This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

Small business owners are not always the best employee motivators. They are often so wrapped up in operational issues that “people skills” fall short. If your business already has employees or plans to hire some, these individuals will be critical to your success. And aside from handling all of the legal, tax, insurance and other employer paperwork responsibilities, you also need to learn how to elicit good results from your employees without micromanaging every detail of their workday. Read the rest of this entry »

Bo Brothers, the Wyoming, Pennsylvania based Kansas City-style BBQ restaurant, has opened a second location, Bo Brothers at PNC Field, with funding from MetroAction. Read the rest of this entry »

If you can’t lend because of stricter regulatory controls, consider referring MetroAction! Entrepreneurs and small business owners undoubtedly face a unique set of challenges much different than their larger competitors.  That’s why MetroAction offers flexible financing ranging from $250 to $200,000! Read the rest of this entry »

Help your small business clients get to the next level.  Refer an upcoming MetroAction training program!  A few seats still remain for our Small Business Institute and Marketing Mastery classes, starting August 5. Read the rest of this entry »

Alicia Woodruff has been named MetroAction's business development specialist

MetroAction announces Alicia Woodruff as business development specialist.  She will serve as our outreach coordinator and assist with small business lending, training and technical assistance.

Alicia joins the staff from Keystone College, La Plume, where she was director of student activities. She holds a master of business administration degree and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Marywood University.

Please join us in welcoming Alicia and feel free to contact her at (570) 342-7711, extension 127 or awoodruff@MetroAction.org to set up an appointment to discuss our services.

If you want to take your business to the next level, MetroAction has training programs to help! A few seats still remain in our Small Business Institute and Marketing Mastery classes, starting Aug. 5.    Click here to listen to our promo!

Marketing Mastery will show you how making small changes will lead to big results and will help you make the most of your limited marketing budget! In this 8-week program you will:

• Identify your target market
• Build successful marketing messages
• Develop marketing materials that work
• Leave with a comprehensive marketing plan for your business

The Marketing Mastery program will be held in Scranton on Thursdays, Aug. 5 through Sept. 23, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

“The Marketing Mastery program hit on everything a business needs to know. I wish this program was offered before I burned up so much money,” attests Cheryl Kaiser, owner of Kaiser Fine Photography, Carbondale.

The Small Business Institute will show you how all of the pieces of your business work together. In this 2-day program you will:

• Learn what makes a business successful
• Understand cash flow and financial statements
• Develop a marketing strategy
• Leave with a customized business plan for your business

The Small Business Institute will be held in Tannersville on Aug. 5 and 6, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Both programs are perfect for start-up or existing businesses or any business that wants to be more competitive in today’s economy! Cost is $149 each and includes text books and materials. Hurry! Classes start soon and space is limited! Call 341-0270 or visit www.MetroAction.org to register.

This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

Many elements go into creating a successful small business Web site—one that showcases your company’s products or services and entices people to buy. But one of the most overlooked items is the text that goes on each Web page. Writing copy for Web sites is, in fact, different from other forms of sales writing. Web writing requires a different approach, a different voice and a different attitude from the offline world. Read the rest of this entry »

MetroAction has teamed up with The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce to host a Hollywood awards-style gala in November.  Read the rest of this entry »

MetroAction will host marketing seminars in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre throughout July and August.  The seminars offer simple and effective small business marketing techniques that focus on real world, proven strategies. Read the rest of this entry »

MetroAction has added Schuylkill County to its service area thanks in part to a $35,000 grant from the Bank of America.  Funding allows  MetroAction to provide technical assistance services, including one-on-one counseling, training and financing, to Schuylkill County entrepreneurs and small business owners.  Read the rest of this entry »