Last month I had an opportunity to present Blogging for Small Business at the 2016 eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop, which was sponsored by the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) and Downtown Delaware held at DelTech in Dover, DE.
As an attendee at the 2015 eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop I knew that I wanted to come back as a presenter. Especially since Blogging has become an integral social media platform for small business owners it was a natural fit for me to present. #DelawareBlogger
The eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop is a FREE 2 Day training program, however, small business owners must submit an application and commit to attending both days in order to be accepted. The eCommerce training covers an array of topics including Instagram, Facebook 101, Legal and Taxes, Reputation Marketing, Loans and Grants and Branding Your Business.
The courses were designed to assist participants in establishing their eCommerce business or supplementing their current sales practices. Designed for entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners including non-profits looking to start or expand a business online.
The eCommerce training is for beginning and advanced entrepreneurs that desire to start or expand a business selling products and/or services via the internet. Most of the eCommerce participants have an existing Delaware-based business and were looking to enhance their business through the use of social media tools.
Continental Breakfast was available prior to the 9:00 am start of the workshop and my presentation was on Day 2. I had the honor and privilege to follow one of the Social Media Icons, Darnyelle Jervey, CEO, of Incredible One Enterprises. Every time I attend one of her conferences or listen to any of her many YouTube videos I walk away with more knowledge as was the case at this year’s eCommerce Workshop.I wish to thank Ken Anderson and Diane Laird for giving me the opportunity to present at this years eCommerce Workshop and do hope that the attendees walked away with more knowledge on why they should start a blog for their business.
Check out this YouTube Video which covers the first half of my presentation and if you would like a full copy of the slides, please sign up for my Newsletter and it will sent it to you.
JC Penney was the place to shop when I was in High School, but that was the late ’70’s, now most people think of JCP as a place to shop for bedroom slippers, nightgowns or bedding. So last month when I went to the Exton Mall and by chance walked through I was surprised by what I saw. Of course it was the $3/$5 and $10 clearance racks that initially caught my attention (remember this post) but as I looked around I was impressed by other areas including the lingerie, active wear, accessories, and jewelry departments. Since then I’ve read posts by other bloggers who have had similar experiences mostly positive, and that got me thinking about how we could collectively inform others of the changes at JCPenney.
Unfortunately, we have been reading about their struggle in attracting consumers, the disastrous marketing campaigns and the loss of value in their stocks. I have to admit that I personally don’t like the “us-vs-them” approach because it seems negative and negativity is too prevalent in today’s society. JCPenney was established in 1902, and is a company that should be able to weather this storm, I hope their new CEO can create a positive approach in attracting customers back into the stores.
To assist in this endeavor I am starting a #B4JCP Campaign – (Bloggers for JCPenney). This Facebook page and Twitter account will be a catalyst for bloggers to collectively showcase their fashion finds by posting pictures or just writing about their experiences in the store.
In my opinion JCPenney has evolved to become a more trendy and fashionable place to shop, the store’s layout is boutique-like, pleasant, and not intimidating regardless of your price point. The layout and flow is comfortable and inviting, not cramped or overwhelming and they have the latest fashions for everyone.
Friday a new line was introduced, Joe Fresh Clothing by Canadian designer Joe Mimran. There are high hopes that this will help turn JCPenney around, it may, however, I think the current in-store enhancements will assist in that endeavor – they just need to be discovered.
The Honorable Robert Glen, State Bank Commissioner presented the awards and spoke about the First State Saving’s Bank At School programs. With each new branch opening the ribbon cutting ceremony includes entertaining plays that shows students the importance of saving money.
Debra Forbes was honored for creating onsite financial training programs. These United Way sponsored events are held during normal business hours making it convenient for attendees. Jim Godfrey was honored for partnering with The Money School in assisting consumers with debt reduction and credit counseling. Arming consumers with important financial tools has a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Kamysha Martin, representing Theatrical Fusion, presented a DVD entitled “Shopaholics”, designed upon the reality TV concept but with a twist. These free web based videos were created for teens and young adults to educate them about finances. As an introduction to the world of budgeting, debt management, smart spending, and debit vs credit card usage. Financial management is something that either parents or schools should teach but when it’s not, by the time they enter college it’s possibly too late, something I can personally relate to!
The unique concept of this program is that it gives the viewers the ability to choose the ending scene which is then played out accordingly. The DVD also featured Intervention classes as a follow up, these web based video can be seen here.
The Honorable Governor Jack Markell gave a brief history about The Money School of Delaware.
In 1999, The Money School launched it’s first 1 day conference with few attendees, but today has over 600 programs within the state of Delaware. Instructors are all volunteers, and a small staff of 6 operates the main office. Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI works diligently with the Governor to ensure the successful growth of these programs in the state.
The eCommerce Sales and Marketing Workshop is a FREE 2 Day training program, however, small business owners must submit an application and commit to attending both days in order to be accepted. The eCommerce training covers an array of topics including Instagram, Facebook 101, Legal and Taxes, Reputation Marketing, Loans and Grants and Branding Your Business.
I wish to thank Ken Anderson and Diane Laird for giving me the opportunity to present at this years eCommerce Workshop and do hope that the attendees walked away with more knowledge on why they should start a blog for their business.
