SBDC October, 2018  Newsletter
 Period of 10/15 - 10/26

Last Week's Question:

Since we are getting into the last quarter of the year, it's time for a gut check.

Comparing this year to last year, do you think your sales are better, worse or about the same as 2017?

As a follow up, how do you feel about your sales going into 2019?

56% - 2018 will end higher than 2017
25% - Sales will end lower for 2018
19% - 2018 will be about the same as 2017

81% - Expect 2019 sales to improve
12% - See 2019 being about the same as 2018
7% - Feel 2019 will be a down year
 
Comments: Read the section below.



This Issue's Question:

It takes a lot of different resources, gadgets and support to be a successful business owner so, we want to know what are the top three "things" you MUST have to run your business?
(You Can Pick Only 3)

Home office, cell phone, family support, website, etc.


One click, one answer, you are done!Tune in next week for the results.
 

Comments from Last Week's Question:

I continue to see erosion from online sales. Customers tend to be very open speaking of their online shopping experiences. Raising public awareness of the importance of shopping local, trying to engage local media in this educational effort could be very helpful.

We have been having a challenging year working to secure a contract (corporate or government)

I am expecting a slight increase in sales but labor is going to cost more as is merchandise due to tariffs. Profits will be tighter.

I believe we are on the right track there has just been a huge learning curve.

Shop Small Saturday is coming... Are you ready?
The Shop Small campaign is working hard to drive sales to your door on Shop Small Saturday, November 24th. This is a great way to join your fellow small business owners and promote community support for small shops over the coming holiday season. 

Now you can customize your own graphics and download tools to help promote your business as a participant in Shop Small Saturday. Check out the no-cost tool online today!

Need to know more about Shop Small? Read about it on their website.
Last Chance to Register...
Empowering Leaders to Exceed the Vision.
The Executive Summit by ERG Payroll is a one-of-a-kind event aimed at helping executives to inspire their team and shape the future of the local workforce.  100% of ticket fees will go to local charities.

Get Inspiration from Industry Leaders

Learn from executives of high-growth companies in the Midlands in a series of talks and a panel discussion aimed at providing actionable insight to lift our local economy. 

Fri, October 19, 2018
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT

SC State Museum
301 Gervais St
Columbia, SC 29201 

Get Agenda, Details and Register Online  
- Use the SBDCGUEST Promo code for 25% OFF!
Upcoming Meetings and Events
 
 
Cayce, West Columbia: Cash Flow Management
Presented by Cayce W. Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the SC SBDC
October 10 | 8:30 am to 10:00 am ET

Columbia: ERG Leadership Summit
Presented by ERG Payroll & HR Services
October 19 | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm ET
 
Fort Jackson: Boots to Business
Presented by SBA and the SC SBDC
October 25 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm ET
Registration Closed
 
Columbia: One Million Cups - Richland County Library
Presented by Columbia 1MC and Sponsors
Wednesday Mornings | 9:00 am ET

 
Every Tuesday at 9am - 100.7 FM The Point - Start Something Columbia Radio Show

Save the Date for these Upcoming SBDC Classes/Events: 

11/08  Cayce W. Columbia: Online Tools for Small Business
11/14 Columbia: SBA Small Business Resource Day
11/14 Blythewood: Online Tools for Small Business
12/06 Fort Jackson: Boots to Business



Share Your  Small Business Success! 

Feel free to let us know of any success you've had with your small business. Send us an email or give us a call; let the SBDC provide some extended PR for you! 

Columbia Office
1225 Laurel Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803.777.5118
Mon.-Fri.

Blythewood Meeting Space
Chamber & Co-Work Center
803.777.1020
By Appointment 

Lexington Satellite Office
311 W. Main Street
Lexington, SC 29072
803.777.5118
Tues. & Thurs.