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From idea to execution; join us for an evening of quick-hit inspirational talks on key ingredients for starting or refereshing your small business.
Event Objective
To educate, inspire, empower, and connect event attendees. You should attend this event if you are a member of the Twin Cities small business community who:
- Is interested in starting a business
- Has recently started a business
- Is curious about freshening up their business idea
- Wants to refine or redefine their brand
- Needs a social media refresher
- Is curious about how AI can help your small business
- Wants to make some new connections in the small business community
Event Information
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of learning and networking. Join us on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 'So are you ready to start your business?' event. Set aside these hours to invest in your entrepreneurial dreams and connect with like-minded individuals from the Twin Cities' vibrant small business community.
- Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Located at the heart of St. Paul, The Essence Event Center is our chosen venue for its modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for insightful discussions and meaningful networking, it's easily accessible and a favorite among the local business community. Directions are made simple with a Google Maps embed right here on our page.
- The Essence Event Center, 1217 Bandana BLVD N #203, St. Paul, MN 55108.
Cost: $40
Ticket includes dinner catered by Brasa Premium Rotisserie
Dress Your Best // Whatever attire makes YOU feel empowered, whether it be your favorite graphic tee & jacket, a hot pink pair of socks or a sparkly pair of pants, you do you!
Event Agenda
| Times | Events Day Of |
|---|---|
| Times5:30 PM | EventsWelcome reception & networking |
| Times6:10 PM | EventsOfficial Welcome |
| Times6:15 PM | Events1: Ideation & Innovation |
| Times6:35 PM | Events2: Customer Personas & Journey, Brand Messaging & Identity |
| Times6:55 PM | EventsBreak |
| Times7:10 PM | Events3: Marketing & Social Media: What You Really Need to Know |
| Times7:35 PM | Events4: What is AI And How Can It Benefit Your Small Business? |
| Times7:50 PM | EventsWrap: Using the information to craft your elevator pitch |
| Times8:00 PM | EventsQ & A, Speakers back on stage |
| Times8:10 PM | EventsNetworking |
| Times8:30 PM | EventsEvent Ends |
Talk Topics & Speakers
Unlocking the Power of Innovation
Join us for an engaging presentation on business ideation designed specifically for small business owners. Discover practical strategies and creative approaches to fuel your entrepreneurial journey, driving growth and success in today's dynamic market.
Speaker: Fred Sklenar, Director of Project Plans at Kablooē Design.
The Power of Positioning: Understanding your Ideal Client and How to Create Messaging that Resonates
Embark on a journey to understand the pivotal role of positioning. Delve into the art of identifying and connecting with your ideal client, unraveling the secrets to crafting compelling messaging that resonates with precision. Gain invaluable insights into strategic positioning strategies that will empower your brand to captivate and engage your target audience effectively.
Speaker: Amanda Edwards, Senior Account Executive at Paladin Technologies & Podcast Host of the podcast Imperfectly Ambitious
Constructing Your Marketing Blueprint: A Beginner’s Guide
Ready to lay the foundation for your business, but feeling like you're standing in the hardware aisle with no clue which tools you need? "Constructing Your Marketing Blueprint: A Beginner's Guide" is your friendly, no-fluff guide to building a brand that connects with your ideal clients and customers. Think of this talk as basic advice for your business blueprint in a world brimming with marketing gadgets and gizmos.
Speaker: Christie Denson, President & CEO of Christie Denson Communications, LLC and SCORE Minnesota's marketing consultant.
Unlocking the Potential: AI's Advantages for Your Small Business
Discover the transformative power of artificial intelligence and uncover how AI can revolutionize the landscape for small businesses, offering unparalleled advantages in efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Gain valuable insights into practical applications and strategic implementations that can propel your business to new heights in the digital era.
Speaker: Lisa Zufall, CEO Birch Solutions
BID, MBA, MS-MDI, Director of Project Plans at kablooē design
Fred is an award winning, entrepreneurial spirited inventor, designer and creative artist with extensive experience in innovation and business leadership. Originally from New York City, Fred has 35+ years of experience in designing, engineering, developing, inventing and shepherding physical products from ideation to manufactured-delivery and use by consumers. He believes in the design philosophy of Universal Design, which is rooted in the core principles of applying creative, artistic, sensible and experience-based thinking to the condition of our lives.
Over the past 17 years, Amanda has led business development initiatives, account strategy, positioning, and client relationships as a Senior Account Executive in the technology industry, partnering with her clients to provide long-term strategic plans and solutions to meet their business needs. Amanda has served on the Board of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) in various capacities, including Chapter Chair, and for over a decade, was Co-Chair of Women in Security leadership events. Outside of the technology industry, Amanda is a podcast host, having conversations with ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders, and has created The Sales Collective, a growing community of women in professional sales, in various industries, that was born out of her passion for the art of sales and women in business.
Christie Denson is founder and CEO of Christie Denson Communications LLC, a full-service digital marketing agency based in the Twin Cities. With over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications world, Christie has a proven track record of collaborating with marketing projects for multibillion-dollar brands to nurturing the growth of local small businesses. Her secret sauce for small business owners? Making marketing seem less scary and more doable for the busy entrepreneur. She is also SCORE Minnesota's marketing consultant.
Lisa Zufall is a marketing and tech industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. From working with scrappy startups to Fortune 500 giants, she’s gained invaluable insights into a wide range of industries. Now Lisa’s mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and harness the power of AI to launch and grow their ventures without losing sanity.
