The 2009 Leaders of the North Bay Awards’ keynote speaker, Paola Gianturcoaward-winning photojournalist, documenting women’s leadership in forty countries.  Her photographs have appeared in New York TimesWall Street Journal, Business Week, San Francisco Chronicle, and in museums around the world. She has been a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR and Voice of America programs.  Gianturco was senior vice president of the first women-owned advertising agency in the United States; co-developed and taught executive institutes about women and leadership at Stanford University and Mills College.  For Women Who Light the Dark, she is giving 100% of her author royalties to the Global Fund for Women, which advocates for and defends women’s human rights by making grants to support women-run groups around the world.

October 30, 2009 • 11:30am – 1:30pm
Doubletree Hotel, Rohnert Park

Information & Reservations

Womenentrepreneur.com

“Staffing specialist Fyock displays considerable acumen in this guidebook on how to hire the right person for the right job. The critical first step is to know your organizational needs, and whom you need to fill those needs: a risk-taker who embraces change and innovation or a knowledge-hungry, lifelong learner. Fyock then moves on to the practicalities, laying them out with frankness and a propulsive energy in short, bulleted chapters.

The best candidates will likely be passive ones; you have to go get them through talent hunting. There is no shame in rehiring, and it is wise to look in-house first and to tap retirees. Don’t avoid job-hoppers; some spots don’t require long tenures. You have to sell yourself to top prospects, but don’t oversell as you will look desperate (a red flag in both prospects and employers). When it comes to the interview, Fyock notes the importance of probing, though not aggressively so. Don’t put too much emphasis on the resume, for these have a way of attracting plenty of exaggerations, and beware of any incomplete answers on the application. Sharp, necessary words for both employers and prospective employees.” [Kirkus, June 2007]

For more help on hiring and firing see the SCL Biz Guide to Growing a Business.

Let’s face it: customers who have a negative experience with your company can produce devastating ripple effects, and in this economy can quickly drag your business down. But, if you creatively apply a constant flow of small, customer-centered innovations, you will see consistent and persistent strengthening of your customer base.

During this interactive session, you learn the “50 Secrets” and leave with a ready-to-implement Customer Service Plan for your business!

October 22, 2009 • 6:00 – 9:00pm
SBDC Conference Room, 421 Tenth Street, Santa Rosa

Information & Reservations

Whether you are just starting a business or have an established one, having up-to-date knowlegde is critical for good legal decisions:

Learn these basic and necessary principles in order to make good decisions:

1. Choosing your organization structure. What are the choices?
2. Licenses and permits. What you may need.
3. Protecting your intellectual property.
4. Contracts.
5. Employees and labor relations.

Presented By: Roy Johnston

Roy is an attorney specializing in business law, real estate law, construction law, and estate planning. He brings to the practice of law his background as a successful businessman with strong managerial and marketing education and experience.

October 20, 2009 • 10:00am – Noon

Small Business Development Center
606 Healdsburg Avenue, Santa Rosa

Information & Reservations

October 20, 2009 • 6:00 – 9:00pm
SBDC, 421 Tenth Street, Santa Rosa

Information and Reservations or call 1-888-346-SBDC

He’ll help with planning, writing, and delivering your presentation, practicing (without feeling silly) and audience management. The book also has sample speeches and questionnaires and presentation tips for special situations, e.g., town meetings, eulogies, shareholder meetings, speaking to elementary and high school students, and many more.