Coaching
Teaching YEA! Students
November 23, 2010
WOW is what I say about YEA! A big thank you to the The Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce for bringing the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) to District 95 for the third year in a row. I am pleased to be the lead instructor for the first trimester of the 2010/2011 class. I am teaching 11 bright students, in grades 6-12, who have signed up to be a part of this groundbreaking program that takes them through the entire process of starting and running real businesses over the course of the full academic year. In this first trimester, we discuss business ideas vs. opportunities, idea generation, the anatomy of a business plan, SWOT analysis, naming your business, strategy and implementation (the four P’s), and business financials, among other topics. The students are doing extensive research on their business ideas and beginning to write their business plan. Their goal is to make a pitch to potential investors in the community, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, and actually launch their own company. The founder and CEO, Gayle Jagel, quoted, “Young people with drive, passion and creativity can accomplish anything. YEA! just helps them see this.” This has been so evident in the absolutely astounding ideas that have come from these students. Quite frankly, much more than I was thinking about when I was in high school.
Coincidently I am reading, “Waiting for Superman” by Karl Weber, which is based on the movie by Davis Guggenheim that discusses the American education system and its shortcomings. The statistics and stories in this book are eye-opening to say the least. But the quote on the front of the book speaks volumes. “The fate of our country won’t be decided on a battlefield, it will be determined in a classroom.” I am embarking on my own journey through the public school system having two children just starting school. This book is a participant guide so it suggests ways that you and I can help to save America’s Failing Public Schools. Teaching YEA! students is, in my opinion, an amazing first step! I welcome your suggestions and comments on ways you have helped foster a higher standard for education in public schools.
Open Enrollment: Marketing Accountability 2011
November 23, 2010
I am very excited to announce that Marketing Accountability 2011 is now open for enrollment. For many years I have been passionate about REALLY helping business owners and executives within an organization who are responsible for building a book of business, make a difference to their bottom line. I love seeing the change and the happiness that comes with it from those I work with. The function of marketing within a business is so powerful. Doing it right can mean great strides for a business. Doing it wrong can mean a stagnant volume of business coming through the door all while perhaps doing the same amount of work promoting the business.
This program, that really does last through the entire year of 2011, might seem like a long time but because your marketing projects tend to get pushed to the end of your to-do list, you will benefit by setting aside a dedicated amount of time to accomplish your marketing goals all while receiving expert advice for a nominal fee. This program is essentially a great place to receive marketing tips, tricks and tools applicable to your business. In addition to learning how to maximize social media, e-mail campaigns, public relations, and event planning, there will also be guest speakers during the quarterly workshops who will provide advice regarding writing your communications and improving your presentation skills, among other topics. Also during the workshops we will roll up our sleeves and get your marketing projects off the ground whether it be test marketing your campaign on other participants (whom will become your very own focus group) or actually beginning the design of a campaign (with the help of myself and/or another Mindful Mix graphic designer). The monthly calls will hold you accountable and keep you on track with the milestones you set for yourself at the start of the workshop. The advice and feedback you will receive during these calls will be invaluable.
Sign up by December 13th to receive 10% off the program cost. And remember, the program cost is a deductible business expense. I look forward to hearing from you and welcome any questions you have about the program.