Essex campus.  To register, click here.

Get Ready for Baltimore Innovation Week

Baltimore Innovation Week begins this Friday, September 25 and runs through October 3. Take advantage of more than 50 workshops, panel discussions, and social events.  The week is aimed at the growing tech community in Baltimore, but there are workshops that are applicable for any small business owner or entrepreneur.

For more information, go to the Baltimore Innovation Week 2015 website.

Is Wedding Coordinating in Your Future?

We have a class this Saturday, September 19, 9-4:30 at the Owings Mills Center (CRN 72575).  Come and learn the basics, from start to finish,  from an industry expert.

To register, click here.

Is Baltimore Small Business Friendly?

Apparently not, in a poll conducted by Thumbtack, a company that surveyed over 17,000 small businesses across the country, including over 200 in Baltimore. In an article posted by  the Baltimore Business Journal yesterday, Baltimore comes in at number 86 out of 95 cities graded in terms of being small business friendly.  Being an educator, grades are important.  The worst grades?

• D for regulations
• D for tax codes
• F for licensing, environmental, and zoning regs

But the good news is that Baltimore received a B on training and networking for small businesses. Which makes this educator happy!

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, said in an interview that one of his biggest regrets is speaking only English. According to Entrepreneur, the Top 6 Languages Global Minded CEOs Should Know
are

1. Spanish
2. Portuguese
3. Chinese Mandarin
4. Russian
5. Arabic
6. Russian

Also frequently mentioned in our increasing globalized economy are Hindi and Persian. Interedsted in learning one of these? Check out our web site for more information.

For the Entrepreneurs.....

I read an intersting Huff Post article this morning: 8 Things Entrepreneurial People Do Differently .

The quick list:

• They're brave enough to commit to their dreams.
• They think of their customers more than themselves.
• They never stop learning.
• They never give up.
• They love failing.
• They find and fill a need of the world
• They take old ideas and make them way, way better.
• Above all, they act.

Sound familiar?

What Are You Doing This Fall?

Our schedule of fall classes is out!  Click here to link to the Fall 2015 Catalog of Courses. Small Business and Entrepreneurship classes begin on page 13.  Or go to the CCBC homepage and enter the class you are looking for in the query box.  Whether you are tossing some ideas around, getting started with a new business venture, or have an established business that you want to grow, we can help!

To register, click here .

Business Ideas

Ever thought of having your own business as a Wedding Planner or a Special Events Coordinator? We have two classes, both starting this Saturday, August 1, that can get you started.

Special Events Basics (CRN 70799):  

Discover the elements of effective special events planning.  Learn what to consider when selecting

a site, and how to create an event timeline.  Contracts, resources, and pricing are discussed.

Wedding-Coordinating-Part I (CRN 70800):

Learn the professional way to coordinate any size and type of wedding.  Get the basics from start to finish, and more.  Intended for individuals considering a career in professional wedding coordinating.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Business Manners Matter!

Have you noticed people at business meetings or lunches, mobile phones out, checking and responding to emails and texts?  Or have you been in a conversation with someone, and they answer a text?  This seems to be the norm. 

Business etiquette is important to your success. But rules change over time. How do you avoid an etiquette blunder?  Is it OK to leave your cellphone out during a business lunch and respond to emails?  Ever wonder about the appropriate dress for a business function? How do you  introduce new people to those around you? What about your handshake--what does it say about you? How best to give a business card to others?  

In Business Etiquette Basics (CRN 70839, beginning 7/23 at CCBC Essex), we’ll discuss these topics, and more.  Relationships are key to business.  Avoid making an etiquette blunder!

For more information, click here .

To register, click here .

Home Inspection: Continuing Education

Are you a licensed home inspector in the state of Maryland?  Do you need 30 hours of continuing education credits to renew your license (required every two years) with the Maryland Commission of Home Inspection?

CCBC offers two courses to help you meet the requirements:  Home Inspection: Continuing Professional Education, Part I and Part II.  You do not need to take Part I before taking Part II--take them in whichever order works best for your schedule.  You will enhance your knowledge and learn important updates.

For more information, go to our web site.

To register, click here or call 443-840-4700.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

A notary public is appointed by the state government to serve an an impartial witness for the signing of important documents.  This includes

• screening the signers
• determining the signer is willing to sign and not under duress or being intimidated
• ensuring that the signer understands what they are signing
• witnessing the signature

Interested in learning more?  becoming a Notary--Learning the Rules and Regulations begins this Saturday, June 20 at the Hunt Valley Center (CRN 39484).  For more information and to register, click here.

Who Doesn't Love Sticky Notes?!

Just saw this article in the Harvard Business Review, about how effective sticky notes are for getting someone to take action.  Check it out here . So go ahead, and make your next request personal!

Starting a Business?

There are common mistakes made when starting a business.  MSN Money had a good article:
 9 Ways to Avoid Rookie Mistakes When Starting Your Own Business .

We also have a great class:  How to Start and Manage Your Own Small Business (CRN 39580),  beginning  June 6 at Essex.  Click here for more information  and to register.

National Small Business Week May 4 - 8

We are here to support small business owners and entrepreneurs. Please review our course offerings and see how we can help!

Women & Business

An interesting article from The Atlantic:  Women Are Owning More and More Small Businesses

Need help for your business?  Check out our offerings!

Money, Money, Money....

When you have your own business, it's important to understand the financial aspect of it--even if you're not a money person.  Here's a good article from American Express Open Forum:  The Critical Numbers You Need to Know for Business Success .  We also offer a great class that can help--Financial Principles for Small Business.  Click here for more information.

Hate Giving Presentations?

According to the Washington Post, America’s biggest phobia is the fear of public speaking – 25.3% of people in the US are afraid of speaking in front of large groups of people. Here is an interesting article fro HubSpot-- 5 Tips for Delivering Better Presentations .  Want some personal help?  We have a class for that!  Speaking in Public (CRN 37032) begins Wednesday, April 1, 7-9 p.m., in Pikesville.  To register, click here .

Build the Buzz

Do you think you need to start using social media for your business, but not sure if it's for you?  Check out this article The Social Media Question That Small Business Owners Should Be Asking from Huff Post.

 We also have a great class that begins next Monday, March 23:  Introduction to Social Media for Small Business  (CRN 35709).  Come and learn from an experienced business owner, and get your questions answered!  To register, click here .

Starting a Business?

Starting your own business is not easy.  Here's a great article from the Wall Street Journal, highlighting one woman's journey to build a business:   Baked by Melissa Founder Shares Secrets of Her Success . And remember, CCBC is here to help!  We offer lots of classes to help you get started, and to help you grow a business.  For more information on classes offered, click here .

Truth and Consequences...of Owning a Business

For real--what's involved with owning a business?  What strengths will you bring to the table?  What will you need help with?  Is the business going to supplement your income, or be the sole source of your income?  Why do so many business fail?  Take a look at some of the truths involved in owning and running a business, and in the process learn how to avoid pitfalls and consequences that can arise.

Truth or Consequences:  The Myths of Owning a Business, CRN 35616, at the Owings Mills Center March 12.  For more information, click here .

Are You LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is all about relationships.  Learn how to use this valuable tool to grow your business and find ways to connect with new and existing customers.  The next class begins Monday, March 2 at the Hunt Valley Center (CRN 35702).  To register, click here  or call 443-840-4700.

National Entrepreneur Week February 21 - 28

It's National Entrepreneur Week!  Whether you have your own business, or want to start a business, we can help!  We offer a variety of classes to help you get started or grow your business.  Classes are offered around Baltimore County--click here for the schedule.

It's Tax Time!

Be sue you take the deductions you are allowed for your small business!  Here's a great article:
 A Dozen Deductions for Your Small Business .

Is Consulting For You?

Interested in starting a consulting business, but don't know where to begin?  Join us this Saturday, February 7, from 9 a.m - 4 p.m.  at the Essex campus.  Click here for more information.  To register, click here .

The Military and Entrepreneurs

Have military experience?  Thinking of starting your own business?  It might be a good idea--check out this article  6 Traits of Exceptional Military Leaders That Apply in the Business World .


  And we can help you get started--check out our class schedule.  The link is Small Business & Entrepreneurship Classes .  To register, click here .