Mullens

WAILUKU — The county Office of Economic Development holds “Brown Bag” business workshops at the Maui County Business Resource Center at Maui Mall.

Most workshops are offered free of charge.

“Going for the Goal!” provides an easy-to-learn process for identifying challenges, solutions and the actions required for success.

Attend on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from noon to 1 p.m. to learn how to create a well-defined, easily explained plan that is responsive to today’s shifting economy.

This interactive forum guides participants through the cultural shift toward agility, innovation and improvisation so critical to personal and organizational success in these times.

It may feel like goal-setting is an unnecessary luxury, but investing one morning a month toward your company’s future can bring unexpected returns, noted workshop instructor Leslie Mullens of Playbook.

Mullens will lead participants through a surefire, seven-step adventure that results in a detailed, 12-month road map that defines your company’s critical success factors and how to achieve them.

Susie Thieman of Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Corp. will discuss the reason for writing a business plan with “The ABCs of a Business Plan” on Wednesday, Jan. 13, from noon to 1 p.m.

Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught in MEO’s Core Four Business Planning course.

“QuickBooks for Small Business” will be presented by Richard Kehoe, CPA and lead SCORE counselor, on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.

This class offers hands-on computer training for beginners, as well as financial tools and support for your growing business. Users will learn how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance the company checkbook.

A nominal fee of $45 will apply; this session offers a small class setting and personalized tutoring. Follow-up appointments may also be scheduled.

Learn about “Starting a Business in Maui County” on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m. with Anna K. Ribucan of the county Office of Economic Development.

This seminar covers general information and requirements for starting a business in Maui County. Handouts, websites and other helpful information are included.

“Cold Calling for Beginners” will be offered on Thursday, Jan. 21, from noon to 1 p.m. This “hands on” seminar will teach you the basic skills needed to grow and market your business just by using your cell phone.

Instructor Richard Lightfoot will discuss cold calling etiquette, how to advertise your business and website over the phone, the national Do Not Call Registry, how to collect marketing information, how to increase sales and services over the phone and how to increase business referrals. Bring your cell phone fully charged, as he demonstrates how to lose the fear of speaking with your own customers!

David B. Fisher of MauiVenture Consulting LLC will present “Evaluating Your Idea” on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Find out how to determine if your business concept is good. Get the basic model for analyzing the feasibility of a business with special focus on market research and economic analysis. Use this to approach investors and other stake holders. Learn about resources available to start and grow businesses. This is a two-hour free companion class to “Starting a Business in Maui County.”

Seating for all sessions is limited. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch.

MCBRC also offers free business counseling sessions with experienced SCORE counselors.