NOOZHAWK HIGHLIGHTS SBBE & SEARCH ENGINE PROS

The 2013 expo brought in more than 175 attendees, the majority of whom were local business owners. The overall impression expressed by attendees was the high level of professionalism, the warmth and attentiveness they received from the exhibitors, and how much they learned from the speakers.

This year’s expo is expected to draw more than 500 guests, most of whom will be local business owners, business leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to increase their visibility and profitability.

The SBBE is an interactive business convention designed to provide business owners, entrepreneurs, students and consumers the tools and resources to connect, learn and network. The expo has been designed to facilitate this dynamic activity with a careful selection of speakers and exhibitors, as well as the overall expo layout and program. The expo is a Business-to-Business (B2B) event, as well as one that enables the local business community to become aware of the resources that are available.

The SBBE was founded and is directed by Sandy and Gino Goe, local business owners and entrepreneurs who have a vision and mission to bring the business community together by encouraging collaboration, improving profitability and encouraging social responsibility by giving back to the community. The Executive Planning Team consists of local business owners and professionals who share in the vision and desire to serve.

All types of businesses are welcome. Both men and women entrepreneurs and large and small businesses will benefit from the dynamic speakers, the programs and the overall expo floor complete with tables for successful networking with like-minded business owners.

The second annual SBBE will bring together some extraordinary keynote speakers, authors and service providers, all to help business owners improve their online presence, while benefiting Hope Refuge. These keynote speakers will address a wide array of especially challenging topics all business owners face, and will include:

» Sloane Reali (The Power of Voice)

» Gary Kravetz (Executive Search)

» Patty DeDominic (Leadership, Stewardship & Impact)

» Ellen Reid (How to Be an Expert in Independent Publishing)

» Taylor Reaume (How To Rank Your Web Site by Helping Others First)

» Melissa V. Moreno (Start-Up Funding 101)

» Calla Gold (Using Online Networking to Increase Your Off-line Networking Results)

» Nick Cavarra (Effective Social Media: The Five Top Channels)

» Ernie Halter (What Is Crowd Funding and Why Is It Important in Today’s Marketplace?)

» Robin Eschler (Funding Options for Small Business)

» Devon Johnson (Loan Fund Manager — Small Business Loan Fund)

Attendees will find expert solutions for some of the most frustrating aspects of developing an effective online marketing strategy. The expo will, in addition to the featured speakers, provide extensive guidance on key marketing trends; emerging web technologies; best business practices; business services for business owners and entrepreneurs offered by exhibitors; on-site headshots by Linda Blue Photography; professional fashions and accessories; an author’s showcase; growing business relationships in Santa Barbara; local resources for financial, personal and professional needs; and strategies for connecting with prospective clients within the community. Business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs will find actionable intelligence that will directly address some of the most challenging issues we all face when building our online presence.

“Business owners today are struggling with their web and online marketing strategy, and attending this event will help them take their businesses to the next level,” according to Taylor Reaume, one of the keynote speakers featured at the expo and founder of Search Engine Pros.

“My speech will stress the importance of adding value to others first, and being a helpful resource to others around you. There are many ways to add value to people around you. For example, business owners can create educational top 10 list articles, sharing remarkable statistics and time-saving resources, and connecting their audience with trusted partners.

“Adding value to people will naturally increase the numbers of hyperlinks, or ‘votes,’ for the business owner’s web site. If the business owner can successfully increase the number of hyperlinks pointing into their website each month, they will see a direct correlation with the increase in their Google rankings.”

Admission fees (general admission and students) are $10 per person, and include access to all exhibits, author showcases and the art show. VIP Seminar tickets are $125 per person, or $195 for two. VIP access includes all areas available to general admission ticket-holders, plus entry into the exclusive stage area, which includes keynote speakers, workshop style presentations, refreshments and a VIP gift bag.

Raffle tickets will be sold to benefit Hope Refuge, whose vision is to provide a refuge for American girls rescued out of the sex traffic industry in California. The Goleta-based organization is raising funds to acquire a facility to set up a home. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Hope Refuge, and additional donations can be made at the expo.

For more information on the Santa Barbara Business Expo, email Sandy Goe at sandy@wcbn.net, or call 805.452.3632.

— Craig Allen, CFA, CFP, CIMA, is president of Montecito Private Asset Management LLC and founder of Dump That Debt. He has been managing assets for foundations, corporations and high-net worth individuals for more than 20 years and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA charter holder), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification. He blogs at Finance With Craig Allen and can be contacted at craig@craigdallen.com or 805.898.1400. Click here to read previous columns or follow him on Twitter: @MPAMCraig. The opinions expressed are his own.

Craig Allen: Santa Barbara Business Expo a Resource Gold Mine for Business Owners

The Second Annual Santa Barbara Business Expo (SBBE) will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

The 2013 expo brought in more than 175 attendees, the majority of whom were local business owners. The overall impression expressed by attendees was the high level of professionalism, the warmth and attentiveness they received from the exhibitors, and how much they learned from the speakers.

This year’s expo is expected to draw more than 500 guests, most of whom will be local business owners, business leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to increase their visibility and profitability.

The SBBE is an interactive business convention designed to provide business owners, entrepreneurs, students and consumers the tools and resources to connect, learn and network. The expo has been designed to facilitate this dynamic activity with a careful selection of speakers and exhibitors, as well as the overall expo layout and program. The expo is a Business-to-Business (B2B) event, as well as one that enables the local business community to become aware of the resources that are available.

The SBBE was founded and is directed by Sandy and Gino Goe, local business owners and entrepreneurs who have a vision and mission to bring the business community together by encouraging collaboration, improving profitability and encouraging social responsibility by giving back to the community. The Executive Planning Team consists of local business owners and professionals who share in the vision and desire to serve.

All types of businesses are welcome. Both men and women entrepreneurs and large and small businesses will benefit from the dynamic speakers, the programs and the overall expo floor complete with tables for successful networking with like-minded business owners.

The second annual SBBE will bring together some extraordinary keynote speakers, authors and service providers, all to help business owners improve their online presence, while benefiting Hope Refuge. These keynote speakers will address a wide array of especially challenging topics all business owners face, and will include:

» Sloane Reali (The Power of Voice)

» Gary Kravetz (Executive Search)

» Patty DeDominic (Leadership, Stewardship & Impact)

» Ellen Reid (How to Be an Expert in Independent Publishing)

» Taylor Reaume (How to Rank Your Web Site by Helping Others First)

» Melissa V. Moreno (Start-Up Funding 101)

» Calla Gold (Using Online Networking to Increase Your Off-line Networking Results)

» Nick Cavarra (Effective Social Media: The Five Top Channels)

» Ernie Halter (What Is Crowd Funding and Why Is It Important in Today’s Marketplace?)

» Robin Eschler (Funding Options for Small Business)

» Devon Johnson (Loan Fund Manager — Small Business Loan Fund)

Attendees will find expert solutions for some of the most frustrating aspects of developing an effective online marketing strategy. The expo will, in addition to the featured speakers, provide extensive guidance on key marketing trends; emerging web technologies; best business practices; business services for business owners and entrepreneurs offered by exhibitors; on-site headshots by Linda Blue Photography; professional fashions and accessories; an author’s showcase; growing businessrelationships in Santa Barbara; local resources for financial, personal and professional needs; and strategies for connecting with prospective clients within the community. Business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs will find actionable intelligence that will directly address some of the most challenging issues we all face when building our online presence.

“Business owners today are struggling with their web strategy, and attending this event will help them take their businesses to the next level,” according to Taylor Reaume, one of the keynote speakers featured at the expo and founder of The Search Engine Pros.

“My speech will stress the importance of adding value to others first, and being a helpful resource to others around you. There are many ways to add value to people around you. For example, business owners can create educational top 10 list articles, sharing remarkable statistics and time-saving resources, and connecting their audience with trusted partners.

“Adding value to people will naturally increase the numbers of hyperlinks, or ‘votes,’ for the business owner’s web site. If the business owner can successfully increase the number of hyperlinks pointing into their website each month, they will see a direct correlation with the increase in their Google rankings.”

Admission fees (general admission and students) are $10 per person, and include access to all exhibits, author showcases and the art show. VIP Seminar tickets are $125 per person, or $195 for two. VIP access includes all areas available to general admission ticket-holders, plus entry into the exclusive stage area, which includes keynote speakers, workshop style presentations, refreshments and a VIP gift bag.

Raffle tickets will be sold to benefit Hope Refuge, whose vision is to provide a refuge for American girls rescued out of the sex traffic industry in California. The Goleta-based organization is raising funds to acquire a facility to set up a home. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Hope Refuge, and additional donations can be made at the expo.

For more information on the Santa Barbara Business Expo, email Sandy Goe atsandy@wcbn.net, or call 805.452.3632.

— Craig Allen, CFA, CFP, CIMA, is president of Montecito Private Asset Management LLC and founder of Dump That Debt. He has been managing assets for foundations, corporations and high-net worth individuals for more than 20 years and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA charter holder), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification. He blogs at Finance With Craig Allen and can be contacted at craig@craigdallen.com or 805.898.1400. Click here to read previous columnsor follow him on Twitter: @MPAMCraig. The opinions expressed are his own.

Looking Back: Top 10 Reasons To Attend Santa Barbara Business Expo 2013

If you are a business owner, business professional or entrepreneur here is a must-attend item to add to your Santa Barbara calendar of events for April: the Santa Barbara Business Expo (SBBE) 2013. Organized by Sandy Goe of the Women’s Community Business Network (WCBN), the Expo is on Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. in Santa Barbara.

The Expo should top your list for April events in Santa Barbara because it is an interactive business convention and a social media event that gives you the opportunity to learn about a variety of business services, meet other local entrepreneurs, and learn about networking in Santa Barbara. Here are the Top 10 reasons to attend SBBE 2013 – one of the best business networking events in Santa Barbara County:

 An incredible lineup of industry speakers:  Speakers will provide valuable, practical, tips on topics ranging from networking strategy, social media marketing, using your passion for professional success, cutting edge marketing techniques and more. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of focus, purpose and direction.

Santa Barbara businesses will showcase their products and services: Learn about business planning, financial, legal, web design and development, SEO marketing, and social media resources direct from local vendors.

Learn how to integrate current technology with your business: Attendees at SBBE 2013 will have a unique opportunity to engage with advanced internet marketers and discuss cutting edge marketing automation techniques that increase revenue and profits.

Amazing networking opportunities: Your network is your “net worth”.  Attendees and exhibitors from all facets of the local business community will be at SBBE 2013. Enjoy one of the finest Santa Barbara business networking opportunities all year long.

Valuable contacts to add to your network: You’ll meet a who’s who of local business professionals. Growing your network is a central focus on this Santa Barbara event. 

65% of new business comes from referrals: Social Media is a form of word-of-mouth marketing. The SBBE will boost word-of-mouth referrals for your business and provide hands-on training to help your business utilize Social Media.

Professional Imaging: Get a professional head shot taken by Linda Blue Photography, learn about business attire, and discover trending fashion accessories.

Art Show: Local artists will present works in various mediums from painting to pottery. Connect with local artists!  The ART SHOW is directed by Julia St. Morgan – For more information contact Julia at 805-403-4706.

Author Showcase: A number of authors will be on-hand to discuss their work and sign your book. Be sure to ask the authors how they printed their books and which online publishing platform they recommend.

It’s easy and cost-effective to register: The WCBN made it easy to register electronically for this event. Admission is free to WCBN members and $10 for non-members. Complimentary parking is included!

Community events like SBBE don’t come along often. If you are a business owner, or you’re thinking about starting a business this year, you don’t want to miss this Santa Barbara business networking event.  Job seekers and recruiters will enjoy a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with local employers. Bring your resume, a positive attitude and a big smile (it’s contagious). 

Entrepreneurs and business owners will discover emerging web technologies, best business practices, and key marketing tools to build a business.  We hope you will join us this year at the Santa Barbara Business Expo 2013.  Mark your Santa Barbara calendar of events for April 20th and enjoy a day of high quality business networking at the Fess Parker.