**FREE** Basics of Starting a Business:

July 5^th from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Writing a Winning Business Plan:

July 11^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. - $25/person

**FREE** Doing Business with the Government: July 12^th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

If You Build It, Will They Come?:

July 13^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. - $25/person

QuickBooks for Beginners:

July 19^th & 26^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. - $45/both sessions

For more information on the above seminars and programs, please call the Aurora BDC at (303) 326-8690 or visit http://www.aurorabdc.com.

SBA Financing Seminar:

August 15^th from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Obtaining Business Financing:

August 22^nd from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

**FREE** Meet the Lenders Panel:

August 22^nd from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

The Business of Art

Front Range Business Showcase – August 17^th

Hosted by Buckley Air Force Base, the General Services Administration, and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the 2006 Front Range Business Showcase is slated for August 17^th at the Holiday Inn – DIA.  If you are seeking government and corporate procurement opportunities, this is a must-attend!  The Aurora Business Development Center will be conducting two workshops in addition to having a booth at the event.  Booth space is still available or come as a participant (only $25 for showcase and workshops).  For more information, visit www.aurorachamber.org.

Upcoming Seminars and Workshops

Save the Dates - Upcoming Financing Programs

Effective personal selling doesn't happen by accident. A small business must work to achieve the sales necessary to achieve the businesses financial goals and competitive edge. It’s about getting in front of the right people, with the right message at the right time.

Overcoming the fear of “NO”

First, don't take it personally! Customer say no for lots of different reasons, many having nothing to do with you. Timing, budget, preoccupied are just a few.

Avoid Too much “sameness”

Create a unique selling position for your business.  Research your industry and create a strategy to stand out from the rest,

Sell You

Selling yourself is as important as selling your products.  Be prepared to be questioned with the same enthusiasm as an employment interview.

Insightful questioning

First using active listening skills to understand the customer’s key business needs. Offer specific solutions to the customers needs.

Trusted or busted

The absence of trust is responsible for more failed sales than any other factor. Trust is developed by demonstrating integrity -- following through on your business promises, delivering a quality product or service when and how you promised it such that you meet or exceed the customer's expectations.

The right audience. Reach the Decision Maker

Reaching decision makers seems harder than ever. Voice mail and e-mail diminish opportunities to make real connections with people.

Is there a budget?

One of the best way to speed up a final closing is to ask your prospect what budget has been set aside

AFTO

Once you have earned the right to AFTO (Ask for the order) do it!

Follow up or fall behind

69% of sales leads receive no follow-up at all

The Aurora Business Development Center (BDC) offers free one-on-one counseling, low-cost seminars, financing programs and technical assistance for entrepreneurs and existing small business owners.

www.aurorabdc.com

The Aurora Business Development Center’s (BDC) e-newsletter, BIZ BEAT, contains our upcoming events and programs, valuable business tips and trends, City of Aurora news and other small business resources. If you do not wish to continue receiving this e-newsletter, please email us at info@aurorabdc.com.

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The Other Side Arts, in collaboration with the Aurora Business Development Center, will be offering an all-day workshop for emerging artists on business topics and issues relevant to this audience.  The program will cover portfolio, presentation and pricing artwork; public art opportunities; art marketing practices, legal issues and copyright law; resources and business assistance for artists; and a panel discussion with gallery and co-op owners as well as other professionals in the art arena. Details are as follows:

Date: Saturday, August 26th 

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:45 a.m.)

Location: The Other Side Arts - 1400 Dallas Street,  Aurora

Cost: $50 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)

For more information, please contact Nancy Webster McKinney at (303) 326-8690.