Self Employment Program

• Review positioning and how it flows through everything we do.
• Features and Benefits—what are you really selling?
• The different ways we market—promotional activities for small business.
• Marketing materials—the different types and how to begin them.

• Why network? What’s in it for me, what’s in it for the other guy?
• How can I start to network? How can I make and keep connections?
• Who wants to network with me? With whom do I want to network?
• What do I talk about? What subjects do I avoid?
• When is it the right time to network?
• Where do people network?

Clients will be invited to attend their next local Chamber of Commerce, Valley Women’s Network, or Toastmasters International meeting; at least one SEP staff member will attend with them.

• Why customer service is one of the most important concepts to understand.
• How great have you decided to be?
• Engagement—it’s the heart of customer service.
• Managing relationships.
• Develop a customer service plan.

Clients will be motivated to start a customer service plan immediately and will understand how this will make or break them.

Unlike 15 years ago, when fast-talking sales managers told you, “Close! Close! Close!” today’s selling is more about problem solving, communicating, and relationships. Clients will:

• Identify the problems they need to solve;
• Practice solving problems through role-play;
• Practice making the phone call that starts the process;
• Learn how to manage the relationship; and
• Gain effective communication skills.

In today’s world, everyone in business needs a web presence of some kind. As well, they need a basic knowledge of how the Internet can help them move towards success. We will cover the following:

• The purpose of a website and the different types;
• How to get started and what to watch out for;
• How much to invest and the value of working with a professional; and
• Finding clients and marketing to them on the Internet.
• Linkedin, blogs, Twitter, Google Plus and more….

A successful business starts with a sound base. This workshop will cover the steps from registering/licensing the business, obtaining sales/tax numbers to bookkeeping and financial reporting

• Various business structures, Proprietorship, Partnership, Incorporation.
• Business Registration, Licensing.
• GST and PST.
• Payroll and Import/Export registration.
• Taxation and the sole Proprietor/partnership vs. Incorporated.
• Insurance- Liability, WorkSafe (WCB) Insurance and Liability.
• Preparing the business Opening Balance Sheet.
• Review Startup Expenses.
• Vehicle Logs.
• Preparing a Financial Management POLICY MANUAL.
• Government/Tax Requirements for business/personal record keeping.
• The business owners need to KNOW.
• Establish a CHART OF ACCOUNTS,
• Types of bookkeeping methods.
• Demonstration on how bookkeeping can be made easy.
• Review of what participants need to prepare for the next and ongoing bookkeeping/financial management mentoring sessions.
• Question Period.

Two of the biggest challenges home-based and new business owners face are managing their time and staying focused. Those who are successful have learned how to work at home and create a life in balance. We will cover:

• Organizing the space;
• Telephones and equipment;
• Professionalism;
• Priorities;
• Accountability partners; and
• Family involvement.

Goal setting and action planning are two critical keys to business and life success. We will cover:

• Why goal setting works;
• How our brain works;
• Getting out of our comfort zone—intentionally;
• The importance of “being” it before you “get” it;
• How to prioritize; and
• How to write out an action plan that is not overwhelming.