All across the state businesses are using the Internet to:
- Expand their MARKETING efforts beyond their local area,
- Enhance their capabilities in SELLING their products and services to a wider audience,
- Enable them to become more effective in CUSTOMER SERVICE,
- To more creatively and effectively COMMUNICATE with their customers both current and potential,
- Become more EFFICIENT in their internal operations: HR, purchasing, marketing, etc.
These workshops approach the challenges all Minnesota businesses face from a strategic standpoint; they are business classes not “computer classes.” The Internet is one potential solution to business challenges; Twitter, a web site, Google Places, or a WordPress blog may be solutions where appropriate. The workshops will feature a number of different approaches – simple to complex – which businesses can use to improve their marketing, sales, customer service, and operational efficiencies and become more profitable.
Doing Business Online – Explore options for using the Internet in your business and find the best fit for your operation. This hands-on workshop introduces the many options for businesses to develop their online presence and connect with customers today. On the computer, participants will research what other businesses are doing online, explore the use of a number of online tools, and set a plan in place to take advantage of the internet in your business.
Google Tools – Google provides many free tools and features you can use in your business from spreadsheets and documents you need to keep organized to marketing tools like blogs and Google Sites. Google also provides a powerful web analytics tool you can use to track the traffic to your website. On the computer, participants will explore these tools and more, set up their account, and learn about how to apply these tools to your operation.
Using Social Media in Business – An introduction to the basics of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for businesses. Explore ways your business can use social media and online networking tools to effectively reach your current customers and new ones. While the Yellow Pages and traditional websites are still useful for advertising your business or community information, many business owners or community leaders are beginning to interact with their customers through websites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This workshop will explore basic fundamentals of popular social networking sites, examples of use for, and the potential benefits social media could bring to your business and community.
Roadside Advertising in a Digital Age – Does your business have a sign on the digital superhighway? Can your customers find you in this evolving digital world. Over 50 million people use GPS units, while even more use Google Maps or Bing or Yahoo to find goods or services. Can people find your business when they search online or use a GPS device? Digital maps not only describe in detail how to reach a destination, but give advice on the goods or services and should be a key part of your business marketing. In this workshop you will gain the know-how and learn the tools to get on digital maps.
Marketing Your Website – Having a website is only the first step in using the internet for business. The next important step is making sure that customers find and use your site. This 3 hour hands-on workshop introduces effective ways to market websites. Topics include getting found by search engines, viral marketing and using online tools like e-newsletters to drive traffic to your site. Participants will research key words related to their business, explore how to purchase online advertising, and see examples from businesses that use social media to get noticed. This workshop will also cover ways to find and target customers online.
Classes currently available in
the Upper Minnesota Valley Region:
Montevideo – School Computer Lab
June 6 – Doing Business Online
June 23 – Google Tools
June 28 – Marketing Your Website
Clara City – Library
July 26 – Roadside Advertising
August 11 – Doing Business Online
August 18 – Social Media
Lac qui Parle County – Computer Commuter
June 22 – Google Tools – Dawson
July 11 – Social Media – Dawson
July 18 – Roadside Advertising – Madison
July 27 – Marketing your website – Madison
Appleton – Elementary School Computer Lab
June 29- Doing Business Online
July 20- Google Tools
July 28 – Marketing Your Website
