Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "small business"

Why do you love Sacramento ?

2011-07-19T06:56:29Z

We've all heard it before, “I need to get out of Sacramento."

The above statement has been muttered out of the mouths of people born and raised here or forced here beyond their will as a child by the likes of their parents or family, just waiting for the day they turned 18 to flock to wherever the cool kids are. You have probably also heard the generic, "There is nothing to do here," or, " If I want a real career, I need to move to San Francisco or Los Angeles, where it's happening."

Maybe so, or maybe, these people haven't given our state capital a fair look at a microscopic level with a new pair of eyes.

You know what, no microscope needed, just open your eyes.

Sacramento's popularity is rising. People who are now old enough to spread their wings and fly have chosen to nest here. It's not because they have failed to take flight and venture out and find exciting endeavors in new places, it's because Sacramento is one of the most amazing places to be and some people don’t even know it.

A group of people who share the same view gathered Sunday evening at Time Tested Books, a long standing independent book store owned by Peter Keats. Keats curates an event called, “The Sacramento Living Library,” that happens at the bookstore every third Sunday. The Living Library is hosted by the editor at Midtown Monthly magazine, Tim Foster. Each month, the group focuses on a cultural legend in the Sacramento area and opens the microphone to their guest speaker(s) and attendees. This past Sunday was a showcase dedicated to why we love Sacramento. Each attendee was welcome to share why Sacramento is so special to them. Guests could also choose to simply listen.

The group served as inspiration to one another as people approached the mic, claiming they were only there to listen at first, but felt obliged toward Sacramento as they heard others speak about their love affair with our city of trees.

The evening started out with Living Library regular, local writer and security guard William Hughes. Hughes expressed his love for Sacramento through a thoughtful poem that showcased his favorites, brunch at Tower Café or golf at William Land Park.

Not only is Sacramento a great place for our natives to stay, but it is a growing place to call home for people hailing from different cities and states. Forget Los Angeles, as did a painter named Jeff who left southern California for northern and hasn’t looked back. What captured him about Sacramento was the city’s history, the architecture of our buildings and the fact that he can walk everywhere.

“Carmeggedon!” yelled a guest from the crowd, referring to closure of the 405 highway, a major Interstate Highway in southern California that demonstrated how reliant on cars southern California really is.

Interestingly enough, the editor of Midtown Monthly magazine, a magazine that highlights the going-ons of greater Sacramento, is in fact from New Jersey. Tim Foster came to Sacramento “kicking and screaming,” planning on going back to the East coast the first chance he got - until he moved to midtown. After five years of living in midtown Sacramento, he says he can’t imagine home being anywhere else. Foster says midtown had everything in a community he was looking for and his earliest memories of New Jersey did not.

Other reasons on why Foster loves Sacramento: he can ride his bike to not one, but two different rivers; affordable housing with a garden and garage; and he “never had to pay for band practice in my life.”

Performing Arts teacher Melanie Smith admits that when she moved to Citrus Heights and worked as a teacher at American River College, her life consisted of her daily commute to the college and back home. Her view of Sacramento changed once she moved to Curtis Park. She describes it as “uncovering a new world.” Smith said getting to know the neighborhood and her neighbors on a more personal level is what brought about her love of Sacramento.

Smith also touched on the topic of film and stage performances. Sacramento has it all, the actors, the writers, the producers, the directors. So why move? Why move when we can stay where we are and create here?

This goes for all areas of creative endeavors. We need to dive into the resources we have and reach out to one another for support and inspiration. It’s here.

Olivia Coelho, co-owner of Bows and Arrows, recalls memories of her time growing up in the foothills where she was surrounded by “McMansions” and didn’t share the same views as the other kids she grew up with. As an escape, she moved to Santa Cruz briefly to complete her studies before returning back to the Sacramento area.

Coelho then uncovered her journey in finding what she wanted to do with her life: to find out that Sacramento wasn’t just a pit stop to bigger and better things. Sacramento is where she found a group of like minded people with whom she could create, recalling memories of art shows at Joe’s Style Shop. Coelho was also overwhelmed with outpouring support from other small business owners when she asked for advice.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Coelho beamed.

Coelho’s business partner, Trisha Rhomberg, who focuses on Bows’ gallery, is from Missouri. She came out here to attend CSUS ten years ago. She must have seen something in Sacramento because not only is she still here, but she shows no signs of slowing as the growth of Bows and Arrows burns faster than a wildfire.

The evening’s last speaker was Karen, a Sacramento native, whose natural smile radiated from her as she reminisced about Sacramento’s lovely features. She mentioned the weather, palm trees, diversity and affordable housing. She also said it was heartwarming to watch small businesses grow.

The group of speakers lightly touched on politics and what we can do to keep people here. Why are you here?

Rivers, B street theatre, yearly festivals such as Launch and Bicycle film festival, eccentric dance nights hosted by Shaun Slaughter, the State Capital, McKinley Park, The State Fair, Tower Theatre and café, bike rides, Crest Theatre, Crocker Art Museum, 2nd Saturday Art Walk…. Why do YOU love Sacramento?

Sen. Darrell Steinberg Names Uptown Studios "Best Small Business of the Year"

2011-06-08T17:43:44Z

On Monday June 6, 2011, California state legislators came together to honor a small business owner from each of their legislative districts. This year California President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg named Sacramento website and graphic design firm, Uptown Studios “Best Small Business of the Year” for 2011.

Since 1992, owner Tina Reynolds and her top-notch team of employees create websites, brochures, logo/brand designs and use state of the art videography and social media marketing techniques.

To the greater Sacramento region, Uptown Studios is more than just another small business. They are known as a company “with a conscience”. Reynolds and her team has given countless hours volunteering for organizations such as SafeGround and co-founded Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization.

Uptown Studios also serves many companies when it comes to "greening" up their print materials and coming up with great options to print, such as pdf’s, online video and alternatives to printing.

Other businesses, big and small, as well as non-profits and governmental organizations depend on Uptown Studios to help them with their promotional needs and in turn are able to gain a higher exposure to the public. One of their mottos is, “If you can see it - we can do it!”

Reynolds commented, “Being named 'Small Business of the Year' by Senator Darrell Steinberg is such an honor. First because Senator Steinberg is a hero of mine, and secondly because he is recognizing the great work that we do in the greater Sacramento Area for our clients and nonprofits. This award makes me so proud of all the work that we do as a team; fighting for equality, changing the face of homelessness, and connecting with many other nonprofit groups and working together on so many issues.

This will only make the way we do business better; we will have a more pride than ever in the work we do...”

Presenting the award was Susan McKee from Sen. Steinberg’s office. In her remarks about Reynolds and her employees who were all there, McKee said, “Tina does so much work in the community, it takes all these people at the table to actually run the business while she’s out helping the homeless, working on political campaigns and I am very pleased to be able to call her friend of Sacramento.”

The small business event was held at Sacramento Convention Center.

You can contact Uptown Studios through their website at www.UptownStudios.net or call 916.446.1082.

Uptown Studios Named “Best Small Business of the Year”

2011-06-03T18:53:57Z

On Monday June 6, 2011, 80 legislators will come together to honor a small business owner from each of their legislative districts. This year California President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg named Sacramento website and graphic design firm, Uptown Studios “Best Small Business of the Year” for 2011.

It is widely understood that small businesses are known as the “economic engine of California” and Uptown Studios certainly is no exception. Since 1992, owner Tina Reynolds and her top-notch team of employees create websites, brochures, logo/brand designs and identities and use state of the art videography and social media marketing techniques.

Uptown Studios is more than just a small business. They are known as a company “with a conscience”. Reynolds and her team has given countless hours volunteering for organizations such as SafeGround and co-founded Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization. You can expect Uptown Studios to be your advisor when it comes to "greening" up your print materials and coming up with great options to print, such as pdf’s, online video and alternatives to printing.

This will only make the way we do business better; we will have a more pride than ever in the work we do...”

California Small Business Day is not only an event to honor small businesses but it is a day where small business owners can receive extensive information. Hosting the event is the leadership of the California Legislature President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Speaker John A. Perez. Over twenty-two organizations including Chambers of Commerce, business associations, and federations are sponsoring this event.

The program will be held at Sacramento Convention Center. The theme of the morning session will be “Buy California Small Business First”. The luncheon will include small business owners from the district receiving their awards by small business friendly legislators and Governor Jerry Brown. Workshops in the afternoon will include “Cutting Costs of Doing Business” and “Contracts for Small Business”.

You can contact Uptown Studios through their website at www.UptownStudios.net or call 916.446.1082.

Bows & Arrows move adds gallery, cafe, bar

2010-12-01T04:31:53Z

The duo behind Bows & Arrows is reinventing the business in a new space devoted to nurturing local artists.

In spring, artists Olivia Coelho and Trisha Rhomberg plan to open a new concept rooted in the vintage clothing store they've operated in Midtown for three years.

Coelho and Rhomberg, who are both clothing designers, will continue to sell vintage and repurposed clothing at the new space at 1815 19th St. But Bows & Arrows' new location will also be a place for the creative class to eat, drink, sell art and be exposed to other talent.

"We're the poorest philanthropists you'll ever meet," Coelho said.

Coelho's parents bought the building in June. Coelho and Rhomberg will lease it back. The business partners estimate they'll save $2,500 a month by moving out of their current space at 1712 L St.

They said they're spending every cent they've earned, inherited, borrowed or saved to gut and renovate the interior, which includes building a kitchen and adding skylights. The interior will feature earth tones, vintage furniture, colorful hanging lamps and Mason jar glasses. The vine-covered exterior will be repainted.

The women are as much into nature as clothing and art. If they're not combing through estate sales and flea markets, they're camping and hiking in the mountains or on the coast.

Their love of the environment helped inspire the clothes they make for their own clothing line, Miss Chief of California. They recycle vintage fabric or garments by altering hems, creating modern fits or designing new pieces. Rhomberg compared the process to remixing music.

"We're using what is already there and just putting creativity into making them different," Rhomberg said. "What's rad about them is every one is unique."

The store carries their clothing, jewelry and purses, as well as handmade fashion from other designers. But the clothes and jewelry will be pared down at the new location to make way for an art gallery, cafe and beer/wine bar that will occupy at least half of the 3,300-square-foot space, formerly home to Retrofit Recording Studios. Bows & Arrows will also feature a 1,600-square-foot back patio.

Coelho and Rhomberg, who both majored in fine arts in college, said they wanted to create a special place to showcase emerging artists and musicians of all kinds, while offering an atmosphere that's unpretentious.

"We feel there's a community of people who are under-served – our creative class," Coelho said. "But they are not pretentious, and they don't want to be served or talked to in a pretentious way."

The menu, which is still being developed, will emphasize pairings of food with wine and craft beer from California and Europe. Cheeses, meats, seasonal produce and local baked goods will take center stage. They're in negotiations to hire or partner with a chef.

"There are a lot of nice, high-end restaurants and bars here," she added. "But we end up migrating to the dive bars because we feel more comfortable there."

Rhomberg met Coelho at a fashion/art bazaar called Sellout Buyout in 2004. At that time, Coelho operated her first store, Olipom. Sellout Buyout gave Rhomberg, a Missouri native, her first opportunity to sell the clothes she was designing. Coelho also started carrying Rhomberg's clothes at the store. Rhomberg's line, Pretty Trashy, was later sold online and in 18 stores nationally and in London.

Olipom was destroyed in a fire in 2006. Coelho relocated but closed the store after they teamed up to open Bows & Arrows in 2007. But the 6,600-square-foot space they're currently renting is far too big.

The warehouse holds thousands and thousands of clothes the pair hopes to sell before the move. They plan to hold a huge sale Dec. 18 and won't be buying any more vintage clothing until after they relocate, Rhomberg said.

Sacramento has few galleries for emerging artists to show their work. The closure of their friend's gallery, Fools Foundation, a few years ago has left artists in their circle without enough representation, they said.

Coelho and Rhomberg hope to build a space that will push new artists to the forefront. Many of them are friends of Coelho and Romberg. The women are even partnering with a skater/musician, Sean Stout, to start a local recording label that will put out vinyl records and cassettes.

Hours at the new location will be 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily, but may expand to midnight on weekends.

They plan to host events, from fashion shows and bazaars to art receptions, tastings and video screenings – all with the goal of helping artists make a living from their art, the way Rhomberg and Coelho have.

"We want to help support the growth of this artistic community," Rhomberg said. "That can be inspiring to other people."

Photo of Trisha Rhomberg and Olivia Coelho celebrating in front of their new building provided by Bows & Arrows. Other photos by Suzanne Hurt, a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Corporate America’s Noose “Death of a local business”

2010-11-15T03:34:29Z

Trends-N-Treats of Fair Oaks; woman-owned and family-operated, pet supply spa boutique clings to hope while a box-pet-store laughs all the way to the bank. Imagine being a small business owner, established in your town and overnight you learn a large corporation is moving in your business model next door – doing exactly what you do, but in true box-store fashion (impersonal, not very well informed, not helpful, don’t care, etc). The landlord says, “Too bad you’re stuck through your lease term”. The term is years down the road. What can you do?

If you are a small business owner: make sure your lease has a lease the “exclusivity” provision that prevents your competition from moving in next door. If it is not there, get it there! It seems obvious that a landlord owes a duty of covenant of good faith & fair dealing, not to interfere with your business – 9 out 10 times the landlord is currying favor with its new national recognized tenant. Suffocating your business; the loss grows to the point there is no choice but for you to vacate; while having your arm twisted in binding lease.

Support local business! Thank you :-)

Marketing Innovation Guru Transforms Small Business

2010-09-13T18:10:48Z

Nationally recognized marketing innovation expert Elaine Starling announces a provocative recovery strategy for small businesses.

“Marketing is at the core of all successful business,” Starling said. “If your marketing isn’t working for you, it’s working against you – watering the wrong plants grows the wrong crop.”

Starling is offering free marketing training videos to share her award-winning strategies with small businesses everywhere, available at MillionairesMarketingMatrix.com

Starling was motivated by a meeting with the California small business advocate Marty Keller, who shared that the 3.2 million small businesses in California generate 99.2 percent of all new jobs and 70 percent of all taxable revenue. That was enough to hook Starling, who routinely generates marketing ideas with local restaurant owners, consultants and businesses.

“Businesses waste too much time and money with Band-Aid fixes on the wrong problem," she said. "This strategic look at your marketing keeps you focused on what is most important that really gets results.”

How can small business owners and entrepreneurs prosper in today’s economy? According to Starling, they should use the “collaboration economy to connect, contribute and collaborate.”

“Elaine Starling’s marketing ideas are simple, strategic and highly effective,” said Gurumantra Khalsa, publisher of the Nutrition News newsletter. “We implemented these ideas in our business and are seeing startling results – you’ve just got to watch them!”

Starling’s entertaining video series provides concrete examples and ideas every business can use.

Organizations that serve the small business community are taking note. Local business organizations are very concerned about helping their members continue to grow during these tough economic times.

“Free training that gets proven results is always welcome,” Starling said. “Marketing is just so fun and simple to do once you understand the basics. I want to share some of my fundamental formulas so more businesses have a chance to thrive and grow.”

About Millionaire’s Marketing Matrix
Millionaire’s Marketing Matrix is a marketing system for small businesses and entrepreneurs, designed to make marketing simple, strategic and supercharged. More information is available at millionairesmarketingmatrix.com

Financing topic of small business workshop

2010-08-12T02:01:11Z

Small business owners from the Sacramento area gathered Wednesday at the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Citrus Heights for a workshop organized by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui's office.

For two hours, more than 30 business owners such as Michael Kyalwazi met with representatives from a dozen lenders and resource organizations. Entrepreneurs like him were drawn there for one thing: finding financing in this troubled economy.

"It's sad so much money is flying out there but it's not reaching small businesses, which are the engine that drives the economy," he said.

Kyalwazi worked his way up the ladder at La Bou Bakery & Cafe. He started as a floor sweeper and, over 20 years, became regional manager for 32 La Bou stores. Now he operates three coffee shops under the name Café Le Monde.

His businesses have been successful enough that he'd like to open more. But he's had trouble getting banks to lend him money — especially because his first three businesses all operate in contract locations at McClellan Park and two medical buildings in Sacramento and Natomas.

In contract locations, expenses are all up front, but payment is often very slow. Like others at the workshop, Kyalwazi was searching for lenders to extend credit for times when he's cash-poor, said Jim O'Neal, district director of the SBA's Sacramento district office.

"That is the biggest impediment to small businesses right now – lack of access to flexible lines of credit," O'Neal said. "That's what every small business is screaming about right now."

Kyalwazi and other business owners met with representatives from banks, credit unions and loan guarantee agencies to learn how to make their businesses competitive for financing. They also got information about services available through the SBA, Sacramento Works, SCORE and the Sierra Business Council's Sierra Economic Development Corp.

Some, like contractor Geoff McCain of GMC Contracting in Sacramento, said they were just trying to tread water while leading their businesses through transitions. McCain, who once made a living building new homes and remodeling others, is working his way into the solar industry.

"I'm in a dangerous situation," he said while talking to loan officers and business banking specialists from Wells Fargo. “If something doesn't turn, it's going to fall apart.”

Virtual Assistants in Sacramento Receive Training at Virtual Offices

2010-07-02T21:56:28Z

As unemployment rates rise, now over 12% in California, individuals are starting their own businesses and looking for ways to cut expenses. Many moms are now opting to stay home with their children and find a way to add to the family budget working from home as virtual assistants. Some small business owners are reducing costs by using virtual offices and assistants instead of hiring a part-time assistant and renting office space.

What is a virtual office and a virtual assistant? A virtual office business in Sacramento is Capsity Offices located at 2321 P Street in Midtown Sacramento. Capsity combines the traditional office environment with coworking and virtual offices. This allows businesses to establish a professional image through shared business resources: business address, phone system, workspace, conference rooms, networking events, and now Virtual Assistant Services. Jeff Louie of Capsity states, "Our community asked us to develop the virtual assistant piece to our model of the Entrepreneurial Fueling Station."

Virtual Assistants provide a variety of support services to business owners from their own office or a virtual office. These shared, pay-as-you go professionals are also called virtual office professionals. They’re not employees, they're entrepreneurs themselves, so not only do they really understand the business owner’s challenges, they don't come with all the extra costs in money and time that come with hiring an employee.

Virtual Assistants in the Sacramento area receive additional support and training in a variety of ways. Both Sacramento City College and Sierra College have certificate programs for those interested in becoming Virtual Professionals. The Northern California Virtual Assistants Meetup Group was founded by one of Sierra College’s graduates, Sara Gaffney. The group currently has 48 members and meets monthly in various locations throughout the Greater Sacramento area. Many are also members of an online group of Virtual Assistants at FindVirtual.com which now has over 1,050 members.

To provide additional training to Virtual Assistants in the Sacramento area, including the Capsity Offices Assistant, Capsity Offices is sponsoring a 3-hour Virtual Assistant Workshop on July 9, 2010 hosted by Sue and Joel Canfield of Chief Virtual Officer. This workshop is designed to help Virtual Assistants grow their business. It's not skills training but business coaching. "This workshop will help me stay motivated to keep going. I look forward to learning more about the whole marketing and personal face-to-face networking thing," states Neilia Dudley of Butterfly Blue VA. Details and registration for the workshop can be found at Event Brite: http://sacramentovaworkshop.eventbrite.com/.

Today’s new style of work based around technology and collaboration will continue to foster more coworking, virtual offices and virtual assistants. The coworking and virtual assistant industries will continue to grow and work together. Virtual office professionals working from virtual offices will help business owners get more done, save time, money, effort, and frustration, and help grow their business.

"Disclosure: Sue Canfield operates Chief Virtual Officer. She coaches Virtual Assistants and will be presenting at the July 9, 2010 Workshop at Capsity Offices.”

Cerrina Jensen joins Rood & Dax

2010-06-23T14:49:55Z

Cerrina Jensen, a vocal advocate of cost containment and consumer choice in health care and employee benefits, has joined the Sacramento office of Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services, Inc., as an employee benefits consultant focusing on the small group market.

“Growing up, I had no idea I would one day be a benefits consultant," she says. “But spending each day helping employers successfully navigate their benefit issues of coverage, cost and human resource challenges is truly rewarding.”

Jensen has more than 15 years of experience in a variety of settings in the insurance industry and brings a wide range of knowledge to her role at Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services, Inc., where she develops strategies and implements benefits packages based on the unique needs and budget concerns of small business owners.

Active in both the California and national health underwriting circles, Jensen serves on the local board of directors for the National Association of Health Underwriters, and has lobbied for responsible health care reform and cost containment, both in California and Washington, DC.

Jensen lives in Folsom with her husband, their two teenage children, and the family pets. She is an avid reader who also enjoys cooking up feasts for family and friends, as well as working in her new garden. She is active in her community and serves as vice president of public relations, in Toast of the Town Toastmasters Club, which meets in Sacramento.

Focus on Social Media and Your Business Could Miss the Mark

2009-12-14T22:24:18Z

If you have been reading about communication and marketing tools over the past couple of years you are aware of the proliferation of new devices and platforms for marketing to and establishing community with existing and prospective customers. Studies continue to show that growing numbers of people are adopting the use of social networking and micro-blogging platforms for personal use and to “follow” or “fan” their favorite businesses. Social media will continue to grow and offer businesses perhaps the greatest value in time and investment to reach customers and successfully track the results of their efforts. Read this: your business needs a presence in social media.

As growing numbers of consumers and the businesses looking for their attention continue to migrate to online interactions there are some important thing for small businesses to keep in mind.

A significant portion of the population is not participating in social media

Our tendency as small business owners is to play to the crowd, appeal to the masses. Utilizing online tools whether they be social networking, a website, or an e-newsletter provides you with the ability to observe and track the response to your efforts. However, consider these statistics:

The following are those adults that participate in social media with a status update service:

37% of 18 to 24 year olds

31% of 25 to 34 year olds

20% of 35 to 44 year olds

Pew Research on Internet and the American Life August 18 – September 14 2009

While these are certainly some impressive numbers, it is not quite yet a majority of adults. As more businesses vie for the attention of these adults the online marketplace will grow more and more saturated and will require a more astute business owner. Consider the results of 50 percent of small businesses marketing to 40 percent of the adult online consumers (statistics regarding SMBs online from Internet2go and Merchant Circle study HERE).

Here are some tips for business utilizing social media:

Seek interactions that will drive foot traffic

This is likely an obvious tip, but necessary nonetheless. Networking and marketing online can lead to a great deal of interactive business. It is important to consider how through the use of interesting promotions or partnership you can bring people to your site. This could easily be accomplished through the hosting of a community event. Businesses are encouraged to make their space hospitable to community groups for gatherings. Recently I attended a panel discussion hosted by the SacPress at the Urban Hive. The Urban Hive has been a regular host for such events which helps make it a continually convenient location for freelance, creative, and solopreneur types looking for a collegial work environment. I would also point out the wisdom of the Sacramento Press utilizing other communal spaces for their events.

Another local business, Bella Fiore florist in Fair Oaks, recently had an in store contest that resulted in an online drawing. Guests who attended their recent artist showing during 2nd Saturday looked to an online announcement for the winner. A reverse of this would also be advised- have online submissions for an in-person drawing (must be present to win). Businesses would be advised to engage in these types of promotions that endeavor to create real world interactions.

Meet the people that you network with online – offline.

Social networking presents a variety of opportunities to interact with other business owner / managers. These relationships can be valuable as you consider opportunities for partnerships and cross promotion. Look for community events, trade associations, or affinity groups where you have the opportunity to meet these potential partners in person. Later this week I will be looking forward to an event co-hosted by the Sacramento Social Media Club and SacTweetUp. The annual holiday party, the HoliTweetup hosted at the Park Ultra Lounge (props to another small business opening its doors to community groups) will be an opportunity for professionals whose primary connections exist online to network in a personal environment.

Find unique ways to establish community with offline customers.

Remember all of those customers that are not engaged online. Customers who are not engaged online can often feel alienated if they are left out. Activities and promotions aimed at interacting with customers in a more traditional fashion can help your business build loyalty amongst these customers. This can be an important part of engaging customers in the way of their choosing. If you have customers that take business updates online, that is where you should make them available. Similarly, be sure you continue to cater to customers who may be more comfortable with collateral materials and the occasional mailer.

Have any other ideas about how businesses can target non-internet customers? Who do you see doing a great job at mixing their online with real world interactions? Name some names.

Ask the Readers... What do you want from local small businesses on social media?

2009-12-04T22:24:33Z

There have been recent reports online regarding the use of social media by small businesses. As fast as social media has gained in popularity, businesses have expanded their use of it. It appears as though most social media users are okay with this.

Many businesses have given it a try while others have found too difficult a platform. Some local perspective about Sacramento Press readers and thieir expectations on social media would be valuable to the local business community. Please, share your perspective with us.

What do you like from the small businesses you follow?

Who locally is doing a great job using social networking?

What advice do you have for those considering getting into the game?

Perhaps you dislike businesses butting into your social life. Tell us about that too.

Bankers to Replace Lawyers in Lab Experiments

2009-12-01T21:30:14Z

You have likely heard the old joke that lab rats are being replaced by lawyers because the lab workers do not get emotionally attached to lawyers. Or the one about a thousand lawyers being chained together at the bottom of the ocean being a “good start”. As these jokes (and the hundreds of others) show, lawyers have a bad reputation. Personally, I have never had the need for one and only know a few, and I have worked pretty hard at maintaining the status quo on both of those points. It seemed to me that lawyers are for people who live near secret toxic waste dumpsites.

Recently, my work helping small businesses with marketing led me to a local Law Firm and Real Estate company where I’ve learned several things (including the fact that there is such a thing as a combination Law Firm/Real Estate company, and that combining those services is a huge benefit to their clients- more on that later).

The people I met there are well aware of the reputation Lawyers have; working with them I quickly picked up on the company jargon that “nobody likes a lawyer until they need one”. With the recent happenings in the Real Estate market, there’s not a whole lot of popularity on that front, either. I have always advocated integrity and personal responsibility, which I feared would not mesh well in a Law Office. I kept these thoughts to myself and focused on my responsibilities, to build awareness of their services and to market a loan modification program.

Surprisingly, I discovered a deep seeded passion in the Attorney and his staff. Ted Greene, the owner and Attorney, is an affable but direct communicator. In one intense conversation with Ted four days into my work he stopped me and said, “You don’t talk to these people. You don’t understand the fear and hopelessness that these people feel. They want assurance, they want an advocate, to speak with an Attorney who knows the law.” I was taken aback and humbled at his perspective and his passion for the distressed home owners that his company had been serving. Integrity and responsibility in a Law office? The list of things I was learning continued to grow.

Every day that I work with the law office I encounter another story of distressed home owners in desperate need of help. These stories have forced me to re-examine another long-held belief. I consider myself to be a savvy consumer and I’ve long followed conventional consumer wisdom, which made me wonder: Why do these people think they need us? Everybody should know that they can do their own loan modification. Call your bank, fill out some paperwork, and get a loan mod. Anybody who has taken in an afternoon of Clark Howard could tell you that. Besides, the larger banks are receiving government money to help us all out of this mess and it only stands to reason that they’d rather agree to a lower house payment that can be paid every month than get nothing, right? Somehow this has proved not to be the case for many people. My conventional wisdom is not serving me well.

The clients at UpsideDownCA.com, the joint venture of Ted Greene Law Offices and JCL Realty, are not lazy people who can’t fill out forms. They have tried all of the options available to them and they have nowhere left to turn. Many are home owners who have already been denied their modifications. Some have come home to trustee sale notices posted on their front door after never hearing from their lenders. Others have had their paperwork lost by the bank or have received rejections despite overwhelming hardships. All of these customers received reprieve through the services of UpsideDownCA.

Working with this team has been an incredible experience- fulfilling, even, to earn a living while helping people who are saving their homes. They might not be doing the work that is typically thought of as community service, like feeding the hungry or giving toys to needy kids. No movies will be made featuring the team at UpsideDownCA.com. Still, I do think that this team is doing some pretty heroic work. There are dozens of families who will go to bed tonight in their house because UpsideDownCA went to bat for them. It feels good to be a part of that.

I’ve also been thinking about the lenders who are refusing service to the under-employed, the furloughed State workers, and the suddenly single-income households. I believe that they are doing our society an extreme disservice, and I’m not alone in noticing. People have a long memory for companies who turned a blind eye to the needs of their customers. Maybe it’ll be the bankers offered up for lab experiments in the coming days. Lest the employees of these companies wish to become the butt of longstanding jokes, I hope they take heed and change their tune.

And remember- you never know. Next time you meet a lawyer, they may turn out to be one of the good guys.

* Photo from above - “Furlough Friday” – 12:30pm – taken by Josh Bruno at the corner of 5th Street & Q Street just a few blocks from the Law Offices of Ted Greene.

Sacramento Small Business Celebrate the Holidays in a BIG Way!

2009-11-29T07:29:42Z

There is no doubt that businesses in general have suffered through our ever-changing economy. Businesses on multiple levels have had to make sacrifices; downsizing, cutting salaries, furloughing, laying off, and certainly cutting expenses.Small business, especially in Sacramento, is no exception. One expense that seems to be a commonality, is the Company Holiday Party.

Historically, no matter how large or small an office or business is, company's have celebrated the holidays and their accomplishments with their partners, employees, and sometimes, vendors and customers. It is a time when people put work aside, and come together over food, drinks, entertainment and memories that often survive the company itself.

This year, small and medium sized businesses, consultants, solopreneurs, coaches, recruiters, relators and attorney's are all invited to participate in Get Networking Now's inaugural "Sacramento Region Company Holiday Party"! On Thursday, December 17, business owners, their employees, their vendors and key clients will enjoy a "BIG" celebration on a small business budget! Part of the proceeds will also benefit a local childrens' arts organization, Chalk It Up!

Chef Simon Mandell, co-owner of Courtyard D'Oro a new restaurant and banquet faciliaty in Old Sacramento, is preparing a "feast" for these hardworking entrepreneurs consisting of four cuisines, followed by dessert, dancing, music, entertainment. and "swag bags" with special offers, samples and promotions from local businesses. The event is scheduled from 6-10 pm at Courtyard D'Oro, which is located at 1700 Front Street under G Williker's Toy Emporium.

Ticket prices are $40 at the door, $35 presale. Special Pricing is available for small businesses with profiles on www.sacgnn.com and is FREE with paid monthly membership to Get Networking Now. Tickets may be purchased at: http://sacareacompanyparty.eventbrite.com/

Get Networking Now (SacGNN) is a local networking resource assisting small and medium sized businesses to grow "small talk" into "BIG Business" through education, training and networking events. SacGNN offers a free online community for local business owners to exchange leads, information, and resources and assist one another in growing their businesses in Sacramento.

For more information on this event, or Get Networking Now, please contact Rebecca Johnson 916-868-7562 or rebecca@sacgnn.com

3 Winning Strategies for Sacramento Area Small Businesses

2009-11-21T23:54:04Z

The Wall Street Journal featured a story recently that held some tremendous promise for Sacramento Area small businesses. The article titled “Three Best Ways to Win Community Support” outlines the some opportunities that small businesses can create or take advantage of. I think these are particularly ripe for those businesses around the Sacramento community.

First off, a recent trend in small business marketing has been to develop community around your products and services. Community is where loyalty comes from. It is why we have newsletters, a social networking presence, and why we all wish there was a bar where everybody knew our name. These tips will help you further to engage your customer outside the confines of your primary place of business.

The articles first recommendation was to hold a contest or event with local flair. Being a New York paper they pointed to the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Sacramento has an active community. This week my wife has our family signed up to participate in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is sponsored by numerous local and nationally franchised businesses and is a fundraiser for the Sacramento Food Bank. This is a great example of participating in events with local flair. My favorite new pizza spot in Sacramento is Hot Italian. As a fan on Facebook and recipient of their weekly emails I know that they participate in a lunch hour concerts held in the Freemont Park across the street. Another example may be a Second Saturday event. Monthly these events are hosted all over Sacramento with particular fervor in the Midtown area as well as some Suburban locations like the Fair Oaks Village. People who attend these events often are a good source of repeat business.

The second recommendation: Team up with other local businesses, especially those with complementary products. Every business is looking for that perfect partner. We often forget how teamwork works. One customer of mine is a local Max Muscle. The owner selected a site two doors down from a sports footwear store and shares the shopping center with a soccer supply store. Shortly after moving in the footwear store began to sell sports supplements. Now instead of stores working together to build a successful shopping center they are taking an isolationist approach. Why not offer complimentary products from other local businesses in your store. When local businesses win, we all win. A common mistake of marketing is also that it is done in sort of a self congratulatory manner. Working in community helps us to avoid this pitfall. It turns out that customers listen far more when we begin to talk about others. Find some complimentary businesses to partner with. Generate some conversation about each other. Begin a movement together! And that brings us to recommendation number three.

Join or start a grassroots business alliance. The Midtown Grid is a fantastic example of a business alliance in Sacramento. With a dedicated website at MidtownGrid.com these business has joined together in a variety of campaigns for mutual beneficial causes. One in particular is the Green The Grid initiative. When businesses set aside their own well being and put the community first they will experience the same in return.

I believe that most people want to shop local. Given the option of supporting a local business or not, I think there is a strong desire to participate in supporting a local economy. Show your community that your feel the same. Be a business that contributes to the community and see if the community does not give right on back. So host some parties, build some partnerships, and participate in a movement.

I am sure I have missed some well behaving local examples. What Sacramento Area business have you seen using these principles to better the community and grow their businesses? Please, include a link.

Hammond wants bid preferences for local companies

2009-08-06T04:04:59Z

Local small businesses may be able to gain an advantage when bidding for contracts with the city of Sacramento if a new proposal by City Councilwoman Lauren Hammond is eventually approved by the City Council.

Hammond is proposing a program in which local small businesses would be eligible for a 5 percent bid preference with the city. The purpose of the 5 percent discount would be to give local businesses a boost in the city's bidding process.

Hammond told The Sacramento Press she would like to create the program because "there aren't enough companies getting contracts with the city of Sacramento." The city's other efforts to bring in more local companies have not worked because city staffers have not reached out of their "comfort zone," she said.

City staffers usually choose the lowest bid for contracts, Hammond said. The 5 percent bid preference would lower a local company's bid, which would make the local company more likely to be selected by the city, she noted.

Under Hammond's proposal, the city would decrease by 5 percent a local company's quote when the company competes for a contract, according to Trevor Walton, a program manager with the city's Economic Development Department.

Right now, Walton is crafting Hammond's proposal. An idea being discussed right now is to use the 5 percent bid preference for bids under $100,000, according to Walton. He expects that the city's Law and Legislation Committee will weigh in on the proposal in September.

The plan will need to be approved by the City Council before it can be established. A date for the City Council to consider the proposal has not yet been selected, Walton said.

The city currently provides a 5 percent bid evaluation preference now to small businesses located in the state, Walton explained. A small business that is also a local business could possibly be eligible for a bid discount of up to 10 percent, but those details have not yet [been] decided, he said.

The city has had bid evaluation preferences for many years, Walton said, noting that the City Council is "very supportive of small businesses." Bid preferences are used in various cities, he noted.

Ingrid Foster, vice president of communications for the Sacramento Metro Chamber, said the chamber had no comment on Hammond's proposal at this point. The Chamber's chief executive Matthew Mahood, as well as a Chamber spokesperson, were not available for comment Wednesday afternoon, Foster said.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento Area Business Owners Teach Why Now's the Time to be Excited about Doing Business - Despite Hard Economic Times

2009-06-07T16:52:07Z

Many small business owners are succumbing to fear due to the economy and worry whether they will succeed. Business owners are finding it more challenging to be optimistic and excited about the future of their businesses. However, two Sacramento area business owners are teaching that now is the time to be excited about doing business and they are teaching how business owners can be excited about doing business - despite hard economic times.

Jerry Kennedy, owner of Inside Out Business Solutions, and Joel D Canfield, author, award-winning speaker and co-founder of the Northern California Association of Entrepreneurs, conduct interactive business workshops where attendees learn why now is the time to grow your business and how you can succeed while others fear and fail. Their workshops are titled, "The Time is Now 11:59".

Many immediately think of impending doom when they hear the phrase 'the time is now 11:59'. When asked why they chose that title and what it means to them, Joel and Jerry explained that the source of the phrase is Rick Wilson, a very unconventional people-oriented dentist in Philadelphia. Joel explained that rather than feeling impending doom due to the economy, we should feel the enormous excitement similar to what we feel the minute before midnight on New Year's Eve - even if we have to intentionally cultivate that excitement because we don't feel it naturally. Joel said: "We understand some people are worried right now but we believe you can choose to be excited even if you are not already. That choice will make your business better starting right now."

Joel and Jerry don't just want to share their enthusiasm, of which they have plenty. They want to share why you should be enthusiastic and practical steps on how to have that enthusiasm in your business. Jerry says that at the minute before midnight you can be facing one of two directions. If you are looking backwards you are looking at all the things you could have done differently. If you choose to look forward, you see what you can do tomorrow to get the results you want. He stated: "That's what we are encouraging business owners to do - look forward and make decisions today about what you're going to do tomorrow that is going to get the results you want."

Why do Joel and Jerry feel now is the time to be excited about business when there's an economic downturn? "The economic downturn is what it is," said Jerry. "I love the quote that our suffering is caused by our resistance to what is. If we want to wallow in the misery of the crisis, we can choose to do that or we can choose to focus on how we are going to play a part in fixing it. By focusing on solutions we take our power back because right now for the most part we are giving our power to the media outlets and the doom and gloomers. All we have to do is make the decision to take our power back."

As Joel pointed out, psychologist and sociologists have conducted studies and found that when you have a positive frame of mind you think more clearly, see abstracts more readily, and are more open do different ways of thinking. Because of those things you become better at problem solving and creative thinking. Even if the situation doesn't warrant it, a positive frame of mind still is a better tool for small business persons. "We're not being Pollyannas, pretending nothing's wrong", says Joel. "We just don't believe that the situation has to decide our future."

"It all comes down acting as if," added Jerry. "You can act as if the situation you are in is real and stay in that reality or you can act as if the situation is what you want it to be." Jerry went on to discuss cognitive dissonance, which he explains is a condition of disagreement of what your conscious mind observes through your senses and what your subconscious mind believes to be the case. He says, "Your subconscious ALWAYS, make that bold, all caps, underlined, wins the disagreement." So act as if a belief in your subconscious mind is reality and is what you expect it to be because the subconscious wins the disagreement.

Dr. Richard Wiseman in The Luck Factor and Dr. Barry Schwartz in The Paradox of Choice both refer to counterfactual thinking. Joel says this is needed for creating cognitive dissonance as a tool for improving our mental and emotional state and just plain creating good luck.
So what is the main thing Jerry and Joel want each attendee to take away from their workshop? Simply stated Joel says, "That each attendee can choose to be happy about the future of their business." Jerry adds, "If you are in business, you are in sales: accept it, get over it, and move on. The caveat being do it well, do it properly and you will be a HERO."

Joel and Jerry's next workshop will be held on June 12, 2009 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 9380 Elk Grove-Florin Road in Elk Grove, California. One of Jerry Kennedy's topics will explain how each business owner today can be a HERO by creating an atmosphere where it's comfortable for people to buy from you. One of Joel D Canfield's topics will discuss how you can make a great living doing what you love. To learn more about their workshops, visit their website at http://theTimeisNow1159.com.

Le Soleil brings different approach to personal growth

2009-03-30T21:03:01Z

Announcing the opening of Le Soleil. Le Soleil is a life, career and spiritual training ground for progressive adults looking to enhance their personal and professional lives, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

Le Soleil is the brain child of Rebecca Echevarria. Rebecca is an ordained minister in both the Christian and Buddhist traditions and our lead consultant (life coach). She has studied religion, philosphy and leadership extensively. This background enables her to work with Executives, Soccer Moms, and everything in between. She has written books on escaping the cult mentality, parenting and dealing with adversity. Her core beliefs are that each individual has gifts and talents they can share not only to improve others lives, but their own.Rebecca feels that too many of us spend our time trying to "patch" the whole in our lives rather than trying to fill them. Rebecca writes a blog on Political, Social and Spiritual issues.

Le Soleil's philosophy is each and every one of us deserve to be the best we can possibly be. We are dedicated to providing individuals, groups and businesses with the optimal resources and skills for maximizing your talents and reaching your goals!!!! We believe each individual has unique gifts and talents that need to be explored and tapped into.We offer Personal Development Consulting, Executive Development Consulting, Life and Career Coaching and Spiritual Counseling for the individual as well as Personal & Professional Training and Support. Check us out on the web at www.lesoleilca.org or give us a call 916-588-6111 or 415-658-1117. Workshops still have open space for May and early June.

Life should be lived without hesitations, without reservations, and without limitations every single day.

Do You Have a Business?

2008-11-29T19:42:26Z

Do you have a business?

As the sales manager of The Sacramento Press, I have been meeting with a lot of small business owners in the area who I would have never heard of if it weren’t for a few good leads. And, it’s pretty likely that a lot of other Sacramentans haven’t heard about these quaint little businesses either. We are talking about businesses that could offer up some great goods and services to you and those you know.

With the economy in a downward spiral, it’s becoming more and more difficult for these businesses to brand themselves and market their offerings. As a result, they aren’t in a position to buy internet advertising like they used to.

So when faced with these oppositions I often find myself telling the client, “I understand your dilemma, and eventually I want to be your online ad manager.” “If you can’t place an ad with us today, then we will follow-up with you in the coming weeks with the hope that things have gotten better.”

We all know times are hard, financially, for everyone; however, businesses must advertise in order to keep sales up. Internet advertising can be a key driver to getting more people in the doors of so many local retail and service shops. More people go online now, than ever before, to find nearby restaurants, specialty shops, doctors, dentists, etc.

So the question is, “Do you have a business?”

If you do, send me and email or give me a call. If you don’t, then chances are you know someone who does and you too can drop me a line. You’ll not only be helping The Sacramento Press, you will be helping our community and those small business owners who are in dire need of patrons.

Thanks again,

Angela Jackson
Sales Manager
The Sacramento Press