Positively Pittsburgh Live: Pittsburgh Shopping

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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 11-01-14 - Duquesne Technology Conference

Positively Pittsburgh Live

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 11-01-14

Duquesne Technology Conference

Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Today's Guests:

Christine Hughes
Training Manager, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Duquesne University
Dan Droz
President, Droz Marketing

Christine Hughes
Training Manager, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Duquesne University

Christine Hughes has worked for the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the past 20 years. She spent the first 13 years as a business consultant, assisting over 1,000 entrepreneurs in areas such as business planning, marketing and general business management. Presentations include, “Writing a Business Plan”, “Growing Your Business”, “Low Cost Marketing Ideas” and “The First Step: Business Start-up Essentials”. Currently, Christine is the Training Manager and is responsible for creating, developing and marketing all of the workshops and conferences at the SBDC.

She received her MBA from Duquesne University in 1993. Previously, she held a Contract Administrator’s position at the Department of Energy and worked for a family-owned moving and storage business.

Talking Points:

9th Annual PA Business Technology Conference

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 | 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM | Duquesne University, 4th Floor Student Union

This year's event includes breakfast, lunch, a tradeshow and workshops on:

E-Commerce

Social Media

E-Mail

Marketing with Technology

Software

Search Engine Optimization

9th Annual PA Business Technology Conference

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 | 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM | Duquesne University, 4th Floor Student Union

8:30 AM Registration & Breakfast

9:00 AM Welcome and Discussion Panel - Technology Think Tank

Are Your Technology Assets Delivering on the Strategies of Your Organization?

Sue McMurdy, Endeavor Management

How Close Are You to a Diaster? - Keeping Your Data Safe

Jay Markey, Green Seven Technologies

How Bright is Your Company's Future? Tecj Tools to Ensure Sustainability

Indigo Raffel, CCI

10:00 AM Breakout Session 1 Workshops

Promote. Engage. Sell: The Anatomy of a Powerful Digital Marketing Campaign

Online and mobile channels have given business owners more opportunities than ever to connect with customers, build a reputation as an expert and, of course, increase sales. Get a step-by-step plan for conquering the digital frontier for more reach, impact and profits.

Speaker: Daniel Caliguire, Digital Buzz Monkeys

How to Build, Manage & Promote Your Own Do-It-Yourself Website

Do you need or website or want to get bigger returns on your existing site, join us for a comprehensive guide to the DIY website. Topics include website development, costs, templates, hosting services, domain name registration, databases, analytics, design and images. Learn how to build and promote a website that is strategically built to drive growth.

Speaker: Joe Polk, Thirteen Ball

Emerging Trends in Telecommunications

Telecommunications can help small businesses connect with clients and customers, lower operating costs, improve productivity and stand out from the competition. Discover the emerging trends in telecomm, from mobile business and payment solutions, cloud services, smart phone advancements and wireless networking and learn what new technologies can make a tremendous impact on your business.

Speakers: GeorgeAnne Muchnok, Opticom Consulting

William Stunkel, Stunkel Tax & Accounting, PC

11:25 AM Breakout Session 2 Workshops

Lessons In LinkedIn: How to Leverage Today’s Lead Generation Powerhouse

With over 238 users around the globe, LinkedIn is holding steady as the #1 social networking site for professionals and is undisputed as serious lead generator. Learn ways you can use LinkedIn to grow your business, make important connections and leverage the site’s best new features for connecting, sharing and growing.

Speakers: Shawn Graham, Small Business Marketing Consultant

Scott Imblum, Pump Peelz

Compel & Sell: Content & Calls to Action That Get Results

Want to get bigger returns from your social media, SEO, advertising and email marketing? When it comes to compelling prospects to take action, whether it’s making a purchase or recommending your service, there are a few tricks of the trade. Join us for tips, techniques and best practices for attracting, converting and transforming prospects into customers, maintaining a great online reputation and encouraging word-of-mouth advertising by turning your customers into your biggest fans and best marketers.

Speaker: Dan Droz, Droz & Associates

Great Google Tools to Grow, Connect, Organize & Sell

Google is so much more than a search engine, it’s a virtual treasure trove of tools that can help you connect with customers, promote your content, build a loyal fan base, grow profits & improve efficiency. Learn what solutions are delivering big returns for businesses of every size.

Speakers: Chris Vendilli, ProFromGo Internet Marketing

Benjamin Rosenthal, Gap Up Internet Marketing

12:45 PM Lunch and Keynote Speaker

Novel Ways You will be Connecting to Our World in the next Five to Ten Years Through Mobile Devices, Gaming and Computers

Speaker: Anind Dey, Director, Human Computer Interaction Institute of Carnegie Mellon University

2:00 PM Tech Demonstrations & Tradeshow

3:15 PM Breakout Session 3 Workshops

High-Impact Email Marketing: Best Practices & Winning Strategies

Social media may get all the buzz, but email is still growing and remains one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal. But email trends, user preferences and best practices are changing. Join us for a look at the latest developments and trends in newsletters and email offers, subject lines, open rates, analytics, images, social media and customer engagement practices so you can better results from your email outreach.

Speakers: Autumn Edminston, Edminston Group

Stephen Wayhart, Brandmill

A 15-Step Guide to Getting More Traffic to Your Website with SEO

With over 3.5 billion internet searches every day, how do you get your website ranked by search engines so the people looking for your solutions find you? The answer is SEO and when it comes to driving traffic to your website, there is no equal. Learn some simple changes you can make to your website that will help you climb the ranks to page one--the web's most valuable real estate. Topics include optimization, blogs, images and video, meta tags, fresh content, responsive design and keyword research.

Speakers: Jasmine Davis, Community Elf

Mark Spatz, Community Elf

Show Me, Don't Tell Me: The Power of Images & Video to Grow Your Business

Image-centric marketing is the breakout trend for businesses with platforms like Pinterest, Vine & Instagram, as well as veteran YouTube, growing rapidly. Why? Companies that market with images beat competitors that don’t every time. Images boost engagement, enhance the impact of great copy, increase web traffic and lead generation and build brands. Have you developed a visual marketing strategy? Learn how to find images and use them for a competitive advantage.

Speakers: Neal Rabogliatti, Catalyst Connection

Bob Hoolahan, All Water Systems

Registration HERE for only $119.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Register now and attend the PA Business Technology Conference. It will equip your company with the information needed to make smart technology decisions that will enhance your profitability, productivity and market adaptability.

Contact:
Duquesne University
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
sbdc.duq.edu
108 Rockwell Hall 600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0103
(412) 396-6233 | duqsbdc@duq.edu
Twitter: @DUSBDC | Facebook: Duquesne University SBDC

Dan Droz

President, Droz Marketing

Dan Droz is president of Droz Marketing, and taught marketing and planning at Carnegie Mellon University where he founded the nation’s first university program in Multidisciplinary Product Development. He is the recipient of 15 Marketer of the Year awards granted by the American Marketing Association, more than any marketer in America, including Grand Marketer of the Year in 2012. In 1996, Dan was recognized as one of 7 outstanding alumni of Harvard University at the 25th Anniversary of the Carpenter Center for Visual Arts for his contribution to design education. Dan is also an active entrepreneur, having founded or co-founded over 10 new businesses in technology, manufacturing and retail during his 35-year career. His latest book, "Click Here," available from Amazon and as a free download to listeners of Positively Pittsburgh, details the ways that businesses can attract, convert and monetize online customers.

Droz Marketing is one of our region's leading marketing firms, helping businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract and convert customers with strategic branding, marketing communications design, website development and social media.

Talking Points:

We help companies differentiate themselves and better communicate their value to prospects, customers and referral sources. One of the uniqueness of our process is our focus on conversion, ie, getting prospects and customers to take some specific and measurable action so you can actually see and measure the success of our programs.
At the Duquesne Technology Conference I will do a presentation on how to attract and convert online customers called The Title of the Session is: Compel & Sell: Content & Calls to Action That Get Results. It's about how the "ACT" formula, Attracting, Converting and Transforming visitors into customers through your social media, SEO, advertising and email marketing. To do that, we'll cover the 5 basic "C's" of getting business online: Content, Community, Commerce, Context and CTA which stands for "Call to Action."
Although all of the C's...(Content, Community, Commerce, Context and CTA) are important, probably the most important ones for almost every business are the first and last "C" in this list: Content and Call to Action.

Content is the fuel of online traffic. It's what attracts people to your site. It's what engages them. It's what's on your pages, in your blogs, on your social media posts. It's everything you say that is valuable and meaningful. We'll cover what makes content magnetic and particularly, how to structure your online content so it can get distributed to as many points on the internet as possible.

The Last "C," is probably the most important of all: The CALL To ACTION, ie, what is it that you want someone to do...and how you frame it so you can get them take that action. An offer is a good way to get people to take an action. for Example: when I say, I'll give everyone a free book on how to attract and convert customers if you go to my website, drozmarketing.com.... I'm suggesting a specific action for them to take and an 'offer' or "prompt" to activate that action.

Entrepreneur Tip:

The most important thing in online marketing is outbound marketing, ie, when you have opt-in permission to send information to a prospects or customers email address. this is where content comes in. if it's not good content, no one will want it or read. But if the content is good, you create great awareness and converstion. Of course, you've got to the email address, which is the most important conversion in online marketing.

There are literally hundreds of great suggestions, strategies and tactics in our book, "Click Here" that

your listeners can download on our website, www.drozmarketing.com. Also, we'll be giving some great examples of how to apply these principles in our seminar at The Duquesne Technology Conference on Nov. 13. Our seminar is at 11:25 with lunch right after the seminar, so it's a great deal and a great day. And, after you've read the book, "Click Here," I'm interested in your feedback and any tips. You can reach me at ddroz@droz.com or through our drozmarketing.com website.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
1 - Use my secret discount code PBTC99 to receive a special discount on the entry fee of the 9th Annual Duquesne Technology Conference.
2 - FREE ebook, "Click Here:" How to Attract, Convert and Transform online visitors into customers. The offer runs until Monday. Make sure you let us know you heard about it on Positively PittsburghLive.

Contact:

Droz Marketing
DrozMarketing.com
4916 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-338-1818 | ddroz@droz.com
Facebook: Droz Marketing
Twitter: @DanDroz | YouTube: DrozKnows
LinkedIn: Droz and Associates | LinkedIn: Dan Droz

Hosted By:

Joanne Quinn-Smith

Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a full service marketing company specializing in Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™. Known as the Techno Granny she offers her clients unique, creative and energetic marketing and management plans. Joanne’s expertise is in creating online platforms that create perpetual buzz.

Joanne is an author, prolific blogger and talkcaster with over 800 shows. She has interviewed over 2000 prominent business owners, non-profit executives and celebrities. Her flagship website, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com garners 220,000 hits per month, 62,000 unique page views per week and in 1 year had 2.25 million visitors.

Joanne Quinn-Smith has been designated nationally, 2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her advocacy and reporting on small business using New Media. Her good news reporting at PositivelyPittsburghLive was a finalist for best website or blog in Media for the American Business Stevie Award in 2010.

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you would like your business featured on the Small Biz Saturday Showcase please contact us HERE.

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2014 All rights reserved.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 10-11-14 PR, GoogleTours, Dentist

Positively Pittsburgh Live

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 10-11-14

PR, GoogleTours, Dentist

Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Today's Guests:

Bryan C. King DMD MDS
Orthodontist and President, King Orthodontics
Chris Reidenbaugh
Google Maps Business View Photographer, Higher Images, Inc.

Marty Mundy

Event Producer, Entertainment Unlimited
Michelle Emanuele
Public Relations Specialist, Higher Images, Inc.

Bryan C. King DMD MDS
Orthodontist and President, King Orthodontics

Dr. Bryan C. King was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. He’s a North Hills native and attended both St. Alphonsus and Quigley Catholic High School. In 1999, Dr. King earned his DMD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

After dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, OH. Following his residency, Dr. King decided to pursue the field of Periodontics. In 2003, he earned a Master of Dental Science in Periodontics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing his Periodontal Residency, Dr. King then continued his education and accepted an Orthodontic Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York. He completed his residency in 2006, returned to the Pittsburgh area with his wife, and joined his father at King Orthodontics.

Dr. King is proud to be a Board Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. His many honors include being named a “Top Dentist” by Pittsburgh Magazine since 2007. In 2008, Invisalign® selected him to present a case in front of nearly 1,0000 colleagues from across the country during their annual summit, he received many compliments on both the case and his presentation. Additionally, he is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

He recently accepted a faculty position at Seton Hill University’s Center for Orthodontics and will specifically be teaching residents how to use the Invisalign System. Dr. King is proud to work at King Orthodontics alongside his father. He would like to continue expanding the King Orthodontics family in the Pittsburgh area and continue the tradition of quality care for which King Orthdontics is so well known. Dr. King currently lives in Gibsonia with his wife, Anita, and their two sons, Garrett and Declan.

Talking Points:

At King Orthodontics we have been treating children and adults in the Pittsburgh area for over 37 years.
Difference between Invisalign and Braces
Early orthodontic treatment
When should a child come in for an orthodontic evaluation
Orthodontics to help with sleep apnea in children and adults
Invisalign® is a break-through product that avoids the discomfort, hassle, and visibility of traditional braces.
Teens using Invisalign Teen® will receive a new set of invisible aligners every six weeks via the orthodontist.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Get reviews and testimonials. Just ask.

Consumer Tip:
If you want Invisalign to straighten your teeth AND are told that it won't work, get a second even multiple opinion.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Contact our office for a complimentary consulation. Receive $500 off Invisalign Orthodontic treatment, new patients only, Interest free financing. Good at both locations, until July 1, 2015

Contact:

King Orthodontics
www.kingorthodontics.com
11200 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090 | (724) 935-5323
951 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | (412) 246-0600
Facebook: KingOrthodontics | Twitter: KingOrthoPA

Chris Reidenbaugh

Google Maps Business View Photographer, Higher Images, Inc.

Chris is a full time entrepreneur, dad, fisherman, internet marketer, Google Photographer, and lover of all things outdoors.

Higher Images is an online marketing company with capabilities of website building and design, search engine optimization, paid search, and so much more. Affordable public relations is also an attribute to the Higher Images team. Google Business Tours are the newest and biggest asset any business could own. Google Business Tours are interactive, panoramic photos that showcase all the details and images of businesses through Street View Technology. These tours enhance the presence of businesses across Google and the world by allowing customers to “walk” through the store/building and explore like never before.

Talking Points:

Small Businesses can get a competitive advantage in the search landscape. The use of mobile search is driving more people to their smartphones than ever before. Take advantage of people who are looking to buy right now.
Chris saw Google Maps Business Views in another city and applied many, many, many times to get started. He started working in photography and internet marketing back in 2005 and has been active ever since.
Higher Images strives to always be ahead of the curve in new ways and help businesses take advantage of the mobile marketplace.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Always, Always, Always, take time to work on your business. Forge strategic partnerships that can help you leverage your strengths. Pay attention to technology.

Consumer Tip:
It’s 2014, if a business isn’t web or mobile friendly… there is a competitor of theirs who is. Do your research online and always ask the simple questions, how does this benefit me as a consumer- what are the costs involved.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Google Maps Business View, Free estimate and idea on what it would take on Google Maps View

Contact:
Higher Images
www.higherimages.com
300 Bursca Drive, Suite 301, Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412) 203-1996 | chris@higherimages.com
Facebook: HigherImages | Twitter: HigherImagesPgh

Marty Mundy
Event Producer, Entertainment Unlimited

Marty Mundy is a former musician who has been working with Entertainment Unlimited for over 30 years. He has had the pleasure of working with such talents as: Bette Midler, The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Luther Vandross and many more. Marty has been married for 25 years and has 2 children.

Entertainment Unlimited is the Tri-State area’s largest, most experienced entertainment provider. Serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and all over the United States, we offer a variety of top quality entertainment including bands, disc jockeys, national acts, tribute acts, comedians, magicians, hypnotists, casino and theme parties, speakers, novelty entertainment and more. We provide entertainment for Corporate Parties and Fundraising events, as well as Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and any private event.

Talking Points:

Corporate Events
On-site managers to customize your experience
An experienced staff with an extensive and trusted pool of talent and vendors

Entrepreneur Tip:

Keep up with technology and how it can update and revitalize your business.

Consumer Tip:
Surround yourself with professionals, they will know how to take care of snafus and keep things running smoothly.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
5 Casino Games and a DJ for their event.

Contact:
Entertainment Unlimited
EntertainmentUnlimited.com
1701 Banksville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 343-7700 | marty.mundy@earthlink.net

Michelle Emanuele

Public Relations Specialist, Higher Images, Inc.

A well-rounded and active individual with interests in staying fit, but lover of all food. Enjoys current events, keeping up with the latest trends, and is a huge coffee advocate.

Michelle participated in PRSSA National Conference 2013 and 2014, is the current President of the Public Relations Society, Coordinator of various public relations workshops. She assisted in planning the annual Sports Auction with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has worked in Direct Marketing and Sales. She is knowledgeable in several software: Vocus, PRWeb, and Digital HI Technology.

Higher Images is an online marketing company with capabilities of website building and design, search engine optimization, paid search, and so much more. Affordable public relations is also an attribute to the Higher Images team. Google Business Tours are Higher Images’ newest asset and is the most important asset any business could own.

Talking Points:

I’ve been with Higher Images for about a year, and have learned so much in my field from the hands-on experience I receive. Public Relations is something I developed an early love for, and I have been building relationships since well before my professional career began.
Higher Images has been serving small to medium sized businesses for 13 years with various services such as website design, SEO, public relations, and more.
What most small to medium sized businesses forget is that public relations is for everyone! Because these business owners are so devoted to growing their businesses, they skim over the effectiveness of PR and how it can benefit their businesses greatly.
What makes Higher Images’ Public Relations unique is the processes we follow. Our clients can check our progress notes on our Digital HI Technology at any time to ensure that we are doing the manual labor and actually making follow-up calls to designated, agreed-upon sources.
Our PR department understands how to utilize traditional PR and transition it to digital PR.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Stay action and goal oriented and get things done fast.

Consumer Tip:
Public Relations is an industry that is pricey, and sometimes not as beneficial as some imagine it to be. Make sure you do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or for examples of successes. The more the merrier and proves credibility.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
B to B Offer: 15 day free trial for real time leads from visitors have been on your site: Visitor ID: Positively Pittsburgh Live

Contact:
Higher Images
www.higherimages.com
300 Bursca Drive, Suite 301, Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412) 203-1996 | michelle@higherimages.com
Facebook: HigherImages | Twitter: HigherImagesPgh

Hosted By:

Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you would like your business featured on the Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase please contact us HERE.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 09-13-14 Consultants and Young Professionals

Positively Pittsburgh Live

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 09-13-14

Consultants and Young Professionals

Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Today's Guests:

Lisa Kennis-Miller, SPHR
Owner of HR Rescue Resources, LLC
John S. Oliverio
President of Pittsburgh Young Professionals
Stephanie Oliver
Lead Planner at Oliver Events
Jennifer Hain
Founder and Owner of Jennifer Lee Life Coaching

Lisa Kennis-Miller, SPHR
Owner, HR Rescue Resources, LLC

Lisa Kennis-Miller grew up in rural north-central PA, the second of four children with a very large extended family (we’re talking hundreds). She learned responsibility at a very early age as the daughter of a dairy farmer/Ag Science teacher and a Registered Nurse, Lisa spent the first half of her life working hard on the family dairy farm. Her days began before sunrise (squeezing school, basketball/volleyball practice, and evening farm chores in before dinner at 10PM) then homework before going to bed; get up – REPEAT.

Growing up in rural PA, Lisa also became an avid hunter and although she doesn’t get back very often these days for deer season; she has had 13 successful ‘buck’ seasons - which includes a ‘trophy buck’.
For a refreshing change of scenery, Lisa escaped the daily grind to attend Penn State and study Industrial/Organizational Psychology. With her hard work ethic, Lisa completed college in 4 years, graduating with a 3.5 GPA. Why is that such a big deal? Well, she was on schedule to graduate in just 3 years, but life happened. She gave birth to her daughter the summer before her junior year (taking that fall semester off) and a year later changed the focus of her major from science to business, resulting in two additional semesters of business classes. Most college stories don’t include tales of 18 credit course loads (maintaining Dean’s List status) while working 20 hours/week and raising a newborn with colic!

With over 15 years of progressive human resources experience, primarily in the manufacturing industry, Lisa has held positions as Generalist, Front line Manager, Senior Management, and now Consultant.
Lisa Kennis-Miller is the Owner and Founder of HR Rescue Resources, LLC in Moon Township, PA.
Lisa has her Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification. The SPHR certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that Lisa has mastered the principles of human resources and that she is dedicated to staying current in the profession.

Lisa resides in Moon Township with her husband and 15 year old and 12 year old step-sons. Her 18 year old daughter is a freshman at Kent State University majoring in Visual Communication Design.
Lisa is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Pittsburgh Human Resource Association (PHRA), Pittsburgh Consulting Community, Member Coordinator of No BS Marketing Group, Senior Project Judge for Moon Area School District, and Member of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church.

Talking Points:

The company I worked at for 7 years was acquired by a competitor in 2010, the redundant positions were eliminated, including mine. After much consideration, my husband and I decided I would give independent consulting a shot, allowing for flexibility in my schedule to be home for our teenage children when needed. I've been at in now 3 1/2 years.
Employment compliance should be given great attention by business owners. Within the past 3 years government agencies have increased audits by nearly 243%, focusing primarily on small businesses because they know that is where they will find violations. Many times, they will present under the guise of (for instance) a "Payroll Audit" when in reality they are really looking to see if your employees are classified properly (exempt vs. non-exempt or independent contractor) and a payroll audit will get them access to the files they need to determine that!
Fines for small business owners are serious business and can have a huge impact. Under IRCA (Immigration, Reform and Control Act), the fines for failure to have Form I-9 completed upon within 3 days of hiring an employee begins at $110 and can go as high as $1100 per employee, this is also the case for having the form filled out incorrectly or having it filed improperly. Now if an employer knowingly hires and continues to employ an illegal alien, those fines start at $395 and can go as high as $16,000 per employee plus jail time. Think about this for a moment; does your business complete the NEW Form I-9 on EACH and EVERY new employee within 3 business days of them being hired? Are you certain that the person who reviews the I-9 documentation and is responsible for the form's completion is filling it out correctly? Do you know if you are filing the form in the correct place and keeping it for the recommended period of time? My recommendation to you is to make sure you find the correct answers to these questions before the IRCA finds you....
The most common area of compliance a small business finds problematic is typically in wage and hour law. There are so many rules and regulations and that creates opportunities for business owners to be fined and sued. In my consulting business, I highly caution business owners to take heed and make certain they do not take these laws lightly. This can cover everything from keeping impeccable time records, to making certain your employees have well- written job descriptions (by a certified HR professional who is experienced in job analysis) so employees can be classified properly (exempt vs. non-exempt) and also making sure all employees get reimbursed for any business expenses incurred no matter how nominal. Managers and supervisors need to be trained thoroughly to discourage non-exempt employees from performing work 'off the clock' as not doing so will certainly bring a lawsuit against the employer in the future!
If you are a business owner who is planning on hiring in the near future, I would highly recommend sticking to structured behavioral interview questions that have been vetted by a professional to make sure they are legal to ask. Make sure your employment application doesn't have any illegal questions either. Check at least 3 professional references asking a series of probing questions that would allow you to establish whether or not the applicant was competent in their job duties in their former role, why they left, if they would rehire them, etc. before making an offer. You would be surprised how much information you can attain from spending 15 minutes on the phone with a former supervisor!
Another tip is to do state, federal, county, and nationwide criminal background checks on the applicant after making a 'contingent offer'; meaning, they are hired contingent upon meeting the standards of the background check. There are FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) laws you MUST follow when performing background checks. I also want to point out that it is illegal to not hire an applicant just because they have a criminal record. You have to look at the results and make a business case for or against hiring them that would stand up in court (this is why you really should have a professional assist you in hiring situations). If you do not hire them based on the background check, you have to send them a letter telling them that along with the results per FCRA. Failure to do a background check though can also have negative consequences, such as a negligent hiring lawsuit brought against you later on should the person you hire harm someone else.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Do NOT try to be the master of all departments - Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, etc. A business owner has so much pressure to get customers in the door and to keep them happy. Leave it up to the experts to handle the areas you aren't an expert in. You will save so much valuable time and money in doing so!

Consumer Tip:
When determining if you should hire a Human Resource Consultant, ask yourself these questions:

Am I certain that my company is 100% compliant with all employment laws and feel confident that a disgruntled employee's lawsuit could be strongly defended?
Do I have an employee handbook that has been written or revised within the past 18 months?
Can my company survive a lawsuit ranging between $10,000 - $600,000 or a Department of Labor audit with potential fines and negative press that goes with it?
Am I prepared to be held PERSONALLY LIABLE and SEPARATELY CHARGED in lawsuits in the workplace (for being involved in missed promotions to unjustified discipline, inflicting emotional distress, and other perceived wrong-doing) that could lead to the loss of your home, assets, and destroying personal relationships?
If you answered 'NO' to any of these questions, CALL ME TODAY to get an HR Audit of your business to uncover vulnerabilities to avoid these devastating experiences. 724-777-2286

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Any listener that would like a FREE one hour consultation should mention that they heard this interview. The retail value of a One Hour Consultation is Regularly $150.

Contact:

HR Rescue Resources, LLC
www.HRRescueResources.com
PO Box 602, Moon Township, PA 15108
724-777-2286 | HRLady34@gmail.com
Facebook: HRRescueResources | LinkedIn: Lisa Miller, SPHR | Blogspot: Small Business Safety Net

John S. Oliverio, SPHR

President, Pittsburgh Young Professionals

John S. Oliverio, SPHR, is the Chief Human Resources Director for GAI Consultants where he leads Human Resources for over 900 national employees. He has 19 years of HR experience, having worked previously at WESCO, EDMC, ADVO, Nicholson Construction and Ames. John is currently President of Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP - member since 1999) and board member/HR Committee Chair for the Animal Rescue League. He previously held the position of President for both Pittsburgh Cares (2006-2008) and Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (2005) and was a board member for PUMP. John is one of Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40 winners and named one of the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Fast Trackers.

He also spends his time volunteering for Pittsburgh Cares, Pitt Alumni Association, Pittsburgh's Promise, and Girls Hope. John has been asked to speak at seminars and has been interviewed by media sources on HR issues. He also provides resume preparation assistance to people in career transition. In his free time, he is the captain of an adult kickball team for the Pittsburgh Sports League and has traveled to six continents. John holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. From Pittsburgh, he grew up in South Park and resides in Crafton.

About PYP
In 1988, six friends who reunited in Pittsburgh formed a group to contribute to the community – a movement that officially marks the beginning of PYP, a Pittsburgh non-profit organization. Now with over 420 members and 26 years of experience, PYP has aided in the social, professional, and civic development of young professionals in the Pittsburgh region.

Talking Points:

I began as a PYP member in 1999 and have been a member ever since. I joined the board of directors in 2012 and became President in 2014.
Now in our 26th year, Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP) is forging ahead with a membership of more than 420 young professionals of diverse professional and personal backgrounds.
One of the oldest Young Professionals organization in the country, PYP was formed in 1988 by a group of six individuals who returned to the Pittsburgh region looking to give back to the local community. Through the years, PYP continues to be a strong not-for-profit and 100-percent volunteer-run organization that is dedicated to providing career-minded individuals with opportunities to develop socially, professionally and civically.
PYP sponsors an annual Scholarship Program where we award a $1,000 scholarship to a professional going for their Bachelor's or Masters Degree based on certain criteria. We will announce the 2014 winner at our Signature Event next Friday.
2014 Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP) Signature Event (A Black and White Affair) on September 19th, 6:30 - 11PM at Bill Chisnell Productions, Downtown Pittsburgh. Details at: http://members.pyp.org/event-1725013

Get Involved with PYP

Come out and spend some time with us
Join us for a PYP Social, Professional Development, or Community Involvement event. Socialize, network and meet people from a wide variety of professions located throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Participate on a Committee
Every year, PYP’s committee chairs strive to offer a wide variety of networking opportunities to its entire membership.

Become a Committee Chair or Board Member
PYP is a volunteer-run organization. Each year, the organization looks for candidates to fill chair and board member positions. Click here to access the online application for board members. Committee chair applications can be found here.

Develop
Pittsburgh Young Professionals offers a variety of professional development events throughout the year, focused on providing our members with a diversified menu of opportunities. On any given night, you may find yourself immersed in a round table discussion with leaders of our region, listening to a prestigious speaker, or honing your presentation skills in front of a crowd of your peers. At PYP, we like to vary our programs monthly – ensuring that there’s always something for everyone! Our Professional Development Committee works diligently to ensure that all of our members are satisfied with the level of professional development we offer throughout the year.

Network
During all of PYP’s professional development events, there will be time set aside to network with the speakers, panel members and other PYP members. However, PYP understands that most young professionals are looking to build their network of business contacts in the most efficient way possible. For this reason, a few times a year, PYP hosts professional networking events, such as speed networking, to afford our members the opportunity to expand their contact list. Remember, to advance your business or career, you first need to make and build those all-important relationships – and PYP can provide you with the platform to make that happen.

Succeed
Educate your mind. Sharpen your skills. Strengthen your connections. PYP is an excellent catalyst for this development, but ultimately, it’s up to you to make it happen!
Entrepreneur Tip:

I can't emphasize enough to network, network, network. Even if an event looks to be more social than professional, you never know where your next client or business might come from. At PYP, we have business connections happening at all of our events whether it is a happy hour, professional development series or dinner club.

Consumer Tip:
The same advice - network, network, network. Whether you may be looking for a job, looking for a business opportunity, or just to meet new people, the best technique is to get out there and network with people. PYP offers a "safe" environment for networking as all of our events present attendees with opportunities to network and meet other professionals.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Annual Signature Event "A Black and White Affair" on September 19 at Bill Chisnell Productions. $30 for Members, $40 for Non members. Email me at john.oliverio@pyp.org for a coupon code for $5 off registration for the event.

Contact:

Pittsburgh Young Professionals
www.pyp.org
P.O. Box 23127, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-339-0797 | info@pyp.org
Facebook: PghYP | Twitter: PghYoungProf
LinkedIn: Pittsburgh Young Professionals

Stephanie Oliver

Lead Planner, Oliver Events

Stephanie is Butler native, alumna of Mercyhurst University and an International Event and Wedding Planner Certified Professional. She loves the Pittsburgh Penguins, singing, wine, reading, fashion, laughing uncontrollably, and is a self proclaimed Foodie. She proudly opened Oliver Events in May of 2014, and is having a blast planning signature events throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Oliver Events is a full-service event planning company. We plan corporate and private events throughout the Pittsburgh Region. "Be A Guest at Your Event, Leave OLIVE the Planning to Us!"

Talking Points:

I've been in the event industry since I took my first job as a banquet server at 15 years old, and have been in love ever since. I opened Oliver Events in May 2014 after working in corporate event planning and marketing for many years.
My company works with companies and individuals on all types of events, large or small, like fundraisers, tradeshows, weddings, mitzvahs, bridal and baby showers, board meetings, etc. Oliver Events plans any sort of event you can imagine: tradeshows, conferences, fundraisers, 5ks, awards shows, fashion shows, bridal showers, baby showers, mitzvahs, wakes, birthday parties, anniversary parties, retirement parties, weddings - you name it, we'll plan it. Do you want to throw a softball tournament with you and your competitors? We can do that too! The sky is the limit!
As event planners we handle every aspect of your event so that you can enjoy it without the work. Let's say we're planning a wedding: we help the bride book the venue, decide on a menu, find a cake baker, a florist, the dress and bridal party fashion, invitations, entertainment, decoration. Then, we're there for the entire event, setting up, tearing down, and overseeing every moment to ensure success and fun.

Entrepreneur Tip:

Don't be afraid to ask. Ask for advice from your mentors, and meetings with people you admire. Ask your network to promote your endeavors. Ask questions about any and everything that can help you grow as an individual and business owner.

Consumer Tip:
When it comes to event planning many people assume they can handle it all themselves, but working with a professional saves you so much time and stress. There are a lot of little details to keep in order, and if you're planning an event as one part of your job or life, it can be hard to keep everything in line. Having a professional on hand, especially the day of the event, will be a life saver, and you'll actually get to enjoy the event you've created.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
15% off all event planning services for Positively Pittsburgh followers and listeners.

Contact:
Oliver Events
Be A Guest at Your Event, and
Leave OLIVE the Planning to Us!
www.OliverEventsOnline.com
724-496-1472 | OliverEventsOnline@gmail.com
Instagram: OliverEvents | LinkedIn: StephanieOliver

Facebook: OliverEventsOnline | Twitter: Oliver Events

Jennifer Hain
Founder and Owner, Jennifer Lee Life Coaching

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from The Pennsylvania State University. It took some time “getting to know herself” in the workforce before she decided to make a huge leap – relocating from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA to explore her interest in TV hosting! However; after one year in CA and accepting various hosting opportunities, she still felt…empty. She was missing a sense of purpose and knew she needed to switch gears in order to feel fulfilled.

After an epiphany she had in CA, she created an inspirational website which has quickly developed into a business where she can incorporate her love for all of the above! Not only does she provide private coaching and workshop services, but she also brought back a piece of her “California Dream” and now interviews people who are making moves and chasing their dreams as an “A Breath of Fresh Air” feature!

Her specialty as a Motivational Life Coach is to help keep you motivated and on track while you strive to accomplish your personal and/or business goals. She serves as your personal coach – directing you {if needed}, holding you accountable, and cheering for you along the way! She offers private coaching and workshop services.

Talking Points:

I have had my inspirational website & blog for going on 2 years now. It was time for some serious self-reflecting! I eventually broke it down to this: I have a passion for 1.) motivating others 2.) presenting and interacting with others 3.) and helping others recognize and achieve their full potential. After an epiphany I had in CA, I created an inspirational website which has quickly developed into a business where I can incorporate my love for all of the above!
I’ve been asked many times, “What exactly is a Life Coach?” Let me help clarify that for you! A Life Coach is someone who helps you improve and achieve in the areas of your life for which you wish to – and as the title says, they coach you! Think of it in terms of sports. A coach teaches you the game, supports you during your wins and losses, and helps you become the best player possible!
Here are some examples of clients I am helping to achieve their goals:

Someone reach their goal of qualifying for a raise at work. A huge portfolio needs created proving their abilities and skills and I am working with this person to set up personal deadlines to complete their portfolio by January 2015.

I am currently helping someone grow their social media connections and stay on track with their personal savings goals.

I am also working with someone on strengthening their self-confidence so that they may advance in their workplace.

Entrepreneur Tip:

If you do not take action, it will NEVER happen. Even if you do take action, you may not get the results or immediate turn around that you desire…but, just keep taking action. You absolutely have to live and learn to figure out exactly what it is that you want to do. Exploring leads to discovering. And, once you finally discover what you want, you’ll appreciate the journey it took to get there and that the reward of happiness and success!

Consumer Tip:
In order to make a change in your life, you need to understand the importance of commitment and accountability. It’s easy to say you’re committed when things aren’t tough.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Save 25% off of a private coaching session and/or group workshop/seminar if you provide the code words: “On fire to inspire.” Receive the discount by emailing me at jenniferleelifecoaching@yahoo.com and providing the code word above. Offer lasts for 6 months only.

Contact:

Jennifer Lee Life Coaching
www.JenniferLeeLifeCoaching.com
105 Bellwood Drive
412-600-6411 | jennifer.hain@yahoo.com

Facebook: JenniferHain | Twitter: @JenniferHain

Instagram: Jennifer Hain

Hosted By:

Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you would like your business featured on the Small Biz Saturday Showcase please contact us HERE.

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 08-23-14 Online Media, Biz Training, Authors

Positively Pittsburgh Live

Burgh Biz Saturday Showcase 08-23-14

Online Media, Biz Training, Authors

Hosted By Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Today's Guests:

Ann Marie Gire
Owner of Women's Independent Press and Pittsburgh Women's Yellow Pages
Alice Williams
Executive Director of Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Steve Peck
Founder of 8Pecks Marketing
Jill Kummer
Partner at JJ Media Group and Co-Owner of Eventsburgh.com

Ann Marie Gire
Owner, Women's Independent Press and Pittsburgh Women's Yellow Pages

With a background of service and legal advocacy for serveral to women's shelters and support agencies, Ann Marie Gire continues to provide opportunities ensure that women have a platform from which to be heard. In 2003 she launched her first women's interest newspaper. Seeing the limitless opportunities ahead in the digital world she took her publications online in 2010.

Women's Independent Press publishes the Women's Yellow Pages of SWPa and an on line newsletter that comes out the 1st and 15th of every month. Publishes an on line news magazine, twice monthly, and a print and on line Women's Yellow Pages, a yearly magazine of articles and ads and much more.

Talking Points:

The Women's Independent Press has many goals. We are an ambitious and diverse group of women who strongly believe that women need their own mainstream news and information venue, forgoing the same old, tired subjects of fad dieting, make-up and hair and beauty 'news,' how to get/please/keep a man, etc. There are enough forums for that 'information.' Our mission is to offer our readers a different newspaper experience. 'Informing Women About Our World.'
Women's Independent Press has articles on unexplored women-in-the-news, consumer stories/advice for women. Also, investigative pieces about your community, including why certain news is or isn't being reported; interesting pieces on women in your community who have shown bravery and courage against the odds, or women who are the 'unsung heroes' of your community. Anything quirky or creative that you would like to write about that inspires or encourages or gives pause for thought is welcome. Sports, education and articles that focus on women around the world are also welcome.
Author Zone Presents the 1st Annual Awards Ceremony for Southwestern Pennsylvania Authors.

Join Us in Celebrating Local Authors and Connecting Them to the World!

The Authors’ Zone (TAZ) announces the 1st annual awards ceremony for Pittsburgh authors. Join us on October 16, 2014 at the Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh with a keynote address from Dave Crawley. This event will include a special program and dinner. TAZ is an event that showcases independent authors in Southwestern PA. The mission is to create a platform that celebrates and honors local authors to the general public - and connects them to national and international organizations and readers.

“There has never been an awards ceremony in this area. Our goal is to showcase Southwestern PA.’s talented authors to the general public,” says Anna Marie Petrarca Gire, Publisher of Women’s Independent Press.

Submissions are now being accepted for consideration. Submission guidelines can be found on the website, www.thauthorszone.com. The awards ceremony is presented by: Anna Marie Petrarca Gire and Yvonne Phillips, President.

Contact:

Ann Marie Gire of the Author Zone
TheAuthorsZone.com | FengShuiPublications.com
WomensIndependentPress.com
P.O. Box 9687, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
412-563-6712 | info@theauthorszone.com
Twitter: HotFlashMedia

Alice Williams

Executive Director, Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence

The dream of starting this organization became a vision that gave birth to a plan in September 2009 and WEEE was formed with seven women entrepreneurs as a reaction to the overwhelming need to assist urban, minority women in wealth building, through a focus on business knowledge, skills and growth. We secured a Self Development of People Grant of $5,200 from the Pittsburgh Presbytery (SDOP) in January 2010 to seed our vision and continue to operate from personal funds. We were awarded additional grants from the SDOP in 2011 and 2012, and a small grant from the POISE Foundation.

WEEE is the only organization with an incubator concept of this type in South Western Pennsylvania that supports the development and growth of microenterprise women-owned businesses. The concept is “catching on” to become a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs building economic progress, stimulating economic growth by creating self-employment opportunities. Microenterprise emerging firms have the potential to offer economic stability for families, a solid tax base, and a decrease in the burden on social services as the entrepreneurial leader of households, primarily headed by women, become self sufficient.

Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence is a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Organization and holds IRS 501(3) c status. All donations to our organization are tax deductible. WEEE is a member of the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) and positioned to learn and implement “best practices” in our incubation developmental process. It is our stance that enhancing a community’s entrepreneurial climate requires collaborative arrangements that increase the chances of success of our emerging companies, as well as the success of our organization.

Talking Points:

WEEE's Mission is to stimulate and support sustainable economic growth and prosperity for a diverse population of women by providing microenterprise businesses with strategies, resources and business incubation, and a trusted source for information and guidance.
Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence (WEEE) is a group of entrepreneurs who have formed a community of women owned businesses. WEEE has as its goal to boost the economic status and development of women who have been ignored or underserved by traditional business development organizations and banking institutions by providing business incubation during the start-up phase when businesses are most vulnerable. Women are twice as likely than men to launch a business, while women of color are five times as likely to do so (Center of Women’s Business research, 2007). This diverse community of women business owners are focused on moving talents and skills into income generating projects and businesses with the objective of closing the “net worth disparity gap” that plagues the Pittsburgh region, for themselves and their families with their own ingenuity. Research suggests that an investment in women entrepreneurs can have a significant multiplier effect that leads to not only increased revenues and more employees for business, but also to healthier, better-educated families and, ultimately, more prosperous communities.

Maxine E. Jenkins,

Synod SDOP Chairperson,

presents check to Alice Williams,

Administrator of WEEE

The microenterprise incubator project has interest in attracting business women who are operating informal businesses, home based businesses and/or college educated women entrepreneurs who meet the criteria of low to moderate income and have sound business concepts or innovations.Our organization currently provides training in core business strategies, feasibility and business plan development, market and competitive analyses, access to markets and loan packaging. WEEE provides its client companies with business development services and resources tailored to young microenterprise firms, financial education, management assistance, and lifestyle and professional development coaching. Starting a new business isn’t an easy task.

Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence is staffed with a group of dedicated volunteers and women including two volunteer professionals; an Executive Director, Alice Williams, who is the visionary of the incubation project, a Financial Coach, Kathleen Gary, who provides one-on-one financial coaching and credit repair guidance to the clients, Lyzona Marshall, ABD, a Professor of Business who functions primarily as a referral source and entrepreneurship consultant with the Seton Hill University, e-Magnify program, and Lisa Williams, JD, who provides legal training and guidance for our clients. In addition to volunteer staff, WEEE also has professional Board members who serve on community boards, charities, churches and other service organizations. Both the volunteer staff and many of our board members function in a multiplicity of roles and provide in- kind services for our projects and business growth activities. This network of professionals has provided clients access to high-level (and often at reduced rates) legal, accounting, financing and other assistance that might not be available to low and moderate income women. Their expertise has been readily available and able to resolve most business related problems and help clients conserve most needed capital. These professionals typically are not available to new nonprofits nor affordable for early-stage companies, and without them, the value of an incubation program diminishes significantly.

Our Sustainability Plan moving forward hinges on the services provided by WEEE that are based on annual membership fees. The fees offset the cost of professional association memberships that afford the organization access to best practices in microenterprise business development. Once a business is housed in the WEEE incubator facility, client business growth and revenues will factor in the determined fees for services, office rental space, equipment usage and services provided by the incubator. Well defined outcomes will determine the graduation timelines from the incubator.

Our immediate plans include a website, integration of social media into our marketing strategy and facilitating a series of fee based online entrepreneurial and marketing workshops to a larger audience of women in the small business community. However, our service interest target audience will remain low to moderate income women who may be in a public housing community and qualify for HUD Workforce Section 3 opportunities and /or industry specific entrepreneurship training to reduce female recidivism. We are currently developing relationships to provide contract services in these markets.

Additional events with topics focused on business education, business financial literacy, and the success and celebration of microenterprise business women owners will be held throughout the year to garner public support and sponsorship.

The WEEE incubator organization is an emerging nonprofit with tremendous growth potential. We are in the early stages of seeking financial support for full time paid staff, professional development and programming. We offer a well thought out plan, a pre-trialed client base and unique micro-business economic development concept to this region.

Operation Jumpstart: Business Feasibility Planning 10 Week Class
Tuesdays, Sept 16 thru Nov 18th | 6PM - 9PM | CCAC's Allegheny Campus, North Side

Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence (WEEE) is currently recruiting for the Operation Jump Start feasibility/business plan class beginning September 16, at CCAC. In this 10 week class, entrepreneurs determine if their business concept has market feasibility before launching and investing money into the actual business venture. This 36-hour noncredit certificate program leads participants through determining whether a business idea is a feasible business opportunity. They examine their concepts or businesses from every angle and write a feasibility plan:

Evaluating a business idea to determine whether it can be viably launched into a business.
Looking for new, strategic focus and direction of the business they are currently leading.
Or, contemplating self-employment as a new career option.

Operation JumpStart is an award-winning microenterprise development program that partners with organizations seeking to assist aspiring entrepreneurs. Combining nationally-recognized curriculum; coaching and mentoring; and rich online resources; this program can be the foundation necessary in building entrepreneurial communities of opportunity. Students who successfully complete the course requirements will gain access to business support groups, as well as micro-financing and business incubation.

For more information, visit weeemeanbusiness.org.

Entreprenur Tip:

Don't quit to soon.

Consumer Tip:

Get your information out there, don't leave any stone unturned. Don't be a ghost business person.

Contact:

Women Empowered for Entrepreneurial Excellence

620 Island Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

412 301-1831 | 412 728-3090 (cell)

Weee.incubator@gmail.com

Steve Peck
8Pecks Marketing

A graduate scholar from Syracuse University, he earned an MBA in Marketing building on a degree in Physics. Steve has been a top 20% distributor for a billion dollar nutrition company, promoted beer in glass bottles and has had buyers fly over 2,000 miles to buy a car from him. Arguably his greatest accomplishment may be raising 6 great, overachieving kids with his wife Julie.

Steve has been solving complex business problems for 30 years, and continues to apply the latest technologies to create value for his clients. He’s been an innovator on the internet since it was all dial up where he combines his love for business, marketing and technology.

Steve Peck is founder of 8Pecks Marketing, inc where he and his team help businesses breakthrough the marketing doldrums that impede their growth. While instrumental in transforming a struggling 50 Million dollar manufacturer into an international 270 million dollar powerhouse, Steve built the infrastructure to support the growth with minimal increases in overhead.

8Pecks Marketing helps successful business owners tap into the power of e-commerce and e-business to grow and expand their businesses. They help them get and keep more customers and clients. Many of their customers are looking for a non-traditional approach or holistic perspective.

Talking Points:

I've been involved in business and technology since 1980. Most of my focus has been on applying technology to solve the biggest business problems. 8Pecks Marketing was spun out of another technology company in 2012.
We really serve SMB business owners who know they want to tap into the internet, e-business and e-commerce but just aren't sure how to, or where to start.
Some of our recent projects include:

building an e-commerce website;

coaching a business owners to leverage LinkedIn to get more prospects & customers;

producing "explainer videos" to help owners more clearly articulate their message and engage prospects & customers

Providing accountability coaching

hosting an e-entrepreneurs mastermind group

Entrepreneur Tip:

Find out what your customers really want and then deliver that if you can. Focus on delivering value, value, value!

Consumer Tip:
Look for someone who knows not just about the technology but someone who also knows about marketing. Ultimately this is not getting more sales, more business, and more profits.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
10% off the production of an explainer video for listeners of Positively Pittsburgh Live thru March 2015. Use the code PPLLive on our website, www.8Pecks.com/videos.

Contact:
Steve Peck of 8 Pecks Marketing
8Pecks.com | 8PecksMarketing.com
2777 Darlington Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
724-510-0271 | steve@8PecksMarketing.com
linkedin.com/in/stevepeck | twitter.com/steve_peck

Jill Kummer

Partner at JJ Media Group and Co-Owner of Eventsburgh.com

Jill is the President of Black Tie Pittsburgh which provides on line event organization for events, ticketing and event publication. Black Tie, Pittsburgh is the definitive source for premier events and galas in the Western, Pennsylvania Region serving both the non-profit and for profit community. Her clients include the Family House, American Heart Association, FROGGS(Friendly Rivalry Often Gets Great Success), Ladies Hospital Aid Society and POWER(Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery) and United Way.

Jill became an expert on the organization, logistics and marketing of events in her 20 years in corporate America in the hospitality business as a Food and Beverage Manager. Additionally Jill has become acosmopolitan expert on major city life and entertainment having worked in St. Louis, Missouri; Clearwater Beach, Florida: Charlotte, North Carolina; Indianapolis, Indiana and Houston, Texas. Jill is dedicated to the furtherance of cultural enterprises and gala events that bring people and profit to the city of Pittsburgh.

Talking Points:

Its important to surround yourself with great people to achieve success together. Here's a look at our EventsBurgh Team:

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Partner JJ Media Group, Owners Eventsburgh.com

Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a full service marketing company specializing in Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™. Known as the Techno Granny she offers her clients unique, creative and energetic marketing and management plans. Her niche is creating internet based platforms using good relevant information to create expert status and organic search dominance.

Joanne is an author, prolific blogger and talkcaster. Joanne’s flagship website, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com garners 220,000 hits per month and 62,000 unique page views per week. From July, 2011 to July, 2012, PPL Mag has had 2.25 million visitors and 662,000 unique page views.

She has been designated nationally, 2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for her advocacy and reporting on small business using New Media.

Joanne has interviewed over 2000 prominent business owners, non-profit executives and celebrities. With over 800 talkcasts in her repertoire. Her good news reporting at PositivelyPittsburghLive was a finalist for best website or blog in Media for the American Business Stevie Award in 2010.

Penny Haynes, Site Administrator... She is a very talented Word Press Expert

Eventsburgh helps event advertisers to find and connect with social media savvy people. Whether it's a non-profit event, a small business event, a special sale event, or a new restaurant opening event, we can help you reach to audience beyond your imagination.
Eventsburgh welcomes all kinds of events from any industries. Do you want more people to show up at a certain place at a certain time? Then you are at the right place!! A happy hour special from a restaurant? A two days sale at a local florist? You post it, we spread it !!
This is a big deal below, people can make money promoting events, they do it anyway on social media.
Monetize your online connection by sharing events posted on Eventsburgh.com

Entrepreneur Tip:

Think of things from consumer perspective. Dial in to what the customer wants.

Consumer Tip:
Make your list as complete as possible filling in every blank. If you can pay to add pictures, videos,etc.

Positively Pittsburgh Live Special Offer:
Get $100 Credit for Premium Services Through December 31, 2013

Contact:
Jill Kummer of JJ Media Group and Co-Owner of Eventsburgh.com

EventsBurgh.com

Hosted By:

Joanne Quinn-Smith

Listen to the show HERE

Thank you for your viewing and listening support. If you would like your business featured on the Small Biz Saturday Showcase please contact us HERE.

Posted By: Joanne Quinn-Smith
This was reported as a reproduction of PositivelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith.
(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2014 All rights reserved.