Small business owners will have a chance later this month to get free advice from experienced business mentors and executives on a variety of topics.
The 3rd Annual Speed Mentoring Seminar will be held May 27 in the Savannah Morning News Auditorium, 1375 Chatham Parkway.
A panel of professionals will share their tips, business skills, techniques and best business practices. The seminar is jointly sponsored by SCORE, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Savannah Morning News and Wells Fargo.
“The seminar is a priceless, information packed means for small business owners, or those contemplating starting a small business, to network with experts in the field, take away immediately usable tips and learn from those with decades of experience in running a successful small business,” said Gary Johnson, president of the Savannah chapter of SCORE.
Seminar sign-in begins at 8 a.m. with a free breakfast. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including rotation through the tables and the ten topic areas.
The free lunch features keynote speaker Bea Wray, executive director of the Creative Coast, who has a background as a small business coach.
Participants will have 25 minutes to meet with each expert of their choice but will leave with tip sheets from all of the mentors. The panel of mentors and their topics will include:
• Ernestine Murray, president and CEO of a company focusing on healthy living — direct sales through network marketing.
• Connie Edwards, business consultant, SBDC — creating a winning business plan.
• Ken Zapp, professor, analyst, SCORE mentor — cash flow, your business lifeblood.
• Noah Yaughn, owner, Arc Media Web Design — the increasing value of social media marketing.
• Kyle Hensel, area director, SBDC — search engine optimization and marketing.
• Diana Morrison, president, Advertising and Specialty Services — turning customers into clients.
• Marjorie Young, president Carriage Trade PR, past president, SCORE Savannah — the power of public relations.
• Rue Reynolds, owner of Barks, Dog Day Care — how he did it as a SCORE client and successful new business owner.
• Stacy Jennings, marketing director, Savannah Morning News — advertising like a pro.
• Stephen George, vice-president, SBAC — finding the money.
To register, call SCORE at 912-652-4335 or go online at www.savannah.score.org. Seating is limited.