If You Ignore it Long Enough Your Business Will Go Away

Ignore What?                                               

How businesses as small as 1 person and as large as (well you get the picture) are taking the initiative to learn about and implement some of the most cost efficient and effective ways to expand their reach. They enhance the client experience, improving the ability for potential customers to learn about their company on the clients time.   USA Today Article  

Social Media, Video Marketing, Blogging, Email Campaigns, Analytics, SEO, Prospecting, QR Codes, Mobile Marketing, Client Portals, White Pages, Landing Pages.

Where do you turn, who do you talk to about this stuff?  Do any of these work for YOUR business and do you have to hire someone or do you outsource it?   Biz Journal Article

Small Groups of like-minded business people learn more together!

No earth shattering news here!  Our method of informal  but highly focused 1 to 2 hour learning sessions from industry experts allow you to walk away with enough information to make an good decision on how to move forward with NO sales pitch. There is always time for Q&A                 Article from Emergence Consulting 

Meet some of the Charlotte Business Class team!

David Walizer Certified Internet Marketing Consultant.  I have had the opportunity to attend David’s classes and have been a part of several round table discussions with him.  David is most noticeably interested in what you have to say and to ensure that you are getting what you need from his classes. David’s Business FB page and LinkedIn Information

Steve Gatter Founder of Street Smart Sales Forum a “no cost” initiative to help micro-business owners, sales professionals and entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses.  I have also attended Steve’s classes and attended nearly every SSSF meeting since May.  Of Steve it can be said that he will challenge conventional thinking and inspire you to challenge it as well.  Don’t ever say “That’s the way we’ve always done it”.  Steve’s Linked Information  

Phillip Brent QR Code and mobile marketing strategist.  Phillip was referred to me by Bob DeMers and we have discussed several teaching opportunities for Phillip.  His knowledge and enthusiasm for QR Codes and Mobile Marketing will engage you to deploy a mobile marketing solution for your business.  Phillp’s Web Site

Classes are coming soon!

Follow this blog, like us on Facebook or Twitter and we will keep you posted.  As always, if there is a personal or professional enrichment class you would like us to offer. Please let us know right here!

Are you the real McCoy?

Business Owners Need Help!

Business owners are constantly being solicited by purveyors of social media expertise or SEO after SEO solutions to magically put your company in the top spot.  It’s usually followed by a very savvy “sales pitch” where if you sign up today they’ll make it worth your while.

Or what about the amount of website developers that are operating out of their bedroom or if your lucky an insulated garage that has little or no redundancy so your site in vulnerable to outages and crashes.  Then there’s the “Roulette Wheel” cost to develop your site and all the little extra’s that run up quite a fee.  Then throw in “E” Commerce and look out the website and media junkies see you like a Tri-Fecta .

So Are You the Real McCoy?

Take a look at our previous blog where we talk about our specific purpose and mission. I know there are exceptionally talented people and business owners that can fill the need for the classes we want to offer and for the reasons we offer them.  So if you have what it takes and can provide the subject matter to help our clients make informed decisions on what makes sense for their very unique and individual business model then reach out to us.

Business Owners Speak Up!

Speak up and let your needs be known.   We have talked to and have relationships with businesses that are just about our size and they like the direction we are taking to help business owners.  Thank you and that makes us feel great!  Here’s the rub!  Business owners speak up and tell us what you need to help you be a better owner, do you have questions on Quickbooks, blogging, email campaigns or QR codes.  What about the soft skills like employee relationships or process improvement? Do you need Six Sigma or will a detailed work flow provide what you need?

Make a difference…   Charlotte Business Class

Tell us what you got and how you want to help and we’ll make it happen!

Related articles

• Are Small Business Owners Taking On Too Much? [INFOGRAPHIC] (hiscoxusa.com)

Charlotte Business Class

Education, support and a resource for Charlotte’s business owners.

Why?

After speaking with over 100 business owners and asking what they knew about SEO, Social Media, QR Codes, Analytics, CMS, Blogging, Email Campaigns etc. the apparent majority acknowledged they knew little about some and less about others.  More importantly there was little or no correlation on how the use or implementation would impact the success of their company.

Why now?

Business owners learn a little about the benefit of internet marketing or social media and blindly decide to “get in the game.”  There are so many self proclaimed experts today that it’s difficult to know who is the genuine article.

Mission:

To provide business owners an affordable resource to learn how emerging technologies can be applied to   their unique business model in a comfortable “NO SALES” atmosphere with other business owners.

Purpose:

We want business owners with 1-25 people to come away from our classes understanding enough about the subject and how it applies to their business model, the growth of the company and impact on the bottom line.  Our goal is not to create experts it’s to help owners evaluate and appreciate the benefit of these initiatives in their business and whether or not to implement them.

Charlotte Business Class has taken the time to identify experts in these topics and will be putting together   a class schedule for you to review and decide which class to enroll in.  We are using digital marketing as the platform to distribute this schedule now and going forward.

Can you benefit?

If you would like a schedule of classes and workshops contact us and give us your information by clicking on this link Carolina Learning Connection 

Wishing you the best that life has to offer!!

Marc Chavaree

Does Your Advisory Council Match Your Message?

Clarity in Vision

I understand the difference between a board and council yet what really matters is whether either match the company message .  It was suggested months ago to assemble an advisory council to help guide the direction of CLC.  Its brilliant and while I do regret not moving on it sooner I am glad for the reason below that I didn’t.

It was at a forum the other day with 12 people I hold in high esteem with their collective knowledge when it hit me that I could be looking at the advisory council.  Then I began to look closer and considered what the message of CLC was and who was at the table.  It became clear that while the knowledge and leadership was impressive it wasn’t consistent with the vision or message of CLC.

Can you Handle the Truth

I have served on and attended council and board meetings thinking I was doing something great.  Then it dawned on me at the forum as I sat quietly and reflected on these meetings I had attended or been a part of where the other members looked just like me.  I was saddened at my lack of insight while at these meetings yet inside at that moment I was busting with excitement that I had a chance to make a difference… NOW!

Walking The Walk

Carolina Learning Connection is a lifelong learning, community education or adult learning platform that embraces the community we live in by encouraging diversity at the advisory level.  We are about inclusion and giving a voice to our student community in how we design our classes!

Does it Matter to YOU?

Now’s your chance to be a part of something special, won’t you join us?

Just click this link: I want to be a part of your advisory council and tell us about yourself

Peace to you friend… Marc

What a Great Cup of Coffee

Or was it the Conversation

After settling in to a booth and arranging my stuff I was on the lookout for the person I was to meet.  Rob Burbank walked into the Caribou on East Blvd and I hailed him over.  We talked for a bit to learn how each of us had arrived at this particular place our lives and then got down to “business”.

Rob started telling about his role at Speak-Up Magazine a nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC. He talked about how their purpose is to give a voice to those without one, speak up for the voiceless and educate the public about the marginalized among us.

Our conversation went all over the place and the energy was palpable because there was a shared understanding and appreciation between us of how helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters needs to change.  Admittedly, neither of us are an authority on the topic of the hungry and homeless but we both have participated in outreach programs that while not the “answer” provides comfort.

Speak Up Magazine has mobilized a forgotten but effective way for some of our proud citizens to create their own future.  They get to realize self-worth and a sense of accomplishment once thought to be reserved for someone else.

Speak Up Magazine is endeavoring to change how these unique and special people view themselves through the process of becoming a relevant and necessary part of the fabric of our community.

It’s a unique and worthwhile effort that will change lives.  To learn more click on the link above!

Rob will be at Launching Carolina Learning Connection on Tuesday May 1 at Atherton Market 6:30

If You Like Good News…Check This Out!

A Beautiful Spring Evening Event

Wow, what a ride, I can’t believe we’re here.  When we started putting all this together back in November 2011 there was no way to anticipate all the parts and pieces that needed to be in place to make this work.  There will be time to recognize and thank those that encouraged and cheered us on but for now we have an event to announce.

Launching Carolina Learning Connection

Join us Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30 in the newly renovated Atherton Market in lovely South End.

• Come and learn about Charlotte’s newest alternative to personal enrichment
• Meet some of the wonderful teachers
• Music by the Tsunami Waveriders
• Enjoy tasty local creations from the dedicated vendors at the Market
• A chance to win a $75.00 gift certificate
• Enroll in a class and we’ll waive the $5.00 registration fee
• Fabulous Prizes

May June Semester Class Highlights

• Political Conventions: What Every American Should Know.  With the Democratic Convention coming to Charlotte, this will be a fun and entertaining look at this rich slice of American history.
• Improvisational Theater: Introduction to that zany unpredictable acting and see a side of you unseen before.
• Considering Selling Your Home? Attend one of our workshops that will give you ideas and examples that you can immediately use to impress potential buyers.

A Couple of Thoughts

Listen, I need to be perfectly upfront here.  Never in my wildest hallucinations did I ever picture myself here.  Not here Charlotte, but here, blogging about a lifelong learning platform that was inspired by another lifelong learning platform.  My wife has been unbelievably supportive, my 8 year old daughter wants to start her own learning platform for kids and has thought up some pretty cool classes.  I’m a builder, I’ve used my hands all my life to make things for other people not a lifelong learning guy.  Maybe that’s why I’ve completely enjoyed going from nothing to this on an idea that the good people of Charlotte would like it.

I’ve taken a vision and put 100% of what I know, which isn’t a lot, into something that if the good Lord see’s fit, will be something special. I may be living in a dream, but it beats the alternative.

So come to our Launch Event and say hello, I’d love to meet you and say “thank you” personally for spending some time with us.

Chasing the dream… Marc

Microfarm Urban Organic Gardening Classes

Atherton Mill and Market

We were in search of an Organic Gardening person to teach a workshop through CLC.  It was an unusually warm Saturday in December when my wife and I happened upon Atherton Mill and Market while touring on our motorcycle.

Matt Kokenes,

When I got off the bike and saw Matt’s signage and his raised bed organic garden, it hit me…. This is the guy to teach the class.  When we first discussed it the enthusiasm was palpable between us.  He is highly knowledgeable and passionate about his craft.  Moreover he’s a genuine guy with all the trimmings of a true entrepreneur and the humility of a gardener.

Why take a class?

Fresh Healthy Produce picked at home. If you have an inerest in growing fresh organic produce you will learn how to amend soil to promote healthy growth, appreciate the easy care of a raised bed and how to grow and harvest quality organic produce right from your own backyard, terrace, or rooftop! Have some fun, spend time with friends and family.

Classes

We have a class tonight 3/20 at Atherton Mill and Market 7:00pm to 8:30pm registration ends at Noon today.  We also have a class tomorrow, same place, time and registration deadline Noon tomorrow.

We want you to Bring a Buddy for $10.00!  Register here, put “Buddy” in the promotion code box on the registration page and with your paid registration you can add a buddy for $10.00.  We’ll take  care of the rest.

We Have a Winner! Crowd Sourcing Works!

Congratulations!

Mary Douglass Kirkley!!

When we set out to create a name for the CLC blog it became clear that maybe we should push this out to the  universe and see what happens.  Overwhelmed with the responses we received it was clear that crowd sourcing lived up to its reputation.  Then by allowing our followers to vote on the entries we received an equally pleasant response.  So with that we have named our blog       The Chalkboard

A little about Mary

Mary is a mother of three with a teenager and has returned to the workforce as a workers compensation adjuster.  When she finds the time she enjoys reading, writing, walking, exercising and of course… cooking!

Here are Mary’s answers to some practical and fun questions we asked.

• After reading about Carolina Learning Connection, what are some of your thoughts?  alternative to the community college!!!
• Have you ever been a student in a lifelong learning or community education program? I have recently taken the adjuster licensing courses for insurance, at CPCC.  It was a very long drive at really bad times.
• Do you brush your teeth more than once a day? ALWAYS.  Got my first cavity when I turned 50!
• Name three classes you would like to see us offer? I would love for you to offer a test prep class for insurance adjusters.  The exam is difficult, and many do not pass after taking the courses at CPCC.  Yoga.  Dancing (not ballroom) .
• If you had a pet Iguana what would you name it?  Bogart
• What recommendation would you make in order for us to improve anything about our website or blog? None at this time!!

We couldn’t be more happy with the new name and we can’t wait to see what Mary has to say on her guest blog!

Exciting Addition to the CLC Team

Good Afternoon!

Man is it a beautiful day in Charlotte.  We have some great news to share with our followers about our new relationship with Carrie Ann Taylor (CAT) and her company Catalyst Unlimited Inc.  She will be providing much-needed support to our teacher and student relations as well as editing our website and maintaining our class management software.

Catalyst Unlimited Inc.

Virtual assistance, event planning, project management, administrative support, marketing/PR, and booking/reservations for organizations, corporations, individuals, and events of all sizes and any industry.

Name the Blog Contest Update – Chalkboard it is

We have a winner and her name is  Mary Douglass Kirkley from Ballantyne.  Mary and I are collaborating now on her blog for us.  Congratulations Mary!

March Classes Enrolling Now – Click on the Class Title for dates, times and locations!

Microfarm Organic Gardening 

Improvisational Theater the Secrets the Magic

Turn your Website into a Full-time Employee  

Tech Secrets for Business Pros

May/June Semester is enrolling as well and we are adding more classes every day.

I Nearly Hurt Myself it was so Funny

Scott Pacitti and the Chuckleheads!

I decided to take my 8 years old daughter on a date with Dad to go see the Chuckleheads Improvisational Theater act at the Ballantyne Arts Center last night.  I met Scott about a month ago and his account of how he became involved in Improv was captivating so the next logical question was… What’s Improv all about?  I knew what Improv was in theory because of TV shows that required actors to improvise like “Whose Line is it Anyway” you remember! No?

That all came to life last night for my daughter, me and what I suspect were 30 or 40 others in the audience as the cast would think on their feet and improvise their lines which by itself was hilarious.  The performance escalated with greater degrees of situational factors that an all too willing audience provided.

There was singing, dancing, acting, falling, crying and every bit of it was just ridiculously funny.

Scott and the cast were great, my daughter woke up talking about it so now she wants to become a Chucklehead!

Scott is teaching a class on Improvisational Theater with us so come check it out, learn the secrets and how improvisational theater can help you communicate with a level of confidence you didn’t think possible!

Charlotte Observer Article on Scott Pacitti