Suzanne Barnett, DirectorSmall Business Development Center

Valdosta State Universitysbarnett@valdosta.eduwww.valdosta.edu/sbdc

Local Environment and a Little History

Local Business Owners Requesting a Forum

Growth is What They Want

PeerSpectives

Casual Inquiries Formal Survey Results – Yes! Committed Give & Take Trust Confidential Colleagues Safe Environment Real Peers

Meeting to Discuss Formation For Those Interested

Chose Time, Location of First Meeting

First Meeting – organizing rules

H.R. Consulting FirmMarketing Communications

Property DevelopmentCoffee Roaster/Wholesaler

Employment Testing ServiceCommercial Janitorial ServiceMassage Therapy Company

Information Technology FirmPizza Parlor

Customer Service CoachSecurity Company

Our oldest business is 31 years old and the youngest is 1 year old.

6 are Female-Owned and 5 are Male-OwnedSales range from $4,000,000 to $40,000

Check – In/Welcome/Update

Choosing 2 Dilemma’s

Presentation of Dilemma

Questioning by Members

Sharing Experiences by Members

Repeat with 2nd Dilemma

Take Aways

Snacks/Wrap Up

Firing an Employee

Advertising Direct Mail

New Product Line

New Promotional Technique

Hiring New Employees

Loss of Contract

New Service to Offer

Marketing through E-mail

Gathering Metrics --- Prior to Starting the

Group--- Every Quarter

Best of All ---First Night Comment