Basic Presentation Skills

Basic Presentation Skills is an interactive class designed to help professionals get comfortable speaking in front of a group of people. This class provides an encouraging environment where you can get your feet wet in the art of speaking in front of today's audiences.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• control stage fright and use your nervous energy to your advantage.
• use a simple five-step method for crafting any speech.
• overcome the obstacles that trip up most speakers.
• make the most of your natural speaking style.
• speak in such a way that your audience will know what you want them to do.
Topics that will be covered:
• Overcoming Nervousness
• Establishing Credibility
• Analyzing Audiences
• Designing Presentations That Get Results
• Practicing Physical Delivery Skills in Everyday Life
Videotape coaching and on-the-spot review. (Only you will see your taped presentation.)

Who should attend:
Individuals who have little or no experience speaking to groups or who want to become more polished in making presentations.

Competencies:
Public Speaking

Member Cost: $325     NonMember Cost: $405
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date  http://tinyurl.com/25jfz9w
 

Finance for the Non-Financial Manager

Finance, accounting and money - these make up the language of business. Knowing how your organization makes money, having a working knowledge of financial statements, and being conversant with financial terms are all necessary skills for effective business management, regardless of the organization's type or size. This interactive workshop will make you comfortable with financial concepts and help you use financial information to make informed decisions.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• identify, read and use the three main financial statements.
• focus on the numbers that really matter in reports and on financial statements.
• explain the difference between profit and cash.
• present reports and plans in solid financial terms.
• address problems and opportunities more effectively by identifying key financial drivers and results.
• use break-even analysis and forecasting in managing your operation.

Topics that will be covered:
• The financial terms your business vocabulary must include
• The Balance Sheet
• The Income Statement
• The Cash Flow Statement
• Ratios and benchmarks
• Break-even Analysis and Cost/Benefit Analysis

Who should attend:
Managers who wish to increase their ability to assess business situations and control outcomes; Professionals involved in project management, budgeting, and/or forecasting.

Competencies:
Business Acumen, Decision Making, Planning

HRCI Accreditation:
Recertification Credit Hours Awarded: 7.5
Specified Credit Hours:Specified - Strategic Business

Member Cost: $325    NonMember Cost: $405
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date. http://tinyurl.com/2drhkf6

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Every relationship–personal and professional–is dependent on communication. Successful projects and businesses depend on people accurately understanding one another. In this class you will learn to communicate with clarity, eliminate communication barriers, influence the actions and thoughts of others and respond assertively.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your personal communication style.
• identify the communication style of others and how it impacts their ability to “hear you.”
• compose your messages to match your listeners’information needs.
• give and receive feedback respectfully and assertively.
• professionally resolve conflict while being polite but assertive.
• improve and strengthen your relationships with everyone at work (and at home).
Topics that will be covered:
• Analyzing Your Personal DiSC© Assessment
• Recognizing the Strengths and Limitations of Each Personality Style
• Development of Your Approach to Personality Styles Different From Yours
• Nonverbal Signals You Send to Others (Stress, Anger, Etc.)
• Personal Barriers That Keep You From Communicating Assertively (not Passively or Aggressively)
• Stop, Look, and Listen Formula
• Addressing Negative Situations Assertively

This class requires that you complete an online assessment prior to the program. Information about this assessment will be provided to registrants approximately two weeks prior to the program date.

Who should attend:
Individuals who wish to improve their ability to communicate with and understand others.

Competencies:
Interpersonal Communication

Member Cost: $340    NonMember Cost: $420

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date. http://tinyurl.com/24occz8

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Problem solving is an everyday workplace activity - whether for yourself, other individuals, your work group or for the enterprise. The techniques presented in this class will equip you with a robust standard methodology for solving problems that range in scope from technical/production to administrative/office related issues. You will learn a systematic process designed to enable understanding a problem, resolving it and taking steps to prevent the same or similar problems from recurring.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• Organize information and data to clearly identify the problem.
• Prioritize and isolate problem root causes.
• Develop alternate solutions and select a proposed solution.
• Implement then verify and validate problem solutions.

Topics that will be covered:
• Defining the problem and measuring the effect
• Prioritizing to identify and isolate root causes
• Developing alternatives and choosing corrective action
• Implementing corrective actions
• Monitoring to prevent recurrence

Who should attend:
Individuals who participate in projects or teams who are asked to resolve problems. Team leaders who want to teach team members a disciplined strategy for identifying and resolving problems.

Competencies:
Problem Solving, Decision Making, Project Management

Member Cost: $325    NonMember Cost: $405
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date.  http://tinyurl.com/yc2cfqb
 

Stress Management

High demand work environments take a toll on employees, thereby affecting an organization’s productivity, turnover, absenteeism, and healthcare costs. This program will provide you with tools to cope with personal and work stress and become more resilient to demands. This class is not just for the “stressed-out” but for anyone interested in functioning at a higher level mentally, physically and emotionally.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• identify your warning system for stress.
• manage workplace and personal stressors.
• use self-management tools to alleviate mental, physical, and emotional depletion and improve work performance.
Topics that will be covered:
• Stress Management Model
• SRI–Warning System Assessment
• Emotional Drain and Performance
• Staying Centered and Focused Tips
• Deep Relaxation Exercise
• Physical Tension and Energy
• Mental Resiliency and Positive Attitude
• Deflecting Workplace Negativity
• Quantity and Quality of Sleep Checklist
• Taking Action at Home and Work

Who should attend:
Individuals seeking tools to help manage personal and
workplace stress and leaders seeking to better understand occupational stress and what can be done to alleviate
its impact.

Competencies:
Personal Flexibility

Member Cost: $325    NonMember Cost: $405
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date. http://tinyurl.com/yel7tmh

Successful Coaching Skills

Coaching is an integral part of success at all levels of management. As a supervisor, you are only as good as your people and the work they produce. Coaching is a highly visible and positive demonstration of your commitment to ongoing personal development and performance improvement. Your coaching can range from less formal, day-to-day feedback, to a very structured and formalized process. Regardless of the formality and approach, successful coaching requires an effective blend of clear expectations, goal setting, monitoring, feedback, and ongoing communication.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• recognize specific coaching “targets” and opportunities.
• develop general coaching strategies based on an employee’s skill and motivation levels.
• identify the personal motivators of individual employees.
• provide better day-to-day performance feedback.
• effectively address and discuss performance issues/problems.
• recognize when and how to utilize a more formal coaching process.
• develop employee coaching/development plans.
Topics that will be covered:
• The Coaching Continuum–From Day-to-Day Feedback to Performance Appraisals
• Coaching Needs and Opportunities of Individual Employees
• Using a More Strategic Approach to Your Formal and Informal Coaching
• Recognizing “Coachable Moments” and Delivering Better “Curbside” Feedback
• Developing & Implementing Practical Coaching Plans
• Facilitating Productive Formal Coaching Sessions

Who should attend:
Managers, supervisors, and team leaders who are responsible for coaching and developing the performance of other employees, and who want to improve their day-to-day feedback and coaching skills.

Competencies:
Developing Others, Performance Management, Coaching

HRCI Accreditation:
Recertification Credit Hours Awarded: 7.5
Specified Credit Hours: General

Location:
AAIMEA Business Offices

Duration: Full-day – 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Member Cost: $325    NonMember Cost: $405
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date  http://tinyurl.com/263wz44

Writing Effective Email

"How to manage your email before it manages you" is the war cry from the popular new book, The Hamster Revolution. Today we are inundated with more email than we can wade through. It's not a time management problem-it's an information management problem! Learn how to manage the "info glut" and write email people will actually read.

At the end of this class you will be able to:
• write email your reader will read, understand and respond to in a timely manner.
• write with the tone that will get the reaction you want.
• lower the amount of email you receive each day.

Topics that will be covered:
• The Communication Hierarchy
• 'Netiquette'-Being Polite Online
• Strengthening your Subject Lines
• Organizing the Content of Your Message
• Incorporating Good Will-without Smiley Faces
• How to Reduce Your Email Volume
• Rules for Reply All, CC and Distribution Lists

Who should attend:
Individuals who use email for business correspondence.

Competencies:
Written Communication

Member Cost: $225    NonMember Cost: $305
Register 15 or more days before the program and receive a $30 discount.

Click "Register" next to the appropriate date. http://tinyurl.com/4aqny84

CSDDA 2012
Educational / Regional Conference

Cathy Sexton, The Productivity Experts will be speaking on stage on Saturday, March 10. 10:30 am an e4e Community Partner Member

"Full Steam Ahead"
Contact
Charlie Ziegenhorn
Central States Door Dealers Association
573-471-8918 
 
2012 Regional Conference Come to the conference and gain valuable knowledge and insights about the latest technology, on the economy and the day-to-day management of your business. Participate in social acitivities with your fellow dealers and exchange ideas and concerns with one-another. See the latest products from your vendors, all in one place!

Join the excitement and sign up now!
Here are some tips to make your registration easier.

Review the registration form before you begin. There are many decisions to be made when you register. Knowing what you want in advance will make registration easier, faster and less prone to error. You will not be able to change your registration without assistance once you finish. If you have a change of plans after you have registered, contact the "Contact " person, shown in the blue box, for assistance.

Exhibitors.You may register for as many booths as you like. Options for 1, 2 or 3 booths are already set up. If you need more than 3 booths, sign up for 3 booths and contact the "Contact " person, shown in the blue box, for assistance. Also, remember to register as guests the staff members that will man your booths.
Register Now!  http://www.csdda.com/2012Conference.html 

Financing Your Business

Learn about various grant and loan programs, how the commercial lending process works and why it is important to establish a banking relationship. This workshop will also provide information on Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs and how to apply for them.

Register: http://www.missouribusiness.net/calendar/default.asp

Price: $59

Who
SBTDC
Alan Hauff
314 516 6121

Hands-On Marketing Boot Camps

Learn how to build your email and social media marketing campaigns with Constant Contact. These are all day “hands-on” boot camps.

Learning a new tool and refining your marketing skills can be much easier with some know-how and personal coaching. If you are the type who learns best in a classroom with an experienced instructor, then get ready for a dynamic hands-on training by Constant Contact Expert, Barry Coziahr.

Our boot camp training is a one-stop shop for the practical know-how that beginners and intermediate users need to for a professional-looking email and social media marketing campaigns.

A hands-on, skill-building workshop
Location:
Blanke Building
904 South 14th Street
(On-Site Visitor Parking on Papin Ave)
Saint Louis, MO 63103
Cost: $149 – early registration just $99! 
 
Follow link for registration: http://tinyurl.com/85qrdl8

Lemay Chamber March Member LuncheonWednesday, March 14th

Topic: I.G.N.I.T.E Your Performance by Cathy Sexton, The Productivity Expert

Members and First-Time Guests: $15; All Other Guests: $20. Prepayment preferred. Last day to RSVP: Thursday, February  2nd.

To RSVP: 314-631-2796 or lemaychamber@sbcglobal.net

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.  You may also send a check, made payable to “Lemay Chamber of Commerce” to PO Box 6642, St. Louis, MO 63125.

It is our policy to bill for no-shows and for any reservation cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the event.

Don’t forget your business cards

Link Building Techniques That Increase Your Google Rankings

27 spots left

Price:  $10.00 per person

There are two major ingredients to any Internet Marketing strategy - great content and lots of inbound links. This month we'll talk about why links are important, and... Learn more Hosted by: Will Hanke (Organizer) Owner of Where is My Business

Click here to Register:  http://www.meetup.com/Where-Is-My-Business

Managing Your Business - Social Media Presence

The internet is playing a more significant roll in today's business world.  It is important to use this media to leverage your business. 

In this workshop you will learn:
 - Managing Twitter and Facebook
 - Social Media Advertising
 - How to work with Location and Review Sites such as Yelp and Foursquare
 - Working with deal sites - is Groupon worth it?

Click here for more information and to register:  http://conta.cc/xbO5u2

Price: $30
Who
SCORE St. Louis - Chapter 21
John Evans
314-539-6600 ext. 258

Marketing Your Business During Tough Economic Times

Course Objectives:
• Analyze the importance of marketing
• Examine controlling factors of marketing
• Evaluate qualities of a great market
• Discuss the four P’s of marketing mix
• Identify discounts and special offers
• Design USP: Unique Selling Proposition
• Review product life cycle
• Classify techniques for repositioning a product or service
• Identify types of buying decisions
• Design messages which are emotional
• Discuss consumer behavior
• Analyze barriers to product positioning
• Identify guidelines to repositioning a product or service
• Evaluate product life cycle
• Examine ways change influences pricing
Course Length - 2 Days
Course Description: This two-day course teaches participants techniques for creating and attracting new
customers, as well as getting past customers to repurchase. This course is designed to begin with fundamentals of
marketing and go through each of the different media types to create a successful marketing campaign. Participants
will discuss pricing, create their unique selling proposition, and examine copy which sells.
Method of teaching: Lecture, cases, and team discussions.
• Discuss the benefits of headline core competencies
• Analyze benefit statements
• Discuss mailing lists and demographics
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of differentiation
• Analyze the types of buyers
• Examine direct mail
• Discuss good yellow page advertisements, brochures, direct mail, business cards, billboards, internet, and display advertisements
March 6-7, 2012 - Limited Seating
$399 Per Person
$299 Early Bird before February 1st
Bring the Entire Team!

To Register clink on the following link: http://www.themathisgroup.com/

Entrepreneurial Roundtable Series

Two discussion-driven sessions will feature two to three experts who will give a short overview on the topic followed by discussion among presenters and attendees.  Sign up for one or both sessions.

The size of each group will be limited to 25 participants.  This is smaller than our other educational events, and is by design.  The intent is to maximize the opportunity for discussion on everyone's part. 

Sign up now!

Tuesday, February 21  Alternative Sources of Funding       

Panelists: 
Darcia Betts, President/CEO, Institute of Technology
Rick Palank, Sr. Vice President, St. Louis County Economic Council
Joy Ann Venverloh, President, Lexx Funding, Inc.    
Thursday, March 22  Building A Profitable Business

Panelists to be announced
Time:  4:00-6:00 p.m. 
With networking & refreshments before and after the discussion.
             
Cost:  $20 per session for nonmembers, $15 per session for MVF members

Register:  Call 314-241-2683 or click on this link http://tinyurl.com/767cb8y

Outrank Your Competition

27 spots left

Price:  $10.00 per person

You've built a nice site, you've followed the steps for SEO awesomeness, yet your competitors are still outranking you. This month we're putting on our spy outfits and... Learn more Hosted by: Will Hanke, owner of Where is My Business

To Register:  http://www.meetup.com/Where-Is-My-Business

Top 100 St. Louisans Luncheon

Meet the most influential people in St. Louis.  They are entrepreneurs, government leaders, attorneys, accountants, bankers, business owners, CEO's, company presidents, connectors, etc.

They are the top 100 people you need to know to succeed in Business.      

Description:  St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Top 100 St. Louisans To Know Award Luncheon, 11am-1pm, St. Charles Convention Center. Cost: $50.

Call: 314.569.0076 or visit: http://store.sbmon.com

Skandalaris Seminar Series: The Business Plan and Telling Your Story

The session 4 topic is "The Business Plan and Telling Your Story." The 1 - 2:30 skills portion will be followed by a panel discussion at 2:30 featuring start-up and experienced entrepreneurs providing their personal perspectives.

Price: $0
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130

Who
Ally Crust
314-935-6338

Wed., Feb. 29, 7:3am-9am
Networking, Breakfast and Keynote Speaker

Subject: What do I do if I'm being sued by Goliath?
Some business owners may feel intimidated if being sued by a larger company. What should they do if a larger firm is threatening legal action? Also, a look at many common legal issues that arise with small- and mid-sized businesses.

Rob Epstein of Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., will highlight legal issues that will help all businesses in 2012. Mr. Epstein concentrates his practice in the areas of Real Estate Law, Corporate Law and Environmental Law.
Members: FREE; Nonmembers: $20
Register online:
http://store.sbmon.com

St. Louis Small Business Network

Targeted to Business Owners ONLY, Small Business Network helps entrepreneurs focus on growing their businesses by meeting other business owners and helping them unlock the keys to growing your business.

Wed., Feb. 29, 7:30am-9am
Networking, Breakfast and Keynote Speaker

Subject: What do I do if I'm being sued by Goliath?
Some business owners may feel intimidated if being sued by a larger company. What should they do if a larger firm is threatening legal action? Also, a look at many common legal issues that arise with small- and mid-sized businesses.

Rob Epstein of Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., will highlight legal issues that will help all businesses in 2012. Mr. Epstein concentrates his practice in the areas of Real Estate Law, Corporate Law and Environmental Law.

Members: FREE; Nonmembers: $20

Register online:
http://store.sbmon.com/product_ID.asp?ID=19

Top Women Business Owners Luncheon, Feb. 15, 2012

CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS' TOP WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS Wednesday, February 15, 11am-1pm, Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Hotel (1335 South Lindbergh Blvd).

This is your chance to meet and have lunch with St. Louis' Top Women Business Owners and learn what it takes to become one of the Best. Each year SBM highlights the area's top women-owned companies. We've profiled more than 260 over the past 19 years. Now, we're bringing them all together for one luncheon. Meet and have lunch with the area's top women business owners and learn how they became some of the most successful entrepreneurs in St. Louis.

Keynote speaker Susan Elliott The event is sponsored by: RubinBrown, Charter Business, UnitedHealthcare and Winning Technologies Schedule 11:00 to 11:30 – Networking 11:30 to 1:00 – Keynote Speaker Tickets are $50. Tables are $500. 

Register at: http://store.sbmon.com

 
Join us as we kick off 2012 at the offices of one of the most versatile, entrepreneurial-focused professional service firms in town.

With operations in St. Louis (our home) and Chicago, AEGIS Professional Services offers integrated professional legal and consulting services to emerging and established businesses throughout the United States. Like our clients, we are driven by a fierce entrepreneurial spirit that is exemplified by our willingness to place ourselves behind the opportunities and risks within our clients’ businesses.

And it's that fierce spirit that has helped us expand in 2011 and positioned us to add several people to our team for 2012 and beyond. If you are a seasoned management consultant looking to expand your practice or are a business-development professional longing for a new and dynamic opportunity to feed your entrepreneurial spirit, please contact me at slevine@aegisps.com. AEGIS might provide exactly the team environment you seek.

Questions?  Contact Scott Levine at 314-454-9100.

Registration Link:  http://www.yellow-tie.org/stlouis-2012-02