Smart Business Seminar Series to Be Presented in Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH, NY (03/17/2010)(readMedia)-- Sometimes, there is a fine line between pursuing a hobby and a business.

The North Country Small Business Development Center is collaborating with Cornell Cooperative Extension for a series of seminars to help those who would like to develop their "labors of love" into profitable business ventures. Businesses of all kinds are welcome: lawn care, market gardening, custom tilling, since the same principles apply.

Beginning Wednesday, April 7, Rick Leibowitz, regional director with the North Country Small Business Development Center, will present a three-part seminar from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 6064 Route 22, Suite 5, Plattsburgh.

April 7: Keeping Score to Win the Game: Cash is King. Participants will discuss the basics of financial management for small business. Facilitators will help participants develop pricing strategies and create forecast scorecards with specific and measurable goals for the upcoming months (having some past financial statements at this session would be helpful, but it is not necessary). Particular attention will be paid to how cash flow is the key to long-term success and attendees will be provided helpful tips on managing operating capital.

April 14: Increasing Your Bottom Line. There are only three things you can do in business to increase your net profit performance. We will explain your options and discuss how to make educated decisions towards making your business more profitable. Find out how to recognize your three areas of opportunity and develop the action cycle using the "Flawless Execution" model.

April 21: Shout it Out Marketing. Having a quality product or service is just one component of operating a profitable business. Getting customers to recognize your quality is an active process that requires some planning. At this class, participants will discuss the principles of developing a marketing plan that will help you stand out next to your competition and provide measurable results to your business.

To REGISTER:

The fee for this seminar series is $25. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County at 518-561-7450 to register. For additional information about business development assistance, visit the North Country SBDC Web site at http://www.northcountry.nyssbdc.org.

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About North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC):

The North Country SBDC, part of the School of Business and Economics at SUNY Plattsburgh, works one on one in a confidential setting with emerging, existing, and expanding entrepreneurs. The staff has provided these services at no cost to clients in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren, and northern Washington counties for more than 20 years. The North Country SBDC is part of a statewide program funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state of New York. Visit the North Country SBDC online at http://www.northcountrysbdc.org.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE):

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a key outreach system of Cornell University with a strong public mission and an extensive local presence that is responsive to needs in New York communities.. The CCE educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. CCE Clinton County brings the resources of Cornell University and other land-grant institutions to help meet the needs of Clinton County community members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Amy Ivy, Executive Director

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County

Adi2@cornell.edu

518-561-7450 ext. 104

Rick Leibowitz, Regional Director

North Country SBDC

sbdc@plattsburgh.edu

518-564-2042