Native Gardens Promotion and Chocolates for Mother’s Day

Who doesn’t love a client who sells chocolate?  Here is a great product to get for the mothers in your life.  This is a special sales event on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 in Miami.  For more information on the chocolates, or if you are unable to attend the event but still want chocolate, visit the Native Gardens website.

Native Gardens @ Walgreens

Greetings! 

Please support Native Gardens by sampling and purchasing our delicious Dark Chocolate Truffles at Walgreens on 123rd & Biscayne, Saturday May 8, from 11:00 - 1:30.

The success of this event (sales) will determine additional opportunities with Walgreens. Thank you.

Cordially,

Cynthia Hill

Mother's Day Truffle Sampling

Everybody loves chocolate and Mother's Day
is the perfect time to give the gift of chocolate.

Made solely with plant-based ingredients,
Native Gardens vegan truffles are Dairy Free,

Low Sugar and Gluten Free.

Hear the Native Gardens story and learn about the
health benefits of dark chocolate. Say Happy Mother's Day
with love and Dark Chocolate Truffles!

Where & When
Walgreens
12295 Biscayne Blvd.
Saturday, May 8th
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Small Business Happenings in South Florida:

Here are some events coming up for small business owners in the greater-Miami area:

 

Miami Herald: Business Agenda

 

Latin Business Club of America: Networking Event-

Join Latin Business Club of America
for another fantastic
Networking Event
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

20 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami FL 33132
Where Flagler Meets Biscayne
www.MIABiscayne.com

FREE ADMISSION

COMPLIMENTARY DRINK & APPETIZERS

Over $1000*  in Cash Raffle and Prizes will be given away
Valet parking available: $10
Our last cash winner went home with almost $500

In 2009, we gave away over $15,000 in cash and prizes
*$1000 refers to the combined value of cash and prizes that will be given away

Expo Moda 2010 Colombia-

 

FIU Alumni Networking Event-

SAVE THE DATE!
MAY, 19 2010 I 6:30PM
VICEROY MIAMI
485 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
The FIU Alumni Association &
The FIU Frost Art Museum
invite you to a complimentary event
Diversity in Art and All Things Artistic
Special Guest:
Professor Juan Martinez
Author and FIU Chair of the Department of Art and Art History
Professional business networking, Cocktails,
Light hors d'oeuvres, Music,
Raffle and more....
For more information call 305-348-3334
RSVP (with your contact info.) to alumni@fiu.edu

 

Miami Finance Forum: Networking Event-

 

US Commercial Services: Europe Export Event Miami-

At a time when millions of Americans are out of work, boosting our exports is a short-term imperative. For this reason, 2010 marks the launch of the National Export Initiative—an ambitious effort to marshal the full resources of the United States government behind American businesses that sell goods and services abroad. The National Export Initiative is a single, comprehensive strategy to double American exports in the next five years and create two million new jobs.

Explore European Markets

Transatlantic trade between the United States and Europe is the single largest trading partnership in the world, with U.S. bilateral trade with Europe totaling nearly $600 billion. European markets offer significant opportunities for U.S. businesses, whether small or medium-sized, new-to-export, or new-to-market.

Export Now! European Business Opportunities Forum

The U.S. Commercial Service, the global trade promotion organization of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, is pleased to welcome you to this event with 28 of our Senior Commercial Officers from U.S. Embassies across Europe. Via a program of seminars and individual counseling sessions, the U.S. Commercial Service will educate you about tools and opportunities available to help you reach foreign buyers and export your products and services with an emphasis on the markets of Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.

All U.S. manufacturers and service providers participating in this World Trade Month kickoff event will benefit from sessions on:

• Export Basics—Keys to Success in Overseas Markets

• Export Financing and Logistics

• Overview of Market Opportunities in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe

• One-on-one counseling sessions with U.S. Senior Commercial Officers to help you identify market opportunities for your firm

Register Now! buyusa.gov/florida/exportnow.html

Venue: Hyatt Regency Miami 400 SE 2^{nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33131-2197 (305) 358-1234}

^{Date: May 6, 2010}

^{Cost: $129/person}

^{Registration includes:}

^{• All Export Now! conference sessions}

^{• Individual counseling sessions with Senior Commercial Officers (minimum three countries)*}

^{• Breakfast, lunch, and breaks}

^{• Conference program with 28 European country overviews}

^{* Choice of countries and additional individual appointments subject to availability}

^{Europe is waiting for your business!}

Information to Jumpstart Your Small Business

Here are some articles to take a look at this week to help out your small business.  As an extra treat, I have included the link to the blog post that I did for The Small Company Blog.  Enjoy!

Waiting on the Recovery Isn't an Option: Bloomberg BusinessWeek “Today’s Tip”-

Real recovery is going to be generated by small businesses and individuals taking the necessary initiative to go out and find opportunities.  Here are some basic ideas about generating that recovery in one’s own small business.

How to Manage Without Micromanaging: The Daily MBA-

Leadership and management skills are critical for any small business owner.  Here are some thing that you can do today to improve your small business management.

Lead Generation: What Works Today: MyVenturePad-

Here are some tips on small business marketing and lead generation for small business owners.  Key: incorporate online marketing to your small business marketing plan to level the playing field.

Basic Training: Unwritten Agreements--Are They Valid?: Entrepreneur Daily Dose-

Small Business owners need to know the impact of all types of agreements and contracts on their company.  Here are some insights about unwritten agreements.

The Challenges of International Collaboration - Us and Them: Ezine Article-

International small businesses need to be aware of potential pitfalls with partnering internationally.  These principles can be applied to all small businesses seeking out a new collaborative relationship.

Should Small Business Give Twitter A Twirl?: America’s Best Business Practices Blog-

How one of the most popular social media sites, Twitter.com, can benefit the marketing practice of your small business.

- and -

My Article-

5 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Small Company Operation

Tips to improve your small business operations.  Have a great week!

South Florida Small Business Spotlight: Nebcreations

This week’s spotlight is on a South Florida graphic designer, Nebcreations.  Remember to share with your friends and associates and let them know about this local small business!  Also, if you know of a Miami or South Florida small business that should be spotlighted, feel free to let me know at: www.corallaw.com.

Small Business Spotlight: Nebcreations

On Facebook: Nebcreations Fanpage

What is your business name?

 Nebcreations

How long have you been in business?

A year and a half

What industries do you serve?

We are open to serving anyone who needs graphic/web design work

What motivated you to start your own business?

I was motivated to start my own business because I wanted to give other designers and marketers straight out of college an opportunity to showcase their skills. I also had a strong desire to give back to the community doing something I truly loved to do, which is graphic design work.

If there is one aspect of your business that sets you apart, what would it be?

The thing that sets us apart is our friendly and dedicated customer service team. We stand by our customers every step of the way throughout the designing process, and give them continual feedback and updates on their projects. Our high quality designs is also something that sets us apart.

What is your favorite part about owning a business?

My favorite part about owning a business is the fact that I can be my own boss. It has allowed me to follow my dream and passion of becoming a graphic designer.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Our ideal client/ customer are non-profit organizations, and other small businesses.

What is something that you have learned as a small business owner that could assist other small businesses?

As a small business owner, I have learned that having a good team by your side really makes a difference in the running of a business. People that are passionate and friendly, and work hard for our customers is key to the success of any business.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your business?  What is it?

In our business, we make it a point to work with all of our clients on a one-to-one basis. It is a goal of ours to show excellent customer service to our clients. In the future, we also hope to begin offering internships to other designers, marketers, and individuals in the field of management. We want to help out others by offering them more experience, so that they can go ahead and have a better and brighter future.

LinkedIn Conversation: What are the greatest challenges facing your small business?

In addition to giving small business owners access to information and networking events, one of the goals of this blog is to create a forum for discussion for small business owners.  In order to facilitate this, I often ask questions of group members of the various LinkedIn groups I am a member of.  The responses vary, but I believe the questions allow small business owners to think about what they are doing and how they can improve.  This week I asked of the International Trade Network group: What are the greatest challenges facing your business?  I thought I would share my own response and another response that was give.  Share your thoughts and possible solutions in the comments section below.

Robert Rogers-

My great challenges that I am overcoming are creating connections and helping small businesses know and understand the value of having a small business attorney.  Connections are critical in any industry because that is what leads to ongoing business and improved word of mouth referrals.  The key efforts that I am making are in creating the appropriate environment when small business owners can see how I operate and what services I offer them.  Effectively and appropriately injecting myself into the conversation is critical.

Alexander Anisimov-

I guess it's establishing new contacts and moreover earning trust of the people you work with, because it requires time and patience. And of course, implementing the new deal at the very start is the most difficult. But if you've got the thing going it gets easier.

(Alexander runs a materials supply business.  For more information, click here.)

What challenges are you seeking to overcome?

5 Ways to Research a New International Market for Small Business

Because technology and resources are making the globe smaller and smaller, small businesses need to consider options of expanding their operations internationally.  As with any new market, though, expanding internationally has its potential problems as well.  Here are 5 ways to research a new international market for your small business:

Follow the News-

You would be surprise to know how much you can learn about potential markets when you watch the news.  What countries are discussed and why?  Which countries are going through political changes or opening their doors?  Which businesses are moving into new regions and why?  To be successful in any market, it is critical to have as much information as possible.  As you follow the news, you can identify areas of interest and that will lead you to other areas of research.

Investigate Potential Local Competitors-

Once you hone in on a specific country or region that you think would be a future launch point, it is next important to research any potential competitors in that region.  Focus in on the local competitors.  What is their market share?  What are their relationships with government entities?  Do they maintain any cultural identifications with their local communities?  It is critical to learn what type of “home court advantage” businesses are given to know how best to compete in that market.

Seek Out Possible Partnering Opportunities-

Sometimes, operating internationally is much easier when you can find a local company to partner with.  Someone who knows the lay of the land and how to get access.  Also someone that may be more familiar to your clients/customers.  It is critical to research who you could work with when seeking to break in to a new market.  Pay attention to what their strengths and weaknesses are.  How can they assist your business?  Do the have the capacity to do what you need them to do?  Is there a good “personality fit”? Are they willing to take direction and protect interests?

Determine if Your Product/Services is Ready for That Market-

Just because something works where you are does not mean that that product will easily translate into a marketable item in a new country.  Research how interested those future customers/clients are in your type of good or service.  What type of client education is going to be necessary in order to alert them to the benefit of you product?  What potential culture pitfall might you run in to because of branding/product naming that should be prevented by adjustments.  May international companies run in to marketing issues because they don’t pay attention to meanings of translations and market needs in a new country.

Review Potential Government Compliance Issues-

Most importantly, you need to evaluate how you can legally do business in that respective country.  What is the filing requirement for an international company?  What restrictions do they have on foreign investment?  What potential real estate ownership issues might impact you?  How can you protect or license any intellectual property that may be important in that new venture?  What do you need to do in order to enforce contracts or protect your interests?  Which entities do you need to register with in order to do whatever you are planning on doing?  International regulatory concerns can be very problematic for a business owner and should be carefully evaluated and consulted in order to manage interests and expectations in the new market country.

South Florida Small Business Events

Here are some of the upcoming international business events in the Miami and South Florida area:

 

Miami Herald: Business happenings around South Florida-

Here is the link to the Miami Herald’s list of weekly business events.

 

Latin Business Club of America: Networking Event-

Join Latin Business Club of America for another fantastic Networking Event Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 20 Biscayne Blvd. Miami FL 33132 Where Flagler Meets Biscayne www.MIABiscayne.com FREE ADMISSION COMPLIMENTARY DRINK & APPETIZERS Over $1000*  Cash Raffle and Prizes will be given away Valet parking available: $10 Our last cash winner went home with almost $500 In 2009, we gave away over $15,000 in cash and prizes *$1000 refers to the combined value of cash and prizes that will be given away

Latin Business Club of America Networking Event Joining us at our networking event will be: The Doral and Airport West Chamber of Commerce The Florida State Hispanic Chamber Latin Chamber of Commerce of USA (Camacol) Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida American Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce and Panamanian American Chamber of Commerce LET'S GET NETWORKING!!!

 

South Florida International Business Expo-

South Florida INTERNATIONAL

Business-to-Business Expo

Business-to-Business Trade Show – Free Seminars - Awesome Networking – Trading After-Hours

Organized & Supported by Members of the “Alliance to Promote International Trade”

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

or Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org or Register to Exhibit @ www.ChamberRSVP.com

or under Products & Services at www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

PRESENTED BY

Broward County Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Foreign Trade Association, World Trade Center Miami, Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, Bolivian Business Council, Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Caribbean Trade Center, Chile U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Colombian American Chamber of Commerce, Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce, Dominican American National Chamber of Commerce, Doral Business Council, Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Miami, El Salvador American Chamber of Commerce, Florida China Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Aviation Association, Hialeah Chamber of Comer & Industries, Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Miami, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Broward County, U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Inter-American Chapter, Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce, Enterprise Florida

TEAM EVENT – Together Everyone Achieves More

@ The Miami Free Zone

2305 NW 107^th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172

Up To 300+ Exhibitors & 5,000+ Business Exec’s

International Trading After Hours

Business Expo: Wednesday, May 12^th, 2010

commemorating world trade week 2010

3:30pm – Seminars, Opening Ceremony & Business Expo, 8:30pm – Raffles, 9pm end of expo.

FREE ADMISSION with RSVP Below to Seminars & Expo Includes Hors d'oeuvres, Great Networking & much more!!!

Exhibitor Space Only

6Ft Table Exhibitor Package $175.00

Oversized VIP Exhibitor Space $350.00

Membership & Exhibitor Packages Include:

6 Ft. Table Expo Package, 1 Year South Florida/Broward County Chamber Membership, Free $295 Ad In the South Florida Business News Newspaper, A Tile Ad ($240 Value) for 90 days on www.SouthFloridaChamber.org, Full business listing in our 4 Color Referral Directory, Your Member Discount faxed and e-mailed to all members, Free Classified ad, Free Job Posting, Free Article Submission, Free Coupon ad, Free Professional Gallery Listing plus Much Much More……

ONLY $425.00* (Value $2,320) or OVERSIZED VIP Spot Only $625.00 (Value $2,995)

RSVP PLEASE __#Attending May 12^th __Exhibitor Registration May 12^th __Send Info RE: Below

Company Name __________________________________Contact Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________________________City______________________Zip__________

Phone___________________Fax______________________E-mail________________________________________

___6Ft Table Exhibitor Package $175.00 ___Oversized VIP Exhibitor Package $350.00

_Pkg #1-6’ Package & 1 YR Membership $460* _Pkg #2 – Oversized VIP Exhibitor Spot & 1YR Membership $660.* *= Includes One Time $35 admin fee

_Check ck.#_____ Tot Amt $______ Electricity – $25 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. No cash or credit card refunds. BCCC/SFCC is a 501 c 6 non-profit org.

Fax With Payment To (954) 566 - 3398

Or Mail to SFCC BCCC 2425 East Commercial Blvd. Ste 103, Fort Laud. FL 33308

81 Consecutive Sold-Out Trade Shows, Over 16,075 Exhibitors, Over 329,000 Attendees, Millions of Dollars in Transacted Business, Partnerships, Alliances, Contracts, New Customers, New Relationships, New Products!!

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

www.BrowardBiz.com www.ChamberRSVP.com www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

Join the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce on Facebook by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/broward.chamber

Follow the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce on Twitter - Click thru on this link www.twitter.com/BrowardChamber

For the next 30 days, all business owners in South Florida are entitled to one free job posting on the Broward County & South Florida Chamber of Commerce websites. Send the Job Offered Title and any description of this position and any contact information to Publisher@SouthFloridaChamber.org.

To see the 2009 Official Broward County Referral Directory on-line, log onto http://www.sficc.org/2009-referral-directory.html

To see the 2010-2011 Official South Florida Referral Directory on-line before it goes to the printer, log onto http://www.erhunit.com/erhu/dir/

To see the most current issue of the South Florida Business News Newspaper on-line, log onto http://www.southfloridabizdirectory.com/Newspaper.swf

 

University of Miami: Multi-Chamber Networking Event-

 

Green Day Hialeah-

 

14th Annual Lawyers Strike Against Child Abuse Bowling Tournament-

GRAB YOUR BALL We're Going Bowling!

Family Resource Center of South Florida Presents the 14th Annual Lawyers Strike Against Child Abuse    Bowling Tournament

Saturday, June 12, 2010      Registration 12:30pm Tournament 1:00 pm BIRD BOWL B o w l i n g  C e n t e r 9275 SW 40th St · MIAMI · 305.221.1221 Registration Fee                                        Limited Space! $350 team/lane                                                    Live DJ 4 bowlers per lane                                    Raffle & Auction includes shoes & lunch!                                                  DOWNLOAD THE RESERVATION FORM Questions, call (305) 960-5536 All proceeds to benefit: