Small Business Power Lunches

Power Lunches brought to you by West Central Initiative, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission, and the Customized Training Center at Alexandria Technical & Community College.

Healthy People Make Healthy LeadersRunning a business of any size requires solid leadership. As a business owner, executive team member, manager, or entrepreneur, it’s important to be able to lead from the front in many areas. Is one of those areas for your health / fitness / wellness? Should it be?

The evidence is piling up that healthy people make for healthy leaders. Join us to learn actionable ways to strive towards the best, healthiest, version of you.

Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Time: 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Location: ATCC Room 209 Presenter: Mike Hawes, BS, ATC, CSCS, USAW

Fee: $15 per person (Includes box lunch)

PRESENTER BIO Jeff Meland Jeff Meland is the owner of Databae Systems. He has been involved with Internet Marketing and Website development for more than 15 years and certified in Google Adwords Pay Per Click advertising and also in Google Analytics.

Internet Marketing and Google AdsLearn the basics of Internet marketing and using the Google Adwords System.

Topics include: Tips to boost your online presence Common mistakes to avoid when using

Google Ads Developing a simple online marketing

strategy for your local business

Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Time: 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Location: ATCC Room 209 Presenter: Jeff Meland, Databae Systems

Fee: $15 per person (Includes box lunch)

Creating Your Client Avatars

Do you know exactly who your business is best suited to serve? Who your “client avatar” is? What motivates them, their tendencies, what their social structure is, their beliefs and fears.

Taking time to identify this ideal client can lead to a more enjoyable and more profitable workplace. Come learn the steps to getting started on creating your businesses client avatar and walk away with ideas on who you are best suited to serve.

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Time: 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Location: ATCC Room 209 Presenter: Mike Hawes, BS, ATC, CSCS, USAW

Fee: $15 per person (Includes box lunch)

3 Healthy Habits For Customer Service

Customer service is a key to good customer/client relationships, good relationships are key to longevity/repeat customers, longevity/repeat customers are key to a successful business. Come learn 3 healthy habits for your company’s customer service, including the "make me feel special” concept, identifying and living by service standards and "above and beyond” WOW opportunities. Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Time: 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Location: ATCC Room 209 Presenter: Mike Hawes, BS, ATC, CSCS, USAW

Fee: $15 per person (Includes box lunch)

PRESENTER BIO Mike Hawes, BS, ATC, CSCS, USAW Mike graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Exercise Science and Athletic Training. Along with being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Mike is Athletic Training Certified with the National Athletic Trainers Association and a Certified Sports Performance Coach through U.S.A. Weightlifting. As a coach and trainer for 10 years, Mike has worked with clients from all walks of life. He has had the opportunity to coach tens of thousands of hours in the personal training setting, helping clients find the best version of themselves. As a business owner and Chief Administrative Officer for those same 10 years, Mike has “learned along the way” in building a company that serves 200+ clients per week with a team of 9 full time employees.

Entrepreneur or Freelancer

So you have been working as an independent contractor or freelancer. Maybe you have been working side jobs as a photographer, graphic designer, copywriter, or fitness instructor. You give all or much of your free time toward your passion. Thoughts of making it your full time career have crossed your mind. Is it time to take that leap? Are you ready to go into business for yourself? Shannon will explore the pros and cons of going into business for yourself versus continuing or expanding a freelancing practice. Many times people feel that they could simply start a business. However, they don't always consider the time and money that comes with being an entrepreneur. I will discuss the reasons 95% of startups fail and how to know when you are in the other 5%. Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Time: 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Location: ATCC Room 209 Presenter: Shannon Berns, MBA

Fee: $15 per person (Includes box lunch)

PRESENTER BIO Shannon Berns, MBA Shannon is an outdoor enthusiast who finds adventure in everything she does. She works directly with businesses and entrepreneurs to navigate their organization toward growth. Shannon believes in the importance of supporting and engaging a collaborative environment for our business community. In your backyard or across the globe.

Registration Options By Mail or Fax: Please register by completing the registration form. Print legibly, use your complete legal name and provide your home address. Would you like us to bill your employer? Just provide the employer billing information on the registration form. An invoice will be sent after the start of the course. Online at:

www.alextech.edu/customizedtraining Click “Browse Courses” 1) Add to Cart Select a class and add it to your cart. 2) Sign In or Create an Account We recently implemented a new online registration site, so you will need to create a new account. If you are an employer or supervisor registering an employee, use the employee’s information when creating the student account. The student’s home address is preferred as the primary address. 3) Checkout Payment with credit or debit card is required with online registration to complete the registration. 4) Confirmation A confirmation email will be sent to the provided email address after you have successfully registered. Questions? Contact ATCC’s Customized Training Center at 320-762-4510 or toll free 1-888-234-1313. jolened@alextech.edu

www.alextech.edu/customizedtraining 1601 Jefferson Street • Alexandria, MN 56308 320-762-4510 • Toll Free 1-888-234-1313 An Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator

This document is available in alternative formats by calling 1-888-234-1222 ext. 4673 or 320-762-4673.

Small Business Power Lunches