South Florida Networking Event: The Power to Grow Your Business

Here is an upcoming networking event:

Miami Marketers Event

Here is information on an upcoming Miami Marketers event:

Miami Finance Forum Event

Here is information on an upcoming Miami Finance Forum Event:

The Miami Finance Forum is proud to present the $250 Million Florida Growth Fund with Greg Baty, Vice President of Hamilton Lane

Please join us Tuesday November 10^th 7:30 am untill 9:30 am at Bankers Club where Greg Bety will present future plans in managing the $250 million Florida Growth Fund and investing in Florida

Bankers Club is located at 1 Biscayne Tower on the 14^th floor.

Miami Finance Forum would like to thank our sponsor HOGAN & HARTSON LLP for making this event happen!

Don’t pass up this great opportunities to meet other financial professionals, learn about the Florida Growth Fund investment plan, discuss the topic of the day, and enjoy full breakfast

Please see the full invitation below

You MUST RSVP by November 8^th to attend this event as space is limited!

Please contact Elena Djakonova at rsvp@miamifinanceforum.com or

call 877-FF-MIAMI/877-336-4264

Parking is available inside the building!

Admission is always complimentary for Miami Finance Forum Members! For our guests it is $40.00 if paid in advance and $50.00 if paid at the event

A Twitter Contest That Allows Businesses to Make Their Pitch to Venture Capitalists

Everyone wants access to funds.  Here is a unique contest that will allow business owners their 140 characters or less to pitch their idea.  I love when companies buy in to new media!  Here is the article:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/10/contest-lets-winners-pitch-vcs.php

International Business Networker

Here is some information on upcoming international business networking events in South Florida:

 

The First Step For A Successful Networking,

Is To Be Involved In One...

Networking con Americas Community Center

Jueves 29 de 2009

at Carlos Albizu University

2173 Nw 99th Ave

Doral, Fl. 33172

7:45 - 9:15 AM

RSVP: 9543239526

andrea@americascc.org

Small Business Lending Workshop:

Information is key in a recession and now is a great time to get information about how your company can get access to funds.  Here is some information on an upcoming event:

 

BUSINESS WORKSHOP
JOIN OUR SURVIVE & THRIVE
WORKSHOP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
CO-SPONSORED BY:
Reach Local
Thursday, Nov 12th
6:00pm-8:00pm
CITIBANK
899 W. Cypress Creek Rd,
Suite 8 Ft. Lauderdale,
FL , 33309.
(Inside the Citrix Building)
To Register:
Call (305) 807-5782
ACCION USA is a nonprofit
organization that has provided
loans and small business training
since 1991. Learn more at
www.accionusa.org
Get personalized business advice at this FREE
event sponsored by Citibank & ACCION USA.
RECEIVE FREE COACHING FROM PROFESSIONALS IN THE
AREAS OF:
• Banking for Small Businesses
• Boost sales with e-marketing
• Alternative Financing for Small Business

Upcoming Toy Drive

Business is about community.  I am a firm advocate of businesses doing what they can to commit to their communities in a broader way.  Here is an upcoming opportunity:

How Social Media Can Actually Work

Here are some good tips related to using social media in a more productive way.  The key to marketing is reaching your intended audience in a meaningful way.  A way that sticks.  Check out the tips from BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/10/how_social_medi.html

Live Business Radio Show Event

Please join us this Thursday, October 29^th from 6pm-8pm for a special live remote broadcast of “The Ron Mann         show” and the VIP with Tony Calatayud and Jorge Guevara

This week’s show will be broadcast live from the fabulous and always fun - Crazy Piano’s in Coconut Grove

Enjoy great entertainment, complimentary cocktails from Chivas 18 and an array of Chef’s Specialties…. 

Special Guests include:

City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff

former Miami Heat Player and Current Game Day Analyst – John Crotty

and as always, a few surprises..

Please join myself and my illustrious co-host – Adam (“Little Lubby”) Lubkin as we discuss the current state of the city in which we live

You can also tune into “The Ron Mann Show” live on the radio at 880AM or stream live on the Internet at www.880thebiz.com

Thursday, October 29^th 2009 6-8pm

“The Biz” is the only station in South Florida strictly dedicated to business and is quickly growing a cult-like following in the city. You can expect to hear about local and national business issues, politics, sports and as always - opinionated commentary.

Please reply with unsubscribe in the subject box to be removed from this list. We apologize for the inconvenience

Work With Firms That Are Similar to Yours

Joint venturing is an excellent way for small businesses to compete as if they were “bigger.”  A couple key elements to consider when contemplating joint venturing: 1) How healthy is the match and what are the collective goals?, 2) What protections are needed related to collective and individual liabilities or expenses?, and 3) What is the length of time and what are the conditions of the joint venture?  These elements should be thoroughly discussed by both parties in order to determine whether or not to venture together.  Here is a great article from BusinessWeek that gives further information in that regard:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/10/work_with_firms.html

How to Master Intercultural Communications

Here is an article that gives business owners tips on how to manage communication across cultures.  These principles of communication apply in domestic business as well as international business.  The focus needs to be on ensuring that both parties understand one another.  Here is the link:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Master-Intercultural-Communication&id=3109094

Asia Business Expo: South Florida

A great opportunity for FL businesses to learn about doing business with Asia.  Spread the word to business owners that you know that may be interested:

Webinar on How Small Businesses Can Do Business With the Government

The Fiscal Year is Over... Now What?

Join us for a Webinar on October 28 Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/254845027 Please join us for our free webinar on coming year spending. If you did not get your GSA contract yet, you missed out on millions of year end dollars.  Let our presenter explain how the government literally gives away millions the last week of the fiscal year. Think we are kidding, it has happened to us before.  Do not despair though; the next buying season is starting NOW.  It is not as big as the one you just missed, but it is a lot of money. Learn: 1. Why you missed opportunities 2. How you can prevent this in the future 3. Open market vs. contract 4. Solo vs. assisted vs. full service 5. Contract financing 6. Let’s make a deal We cannot emphasize strongly enough for you to ‘get in the game’, and soon. Bring your questions when you register and we will try to get them answered during the session. Already have a contract?  Share your experience with us.   Title:   The Fiscal Year is Over... Now What?       Date:   Wednesday, October 28, 2009       Time:   1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT   After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.   System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista   Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer   Click HERE for immediate removal. MarketUS, Inc. 1314 E. Las Olas Blvd, Suite 1000, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 email ID= 33750

17 Resources to Improve Your Small Businesses

Here is a good article in the OPEN forum about resources that small businesses can use to improve operations, increase profitability and manage marketing.  The article focuses on online resources but does outline some beneficial offline sources as well.  As with any resource, keep it simple.  Don’t feel like you need to get caught up in everything, but instead find what works for you and utilize it.  Here is the link:

http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/money/article/17-resources-to-improve-your-small-business-gregory-go

Web Resources for Small Businesses

On my law firm website,  I am compiling a list of small business resources.  If you or someone you know is a small business resource, especially for small business and international business, please comment and I can add your information to the site.  Also feel free to link to the list of resources.  Check back frequently as the site will be updated with regularity.  Here is the link:

http://www.corallaw.com/Small%20Business%20Resources.htm

Obama’s Small Bank Plan

Here is an article from Forbes.com that describes President Obama’s proposal to use some TARP money to assist community banks so that they can lend to small businesses.  This is a promising prospect to all small businesses access to capital.  Hopefully they do something that will incentivize lending so that the money will actually be lent to small businesses.  Access to capital is critical to a small business' success.  Here’s the information:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/21/loans-banking-obama-entrepreneurs-finance-obama.html

Miami Export Seminar from Export.gov

Export.gov is hosting a seminar for small business that will allow them to learn about export company support from the government.  This is a great event for international small businesses in South Florida.

EXPORTS LIVE! REAL DEALS-REAL PROFITS

Learn how local businesses successfully grew their sales with government solutions. This unique trade event is specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses wanting to start or grow their international sales.

Spanish Version

MIAMI
October 26, 2009

Successful Small Business Export Strategies:
Eight-City "Exports Live!" Seminar Series

Location: October 26th, 2009 - Conrad Miami Hotel 1395 Brickell Avenue (between 13th and 14th Streets) Miami, FL 33131,
Conrad Ballroom (Level Three)
For questions, call 305-503-6500

Web site: http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/index.do?ctyhocn=MIACICI

AGENDA

---

8:00 - 8:30 AM

Registration and Coffee

8:30 - 8:40 AM

Speaker:

Welcome and Introductory Remarks

Fred. P. Hochberg, Chairman and President
Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank)

8:40 - 9:00 AM

Speaker:

Opening Remarks - "Why Exports Matter"

Carol M. Browner, Director,
White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy

A discussion on the importance of exports to our economy and their positive impact on job-creation and economic growth.

9:00 - 10:15 AM

Moderator:

Panelists:

Panel Discussion - "Success Stories from Small-Business Owners"

Neal Asbury, Chairman, Florida District Export Council, Miami, Fla.

Luis Arguello, Sr., President, DemeTech Corp., Miami, Fla.

Ana Rivera, Vice President, Qualitas Trading USA Corp., Miami, Fla.

Robert S. Hans, Senior Managing Director, IOS Partners Inc.

A moderator-led discussion with small-business leaders on how they were able to use government products and services to grow their businesses through exports.

10:15 - 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 - 12:00 PM

Moderator:

Panelists:

Panel Discussion with Agency Officials - "How We Help"

J. Stephen Fancher, President and CEO, Florida Export Finance Corp.

Diane Farrell, Board Member, Ex-Im Bank

Leocadia I. Zak, Acting Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)

Luz Hopewell, Director, Office of International Trade, Small Business Administration (SBA)

Alison Germak, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

Eduardo Torres, U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce

A moderator-led discussion with agency officials who explain how their products and services can help business owners expand their export opportunities.

12:15 - 1:15 PM

Speaker:

Luncheon and Remarks

U.S. Representative Ron Klein (D-Fla.), representing Florida's 22nd Congressional District

Speaker delivers remarks following luncheon.

1:30 - 3:30 PM

One-On-One Trade Counseling Sessions for Attendees

Guests are given the opportunity to have brief one-on-one meetings with agency officials and local export development officials to ask questions and learn more about how their products and services can be applied to specific businesses.
(Priority is given to those who register early)

Florida International Business Tip of the Day

Engaging in international business can be exciting and lucrative but it also presents its own unique challenges.  The normal business concerns of cash flow, marketing and publicity are amplified in the international sphere because of cultural differences, communication issues and access to markets.  Because of the difficulties that a business can face, it is necessary for a business to have access to good international business resources.  Two governmental organizations that can assist businesses in Florida that operate internationally are: Enterprise Florida and the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium.  If you have any questions about opportunities, concerns or tips, reach out to those organizations and they can help guide you.  Their websites also have great informational resources and links to help you in your international business ventures.

South Florida Business to Business Expo

Included below is information for the South Florida Business-to-Business Expo.  Expos are a great way to see what is out there, gain access to resources and grow your business.  Go out and meet other business owners:

SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO

@ Quality Inn Sawgrass Conference Center

1711 N. University Dr. Plantation, FL 33322

Thursday, November 5^th, 2009

General Admission 4PM – 9PM  Only $10

EXCLUSIVE “Exhibitor Only” Reception & Networking 1PM – 4pm

74 Sold-Out EXPO’S – 1^st Ever @ This Hotel – 150+Exhibitors, 3K Business Executives

74 Consecutive Sold-Out Trade Shows, Over 14,250 Exhibitors, Over 262,000 Attendees, Millions of Dollars in Transacted Business, Partnerships, Alliances, Contracts, New Customers, New Relationships, New Products!!!

Presented By

Broward County Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Business News Newspaper, Broward County I.T. Council, Broward County Real Estate Committee, Broward County International Committee, Broward County CEO Forum, & Many World Class Partners, Alliances and Chambers of Commerce!

The BROWARD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is a 501 c 6 Non-Profit Corporation

Traditional Chambers of Commerce are a thing of the past… At the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce, our “Highest Priority” is to “Bring Business to Our Members.” When you join this chamber, you, in effect are hiring a professional marketing company, a public relations firm, a multi-media consultant, an advertising company, a website marketing firm, a merchant services firm and an outside sales force at an incredible “mere” fraction of the cost. We promise to bring new customers to your door, to your website and calling on your phone! WARNING: This is not your grandmother’s chamber of commerce!!!

Clear Channel Communications will be promoting this Expo on all of its Radio Stations – Y-100, BIG 105.9, LOVE 94, 940AM, NEWS RADIO 610, 103.5 THE BEAT, ZETA ROCKS, MEGA 94.9. RADIO Advertising Gives you MORE BANG for the buck! Miramar offices are located at:7601 Riviera Blvd. Miramar, FL 33023 Phone: (954) 862-2000 http://www.ccmiami.com

ECONOMIC STIMULUS – TAKE ACTION - SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS!!!

Register to Exhibit at www.ChamberRSVP.com

Under one roof, businesses and professions serving a huge variety of market sectors. Meet with our area's buying community and decision-makers. Interact one-on-one with potential customers. Establish and build relationships with other vendors.  Exhibitors demonstrate and showcase goods and services while making contacts and developing new clients. Technology, commerce, finance, manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, education, and more... It's All Here!!! There will be businesses participating from Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties!!!

25+ Reasons to Exhibit at South Florida Business EXPO: Secure new business contacts, develop prospect database, accelerate the sales process, access the decision maker, provide hands-on exposure to products and services, identify and assess new markets, maintain market viability, introduce a company to a new market, launch a new product or service, counteract competitor claims, generate media exposure, build brand awareness, recruit new distributors, retailers or representatives, recruit personnel with specialized skills, network with the regional business community, expand your business out of county and Internationally, gain customer feedback, maintain profile with competitors,  test the market for new product or service development, identify and assess new markets, getting your customers to buy more, maintain  or extend relationships with existing clients, trade show return-on-investment is lasting, market research, prevent client switching.

Often Imitated – Never Duplicated

Exhibitor Pricing:

_6' Table Pkg $250

_8' Table Pkg $295

_6’x8’ VIP Pkg $450.00

_6’x16’ Premier Pkg $1,075

Membership & Exhibitor Packages

Membership & Exhibitor Package 1 Includes:

-6 Ft. Table Expo Package (Preferred Space)

- 1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $250 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members

-One free article, coupon, classified ad & job listing

-Directory Listing on 3 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $450.00* (Value $2,420)

Membership & Exhibitor Package 2 Includes:

-6’ x 8’ Large VIP Exhibitor Package

-1 Year Broward County/South Florida Chamber Membership

-Free $450 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper

-A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.BrowardBiz.com, www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, or www.SouthFloridaBusinessnews.com

- Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory

-Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members (2x)

- 2 free articles, coupons, classified ads & job listings

-Directory Listing on 5 Different web sites plus Much More……

ONLY $650.00* (Value $2,960)

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to Exhibit at this Show and pay on-line

Company Name __________________________________Contact Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________________________City______________________Zip__________

Phone___________________Fax______________________E-mail________________________________________

__6 Ft Table $250 __8Ft Table $295 __6’x8’+ VIP $450 __6’x16’+ Premier $1,075 += Larger space available upon written request

_Pkg #1-6’ Package & 1yr Membership $485* _Pkg #2 VIP & 1yr Membership 6X8 VIP $685* #3_6x16 + 1yr Membership $1,295*

*= + One Time $35 admin fee __$1,000 Silver Sponsor __$2,000 Gold Sponsor __$3,000 Platinum Sponsor – Sponsorships Include Membership

General Admission = $10 x __=$____ _Check ck.#_____ Tot Amt $______ Electricity – $75 Extra

Log Onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register and pay on-line

__ MC,VISA,AE,DISC #______________________________________________Exp. ________Sig._____________________________

Any refunds requested on this show will be honored towards future shows or advertising. BCCC is a 501 C 6 Non-Profit Organization

Fax With Payment To (954) 566-3398

Or Mail to B.C.C.C. 1640 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Ste. 403, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Broward County Office #2 B.C.C.C. Broward County Chamber Building, 2425 E. Commercial Blvd, Ste.103 Ft. Laud, FL 33308

7040 W. Palmetto Park Rd. Suite 4-635 Boca Raton, Fl. 33433

701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550, Miami, FL 33131

INFO: Broward (954) 565-5750  Palm Beach County (561) 683-8414  Miami-Dade (305) 278-1811 

www.BrowardBiz.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

www.BrowardCountyExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaExpo.com

www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

OTHER EVENTS

__Wednesday, October 28^th – South Florida & Miami-Dade County International Business Trade Show & Seminars at Miami Free Zone, 2305 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 – 4pm – 9pm. Join the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Business News newspaper as we partner with dozens of other Chambers of Commerce and other International Organizations to bring you one of the LARGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. Over 250 Exhibitors and Thousands of Business Executives in attendance. You can log onto www.ChamberRSVP.com to register to exhibit!

__Thursday, December 10^th – South Florida Business-To-Business EXPO & International Trade Show in Pembroke Pines/Miramar Business District. 100+ Exhibitors and 2,500+ Business Executives.

__Tuesday, December 15^th – Happy Holidays Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Networking Cruise along the Winterfest Boat Parade Route 3 days later without the crowds. Join over 300 Business Professionals for Great Food, Drinks, Awesome Networking & Holiday Cheer!

PLEASE RSVP __More Info __Exhibitor Registration __Free Vip Passes for Oct. 28^th Expo

__Please send us Free VIP Passes for Miami Free Zone Expo on Wed, October 28^th @ in Miami-Doral, FL.

__Our company would like to submit articles or press releases in the South Florida Business News newspaper.

__Please send us Membership information that we may be included in the “Official” South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us information on attending the “Doing Business with Broward County Government” Seminar.

__Please send us advertising pricing so that we may place an ad in the New 2009 South Florida Referral Directory.

__Please send us sponsorship information for the October 28^th, November 5^th, December 8^th expo or another future expo.

__We Would like to be a distribution point for the FREE South Florida Business News Newspaper __25 Copies __50 Copies

__We would like to be a distribution point for the 2009 Official South Florida Referral Directory __15 Copies __30 Copies

FAX REPLY TO (954) 566 – 3398 or e-mail Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org

www.BrowardBiz.com www.SouthFloridaChamber.org www.SouthFloridaBusinessNews.com

www.ChamberRSVP.com

Two New Ways Entrepreneurs Can Band Together

It is not hard to find networking organizations that seek to bring businesses together in order to provide a forum to promote your products or services, but many do not focus on the role of the entrepreneur in the local economy.  This article outline two new organizations that focus specifically on entrepreneurs and their unique situation:

http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2009/09/two-new-ways-entrepreneurs-can-band-together.php

Start Up Tip of the Week

Each Tuesday, I will share a business/law tip for small businesses that are just getting started.  This week: Know your friends and keep them close.

What do I mean when I say “know your friends and keep them close."  This means that you need to know who your resources are either from a referral standpoint, business development standpoint, strategic partnerships, or business management support.  There are three things I would advise doing related to "knowing your friends."  They are: 1) setting up a team of strategic advisors, 2) creating referral sources and 3) remaining in contact.

“Strategic Advisors”

Each small business is different but I believe many small business would greatly benefit from setting up a team of strategic advisors.  Sit down and think about your strengths and your weaknesses then consider who you know that can complement those strengths or build up your weaknesses.  Individuals to consider a strategic advisors are: a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing or public relations advisor, and a sales expert.  The benefit to evaluating your business with this team of advisers is that it will allow you to understand both your needs as well as your services and build your business accordingly.

“Creating Referral Sources”

Most everyone that you know probably know somebody that can use your goods or services.  But how can you tap into that resource without appearing overbearing, demanding, or desperate?  The key is in matching people to needs.  Make a list of what your business needs are and then make a list of the individuals that you personally know that can help address that need.  This is especially important relative to referrals.  What are your products or services?  Who do you know they can best assist in client acquisition relative to those products and services?  Create the lists and connect the dots.

“Remaining in Contact”

following up and following through are sometimes the most difficult things for small businesses to incorporate into their business.  It is not simply enough to make one initial contact or to send one e-mail or to make one phone call.  We can work directly with our contacts to know how often we should contact them and by which means.  Our contacts need to know who we are, what we do, and how we can help them or their associates.  Everyone is busy.  Everyone forgets.  That's why we consistently need to be reminded.  They're excellent programs for small businesses can access in order to automate this constant contact process.  Research and evaluate which method is best for you.

High Impact Marketing on a Limited Budget

Included below is the tip of the day for small business readers of BusinessWeek.  These are some timely tips for businesses as marketing is critical for success but budgets are not what they used to be.  I especially agree with the first point… We need to re-connect with our communities.  Find people that are complimentary to our efforts.  Collaborate to success.  Here is the link for more information:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2009/10/high-impact_mar.html

Latinbiz Women of Virtue Event

Next Thursday, October 29, 2009, there is a great event to support the role of women in business and the positive impact that they are having in South Florida.  This event is sponsored by LatinBiz.  Information is included below: