RamblingDyna

I attended the Women Web 2.0 - Startup Essentials http://www.women2.org/october-2009-startup-essentials/ last night, a three part series covering three core components of running a successful business: Product Development, Law, and Public Relations. I've received many of their LinkedIn Group invites and yesterday's course was my first time attending one of their events. It was refreshing to attend an all women group since the past couple of workshops and events that I attended comprised of men and women. Not there's anything wrong with that but the dynamics of an all women group fosters a more supportive, engaging and collaborative atmosphere. I must preface that men are also welcome to attend these events. Christina Pearson, Attorney for Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw & Pittman conducted the Legal Night workshop. She thoroughly covered various topics from the types of companies (Partnership, LLC, Corp) and funding to employee status and intellectual property. I won't b...

I've discovered a slew of free and low cost training workshops, business resources and counseling services in the San Francisco Bay Area. The presenters or consultants are experienced professionals in a variety of fields. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - San Francisco Main Office http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ca/sf/index.html Main one stop information source in starting, funding and running a business. So far I've taken free classes in blogging and business registration. SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business www.sbatraining.eventbrite.com Part of the federally funded SBA. Free Business Counseling, Business Training Seminars and Online Assistance San Jose Entrepreneur Center www.ecenteronline.org Programs include Financing Programs, Technical Assistance, Training, and Procurement Assistance. Commonwealth Club - Main office in San Francisco www.commonwealthclub.org August month long forum series “For Richer, for Poorer: Surviving and Thriving in t...

The fate of mobile phones, secrets to startup success, starting a SF business and landing that Federal contract - pick the brains of industry experts as they share their words of wisdom, experience and advice this week. WHAT: The Next Big Thing in the Mobile World WHY: “ Industry experts will discuss the benefits and challenges facing companies as customers and businesses demand more content of higher quality and speed wherever they are and on any device.” – Commonwealth Club https://tickets.commonwealthclub.org/open.asp WHEN: 8/05/09, 7:00 pm - ? WHERE: Microsoft, Building 1, 1065 La Avenida, Mountain View MULA: $15 Commonwealth Club members, $25 non-members WHAT: Entrepreneurism: Begin with the End in Mind ...

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...

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...