Let's hear it for all the little people (and by that I mean the people who create roughly 80% of all new jobs in this state): that not-so-rare breed known as small business owners. The Boise Metro Chamber is sponsoring the 2008 Small Biz Conference, featuring keynote speaker Rhonda Abrams. If her name doesn't ring any bells, she's like the Suze Orman of entrepreneurship (though less grating). She's a small biz guru, a prolific author, and nationally syndicated columnist. And she's a very successful business owner (and brand) in her own right. Buying one of her books was one of my first steps on the path to entrepreneurialism.
Abrams will provide the keynote address following breakfast. Then, as an added bonus, she'll stick around for a few hours to lead the workshop "Owning your Niche: How to Compete with the Big Guys and Win!" There are several other interesting workshops to attend throughout the morning, including "Marketing and Advertising on a Budget" and "Develop, Delegate, and Disappear."
At noon, we'll celebrate some of the region's small biz success stories at the annual Small Business Awards Luncheon. Afternoon highlights include a panel discussion, networking opportunities, the chance to polish and perfect your elevator pitch, and more networking at the B2B Trade Show and Business After Hours.
I know from personal experience that owning and running a business can be an isolating experience. These sorts of events always help us to recharge, refocus, connect and share with other small biz folks, and infuse our businesses with new ideas and strategies. The agenda offers a fitting balance of inspiration and practical advice. Just the networking alone ought to be worth the price of admission.
Treat yourself to an entire day dedicated to making you a better business owner. First 100 registrants will get a free copy of Abram's book, "The Owner's Manual for Small Business." Don't delay: sign up at the Chamber's web site.
Disclosure: I'm on the Chamber's Small Business Success Center Advisory Council.
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Hi Brian-
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, and just wanted to send you some news about a great entrepreneurial opportunity I thought you’d be interested in and perhaps share with your audience.
I want to make you aware of Everyday Edisons, a nationally televised PBS reality show that documents the product development process (from start to finish) of approximately 12-14 inventions and the parallel stories of the inventors who created the original idea.
Everyday Edisons is holding one last casting call to select new product concepts for Season Three. Instead of visiting another city, this casting call will be hosted online through www.EdisonNation.com. At least one of the online submissions will be selected for the show. Participants can upload as many idea submissions as they like now through Monday, June 23.
If selected, you will have your invention/new product concept commercialized by Everyday Edisons and enjoy a 20-year annuity on future product sales. The television show takes care of all expenses involved in bringing the product to market.
Everyday Edisons is looking for inventions in all stages of the production and development process, from rough ideas to refined prototypes and manufactured products.
In order to be considered, all you need to do is log onto Edison Nation (www.EdisonNation.com) and create a profile. Look for the Everyday Edisons logo to submit to the sixth, virtual casting call. Register to become a Gold Member and enjoy many benefits, including the opportunity to submit your invention for the virtual Everyday Edisons casting call. The Web site will walk you through the submission process step-by-step and you can follow the status of your submission with the "idea review timeline," which will appear on your Edison Nation home page when you log in with your user name and password.
If you haven't had a chance to catch an episode of Everyday Edisons on your local PBS affiliate, you can check out a clip or two on www.youtube.com by simply searching "Everyday Edisons." There are several fun things to view, including a behind-the-scenes clip; interviews with our engineers and Season One inventors; a Season One series recap and product "commercials."
I just thought you and your readers would be interested in this opportunity. I hope you will encourage them to take advantage of it. Best of luck in all that you do!
Melissa
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