Author Archives: Donna Ling

ESTY Workshop

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Do you know someone who makes custom jewelry, decorative home items, or other handmade products?  If they are ready to sell them online – we have a 2 day workshop this month to take them from thinking about it to getting sales!

If they have at least one handmade craft item ready to sell, and an idea for a related line of products, have not had any previous sales on Etsy, have a credit card and checking account, and regular access to a computer with Internet connection they are ready for the workshop.  The only step left is to register.

The 2 day workshop is Friday August 18th from 9:30am-7:00pm AND Saturday August 19th from 9:30am-  5:30pm.  Participants must attend BOTH days.

Topics include:

  • Becoming an Entrepreneur
  • Building and Marketing a brand on Etsy
  • Business Logistics
  • Product Photography
  • Strategies for Growth

The instructor is Alaine Smith who earned a BFA in printmaking with a minor in Art History at UT.  Since graduating, she manages a handmade store in downtown Knoxville and creates leather goods for Cold Gold.  Alaine is a business owner, designer and maker.

Click here to register!

 

Summer Camp Time at RSCC

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It’s that time of year.  Students are counting the days before school ends and summer begins.  That means camp season is almost here on the Roane State Community College campus. Continue reading →

Economic Development the CBI Way

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On February 18th I will celebrate my fourth anniversary with Roane State Community College’s Cumberland Business Incubator. It’s been a great experience working with entrepreneurs and businesses in the greater Upper Cumberland region. Our clients come from far and wide – from West of Putnam County, Morgan County, Fentress County, Bledsoe County, Anderson County, Roane County, Sevier County, Sequatchie County, White County ….and others. Continue reading →

Do You Need Office Space? 5 Questions to Ask First

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If you are considering leasing office space for your business, curb your enthusiasm and excitement long enough to ask yourself these five questions: Continue reading →

Not Good with Numbers? Are You Good with That?

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How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m just not a numbers person”? Have you ever been that person? It’s a common expression and an easy escape hatch to fall through when you’re staring at spreadsheets full of numbers and formulas. But it’s a phrase, and an attitude, that’s ultimately unproductive and stopping you from taking your business to the next level. Continue reading →

Make 2017 Your Best Year Yet with an Annual Plan – FINAL

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Picking up where we left off from the two most recent articles …….

Marketing –

  • On a scale of 1 (least positive) to 10 (most positive), how would your company’s current marketing activities and your ability to generate the right number of quality leads?
  • Make a list of what you think is needed to make this a 10.
  • Do you have an effective lead generation process that provides a steady stream of high-quality leads?
  • Is your company taking advantage of a variety of different channels for generating leads?
  • Are you sure that your current marketing messages are having the desired impact on prospective customers
  • Do you have an effective social media strategy and presence?

Continue reading →

Make 2017 Your Best Year Yet with an Annual Plan

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Many businesses have been in business 3, 8, 12, or more years, yet each year is a repeat of any other prior year. Why? Because everyone is so caught up in the day to day work of the business (working IN the business) that they don’t take the time to step back and take an assessment of where the business is (working ON the business) and intentionally do things differently to move forward toward the vision for their business. Continue reading →

21st Century Workforce

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I had the pleasure of working with a group of high school students this past Saturday.  They were all enrolled in Roane State Community College classes offered in their high schools.  This is called Dual Enrollment.  I offered them a chance to work from 8am to 5pm on the Entrepreneurial Mindset that can set them apart and help them succeed in college and in life.  The entrepreneurial mindset is not just for those that want to start a business someday.  The entrepreneurial mindset is what employers are looking for.  Continue reading →

Veterans Day – Did You Know?

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Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day–a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Continue reading →

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

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The first industrial revolution spanned from about 1760 to around 1840, triggered by the construction of railroads and the invention of the steam engine and ushered in mechanical production. The second industrial revolution, starting in the late 19th century made mass production possible, fostered by the advent of electricity and the assembly line. The third industrial revolution began in 1960’s, with the digital revolution and the development of semiconductors, mainframe computing, personal computing and the internet. Continue reading →