Business calendar | Charlotte Observer

Social media has transformed marketing, providing small businesses and start-ups with economical alternatives for reaching their target customers. But social media platforms evolve at a rapid pace, so small businesses must determine how to prioritize their marketing activities. This three-hour session provides an overview of how businesses use popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote their message and helps participants determine which are the best for their business. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Manufacturing Solutions Center, 301 Conover Station NE, Conover. Register at bit.ly/1VdDLjW.

From your corporate desk have you ever daydreamed of running your own business? This seminar outlines the path from corporate America to entrepreneurship. Free. 6-8 p.m. at C3 Lab, 2525 Distribution St Charlotte. To register, follow the seminars and workshops link at www.cpcc.edu/sbc.

A WordPress blog can add to your existing Website or become your business Website. For small business owners without the time to learn how to use CSS or HTML or the money to hire a graphics designer and web developer, WordPress blogs offer an inexpensive method to get your company’s name and stories published through the internet. Business blogs provide your small business with a chance to share your expertise and knowledge with a larger audience. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center, 2664 Highway 70 SE, Hickory. Register at bit.ly/1PyYi0T.

Knowing how to correctly use digital media helps to ensure that your business reaches and secures as many new customers as possible. This three hour seminar provides an overview of digital media such as YouTube, and provides tips for creating effective media you can use to promote your business. Free. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Location: Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center, 2664 Highway 70 SE, Hickory. Register at bit.ly/1KF3r3V.

Charlotte SCORE – a volunteer organization with free assistance to individuals wanting to start or expand their small business - is sponsoring Simple Steps for Starting Your Business sessions this fall. Free. 5:45-8 p.m. on Nov. 17 and Dec. 22 at Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. For details: 704- 344-6576 or go to www.charlotte.score.org.

Are you looking to consolidate all your social media accounts into one spot? Or schedule your marketing Tweets, Facebook posts, and LinkedIn updates weeks in advance? Learn how to use Hootsuite, the popular, free social media management tool designed to make your social media communications simple and consistent. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, North Campus, Room 4133, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd., S., Salisbury. For details and to register: www.rccc.edu/sbc.

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program that offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business-owners valuable business skills. The N.C. Small Business Center Network, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, is offering this program to North Carolina entrepreneurs and small business owners free of charge. Online. Register at bit.ly/1Oqam6W.

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