Take Your Business to the Next Level with FREE Business in Motion Networking Group

How can your business turn mistakes into opportunities? What are leading businesses in your industry doing to provide superior customer service?

These were a few of the lessons learned from the recent Business in Motion meeting coordinated by the Phelps County Development Corporation.

Business in Motion started as a way for Phelps County entrepreneurs to set aside time from the daily grind of running a business to network, set goals and plan for the future of their businesses.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at Fourth Avenue Coffee, 612 E. 4^th Ave., and any business owner is invited at no charge. The next meeting is Feb. 9.

Wendell Connell, partner in Edgren Building, said he has been attending the Business in Motion meetings because he appreciates the feedback and knowledge he gains from the other business owners.

“It is a good resource for small businesses in rural areas because you can come together and bounce ideas off of each other,” Connell said. “You get real time feedback because you are talking to other people who live in this community.”

He said even though some of the discussions might center on a retail business, he can always find something that applies to his service-oriented business as well. He has gained knowledge about marketing and using social media from the group and feels the time spent at the meetings is valuable.

“If you take the time to work on your business, then it will grow,” Connell said he has learned. “If you don’t take the time, it will stagnate.”

Barb Malm, owner of NAS Realty, said she always learns something from the meetings.

“The networking and keeping ideas in the forefront on how to build your business are helpful,” Malm said.

PCDC recently contracted with the Jon Schallert Destination University and will begin offering its online trainings for business owners to access the newest information to help grow their businesses. The recent training provided tips from Donna Fenn, author of the book “Alpha Dogs, How Your Small Business Can Become A Leader of the Pack.”

Destination University was created in 2006 by The Schallert Group when they were asked by the Kansas Main Street Program and Main Street New Jersey to create an affordable online training program that could reach thousands of business owners in multiple downtowns and rural communities at the same time.

PCDC Project Coordinator Alli Donohue said any Phelps County business owner is invited to attend. She encourages business owners to make a commitment to the group with regular attendance to maintain group cohesion. There is no charge and free coffee!