No question about it. This has been a tough time for small business owners all over the globe. COVID-19 has brought policies of physical distancing that have presented huge challenges to businesses across a variety of industries. In 2020, we have learned what it means to pivot and contingency plan. Now, it’s time to talk about recovery.
From May 11-15, join me live via Zoom as I interview 15 experts representing different operational areas and different industries. These sessions are FREE, and we are talking about what we can do to make sure our businesses are on the road to recovery. Register for as many as you want!
Honestly, I am excited about the number and quality of speakers who have jumped at the chance to be part of this conversation. I am proud to bring you sessions with experts in functions of business such as law, business consulting, podcasting, business banking, and web design. Plus, we have some incredible speakers representing specific industries such as restaurants, weddings, networking/events, children’s activity centers/gyms and studios, the arts, health and wellness, and bed and breakfasts/tourism.
Each session will conclude with a Q&A so that you have a chance to ask YOUR questions. Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get the full recording.
Scroll down to learn what is coming up in Webinar Week! We’ll see you there.
“Strategic Planning for Success”
Monday, May 11, 2020 – 10:30am-11:30am Pacific
Speaker: Julia Aquino, All Systems Grow
Category: Business Strategy
Session: We are living through difficult times. What we need now is much greater than strategy or straightforward planning. Julia shares her “new world” approach to going deeper with your idea, planning realistically, taking focused and intentional action towards the plan, and thinking more strategically to ensure success on your terms.
About Julia: An entrepreneur, hard working mom and breast cancer survivor, All Systems Grow CEO & Founder Julia Aquino-Serrano is no new comer to tough choices. For over 20 years she has spent time on all sides of the business world. For the past 10 years, she has run her own company as a highly sought-after consultant to “fix” and grow small to medium size businesses. She is a speaker, writer and community activist. Find Julia on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“A Banker’s Perspective on Post-COVID-19 Lending”
Monday, May 11, 2020 – 1:00-2:00pm Pacific
Speaker: Michael Arellano, Bank of the West
Category: Business Banking
Session: In this session, we will take a closer look at what is happening in the credit world right now from the perspective of a business banker. We will talk about how the funding landscape has changed during this COVID-19 economic era and how businesses can better position themselves to banks during this time.
About Michael: Currently, Michael is the Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manager and Team Lead for Washington & Idaho at Bank of the West. After cutting his teeth in small business underwriting at U. S. Bank during the Great Recession, Michael transitioned into a Relationship Management sales role with Pacific Continental Bank. Here, Michael was able to apply his credit background while honing his business development skills. Building upon that success, he took on another challenge by moving to a new market and assuming additional responsibilities as a producing Team Lead with Bank of the West. Michael’s blend of credit and business development acumen sets him apart from others and gives him a valuable perspective. Find Michael on LinkedIn.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“Legal Must Dos for Small Business”
Monday, May 11, 2020 – 5:00-6:00pm Pacific
Speaker: Keren de Zwart, Not Your Father’s Lawyer
Category: Law
Session: A quick overview on legal “check ins” for your business, from entity maintenance to growth/scaling.
About Keren: After working for 10 years in the corporate arena, Keren had a desire to fill the legal gap for entrepreneurs and small businesses by replacing the outdated billable hour model with flat-fee pricing. With a decade of experience in corporate transactions, Keren has worked with every type of business: from side hustlers to raising millions of dollars and taking companies public. Today, she helps entrepreneurs get #legallylegit through her law firm, Not Your Father’s Lawyer. She resides in Orange County, California, with her husband and two children. Find Keren on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“Empathy & Flexibility in Business”
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 – 10:30am-11:30am Pacific
Speaker: Holly Jackson, Holly Jean Jackson LLC
Category: Business Strategy / Customer Service
Session: Learn how to stay connected to your clients and prospects during challenging times. How to remain relevant and pivot based on what you are hearing. And learn how empathy and flexibility are key to your success.
About Holly: Holly Jean Jackson helps entrepreneurs and business leaders love their life and business again. With over 12 years of technology and business experience, she helps business leaders get their groove back physically, mentally and emotionally. She does this through a combined approach of both coaching and consulting providing practical and actionable results. She also helps end fear and frustration with technology. Holly teaches her clients to remember that community is critical to success and that self-care is essential, not optional. Find Holly on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“Strategies to Reopen Your Small Business and Keep it Open”
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 – 12:30pm-1:30pm Pacific
Speaker: Rick Slark, Slark Consulting Group
Category: Business Operations / Business Strategy
Session: In this conversation we will discuss strategies to open your small business that provides safety to your employees and your customers. We will also discuss practical ways your business can navigate this new business climate.
About Rick: Rick Slark is a small business owner and Certified Business Advisor. He consults with small businesses across a wide variety of industries specializing in business development, strategic planning, sales, and scaling strategies. Find Rick on his website and on LinkedIn.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
We work hard year round for years on end to build our businesses and generate revenue. We are all getting thrown a curve ball right now, and it is so easy to get stuck in thinking about what is uncertain or what is slipping away. Webinar Week is all about figuring out what we need to do to be resilient and to prepare for recovery.
“Entrepreneurship in Times of Crisis: How to Pivot and Test New Offerings”
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 – 3:00-4:00pm Pacific
Speaker: Anne Cocquyt, The GUILD
Category: Networking / Events
Session: In this conversation, Anne shares lessons learnt in pivoting business and operating in a world of ambiguity. Anne talks about her recent move to bring in-person events online and which formula she uses to learn what her users want. Walk away with a step-by-step guide of how to test new offerings in times of crisis, and hone in on a sellable product.
About Anne: Anne Cocquyt is a serial entrepreneur and super connector in Silicon Valley. She is the CEO and founder of the GUILD, a tech startup and global network for female entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. Anne develops proprietary AI-powered match-making algorithms and hosts unique networking events to help women build stronger networks. She conducts frequent studies in the tech industry to identify and close diversity gaps. Anne developed the GUILD Academy, an online program dubbed “mini-MBA” for women to “launch their Business Silicon Valley Style” and had the first cohort go through the program in Q1 2020. Find Anne on her website.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“Innovative Virtual Marketing for the Healthcare and Wellness Sector”
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 – 10:00-11:00am Pacific
Speaker: Lara Zakaria, Foodie Farmacist LLC
Category: Health and Wellness, Functional Medicine
Session: An exploration of how to leverage technology to provide services and generate revenue during “shutdown” and build value via social media to keep leads warm. Do we lean into a virtual model or wait for things to return to “normal?”
About Lara: Lara is a Functional Pharmacist, Clinical Nutritionist, and virtual entrepreneur based in New York City. A graduate of Rutgers University, she has spent 20 years in retail pharmacy practice. After developing an interest in nutrition, she earned an MS in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. Lara’s clinical practice is within a multi-disciplinary Functional Medicine clinic and supervises a professional mentorship program under the Medical Directorship of Dr Kara Fitzgerald. Lara is also co-owner of Pharmacy Evolutions, a professional training and mentorship program focused on helping pharmacists evolve their professional and business practice to stay competitive in a changing market. Find Lara on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“How Podcasts Can Increase Your Visibility & Up Your Marketing Game”
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 – 12:30-1:30pm Pacific
Speaker: Michelle Glogovac, My Simplified Life
Category: Podcasting
Session: How having your own podcast and podcast pitching can help increase your business and showcase you as the expert in your field.
About Michelle: Michelle Glogovac is a podcast pitcher, producer, and host who launched her business after 18 years in corporate aviation. Michelle works with entrepreneurs and business owners to grow their businesses and audiences while ensuring their message reaches the masses. Michelle is a wife, mom of two, stepmom of two, and a fur mom. She has her B.A. and M.S. in Law. She resides in the Bay Area and loves to share what her favorite wines are! Find Michelle on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“A Story of Optimism for the NZ B&B Industry”
New Zealand Time: Thursday, May 14, 2020 – 10:00-11:00am
Pacific Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 – 3:00-4:00pm
Speaker: Donna Brooke, New Zealand Bed and Breakfast Association / Sunlover Retreat
Category: Bed and Breakfasts / Tourism
Session: The tourism industry is having a tough season right now, but we can push through by staying focused and optimistic. In this session, we will talk about what the New Zealand bed and breakfast industry has experienced lately and what practical actions business owners can take to weather the storm.
About Donna: With a background in sales and marketing management of 5-star accommodation and a deep-seated value of Kiwi hospitality shared with Chris her husband, Donna decided to create a unique bed and breakfast, showcasing the stunning heights of Tairua and NZ as a whole. Sunlover Retreat has been the recipient of numerous awards most notably being nominated into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame and is sitting in the top 5 of B&Bs in the Asia Pacific. Now on the Board of the Bed and Breakfast Association, Donna shares her marketing knowledge and optimism with B&Bs throughout the country. Find Donna on her website, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn about the NZ Bed & Breakfast Association on their website here.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“Position Your Brand to Take Advantage of Chaos”
Thursday, May 14, 2020 – 9:30am-10:30am Pacific
Speaker: Chris Hill from Chris Hill
Category: Restaurants
Session: In this session, we will take a closer look what businesses can do in a time of crisis. From the perspective of a chef and restaurant owner, we will explore the key aspects of decision making and goal setting on the way to finding creative solutions.
About Chris: A former marketing consultant, having worked with top Fortune 500 brands, Chris followed his heart into the world of the kitchen. He became a chef, restaurant owner, author and speaker. Chris has spoken on 2 TEDx stages and for companies, organizations, and schools all over the country focused on leadership, career fulfillment, and inspiring others to live their best selves. Find Chris on his website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
All of these sessions during Webinar Week are free of charge. This incredible group of speakers and your host are volunteering to do these interviews, because we believe in the small business community and we want to contribute to its rebound. See a session you think will be helpful to you? Don’t hesitate to sign up!
“Event Industry Icons’ Response to the Pandemic”
Thursday, May 14, 2020 – 11:30am-12:30pm Pacific
Speaker: Andy Kushner, The Wedding Biz podcast
Category: Wedding Professionals
Session: How Event Industry Icons are handling the impact of the pandemic on their lives and businesses.
About Andy: Celebrated as a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride, Andy Kushner exchanged corporate fame as National Account Representative of the Year for a Fortune 500 company to recreate the event music and entertainment industry through his passion-come-to-life, Kushner Entertainment. A gifted storyteller, Andy then leveraged his relationships with top event planners and designers by launching The Wedding Biz, the only podcast for wedding and events’ professionals that exclusively features business-transforming conversations with industry icons. Never one to rest on his laurels, Andy has recently taken his revolutionary approach to branding and marketing global via The Wedding Biz Podcast Network, podcast channels featuring the best in the wedding and event business. Find Andy on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“3 Things Entrepreneurs Must Do to Weather this Crisis and Come Through Thriving”
Thursday, May 14, 2020 – 1:30-2:30pm Pacific
Speaker: Christine Perakis, Christine Perakis Global
Category: Business Strategy
Session: As a two-time Category 5 hurricane survivor, including one that blew the roof off her house and left her buried alive for almost 24 hours, Christine Perakis knows a few things about weathering “the storms” in life and business, including surviving in the aftermath of a catastrophe. While you may not have been in a record-breaking hurricane, with most of the world’s population on lockdown, the current pandemic is a global Category 5! Join us as Christine shares the leadership and resilience strategies taken from the 7 Barometers of Resilience introduced in her new book, The Resilient Leader, that you can use to come through this disaster to thrive.
About Christine: Christine is a business growth architect, bestselling author, and radio host of her show “Career Invincibility” who guides small business owners to get from 0 to 8-Figures in Record Time, drawing from her experiences as an attorney, strategic adviser, serial entrepreneur and C-Suite executive in 10 businesses, a professionally-licensed 100-Ton boat captain, while also helping 100s of clients on 5 continents to do the same. Get Christine’s book, The Resilient Leader: Life-Changing Strategies to Overcome Today’s Turmoil and Tomorrow’s Uncertainty, available here, and find her on her website, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“4 Phases of Transition To Emerging Even Stronger”
Friday, May 15, 2020 – 10:30-11:30am Pacific
Speaker: Frank Sahlein, 3rd Level Consulting
Category: Children’s Activity Centers / Gyms and Studios
Session: Looking for the Silver Linings in the COVID-19 environment? Join us to uncover the silver linings at each Phase as we Pause, Resume, Recover, and Rebuild!
About Frank: Frank Sahlein has been active in the Children’s Activity Center industry as an athlete, coach, business owner, consultant and business broker. He is a native of San Mateo, California and graduated from San Jose State University. Frank pioneered the Children’s Learning Opportunity Center (CLOC) concept from 1976 – 2016 at the 40,000’ square foot Wings Center in Boise, Idaho (USA) – a blend of Sports Instruction, Arts, Education, Entertainment and Outreach programs. Frank’s reputation as a business management innovator has inspired audiences worldwide, delivering over 1,500 presentations for a variety of children’s activity center industries and organizations – including gymnastics, swimming, cheerleading, dance, martial arts and child care/education. Find 3rd Level Consulting on their website and Facebook.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Art Community and What Some Are Doing in Response”
Friday, May 15, 2020 – 1:00-2:00pm Pacific
Speaker: Andrew Thompson, Andrew Thompson Illustration / Artist Alley Online
Category: Artists
Session: In this session, we will focus on how the art community has been impacted during the pandemic, what has been done so far, and what some artists are starting to do in order to adapt to our new “normal.”
About Andrew: Andrew or “Schmandrewart” is a fantasy pop illustrator, professor and co-creator of Artist Alley Online or “AAO”. AAO came together in response to some of the biggest conventions canceling due to COVID-19 as a way for artists to pool their collective following and help everyone involved. Find Artist Alley Online and learn more on their website, Instagram, and Twitter.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
“How to Use Your Website to Pivot Your Business and Reach a New Audience”
Friday, May 15, 2020 – 3:00-4:00pm Pacific
Speaker: Omari Valentine, Off the Lip
Category: Web Design
Session: Business has experienced a paradigm shift over the last few months. Many businesses have had to adjust their communications to address new concerns and some have had to entirely shift their business strategy to connect to new customers. In this session, we’ll discuss the role of web design in reaching a target audience and how to make sure your website is serving you well during this time.
About Omari: Omari is a web designer, digital marketer and business coach. He has managed website designs and rebrands since 2012, and opened his own agency in the South Bay of Los Angeles in 2017. Omari helps small business owners use their web presence to attract new customers as well as increase their knowledge of a complex and competitive digital marketplace. Find Omari on his website here.
Click Here to Register via Zoom
Meet Your Host:
Melissa Forziat
Melissa Forziat is the owner of Melissa Forziat Events and Marketing. A Seattle-based marketing speaker, consultant, freelancer, and author, she works with small businesses to develop and execute strategic marketing plans and with business organizations to train their trainers. She offers keynotes, presentations, workshops, and webinars, with her 2018-2019 schedule taking her to Arizona, Hawaii, Washington, DC, Texas, and as far as New Zealand! To date, she has delivered 47 workshops to over 1350 attendees in 9 US states and 2 countries, plus 37 webinars to over 1600 attendees, with collaborative partners in 11 US states.
Melissa is the author of the free eBook Small Business Marketing on a Budget and Board President of Ventures nonprofit.
Before starting Melissa Forziat Events and Marketing, Melissa’s career involved roles with the Olympic Winter Games, Rugby World Cup, and the US Olympic Committee. Through her experiences with some of the biggest brands in the world, she learned the principles of building a strong brand and delivering the right message to the right audience. Melissa is passionate about working with clients to find effective marketing solutions that allow their businesses to thrive.
The full speaker list for Webinar Week came together in just one week. Why? Because business owners of all industries, throughout the world, are realizing right now that we can’t do this alone. They wanted to be part of a bigger conversation. A conversation that YOU now have access to.
Collectively, we are finding our way through these challenging times. We need to share information and ideas to inspire creative solutions. We need to alert each other to new findings and options that may help us mitigate risk.
This Webinar Week is meant to give business owners a forum to discuss business recovery. Although I know that many industries are having these conversations on their own, this gives us all a chance to learn from each other. It may only take putting on a new lens for you to find a solution that will work for your business.
These sessions are free to attend. All you have to do is register, and we would love to have you.
As a small business owner myself, I am simply not okay with our business community going down without a fight. Those of us who can plan for recovery have the potential to recover. We can do this together.
~Melissa
