PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — New Ventures Maine will target the basics of business and customer service in two free courses to be offered at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Starting Nov. 1, Business Basics, a free three-week session, will be held in UMPI’s Folsom Hall, Room 204, Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will continue Nov. 8 and 15.
The class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing and cash planning and is suitable for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business. Participants will learn to assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of their idea and gain tools to get started with their plan.
Karin Petrin, microenterprise specialist for New Ventures Maine in Aroostook County and the trainer for the class, said, “If you will be seeking bank financing for your business endeavor, want to reach all of your customers the first time, or just want to see if your idea will work as a business, you need a business plan. This class will give you the foundational plan for financing, marketing, start-up or expansion.”
Business Basics class is suitable for those who are thinking about starting their own business, those in the early start-up phase, or established business owners who want a refresher on planning for successful business operation or expansion.
A free one-session workshop, Customer Service: Focus on What Matters, will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Folsom Hall, Room 203.
Participants will learn essential techniques to support business growth and sustainability through increased customer satisfaction. The class covers best practices for positive customer interactions, handling customer expectations, customer service and social media, communication and selling skills.
“As business owners, we can get so focused on making sales and growing our business that we forget to look at costs and the effect other activities have on them,” Petrin said.
“Customers are central to all businesses and customer relationship management can be time consuming. Improving customer service skills can increase customer satisfaction and have a positive effect on your business, freeing up valuable time and money.”
The customer service class is open to all business owners, regardless of size.
Pre-registration is required and there is no fee for either class. For more information or to register, call 768-9468, email karin.petrin@maine.edu, or register online at bit.ly/classesnvme.
For more information on New Ventures Maine, visit www.newventuersmaine.org.
