A to Z Tree Service owner polishes business skills at RCC (Business Buzz) by Linsay Cathey, Daily Courier
Bruce Ziegler, owner of A to Z Tree Service in Grants Pass, enrolled in Rogue Community College Small Business Development Center's Small Business Management program last year and learned a number of lessons that have made his business profitable and successful.
During the nine-month course that focused on business technology, Ziegler learned ways he could streamline his business using high-tech tools. The program also taught him about improving his business' finances, human resources and safety within his business. He now sets daily and weekly financial goals that, if met, will ensure that his business is profitable.
The next SBM course begins Oct. 13 and is continuing its focus on business technology and financial management.
Ron Goss, who teaches the course and is an adviser at the center, said, "We've been given supplemental funding to enhance the program and curriculum"
The course's classes are held once a month, in addition to up to two hours of monthly counseling by the professionals at the center.
Ziegler found the one-on-one counseling beneficial as he and the adviser discussed weak points in his business and how to strengthen them.
The course covers technology that is becoming common in the business world, including social media, email marketing and search engine optimization, in addition to tracking finances, cash flow and performance.
"There are business lessons in class and the counseling sessions are more hands-on and focused on implementing the concepts," Goss said. "It really becomes a facilitated learning experience."
Topics that stood out with clients, including Ziegler, during the first year of the program were the many opportunities of doing business with a smartphone.
Ziegler said it was nice to get "fresh, new ideas" throughout the course, as clients often shared their experiences and networked among each other about their businesses.
"It's almost like a hidden benefit that you don't really realize when you just sign up for the class," Goss said.
The class costs $999 but Josephine County residents receive a 60 percent discount, lowering the cost to $399. In addition to the discount, the SBDC has 25 scholarships for $240.
"There's a good opportunity now to participate in the program at a very economical price," said Goss, adding that the discount and scholarships, which are covered by grants, might not be available next year.
This year, the program, which has classes on the second Thursday of each month, has room for 25 to 30 clients.
For more information or to register, call 541-956-7494.
