getahead Guide to Career Advancement
So, You Want to Strike Out on Your Own?
“You’ve got to figure out what problem you’re solving. Entrepreneurs, regardless of what they’re solution is, are about solving problems.” — Greg Hilton, Tminus6
Local Resources for Entrepreneurs By Rodney Welch
I
f you’ve got a great idea for a small business, let’s get the bad news out of the way first: The odds are against you.
“The current statistics say if 100 people start a small business today, in three years, 95 won’t be there,” says Tom Ledbetter, assistant vice president at Midlands Tech’s Enterprise Campus. “It’s a hard task. It is the hardest work you will ever do — to start and run your own successful small business.” “I always hear it when I talk to people,” says Al Leister, chapter president of the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE). “‘I’m tired of working for someone else.’ And I say, I don’t want to tell you this, but the hardest person you’ll ever work for is yourself.” “You have to say, ‘Am I willing to put the time into this?’” says Anna Kemper, who co-founded the Columbia interior FreeTimesGetAheadAd 52314_Layout design firm MACK Home with Marnie1 5/28/14
Clayton. “Because it is extraordinarily time-consuming.” “When you own the business, you are never really truly off,” Clayton says. “You’re thinking about it or answering emails or making plans all the time.” There are a lot of if’s in getting started: if there’s a market, if there’s financing, and if you have a back-up plan should everything go south. “You’ve got to figure out what problem you’re solving,” says Greg Hilton of the University of South Carolina-based Tminus6, which provides mentorship to startups. “Entrepreneurs, regardless of what their solution is, are about solving problems.” The good news is that South Carolina, 2:11 particularly PM Page 1 Columbia, is in very much and
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of an entrepreneurial mood, and has been for some time. “I think that it has really grown significantly in the last five, 10 years,” says Fred Monk, president of ECI/Find New Markets. “It’s taken awhile to catch on, but I think there is an understanding in economic development today that growing our own businesses is essential to economic development success.” Back in the 1980s, Monk said, South Carolina was focused on big companies and was considered a terrible place to start a small business. That’s changed, as new businesses have created demands for others. The arrival of BMW in the Upstate spawned new technical suppliers. The growth of Policy Management Systems Corporation in the 1990s helped create an information technology sector for the insurance industry; BlueCross BlueShield’s demand for IT personnel eventually led, in turn, to the creation of IT-oLogy to train a new generation of IT and computer professionals. Not only that, there is the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator, which seeks and develops early stage technologies, and
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has spun off new initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship. Meghan Hughes of EngenuitySC says “there’s a new energy around entrepreneurs” in the Midlands, and she can see it in recent graduates who are staying put in South Carolina, to see if they can make a go of it locally. While there’s no guarantee of success, the Midlands area offers a broad range of local resources for anyone at any stage of the entrepreneurial track, whether they’re just investigating what it takes, or are ready to go full steam ahead.
Small Business Administration (SC Chapter) sba.gov Offers a variety of information, including on-line video tutorials, for anyone thinking of starting or expanding their own business. For more information, call 765-5377. continued on page 34
Complete many programs in less than three months. Earn $60,000 - $90,000 from in-demand careers. Enjoy easy and affordable payment options. Apply for scholarships that cover all your costs.
MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE CORPORATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Accounting & Payroll Specialist • Audio Engineer • Building Construction Manager • Computer Technician • CNC Operator • Forklift Operator • Industrial Electrical Technician • Medical Office Specialist Industrial Mechanical Technician • Interior Decorator • Pipefitter • Small Engine Mechanic • South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) • Truck Driver CDL • Welder • Clinical Massage Therapist Desktop & Server Administrator • Database Analyst • Web Developer • Office Administrative Specialist • Cardiac Care Technician • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Medical Billing and Coding Specialist • Patient Care Technician • Phlebotomist • Cake Decorator • Customer Relations Specialist • Floral Designer • EKG Technician • Landscaper and Horticulturalist Lean Six Sigma Green Belt • Locksmith • Personal Trainer • Photographer • Project Manager • Veterinary Assistant – And more added regularly.
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Summer Brush-Up Using the Downtime to Step Up Your Game By Katie Alice Walker
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uring the summer, most of us think of trying to dial back our workloads a little — but you could also use the downtime for a quick brush-up on some of your professional skills. Fortunately, the Columbia area is an academic hotspot and options abound for non-degree courses to keep you current in your profession. And don’t forget: Many employers will often foot the bill for an employee’s continuing education courses. Read on for a few ideas on non-degree coursework you might want to pursue to make the most of your summer.
research. In August, spend two days on the ins and outs of intermediate grant writing and then wrap it all up in September with a one-day course on program development and evaluation. All five sessions will cost $1,322. An instructor experienced in grant management, peer reviewing for grants and RFP development leads the course. Visit saeu.sc.edu for more information.
Grant Writing
Stress Management
All nonprofits have fundraising needs. And writing effective grant applications is one way to raise cash for your organization. Even if you’ve never written a grant application before, the University of South Carolina offers a grant-writing certificate course, which kicks off July 11 with an introduction to grant writing. Later in the month, spend one day on needs-based assessment and
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We could probably all use a little stress management brush-up when it comes to our work environment, and summer is the perfect time to focus on taking it a little easier. Midlands Tech has you covered with a course titled De-stressing Yourself, Your Surroundings and Your Clients. The course runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Harbison Campus on June 6; it costs $149. The
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course will explore current life stressors and ways to decrease that stress and assist clients in decreasing their stress as well. The class will also dive into the connections between stress and what you eat, stress management techniques and more. Learn more at midlandstech.edu.
Business Grammar
Even with email, texting and the growing informality of business communication, practicing good grammar is a must in any profession and at any point in your career. From interacting with clients on the phone to emailing your boss, confidence in your ability to use the right words at the right time will set you apart from other co-workers. Midlands Tech offers a slew of one-day grammar, writing and editing courses for busy professionals, like the July 10 business grammar course. For $149, you’ll learn to prevent embarrassing errors and increase writing success. Visit midlandstech.edu to register.
Project Management
Do you find yourself managing projects but want a little more know-how in that arena? Do co-workers and clients a favor and check out USC’s Fundamentals of Project Management course. A hands-on, twoday class for professionals with little to no experience with project management will focus on project life cycle, defining scope, scheduling logistics, project risks, maintaining control and execution of the project. The course is Aug. 26-27 and tuition is $595. Visit saeu.sc.edu for more information.
InDesign Fundamentals
If you often have a simple design in mind for a marketing piece or other document, but have to rely on a graphic designer for even the most basic documents, it might be time to learn the basics of InDesign, Adobe’s design software. This two-day course kicks off on Aug. 4 and will teach you your way around the software so that you can begin to design and produce professional print documents and layouts. For $359, you’ll learn to manipulate text, shapes, free-times.com
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colors and frames. Both Mac and PC users are welcome, but no need to worry about bringing a computer to class. For more information, visit midlandstech.edu.
iPhone/iPad (iOS) Application Developer
USC Sumter offers a wide selection of online continuing education courses, and since there’s an app for nearly everything these days, perhaps building on your existing coding skills is in the cards for you. This course is offered online, so you’ll set your own pace and can start anytime. You’ll even build your own portfolio-worthy application. And if Android apps are more your speed, there’s a course for that too. Offered at $1,995, visit uscsumter.edu for more information.
Six Sigma Certification
If you’re in manufacturing, any kind of transactional work or another industry where efficient processes are key, you know that Six Sigma certification is the ultimate process-improvement technique. Companies with Six Sigma-certified employees save big time annually. USC offers a Six Sigma Black Belt certification June 2–July 24 ($4,995) and a Green Belt certification July 14–Aug. 8 ($2,995). Visit saeu.sc.edu for more information.
Search Engine Optimization
If your business has a website (and whose doesn’t?), understanding the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) is key. This three-hour course will teach you how to start using SEO to increase your website’s visibility to search engines. You’ll learn basic optimization strategies like conducting key word research, implementing website coding changes and the importance of incorporating social media, testimonials and blogs. The SEO course is July 11. Visit midlandstech.edu to register.
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On Your Own, continued from page 31
The Richland County Library Business and Job Center Just call 929-3401 to set up a one-onone session with a librarian to see what resources are available for your type of business. You can also consult with a learning coach who can help with demographics or in drafting a business plan. The library regularly offers workshops and seminars for people who are trying to start or grow their own business, and puts budding entrepreneurs in touch with other professionals who can take them to the next level.
1 Million Cups of Coffee Want to know what others think? Or just to surround yourself with other members of Columbia’s entrepreneurial community? Check out this weekly meeting, held every Wednesday at 9 A.M. at Cromer’s Café at 1700 Huger St. Two people each give a six-minute pitch to the group, and then get 20 minutes worth of feedback. People may ask questions you haven’t considered, says group member Debi Schadel of the Columbia marketing firm Flock & Rally, and make you consider
Why spend years in school when you can start a new career in only 10 weeks?
NIGHT CLASSES AVAILABLE HOBBY CLASSES for the weekend warriors and do-it-yourselfers!
— or reconsider — just what makes your idea unique.
SCORE An all-volunteer group that matches entrepreneurs with business professionals. They provide free advice, mentorships and workshops, including guidance on drafting or improving business plans, to anyone looking to get started. Potential clients can make appointments in several different categories by calling 765-5131 or accessing the group website — scoremidlands.org — which also includes a video tutorial on structuring a business plan.
SCCrowdfund.com Over the past few years, entrepreneurs nationwide have found that the best way to get a business off the ground is to get a few hundred people to chip in whatever they can afford. This idea, popularized by Kickstarter, gets a Palmetto State spin with this new venture from the S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce. If you have a business idea, you can set up an account today. President and CEO Frank Knapp says success is very much a matter of entrepreneurs using their entire social network and those of all their friends to bring a plan to fruition.
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FastTrac This is a 10-week course at Midlands Tech “for people who have never owned a business and need to know how to start,” says Ledbetter. It’s one night a week for three hours and costs $295. Visit fasttrac.org for more information.
CETi and Tminus6 Part of the University of South Carolina/Columbia Technology Incubator. The Center for Entrepreneurial and Technological Innovation (uscstartup. org) is focused on launching entrepreneurs associated with the university. Tminus6 is a startup accelerator, focused on developing promising new web and mobile-based technologies and getting them up and running within six months. To apply, contact tminus6.co.
Capital Angels Ready for the big time? This brand new venture, an affi liate of the SC Angel Network, brings together a consortium of accredited investors for new businesses that show growth potential. Drawing on resources statewide, they can provide you with anywhere from $100,000 to several million — but you’re going to have to pass some hurdles.
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2014 HTTP://SAEU.SC.EDU/ADVENTURES
This award-winning series was chosen “best program” by the University Continuing Education Association.
Make the University of South Carolina your premier destination this summer and experience a summer camp like no other! Attend fascinating interactive classes and participate in group projects with other academically talented students from across the country. Your journey will include experiencing student life at the university – you’ll reside in a Residence Hall, eat in campus dining and enjoy bowling, movie, trivia and karaoke nights. The one-of-a-kind Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series encourages academic excellence, healthy lifestyles and giving back to our community.
2014 ADVENTURE SERIES COURSES RISING 6TH-9TH GRADERS Adventures in Aviation-Learn to Fly, Be a Pilot Adventures in Physics Adventures in Graphic/Digital Design Adventures in Health Sciences/Professions
June 15-20 June 15-20 July 6-11 July 6-11
RISING 9TH-12TH GRADERS Adventures in Pharmacy Adventures in Graphic/Digital Design Adventures in Aviation-Learn to Fly, Be a Pilot
June 8-13 June 8-13 July 13-18
RISING 10TH – 12TH GRADERS Adventures in Medicine: Cardiology
June 22-27
s through and interactive classe Attend fascinating luding demonstrations, hand-on activities inc ilding sessions, projects, and experiments, labs, bu much more!
PREPARE FOR THE SAT AND ACT THROUGH SAT/ACT SUMMER INSTITUTES/PREP COURSES USC Columbia: June 23-26, July 21-24; July 28-31 USC Sumter: July 21-24; USC Aiken: July 28-31 USC Beaufort/Hilton Head Gateway Campus: August 4-7
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Continuing Education and Conferences University of South Carolina Phone: 803.777.9444 Fax: 803.777.2663 Email: pups@mailbox.sc.edu http://saeu.sc.edu/adventures
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