Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce: Fox Cities Chamber and FVTC Venture Center announce new series of small business workshops

Fox Cities, Wis. (Dec. 7, 2022) – The Fox Cities Chamber and Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center have announced a series of Small Business Workshops that are being offered at a discounted rate for Chamber members. Four programs will be held in the first half of 2023 on topics that will help small businesses grow.

The series kicks off on January 11 with “Small Business Talent Management”

This workshop helps micro and small business owners prepare for improving and adding talent in their small business. The main areas to be discussed include: Writing position/job descriptions, recruiting and managing staff, employee training, calculating employee cost benefit, and planning for future employee needs.

Small Business Workshops

“Small Business Talent Management” will be facilitated by Bill Ritcey, FVTC Venture Center, and held on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM at the D.J. Bordini Center in Appleton. Cost is $59/person for Chamber members; $79 for nonmembers. Register here.

The February offering is a small business skill-building series: “Social Media Basics and Understanding TikTok.”

This two-part program helps attendees understand the basics of social media for their business. First, they’ll be introduced to the social media landscape and identify platforms that make sense for their business. Next, learn the landscape of TikTok and leave having made and posted a TikTok video. Attendees will learn from someone who has amassed 30,000+ followers on TikTok this past year. Topics covered:

· Social media marketing best practices
· Social media 101 – understanding the platforms and apps
· Digital advertising
· TikTok best practices
· Making a TikTok
· Growth strategies

“Social Media Basics and Understanding TikTok” will be facilitated by Evan Friemuth, founder, Venture Wisconsin, and held on two Mondays, Feb. 6 & 13, 2023 from 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM at the D.J. Bordini Center in Appleton. Cost is $129 for Chamber members; $159 for nonmembers. Register here.

Next up is a series on “Small Business Sales Management” in March 2023.

This four-session program will help micro and small business owners learn the better art of selling. Some business owners are more focused on creating the business’ product and service, rather than selling their products and services. This series will boost the attendee’s confidence, untap their inner salesperson, and get their business on track for increased sales. Topics covered include:

· Sales Process | Topics • Sales cycle • Preparation • Opening & closing • Maintenance & risks
· Sales Team | Topics • Sales organization • Job description & training • Reward systems & territories
· Sales System | Topics • Sales tools • CRM system • Sales reporting & conversion • Sales culture
· Sales Budget | Topics • Sales objectives & costs • Sales investments • Sales potential & forecast

“Small Business Sales Management” will be facilitated by Bill Ritcey, FVTC Venture Center, and held on four Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2023 from 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM at the D.J. Bordini Center in Appleton. Cost is $199 for Chamber members and $219 for nonmembers. Register here.

The final program, held in April, is “Smart Marketing for Your Business.”

Marketing is a critical business function and one where small business owners get stuck. This 90-minute workshop introduces a four-part marketing strategy attendees can implement now, to elevate their marketing results and leave with a streamlined marketing strategy. Topics covered:

· Your ideal customer segments
· Differentiation
· Messaging
· Implementation

“Smart Marketing for your Business” will be facilitated by someone from the FVTC Venture Center and held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM at the D.J. Bordini Center in Appleton. Cost is $59 for Chamber members and $79 for nonmembers. Register here.