Happy Sales to You - With a Little Help From Your Government

After polling some of my colleagues, the business climate seems to be improving overall. I have 2.5 active clients as of this posting and they are all tracking upward. Some of the reasons include, but are not limited to:

Focus: An understanding of who buys and why and sticking to the knitting

Effort: More activity, constant activity attracts more sales and revenue
Pent-up demand: Demand for products and services caused by the recession
Business support: I know that it seems like an oxymoron, but the Michigan government is a friend of business (for the most part). We need to get to know the agencies and programs for business development and support services.

Matchmaking

A good example of the government helping small business is the Pure Michigan Business Connect program that matches small business with big buyers. I have been trying like the dickens to get in front of a major corporation to pitch my clients. Two of the clients have been invited to and event that includes education, private matchmaking meetings with buyers and networking with the crowd. The event is organized by the state and is free to attend. Upcoming events feature the big three, Consumer’s Energy, Whirlpool and Meijer’s. This is an example of the state helping make things happen.

The MEDC – Michigan Economic Development Corporation – For Business

Talk about a helping hand to business…MEDC has programs that can help you in many ways. There are MEDC representatives in every part of Michigan whose job it is to meet with you and explain current business support programs. They are waiting for your call. My clients have benefited substantially over the years from the MEDC programs.

And, MEDC for People

I have spoken in the past about the MEDC’s Shifting Gears program. Shifting Gears helps people transition careers and secure employment. It is a wonderful program. One of my good friends, John B. was part of the first cohort quite a while ago. The current cohort is number 22. I am privileged to serve as a program mentor. As a part of completing the program, participants are obligated to perform an eighty hour, pro bono, internship. Most of them sign up for multiple internships. The internships help them get back into the business/employee groove and many times results in employment for them.

While You Are at It

Your City and County have economic development agencies and more people and programs to help you. And don’t forget Ann Arbor Spark, Tech Town, Macomb Oakland Incubator (Velocity), MMTC – Michigan Manufacturer’s Technology Center, SBT-DC – Small Business Technology Development Center and Automation Alley. They want to help. Check them all out and find a fit if you need to accelerate your business.