BUSINESS ENHANCEMENTS

Photo Courtesy: Vernita Naylor (JEGroup)

As the year is ending there are so many things that still need to get done. One thing that comes to mind is training.  Training is extremely important to the growth and maintenance of your business.  There is a plethora of training platforms to choose from.  But what type of training to choose is the rub?

First, let’s discuss training platforms.  For your training pleasure you can take training in a variety of ways from webinars, Periscope and in-class to on-demand.  The type of training that you choose all depends upon your budget and availability.

Secondly, if there is a restriction on either your time or budget no worries there are a lot of classes designed especially for you.  If you are looking for something quick and power-packed consider taking an on-demand, webinar or Periscope type training session.  If you have the time and resources and desire a little more personal interaction consider attending a seminar or conference based upon ideal needs.

Lastly, training should not be looked upon as an inconvenience or a time waster.  Begin looking at training as a way of staying in compliance, growing your business or looking for ways to work smarter and not harder.  As you change your mind about it, your process will change as well.

Do it today by finding a training platform that works for you before the Holidays kick in.  And while you are at it schedule time to take some more training in the first quarter of the following year.  This will help you to get a head start into the arena of scheduling your training sessions and in being on your way to scaling up.

Connect with me at Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup), @JEGroupBiz, LinkedIn, Facebook to see what we are doing next, receive consulting or training services, speaking engagements or for copies of Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting for your business or certification program.

Vernita Naylor
Founder/Owner Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup)

“Don’t think small, think business” Vernita Naylor

Vernita Naylor (Jabez Enterprise Group – JEGroup) Speaks in Dublin

We all know that as a business owner it can be daunting in the day-to-day operations in managing your business.  There are so many resources available to help business owners from growing your business, and maintaining balance to building and marketing your brand in today’s world.  What is a business owner to do and where can they turn?

Vernita Naylor, Founder/Owner Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup) and Author, Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting was invited to speak at the Dublin Rotary Club about a topic close to her heart….the small business owner.  Vernita was featured in the Dublin Rotary Club, The Dublin Shamrock Newsletter where in ‘There’s Nothing Small About Being A Small Business’ she outlined some principles on what a small business owner can use to help grow their business.

The S.M.A.L.L. Principle was developed after years of research in reading the successes of businesses like HP and Starbuck and testing the material.  You too can grow your business using these principles they are simple and easy to use but will take some effort on your part: 

S – See what your competitors are doing and how you can do it better.  HP did it best by not focusing on what their competitors was doing but instead decided to build in quality into their products while creating and maintaining synergy with their internal customers, their employees.  When the employees are happy the business grows.

M – measure your business against your competitors to see what is lacking.  Southwest is a great example they created a strategy that stood the test of time.  When the airline market tanked during the recession they instead saw gross profits. Their business model is simple low prices, excellent customer service and low overhead and operational costs.

To see an excerpt about what Vernita says about the rest of the principles in The Dublin Shamrock Newsletter on page 3 click here.

Available for speaking engagements, training or workshops connect with us at Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup), @JEGroupBiz, LinkedIn, Facebook or to see what we are doing next.

“Don’t think small, think business” says Vernita Naylor.

Vernita Naylor
Founder/Owner Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup)

Chat with Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) (Series 5)

In Series 5 we are winding down on Day 2 at the National Press Club. As a part of the Top 100 Businesses chosen nationwide we got a change to get up-close and personal with Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) at the National Press Club. Before giving you more information about our chat with Administrator Contreras-Sweet, we want to say thank you to our Keynote Speakers: New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. Senator Gillibrand spoke about women entrepreneurship and how paid family medical leave is improving State to State while Senator Klobuchar discussed immigration reform and workforce development. Remember, don’t forget to read Small Business Leadership Summit Mixer (Series 1), Access to Capital (Series 2), Technology and Minority Entrepreneurship (Series 3) and Taxes and the Economy (Series 4). 

Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet was extremely personable and engaging as she spoke with us about several things that was important to us as business owners from inspiration, innovation and access to capital to the SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative. She provided us inspiration when she told of her journey to America. She came to America from Guadalajara, Mexico as a child with the inability to speak English. Once Maria began to learn English, embrace the encouragement of her family and began to gain her footing in America she established great success and prestige. Maria held several positions within the financial industry and one of her greatest accomplishments was founding, ProAmerica Bank in Los Angeles. Prior to being selected by President Obama as the Administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA) ProAmerica Bank’s target market was the small to medium businesses within the Latino community. Maria’s goal was to bring business empowerment and to help the Latino community scale up as business owners.

As it pertained to innovation she told us that anything is possible it all depends upon how you look at it. Not only is Maria an example but she provided us several other examples of how people used what was around them to make a difference. Let me share a few of them with you:

• Specialized spoon for those living with Parkinson’s, the spoon minimizes the shaking effect when eating
• Sustainable mushroom products to replace Styrofoam products
• Weekly quilt classes on Youtube that helped the business owner to increase sales and to become a solid brand

Maria created a new name Smart Bold Accessible for the Small Business Administration (SBA) because she envisioned a different and better path for SBA and its services. In this vision she notes a few things that can be either changed and/or improved immediately to fit into the name that she has branded for the SBA. Maria is working diligently to see it happen. She has taken on the financial industry again by seeking programs to improve access to capital and contract opportunities especially for Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs). For better resources in acquiring access to capital for business owners there is the SBA LINC. SBA LINC is a system that is similar to the Match.com process. Like Match.com you, the business owner answer specific questions in which you are then matched more precisely with an approved SBA lender that would best suit your business needs from staring a business and tenant improvements to working capital.

In order to help Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) to scale up Marie has taken the charge to improve the programs that focus on women. Marie realized that women were one of the most disadvantaged and underrepresented businesses and knew that in order to level the playing field that there were several elements that needed to be changed and/or improved. Marie is working on more set-aside programs for women businesses.

Another great opportunity that Marie mentioned was the SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative that is similar to being certified under the SBA 8(a) Program. The Initiative is a seven-month training program designed to help growing businesses deal with the challenges of scaling up.   The program is free and hosted in special areas depending upon host funds.

There are so many things that one can do to scale up from incorporating a new marketing strategy and partnering with another like business on a particular contract to either adding and/or improving an existing product or services. Share with us what you are doing to grow your business. We would love to hear from you. Of all of the submittals we will choose a few comments to post, will it be yours?

Connect with us @JEGroupBiz on Twitter, or Jabez Enterprise Group on LinkedIn or Facebook to see what we are doing next or to see your post. For economic development for your business’ growth don’t forget to pick up your copy of Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting today.

Vernita Naylor Founder/Owner
Jabez Enterprise Group  (JEGroup)
Author, Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps

All photos courtesy of Vernita Naylor, Jabez Enterprise Group (JEGroup) Unless Otherwise Noted.

Attention Women! Join Me in Sacramento, CA June 6, 12 noon

How are you getting your education?

Join me, Vernita Naylor and a panel of experts (City of Richmond, UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab) for Richmond Main Street ‘Business Bites’ on April 16, 11-1pm at the Catholic Charities of the East Bay.  Registration is required for more information click here Business Bites 4.16.2015–Flyer (Richmond Main Street).

After the workshop I will be signing my latest book, Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting which is a step-by-step guide to help you better leverage your business, certification, and understand how to partner with both government and corporate entities using your goods or services.  See you there!

What Does It Take To Get the Cheese at Underground Books?

 

underground books

Do you know what it takes to get your thoughts down on paper?  Want information on how to self-publish? Do you understand the steps of the design process?  Do you have the tools necessary to layout out your book?  Come out to Underground Books, 35th Street & Broadway, Sacramento, CA.  95817 on October 18, 2-4pm and hear how author, Vernita Naylor went through the process of creating her latest book, Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting.  

She will help you through the process of book development and publishing; talk about the foundation behind her book; why she decided to create an interactive guide on supplier diversity, inclusion and government contracting; answer questions and will be personally available for book signing.

Come out and join us, tell a friend. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps Coming to Underground Books

underground books

Come join me on October 18, 2-4pm at Underground Books, 35th Street & Broadway, Sacramento, CA.  95817 and I will tell you about the process and development for creating my latest book, Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting.  I am continually being asked about:

1.  How did I begin my process? 2.  How did I self-publish my book?  3.  What was the concept behind my design and layout process?  4.  Why did I create an interactive guide on supplier diversity, inclusion and government contracting and much more. I will answer all of your questions.  Also, be available for books signing.  Let’s talk.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting – ON SALE NOW!

Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting

If you are a business owner do you know what it takes to partner with the government or corporate entities?  Do you know what opportunities are available to you as a business owner?  Are you a disadvantaged or underrepresented business?  Do you know what the various types of proposals are?  Do you know what the steps in creating an effective proposal are?  Did you know that you can increase your revenue stream by working with government and corporate entities?

If you are unable to answer YES to any of these questions then you need to pick up a copy of Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting NOW!  There are businesses especially disadvantaged and underrepresented businesses that are missing out on getting a piece of the billions of dollars being spent on goods and services.  Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps can show you how you too can partner, obtain opportunities, create effective proposals and increase your business’ bottom line.

Pick up Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps by Vernita Naylor on Amazon.com today.

 

 

 

Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps On Sale NOW!

Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting

GET THE CHEESE, AVOID THE TRAPS ON SALE NOW!

If you are a business owner do you know what it takes to partner with the government or corporate entities?  Do you know what opportunities are available to you as a business owner?  Are you a disadvantaged or underrepresented business?  Do you know what the various types of proposals are?  Do you know what the steps in creating an effective proposal are?  Did you know that you can increase your revenue stream by working with government and corporate entities?

If you are unable to answer YES to any of these questions then you need to pick up a copy of Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps: An Interactive Guide to Government Contracting NOW!  There are businesses especially disadvantaged and underrepresented businesses that are missing out on getting a piece of the billions of dollars being spent on goods and services.  Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps can show you how you too can partner, obtain opportunities, create effective proposals and increase your business’ bottom line.

Pick up Get the Cheese, Avoid the Traps by Vernita Naylor on Amazon.com today.

 

 

 

Face 4Ward Celebrating the accomplishments of Letitia Hanke-Ryzhkov

Face 4Ward is designed to highlight businesses that are making positive impacts not only within their communities but throughout the world.  

Letitia Hanke-Ryzhkov got into the construction industry by accident.  Alternative Roofing Solutions (ARS) and Sonoma/Napa/Marin Seamless Gutters are both proudly owned by Letitia Hanke-Ryzhkov the only minority, female roofing contractor in the North Bay.  ‘I want to inspire women, especially black women that you can be whatever you want to be no matter what obstacles that may get in the way.’

She studied music in college and began as a starving musician.  Later, she discovered that she needed a job so she began working with a roofing company over 17 years ago.  Within eight years with the company she went from receptionist, office manager and manager to field supervisor.

She decided to seize the opportunity and become a part of the construction industry by getting her contractor’s license and started her own business in 2004. The construction industry is on the upswing and in this male-dominant industry it is hard for women to remain consistent in this business.  We got a chance to catch up with Letitia to see how she does it.

You are in a male-dominant industry.  What would you say is the secret to your success?

We are not like other construction companies. We treat every project as if it were our own homes.  We are pleasant and courteous from the first phone call.  We exercise great work ethics by showing up on time, cleaning up our construction debris, provide a quality product by installing problem free roofs and gutters, we are uniformed and we are available by phone 24/7.  We are the “Alternative” in the industry. No job is too big or too small!

What is some advice do you have for those with an interest in the construction industry?

1. If you have a desire to be in the construction industry my best advice is to not be a salesperson.
2. Roofing and gutters is more than just selling a job; it’s an art form.
3. What we do is create art with our skills and vision. Learn to appreciate the happiness you are creating for the client and appreciate the smiles that come at the end of the job not just the “check”.

What future goals have you set for yourself within the near future?

I would like to open my painting and decorating business and get my general contractor’s license so that I can become a one-stop shop. It would be great to be able to offer home remodeling services under one company. This will also allow me to hire more employees and create job opportunities for qualified people.

How do you give back?

In 2012, I started the “Give Back to SAVE OUR SCHOOLS (SOS”) program where we donate 1% of the roofing and gutter replacement jobs to the school of our client’s choice.  It doesn’t matter if the school is out of the country or out-of-state. All schools are hurting. I truly believe Sports, Music, and Art keeps kids out of trouble and they must stay in our schools.

Contact her at:

707-696-2247
ARSolutions2004@aol.com
www.ARSroofing.com

If you want to stay up-to-date on government programs, lending, events or other small business initiatives subscribe with us.  Have a great story, comments or want to be featured on Face 4Ward contact us at services@jabezenterprisegroup.com or visit us at www.jabezenterprisegroup.com.