RamblingDyna

I wrote a news story about PG&E's sponsored "Supplier Diversity and Matchmaking Workshop" that was held at their San Francisco office recently. Click on http://globalnation.inquirer.net/region/americas/view/20090730-217903/Fil-Am-businesses-get-boost-from-CA-agencies for my complete story on Inquirer.net. I go in detail on how small businesses and businesses owned by minorities, women, and disabled veterans can gain access to contract opportunities with utility giants such as Comcast and AT&T through state certification. Listing on this major certification database is free but only 3,000 California businesses are in the directory which tells me that this valuable and reputable resource is largely unknown to small business owners. Basically its THE go to bible that these big companies first reach for when they need quality contractors. You may be thinking, what kind of services can I provide to PG&E? The electric/natural gas giant may not be your target market...

Professional Networking and Workshops This Week in San Francisco Bay Area. Bring those business cards, questions and ideas. RSVP through the links below. Check back for updates! SESSIONS MIXER . This is a pure social mashup event = geek + business+pixel. No lecturing. I’ve never heard of this type of event! Sounds like a playground for entrepreneurs with no rules as long as you can play well with others. http://mixer10-linkedin.eventbrite.com/ Why: Tables and booths for demos, business pitches and giveaways = heaven When: Tuesday, 7/28. 530pm-10pm Where: Financial District, San Francisco Mula: $15 BRINGING AUTHENTICITY BACK . Lecture by best-selling author and renowned marketing expert, Rohit Bhargava – different approach to marketing. http://www.svama.org/ Why: “Learn why authenticity is the new secret to effective marketing and how you can make your business...

You're a start up company writing your business plan (you should if you haven't), ramping your product development or services, developing your website but don't have the budget for public relations or an ad agency. How do you get your message across on the boob tube? Last night's Meet Up event answered those questions. I attended the "How To Get Media Attention to Your Business" at the Metreon Theater in San Francisco last night. It was a very useful presentation for startups vying for free and accessible publicity in this information overloaded society of online social networks, You Tube, radio and television. Television News Reporter Sue Kwon was the guest speaker for the three hour presentation. Panelists included media expert and entrepreneur Dr. Brenda Wade, Comcast Marketing Manager Tracey Awad and BizTech Day Founder, Edith Yeung. Kudos to an all women panelist presentation! I know I’m partial, but hey, how often do you see women headline this type ...

I’m not a small business owner but I do feel for the little guys scrounging around to make ends meet in this tough economy. With San Francisco office rentals still too high to afford, one can only work at home and have business meetings at restaurants and cafes for only so long. Plus, getting out of the house (and pajamas) by noon and connecting with people the old fashioned way (versus online) is good for your soul and psyche. It’s not a good sign if you end up talking to yourself more than to people face to face! There are two office space rentals that I fell upon that cater to start ups, freelancers and small businesses. But more than just space, they offer a sense of community with various support systems for those brave enough to jump off the cliff and just do it. Each one offers affordable rates and various plans. Daly City Business Center is right off Highway 280 near Serramonte Mall in Daly City, a 10 minute drive south west of San Francisco. http://www.dalycity.or...