Agenda

10:00 am- Expo Kick-Off with Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and RI Economic Development Interim Executive Director, Michael Saul

10:00 am- Expo Floor Opens

10:30 am- How to Start and Run a Successful Small Business with David Nash and David Lucier, CPA

There are many advantages to running a small business: independence, satisfaction, sheltering income and profits. Did you know that 89% of incomes over $50,000 a year are earned by owners of small businesses?  However, four out of five businesses don’t last five years and few ever earn the profits they should.  What is the difference between success and failure? Knowledge. 

What Will You Learn? Ten hottest businesses of 2009...How to slash hundreds off your taxes...Why most businesses waste 90% of their advertising dollars...Twenty biggest pitfalls in starting and running a small business...How to price your product or service...How to start with very little cash...How to stay “top-of-mind” with your customers and prospects...and much more!

11:00 am-3:00 pm-  Onsite registration of LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) and Trademarks. 

Are you starting your business and need to file your LLC paperwork or Trademark Registration?  This is your opportunity to meet with representatives of the Secretary of State's Corporations Division as well as volunteer local attorneys to get your business off the ground.  Computers donated by Shanix, Inc.

12:30 pm- Image Impact: Set yourself apart from the competition! with Margaret Batting of Elevé.

Do you want to attract more clients, get promoted or land a new job? Do you want to feel and look more confident? Is your image communicating the message you want?  If you answered yes to any of these questions then this workshop is for you!

Perception is reality. Consciously or not, people make value judgments based on first impressions.  We assess appearance, clothing, communications skills and behaviors and make decisions based on this seemingly superficial information.  While you don’t have a choice about that, you do have a choice about the impression you choose to make.

Your image plays an important role in your personal and professional success.   The current downturn in the economy has made it even more important than ever to set yourself apart from the competition!  Whether you own your own business, are striving for that promotion, or are in the midst of a job or career transition, enhancing your professional presence is key to your success!  

In this session you will learn:

How image influences perception

The importance of consistency

Why image is important to your career

The 10 items every wardrobe should include

How to look polished

Appearance checklist for an interview or business meeting

By identifying your strengths and focusing on your unique style, you can create an image that communicates your best self and attracts more business, gets you promoted or lands you that great job!

2:30 pm- Introduction to Facebook for Small Business with Seth Resler of Quickwhatsup.com

In a time when economic constraints are making it harder for small businesses to reach their consumers through traditional media, Facebook offers a cost-effective alternative. 

What you’ll learn:

·      What is social networking?

·      What is Facebook?  Who is using Facebook?

·      How can I use Facebook to promote my business?

·      What is the difference between a Facebook profile and a Facebook page?

·      How do I create events on Facebook?

·      How can I create an advertising campaign on Facebook?

·      How do I target my campaign?  Set my budget? Track my campaign?

·      How do I set up my website to take advantage of my Facebook ad campaign?

·      And more.

About Facebook:  The popular social networking site has over 175 million users.  If it were a country, it would be the eighth largest country in the world.  Its fastest growing demographic is users over the age of 30.

4:00 pm- Expo Floor Closes

4:30 pm- Keynote Address by Bill Rancic (at Veterans Memorial Auditorium)  Free and Open to the Public

New York Times best-selling author and A&E TV's "We Mean Business" host Bill Rancic, will deliver a keynote speech at the close of We Mean Business. Bill motivates and inspires entrepreneurs, sales teams, business professionals and students around the world. His speaking engagements have taken him to hundreds of US cities and countries like Malaysia, Ireland, New Zealand and now to Providence, Rhode Island. 

Bill will answer questions from the audience immediately following his speech.