SMALL BUSINESS START-UP

Starting a Business in Colorado

David Laverty
Are you thinking of starting or have recently started a business, but aren’t really sure what you are doing? Do you want to avoid the pitfalls that cause so many businesses to fail? Want to make sure that your personal assets are protected? Discover the pre-startup and startup steps to building your business on a firm foundation. Receive a Colorado Business Resource Guide and learn where to find reliable business information.

Tue, Sept 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1024F01-68137      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

Tue, Nov 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1024F02-68138      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

MANAGEMENT HELP

6 Habits of Effective, Profitable Business Owners and Managers

Larry Pierce
Whether you are a new or experienced manager, supervisor or business owner, discover essential management skills to help staff appreciate the vision you are striving to achieve. As the workplace landscape continues to change and the baby boomer generation embraces retirement, the field of business ownership and management becomes more challenging. Having the right skills will help you achieve more than expected. Managing people by micromanagement or intimidation is not acceptable in the workplace. Employees are looking for more of a mentor and coach to help them achieve company end results. Discover how to be a people person and embrace, connect and be transparent with the employees you train, thus making the workplace an enjoyable place to be.

Thu, Sept 23, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1090F01-68191      $59

Make Money! How to Execute Extreme Customer Service

Larry Pierce
Stop losing customers! For employees, business owners, managers and supervisors, resurrect the art of true customer service. Have you ever walked into a business excited about buying a certain product only to receive little to no help finding it? Learn to prevent behaviors such as employeesemployees standing around discussing their personal lives while customers wander the aisles looking lost. Don’t let customers walk out and buy elsewhere and never return to your business. Prevent this from happening and keep customers happy, loyal and returning. Discover how:

•  referral business increases your bottom line
•  to teach employees certain rules of customer service
•  to hire the right employees to positively affect customer service

Thu, Oct 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1091F01-68192      $59

FRANCHISE

Franchising 101: There’s More to Franchising than French Fries and Sub Sandwiches

Cindy Rayfield
Discuss why many aspiring entrepreneurs choose a franchise business over starting their own business. More and more people are drawn to the idea of owning a franchise business because of the proven systems and the support that are at the heart of any good franchise concept. Is a franchise right for you too?

Topics include the following:

•  Why own a business
•  Why own a franchise business
•  Learn about the myths and realities surrounding franchising
•  Get familiar with franchising terminology
•  Understand the steps to finding the right franchise
•  How to make a decision about the franchise you may want to purchase

Thu, Oct 28, 6-9 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1073F01-68188      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCES

Bookkeeping and Financial Basics

David Laverty
Learn to read an income statement and balance sheet, understand depreciation and cash flow analysis. Discover how to keep track of all the money that is coming and going and prepare basic reports on how your business is doing. Talk about accounting terminology, record keeping, and bank reconciliation. Bring a calculator and a pencil.

Wed, Sept 29-Oct 6, 6-8 p.m., 2 wks      ACC Campus
BUSI 1043F01-68140      $79, $10 material fee to instructor

QUICKBOOKS

QuickBooks Bootcamp

Karin Lichtenstein
The perfect 2-in-1 course for those new to QuickBooks and business accounting. Learn all the essentials to get started on QuickBooks and the tools to set up good record keeping for your business. Understand the basics of proper accounting, how it works in QuickBooks, and what those financial reports mean to you. Leave with your own customized file ready to go, and gain the confidence to begin entering your company’s transactions. After this class, signup for the Quick Book hands-on session and receive individualized instruction.

Wed, Sept 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1082F01-68175      $49

Wed, Sept 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1082F02-68274      $49

QuickBooks Hands-on

Karin Lichtenstein
During this unique small group session, bring your laptop, paperwork and questions, and our expert instructors will help you set up your very own company file in proper form. Hands-on guidance and individual instruction are provided. Prerequisite is the QuickBooks Bootcamp or permission of instructor.

Tue, Oct 5, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1083F01-68178      $79

Wed, Oct 6, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1083F02-68179      $79

Wed, Oct 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1083F03-68180      $79

QuickBooks PowerSession

Karin Lichtenstein
Practical, real-world examples of how-to’s, tips, and shortcuts to improve your QuickBooks skills! Topics covered:

• Customizing (templates, reports, and more)
• Efficiency (do it better and faster)
• Smart Stuff (best practices and other useful shortcuts)
• Vexing Problems (how to address those nagging QuickBooks issues once and for all!)

Prerequisite: basic working knowledge of QuickBooks knowledge or both sessions of QuickBooks classes.

Wed, Oct 20, 6:30-9 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1084F01-68181      $69

 SPEAKING

Get Over Your Fear of Public Speaking

Leanna Fredrich
According to a well-known survey 65% of us would rather die than speak in public. Many have tried to overcome their fear and have given up. But wait! There is hope. Discover a simple but powerful tool, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a therapy that works on the mind through the body. Discover how to tap on various areas of your body while focusing on a fear-producing situation, such as speaking in public. By continuing the procedure while imagining the fearful situation, you will experience lower levels of anxiety. In most cases, the situation will no longer generate anxiety. Don’t suffer another minute! Discover what you need to be comfortable speaking “up front”.

Tue, Oct 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1041F01-68142      $49, $3 material fee to instructor

TEAM BUILDING

Improvise Your Way to Improve Team Synergy

Pam O’Mara
Your ability to work in and across groups of people with different business skill sets and levels is ever more important to your career. Using improvisational performance techniques, discover how to work with people whose skill sets may be very different from your own, and more quickly and easily adjust to different situations. Be sure to wear loose comfortable clothing and bring your desire to participate. No acting or improv experience required.

Tue, Nov 16, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1069F01-68136      $49, $25 material fee to instructor

WEB ADVANTAGES

Create a Website for Fun, Profit and Business!

Kevin Boyd
No programming skills required! Discover easy-to-use design tools that you can use to build a basic site in 60 minutes. Learn the dos and don’ts, tips and traps of website design. Explore the best techniques to get your site noticed and ranked by the top search engines, and how to create pay-per-click ads on Google, MSN, Yahoo and Facebook. Discover Internet market research tools to determine what to sell and what to avoid. Also learn how to create a money generating affiliate website with no products required. Optional workbooks available for purchase during class. Kevin is an award-winning instructor and published author.

Sat, Oct 23, 9-3 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1079F01-68143      $99

GOOGLE

Get to the Top of Google

Jennifer Croft
As more people turn to the Web to look for the products, services, and information they need, it is vital that you have a Web site that can be easily found in the search engines. There is no need to pay for clicks or banner ads. Come to this fun basic class on search engine optimization (SEO) and learn how to get your Web site to the top of Google, Yahoo, and MSN. Jennifer Croft has more than 25 years of marketing experience and hundreds of hours studying search engine optimization techniques.

Wed, Sept 22, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1075F01-68144      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

Wed, Dec 8, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1075F02-68145      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

Pay-Per-Click 101

Jennifer Croft
In an attempt to drive more traffic to their websites, more and more small business owners are turning to pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Discover whether this type of Internet marketing is right for your business, the basics of how PPC works, how to bring down your cost per click, and how to increase your conversion rates. You’ll also discover how to choose the right keywords to bid on, how to write ads that attract clicks, how to create effective landing pages, and more.

Thu, Sept 23, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1076F01-68146      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

Thu, Dec 9, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1076F02-68147      $49, $5 material fee to instructor

Web Site Savvy

Steve Sande
Do you want your own Web site but don’t know where to begin? Find out how to register a domain name and select an ISP. Learn how to use templates and blogs to design a successful Web site with the least amount of time and money. Confused what software to use to create/manage your Web site? Discuss the advantages (and disadvantages) of the common Web development software programs. Before you upload your site to the Web, be sure you know the most common design mistakes people make when creating a site. If you are going to sell products, make sure you know about shopping carts and SSL. Get pointers on how to effectively promote your Web site, learn what it takes to get the top search engines to see your site, and find out where you can get free stuff for your site.

Thu, Sept 23, 6-9 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1023F01-68155      $59, $10 material fee to instructor

BLOGS 

Blogging for Dollars! How to Create Blogs to Make $ for Your Business

Steve Sande
Blogs are a hot trend and are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get your business on the Web making money. Figure out what a blog is and learn the 5 reasons you should have one as part of your business marketing plan. Pick apart a blog and discover what makes it work (i.e. header/masthead, date design, body copy, links, modules, footer). Learn to add PayPal and affiliate advertising to your blog. Get to know the most common blog service providers. Search engines absolutely love blogs, which is great for getting your company noticed. Get tips for promoting your blog to Google and Yahoo. Discover where you can find lots of easy ways to use blog goodies for free or almost free.

Tue, Oct 5, 6-9 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1031F01-68184      $49, $10 material fee to instructor

TWITTER/FACEBOOK AND MORE

How to Grow a Business with Twitter

Lori Osterberg
You can’t open up a magazine or watch a television show without someone mentioning Twitter. But what can you truly do once you are on Twitter? Though businesses around the world are discovering how to use Twitter to grow relationships and generate sales, many more are still wondering how it all works. If you find yourself in the latter category, join us for a hands-on class in which you’ll:

• Set up your Twitter account
• Create a bio that will help you find followers
• Understand how to customize your Twitter page
• Grow your followers – leave class with at least 25
• Discover resources to help you use Twitter in your daily routine
• Learn Twitter language – what’s so important about re-tweets

Wed, Oct 13, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1078F01-68185      $59

How to Use Social Networking to Boost Your Business

Lori Osterberg
What’s all the madness about Facebook and Twitter? These sites are not just for teens. Become familiar with and learn to use social networking to build your business quickly. Discover the top social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Foursquare. Learn to build your profile, what information is important to include about yourself and your business, build your friends and connections. Discover ways to connect your blogs and websites to your social sites and use them for effective marketing. Traditional marketing may be a thing of the past when you discover how easy it is to network online.

Wed, Sept 22, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1060F01-68186      $59

Facebook Your Way to Business Success

Lori Osterberg
Thousands of people are joining Facebook every day not just to find old friends, but to build their businesses too. With over 400 million accounts within the Facebook community, this isn’t an opportunity that can be ignored. Whether you have a local service business, or a business that can have clients anywhere in the world, you’ll find Facebook an attractive tool to add to your marketing plans. In this hands on class, discover:

• The difference between profiles, pages and groups, and which methods are the best way to connect with potential clients
• The right way to set up your Facebook account
• How to build your friends and fan lists
• How to advertise on Facebook

Wed, Sept 29, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1077F01-68187      $59

20 Ways to Market Your Business on the Internet

Jennifer Croft
Learn how to increase your exposure on the Internet! Discover 20 Internet marketing strategies, most of which are free, and many of which take less than 10 minutes to implement! These effective online tactics include: search engine optimization, pay-per-click ads, affiliate programs, social media (Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter), press releases, blogs, e-newsletters, links building, and more.

Tue, Sept 21, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1067F01-68189      $59, $5 material fee to instructor

Tue, Dec 7, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1067F02-68190      $59, $5 material fee to instructor

INVENTIONS

Protect Your Ideas and Inventions: Discover What to do With Them

Peter H. Youngwith
Everybody gets ideas, but it’s what you do with yours that matters. This practical seminar is packed with advice, information, and references to help you develop your idea or invention. Discover the great American Success Story, often an idea which leads to a product and finally to a “rich and famous” entrepreneur. Learn about patents and how to make it through the process. Should all ideas be developed? Discuss how to protect your idea via a patent, copyright or trademark.

Wed, Oct 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m.     ACC Campus
BUSI 1055F01-68139     $49, $8 material fee to instructor

DATA SECURITY

Safe Computing for Home Users

Steve Sande
Did you know that 75% of Americans have an e-mail address and the average Internet user is online 3 hours per day? But 8% of our time online is spent dealing with spam and 88% of home computers have been infected by some kind of unwanted program.

Discover:

• The single biggest mistake home computer users make.
• The nine steps you should take to make your computer safe.
• How to make your wireless network secure in less than 15 minutes.
• Why hackers are interested in your home PC.
• Five simple tasks that can protect you from identity theft.
• What to do to keep track of your passwords and keep them away from others.
• How to tell if an e-mail message is authentic or a phishing attack.

Learn to defend your home computer against viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spam, and spyware. Discuss what to do if you think you have already been infected. Uncover the meaning of security terminology. Witness hacker tools in action.

Thu, Oct 21, 6-9 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1037F01-68156      $49 

E-BAY

Successful Selling on eBay

Rich McGaughey
Ever thought about selling some of your “stuff” or a product on eBay? Want to learn the necessary steps to get started? Discuss the steps to have an attractive successful e-Bay auction. Learn the importance of accurate descriptions and picture placement from someone who is very successful selling products on eBay. Basic mouse, keyboard and computer skills are needed to have a successful experience in this hands-on class. A flash drive or memory stick is encouraged.

Mon, Nov 1-15, 6-9 p.m., 3 wks      ACC Campus
BUSI 1008F01-68157      $79

Advanced eBay Selling

Rich McGaughey
Explore how presentation will make your eBay sale successful every time! If you are already registered on eBay and have conducted at least one auction, discover how to maximize your eBay sales. Protect yourself from credit card charge backs by developing a firm written policy for each sale. Discuss basic web site creation, including use of HTML and FTP for maximum impact and efficiency. Gain tips for organizing your eBay business, including topics such as appropriate tax forms, customer service and support, and securing a good eBay seller rating. Please bring the item you wish to sell, or a digital photo plus detailed description to the class. A flash drive or memory stick is encouraged. Basic computer skills are required.

Mon, Nov 22-Dec 6, 6-9 p.m., 3 wks      ACC Campus
BUSI 1009F01-68158      $79
Bargain Shopping: Successful Buying on eBay    

Rich McGaughey
Save holiday shopping money! Get great bargains on the internet with low or no shipping costs. Learn to purchase items for the lowest prices. Track auctions and the end of auctions without being on your computer. Determine what is the best day of week and time of day to get the best deals on eBay. Find misspelled items that few can see, avoid disputes before they happen, bid at the last minute without being on your pc (snipping), join (register on eBay), be safe on eBay, and avoid phishing scams. Determine a seller’s honesty before bidding or buying from them by finding a history of honest sales. See how PayPal and eBay provide guarantees and how to safely pay with credit cards. Bring an eBay ID and Password, if you have one, but it’s not required.

Sat, Dec 4, 1-5 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1011F01-68159      $49

MARKETING
Marketing “Your Way”:
Using Your Strengths to Market Your Business

Leanna Fredrich
If you dread marketing your business or you have avoided starting your own business because you hate marketing, then this class is for you. Discover your top marketing strengths and how to leverage them so both you and your business flourish! Instead of burn-out you will discover new energy and your business will stand out as exceptional. Stop the struggle and begin marketing (your way) with ease.

Tue, Sept 21-Oct 5, 6:30-8 p.m., 3 wks      ACC Campus
BUSI 1068F01-68182      $69

Small Business Marketing: 5 Secrets for Unlimited and Explosive Growth

Larry Pierce
Ever have a great idea for your business success but did not take the next step. Give your ideas wings! Marketing has changed dramatically. Inside the box thinking is dying, along with businesses that stay there. Create and give your marketing plan a boost. Discover marketing that is straightforward, cost effective and relational. Go further than traditional marketing by understanding and implementing a few of these little known jewels.

Understand and discover:

• Why customers buy elsewhere
• An easy way to jump start your business almost overnight (so simple, yet powerful)
• BRANDING and how it works
• Why customers don’t buy our products and services
• Ways to go from prospect to a SALE overnight

Thu, Oct 28, 6-8 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1092F01-68193      $59

NETWORKING 

The Referral Marketing Miracle: Or How to Triple Your Business Referrals

Cindy Rayfield
Explore one of the most basic concepts of marketing, “word-of-mouth” (a.k.a. referral, viral), what it really means and how we can measure it (yes, we really can measure it!). We all know that referrals are the very best source of new business but we don’t always understand why people refer things in the first place. Why do we do it ourselves? Find out by:

• Learning why conventional media marketing doesn’t work like we think it should, and why, in fact, the “people network” is better.
• Understanding exactly why people decide to refer your product or service, and how you can influence this behavior for your immediate benefit.
• Learning how to create conditions for referral activity.
• Understanding customer perceptions and what needs to change for more referral activity.
• Creating a results-oriented “looking good” statement for your business.

Cindy Rayfield has a history of helping people build and grow their business. Since 2001 she has been a business owner, operating a Web site and copywriting company in Denver that helps small businesses, churches and other non-profits with marketing and communication projects. She is also a local franchise consultant for Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, helping people understand the best fit for them in the franchise investment process. 

Tue, Oct 5, 6-8:30 p.m.      ACC Campus
BUSI 1072F01-68183      $49, $5 material fee to instructor