Exercise Your Vocal Cords -Giving Your Company a Voice (It's All in What You Say and How You Say It)

As a Small Business Owner you are not only the face of your company, you are the voice. Being able to present yourself and your business in a positive manner at networking events, social interactions, speaking opportunities and other events doesn't just happen. It takes product knowledge and a lot of thought, planning and PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE.

A lecture on “learning to make presentations” may provide some useful information, but it rarely gives the participant the confidence necessary to actually improve presentation skills. This is an interactive class that is scheduled for 2 complete days scheduled a week a part.

The workshop will cover the theory behind good presentations.
• Defining the Purpose of Your Presentation
• Presentation design
• Understanding Your Audience
• Style and Delivery Techniques
• Choosing the Right Visual Aids

It will also identify what takes a presentation from "good" to "great."

As a participant you will identify, plan and present two of the most common presentations a Small Business Owner makes.

• Your "elevator" speech (the one you will use most often at networking events)
• Your sales pitch (persuasive presentation)

Time of Session
This is a two-day session, because of the practice time that is necessary in order for participants to grasp the essential techniques of presentation. Because you are busy business owners we have scheduled these classes on Saturdays and separated by one week. During the week gap there will be homework assignments.

9:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. – Training Class each day

Cost – $225.00* for Two Full Days of Training

If a participant would like individual coaching after the class, one-on-one sessions can be arranged at an additional cost.

Dates of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

Rate Your Physical Appearance-Would YOU Buy from YOU? Seeing Your Business through the Eyes of Your Customer

We have all heard the following sayings: “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” and “Your Perception is Your Truth” Often as business owners we believe our customers see our business the same as we do. Too often we are so wrapped up in producing or delivering our product, we neglect to truly analyze the picture and message we are sending to our customer. Since it is the customer’s perspective that determines whether they buy your product or service, only their perspective counts!

Because a Small Business Owner faces so many challenges and is trying to wear so many hats, some of the unintended consequences may be:
• We see ourselves as busy…Our Customer sees disorganization;
• We write our marketing materials from our viewpoint–Customer does not see benefits the same way we do;
• We are wearing so many hats running our business, our Customer feels neglected.
• The image we have of our store, office or website does not match the image the Customer sees.

In order to avoid these misconceptions and others that may cause misunderstanding or customer loss, we can identify them, prioritize and develop a comprehensive action plan.

Program Objectives:
1. Identify the True Needs of the Customer
2. Understand that Perception is Truth
3. Recognize Areas of Weaknesses
4. Set Priorities for Correction
5. Create an Action Plan based on Established Priorities

Cost
$99.00

Trainings Session Times:
Morning Classes 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
OR
Afternoon Classes 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dates of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

Using Your Energy Resources Wisely-When 24 Hours is NOT ENOUGH–Managing Your Most Valuable Resource- YOU

As Small Business Owners there NEVER seems to be enough time. Because you wear so many hats, it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Stress can make you sick and if you get sick, you business will suffer. Once that has happened it is very difficult, if not impossible to accomplish your goals. Staying in control is vital to making sure the ―RIGHT THINGS HAPPEN. Participants will learn new strategies to set priorities, stay focused and get more done than before. Emphasis in this class will be placed on practical skills to assist the Small Business Owners to become more organized, make better choices, gain cooperation from others and prioritize. Participants will have an opportunity to work specifically on their priority problems and difficult situations.

The class will include a “What’s My Time Style?” Assessment that will help the participant to identify personal time management style. With those results, the participant can learn how to make their style work to their advantage and better understand how to work with others who manage their time differently.

Program Objectives:
1. Identify personal time management style
2. Learn how to capitalize on time management strengths
3. Improve time management weaknesses
4. Understanding the Mindset for Change
5. Establishment of TRUE Goals
6. Understand the Time Management Grid
7. Stop being Your Own Worst Enemy

Cost –
$99.00 + $15.00 for the Self-Assessment.

Training Session Time:
Morning Classes 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
OR
Afternoon Classes 1:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dates of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

What is the DNA Make-Up of a Successful Entrepreneur?

Not everyone has what it takes to be a successful Small Business Owner. The down economy is driving more people to think about starting their own business. However, some of the experience in the corporate world does not automatically transfer to the specific set of skills and Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur must have. The dynamics of running a small business are very different from participating in a large organization. It is critical that you truly know what you bring to the table and where you will need help. This training is designed to help the new or seasoned Small Business Owners/Entrepreneurs objectively examine their current skill sets and determine both strengths and weaknesses. There are direct and indirect forces that effect business success. Once the gap assessment has been completed, then priorities can be set and a proactive action plan can be developed and implemented according to defined priorities and financial considerations.

Program Objectives:
1. Identify key skill sets a Small Business Owner must have or acquire.
2. Assess your current skill set report card.
3. Explore various development options to acquire missing skill sets.
4. Develop an action plan to fill gaps.

Cost
$99.00 + $12.00 for Entrepreneur Self-Assessment

Training Session Times:
Morning Classes 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
OR
Afternoon Classes 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dates of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

What YOU Need to Know to Lead a HEALTHY Business –A Three-Part Series

Are you thinking about starting your own business? Are you a new business owner? Dealing with changes in the market? Working harder with less return? This series is made for you. Each session lasts 3 hours and can be taken as a complete series or individually. They are offered over a three (3)-week period to allow you to attend without disrupting your business commitments.

These classes are designed to help the Small Business Owner to recognize which components of their business have a significant impact on the success of their business model. Experts from the areas of Banking, Accounting, Marketing, Business Plan Creation and Sales will give you pertinent and up-to-date information on the following subjects:

Session I:
1. What the Bank MUST Know About YOU and Your Business to Loan YOU Money
-Matt Vean, VP Bank of the West

Finding capital resources for your business has become even more difficult in the current business lending environment. However, without access to needed financial resources, it is difficult if not impossible to develop a business successful model, no matter what its merits. Adequate capital is the life blood of any business. When competing for funding, how do you stand out from other small businesses vying for financial support? As VP of Bank of the West, Matt Vean, is dedicated to helping Small business owners in the Denver succeed every day. In this training session he will share information with you that will help you see your company from the eyes of a lender.

2. Discover the REAL Numbers of Your Business and Make Them Work for YOU
-Suzy Schutz, Apis Business Solutions, LLC, and President

Most business owners do not start a business because they love “books or accounting.” Nevertheless, without a solid accounting infrastructure a Small business owner can’t get a snapshot of the health of their business. Find out what you need to know in order to X-Ray your business and truly assess the current financial condition of your physical business.

Seminar Time
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Training Session

Dates & Times of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

Session II:
3. Understanding Your Business Structural Framework-How a Business Plan Prepares Your Business for Success You
-Nancy Barnett, ERMA Institute, LLC, President

As Small business owners, we all go into business with different hopes, objectives and goals. Sometimes in an effort to move forward, we discount the value of a written business plan. It takes a considerable amount of time, effort and concentration. Your business DNA determines the underlying health of your business, just like human DNA determines the strengths and weaknesses of the body. Learn how a comprehensive business plan can help you proactively ascertain not only the viability of your business model, but determine the strength of your competition.

4. Examine your Website Viability-Average is Not an Option
Christen Roberts, Lockbox Marketing, LLC, and Partner

Even if you have an actual storefront, the internet provides another storefront for every business owner. However, when a retail store which depends on visibility is in an undesirable or hard-to-find location, the business will not thrive. The same is true when it comes to your website storefront. Learn what goes into making a website visible, attractive and easy to find.

Training Session Time
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Training Session

Dates & Times of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

Session III:
5. Give Your Business Vitamin Boost-Discover the Power of Virtual and Viral Marketing
- Mike Saunders, Marketing Huddle, LLC

A Small Business Owner is capable of reaching a huge market through the Internet. As technology continues to improve, the small guys can compete with the big guys. Learn what technology is available to you to increase your visibility to your target market. Discover the power of audio-video, animation, embedded surveys, hyperlinks and back links to drive visitors to your site and phone calls to your office.

6. Making the Sale – It Starts with YOU!-Strengthen Your Bottom Line
-Mike Walker, Business Sales Consultant

Many Small Business Owners have a wonderful idea, an innovative product or service and yet struggle with the concept of selling their product or service. The truth is that no matter how good our product or service is, waiting from someone to find it and buy it does not bring business success. Discover ways implement a sales strategy that truly brings results. Develop strategies that build trust and confidence in your current and potential customer base.

Training Session Time
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Training Session

Dates of Training Session:
Check out the ERMA Training Calendar for Upcoming Dates

Each Session is 3 hours in length and spread out over three weeks. They can be taken separately or as a package.

Cost
– $59.00 for each session or $169.00 for 3-part series