Reno Networking

Reno Networking

Reno Networking

Networking and Knowledge

Learn about the following marketing strategies:

  1. SEO – What does SEO mean? how can it help grow my website visitors?
  2. Social Media Marketing – Is it worth my time? What is organic reach?
  3. Email Marketing – The do’s and don’ts. What are some of the best apps online that are easy to use and help grow sales?

Reno Networking Events : POWER NETWORKING WORKSHOP

Reno Networking Events : POWER NETWORKING WORKSHOP

Join Truckee Meadows Networking Group and Leading Digital Marketing Expert, Sandy Rowley for an online marketing workshop.

We have a special guest coming this night! Meet the awesome Sara Coolidge, master networking expert.

Sandy and Sara are collaborating on a fun and engaging networking event for the first month of the year. Marry the best of in person and online social networking for the best results in 2019.

❤️Lets get together at The Innovation Center in Reno and learn some the best of in person and online social networking strategies that get BIG RESULTS!❤️

JOIN our FREE Reno Networking Group on Meetup Here: https://www.meetup.com/Reno-Business-Group/events/wbhshqyzcbfc/

How to enjoy networking!

As someone who has run a Networking Meetup for over four years, I understand a lot about the value of networking. Most of the people I talk with understand that they can benefit from networking, but a lot of them don’t really want to do it, or don’t enjoy it when they do. They often complain that networking feels fake, contrived and shameless, and they don’t like feeling that way.

If this is you, read on! Networking does not have to be uncomfortable or unproductive, even for someone who would rather stay home than socialize. A good first step into being willing and able to get out there and network is to remember the value in it.

So, why should you network?  In my nutshell, networking effectively will  grow the number of people you are connected to that understand something about who you are and what you are up to, and have given you permission to contact them in the future. This can be the beginning of any number of different kinds of relationships:

  1. Mentors: finding someone who has been where you want to go and can explain the journey to you.
  2. Friends/social support: meeting others with similar interests who you can socialize with.
  3. Customers: finding another person who will become a customer of yours or someone who has a product that you want to own.
  4. Peer support and education: learn from others in your field or another area of interest.
  5. Collaboration/partnerships: connecting with someone who could become a partner in a project or event with you.
  6. Referrals: meeting people who will refer you to their network for business or social purposes or who will scout for connections for you.

The fact is, whenever you meet someone, there is the potential for you to develop any or all of these kinds of relationships. You won’t know what it will be when you start out, but if you stay confident in the value of networking, and give it some time, the answer will become clear.

Here are some of my other tips on getting the most out of your next networking adventure:

  1. Understand what kind of networking event you are attending. If this is a speed-networking evening, you will need to be ready to talk quickly and to the point with people and move on. If it is a more relaxed gathering, you will want to be able to spend more time chatting with the people you meet. Find out which one and plan your message accordingly.
  2. Speaking of messages, what’s yours? Every networking adventure should begin with some self-inquiry. What exactly would be the best connection for you to make today? Take a moment to think about what you would like have show up next in your business or project and structure your message accordingly. This means you might have a unique message for each event you attend.
  3. Begin from your heart and be willing to share. There is a reason that all of the people who are in this room with you showed up at the same time: You are in this together! Make it your goal to create connections and value for all the attendees. When you see it from this perspective, your nervousness and discomfort fades away. In fact, lots of studies show that when people work together on a task (like making sure that everyone in the room gets a chance to talk) those people will all form longer-lasting, more collaborative relationships. Sounds like a great network to me!
  4. Be confident that you have something to offer. A lot of people are uncomfortable networking because they believe that they don’t have enough connections or influence to be of much usefulness to others. This is simply not true. When you listen with curiosity to others’ needs you will be able to bring your own unique experiences, vantage point and insight to bear in a way that will give great value. Trust that and networking will become more about supporting others and less about self-promotion for you.
  5. Develop a great mindset about networking. Instead of dreading it because you think you might be bored, uncomfortable or awkward, change the way you think about it. You can just as easily think of more pleasant possibilities: You might just have some fun, meet some interesting people and get some new ideas. It is all up to you and how you approach it.
  6. Remember the nutshell: networking is about meeting new people and getting permission to follow-up with them. That’s it. Do not see it as a time to do a sales presentation or pitch someone to hire you for a new job. Those conversations, if they are to happen at all, will go better later, after you have begun your relationship in a respectful, productive way. Your first step is to ensure that they enjoyed meeting you.

Once you apply these tips and take charge of your next networking adventure with a clear message and a great mindset, you are likely to come home with some great new connections with people who really understand you and want to support you.

Now, the next step is to follow-up!

In person networking is a fantastic way to grow meaningful connections with potential clients. How can you integrate real world networking with online social networking?

Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and others has opened the doors for opportunities to massively grow your connections.

If done correctly and working with in the guidelines and rules these social media giants require, you can achieve a fare amount of connections for the time and money.

Learn in a fun and engaging way how your business can leverage smart social networking strategies to increase sales in your organization.

Sandy Rowley is a leading social networking marketing expert located in Reno Nv. She is the creator of the popular Reno Networking Group on Meetup.com and an Award Winning Web Designer.

 

 

 

 

How to Start a Business in Reno (UPDATED)

How to Start a Business in Reno (UPDATED)

How to Get a Nevada Business License and Start Your Biz in Reno

You might know it by its common moniker, “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Yet, Reno, Nevada is quickly earning a new nickname: “The Biggest Little Startup Community.”

New Resource: How to put your business online…easy resources.

Though in years past, the town was associated primarily with gaming and the Burning Man Festival, today it’s a bustling town full of opportunity for myriad industry types. From technology to retail, if you want to make a name for yourself and grow a new business from the ground up, this is the spot to do it in.

Home to more than a dozen geothermal companies, top-tier manufacturers and the University of Nevada, there’s no shortage of learning, growth, and expansion going on in Reno. (More and more California entrepreneurs are making the move to Reno.)

Are you looking to cash in on this chance to put down business roots in a community that’s as high-tech and innovative as it is artsy and cultural? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re discussing how to get a Nevada business license. This is Step 1 of the process and once you’ve signed this valuable piece of paperwork, you’re well on your way to adding “Business Owner” beside your name.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started. (Want to get in with the local small business community in Reno? Join our free Meetup group here.)

1. Create Your Business Plan

Before you get too deep into researching the licensing requirements, it’s important to have a solid business plan in place first. Many hopeful entrepreneurs have a great idea for a new company but aren’t sure how to execute it or what tools they’ll need to get started.

Then, once they go to begin the nitty-gritty process of getting off the ground, they find they’re already behind.

Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be you. Start by visiting the Nevada Business Resource Center online. Here, you’ll find free counseling and business planning resources to help turn your daydream into a reality.

From step-by-step guides to starting a business in the state to information on funding resources, interactive workshops and local networking events, this site is invaluable to both the up-and-coming and established business leader. If your business qualifies as a disadvantaged business, you’ll also be pointed toward resources that can help you find the business certifications and capital you need.

Use this information to craft a detailed business plan. At the very least, it should include a vision, mission, and timeline for your company as well as other details including the products and services you will provide, a market analysis, organizational details and more. View my guide to creating a business plan here.

2. Visit Silver Flume

Once you have your business plan in place and you’re ready to get started, the next few steps can be completed much more easily. Most of them revolve around a resource known as Silver Flume.

Developed by the Nevada Secretary of State, Silver Flume is the go-to resource for any prospective or current business owner who wishes to conduct business in the state of Nevada. Launched in 2012, it has since processed more than 1.8 million virtual business filings.

On this site, you’ll find comprehensive information around both starting and renewing your business license. You can also file your tax return, manage your trust account and find resources to help your company grow.

With its user-friendly wizards, Silver Flume makes registering your legal entity and applying for a state business license as simple as possible. Simply find the menu on the left side of the homepage, then click on “Start a Business.”

Here, you’ll find a few guides that will walk you through getting your license, reserving your entity name, creating an operating agreement and more. For now, you just need the license, so click “Get a State Business License.”

Nevada Business on the map

3. Follow the Nevada Business License Wizard

This is the quickest and most straightforward way to get a state of Nevada business license.

The wizard will walk you through a series of questions and answers regarding the business you plan to start. You’ll begin by stating the type of business you intend to create. You can choose from:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Not-for-Profit Business
  • A Non-Nevada Entity Doing Business in the State
  • Non-Qualified Foreign Corporation

After you’ve made your selection, the Silver Flume wizard will reveal a checklist of steps to complete to obtain your NV business license. If you’re local to the area, you can also complete this process in person by visiting the Nevada Secretary of State in Carson City.

In addition to your state business license, Silver Flume will also walk you through the steps to obtain your proof of tax registration and proof of industrial insurance. The former is mandated by the Nevada Department of Taxation. The latter demonstrates to the state that you’ve purchased the required amount of worker’s compensation insurance required for your business type.

Both of these files can be completed and obtained via the Silver Flume portal.

4. Register Proof of Fictitious Name

Here is where the process for doing work in Reno becomes location-specific. Steps 1-4 above are required regardless of where in the state of Nevada you plan to do business. Once you have these items under your belt, you can proceed to the city requirements, starting with establishing and registering your fictitious name.

Do you plan on using your first and last name as your business name? If so, you can move on to the next step.

If not, you’ll need to visit the Washoe County Clerk website to obtain your Doing Business As (DBA) forms. Though most of the other steps required to get a Nevada state business license can be completed entirely online, this is not one of them.

Rather, you’ll have to make a visit to the Clerk of Court’s office in Reno to complete the paperwork in person. The good news? There are several forms you can pre-fill online to shorten your wait time once you get there. You can also print the files and have them notarized at home.

Once everything is ready, visit the office in person to officially sign and file the paperwork.

 

5. Get Zoning Approval

If you plan to construct a new building to house your Reno business, you’ll need to work directly with the City Planning Department to do so. These officials can direct you on how to make sure that all aspects of your new construction comply with local and state zoning regulations.

Visit the city of Reno’s Building, Planning, and Engineering Divisions website for more information on this step. From how to obtain licensing and permits to a GIS mapserver and links to the zoning code in its entirety, there are many resources here that can point you in the right direction. You can also work directly with the city’s planning department to coordinate these meetings.

You can also download the application forms you’ll be required to complete depending on your business type and intended use. Keep in mind that while you can submit some files at any time, others are only accepted on specific, pre-determined “intake dates.”

For instance, if you’re requesting a zone change or a special use permit, you’ll have until 3:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month to do so. If you fail to meet this timeline, you’ll have to wait until the next intake cycle to continue.

6. Schedule a Fire Department Inspection

Next on your list should be to schedule an inspection of your new business by the local fire department. While anyone can and should complete this step as a safety and security measure, commercial locations are required to do so.

The Reno business license staff can also coordinate and schedule this inspection for you.

Before your business license can be issued to you, inspection fees should be paid in full. While this is one step you can take to ensure your location is sound and your team is safeguarded, the Silver Flume registration process can also walk you through OSHA-SCATS Safety Consultation and Training to make sure you’re up to speed on all industry regulations and compliance measures.

7. Complete a Signage Permit

Depending on the type of signage you plan to use to advertise and mark your business, as well as where you intend to place it, you may need approval from the Reno Department of Building and Safety.

Because they’re fun to think about, your logo, digital marketing collateral and other promotional pieces, including your signs, might be some of the first elements you complete. Yet, keep in mind that you cannot get approval for signage until all of your building permits have been completed.

So, reserve this step until toward the end, once you’re certain that your new or existing building is in line with local code, passes inspection and is permitted for use.

8. Talk to the Washoe County Health Department

If you only plan to serve retail goods or deliver services through your new business, you can usually skip this step.

On the other hand, if you intend to serve any kind of food or beverage at all inside your establishment, you need to contact the Washoe County Health Department.

Local officials will inspect your location and give you feedback. Upon completion, your location will be given a Pass, Conditional Pass or Closed status. If you pass, that means they found no more than one critical violation during the inspection.

If they find two or more, you’re approved on a conditional basis and required to correct the issue during the inspection. A follow-up inspection will happen no more than 72 hours after the initial one to ensure everything remains up to par.

A Closed status means that the inspectors found an immediate and substantial health hazard and your establishment must immediately stop any food service activities.

9. Check on Specialty Certifications

No two Reno businesses are created equal. What yours offers, the one down the street might not. To that end, there may be certifications, approvals, and sets of paperwork that are specific to your type of entity.

For instance, if you intend to start up an employment agency or a lending company? In these cases, you’ll need to obtain State certification, which can be achieved by contacting the State Labor Commissioner’s office.

The best rule of thumb? Reach out to the Reno Department of Business and Industry with any questions and to make sure that you have all of your paperwork in place for each step before moving forward with the next.

10. Obtain Your City of Reno Business License

Once you have completed all of the required steps and submitted all necessary paperwork, the Reno business license staff will review it and issue your local, citywide business license.

Expect the overall process to take around four weeks if you’re applying for a general, non-regulatory business license. Conversely, if you’re applying for a regulatory or privilege license that requires approval by both the police and City Council, the review timeline could take up to 60 days or more.

 

Reno Business License Resources

Business License

For Business License information, please contact one or more of the agencies listed below.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICES IN WASHOE COUNTY

STATE OFFICES YOU MAY NEED TO CONTACT

 

 

seo companies near me

Conquer the World with Your Reno Business

With your Nevada business license in hand, there’s no limit to what you can do! You’ll be located in the diverse, bustling heartbeat of the state, where you can appeal to a range of audience types, including both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.

Do you need help getting the word out about your new company? Do you want to make sure your marketing and outreach efforts are focused, targeted and effective?

That’s where we come in.

We offer dynamic web design services that can help you translate your company vision into an engaging and interactive online presence.

While we help clients all over the world improve their marketing efforts and grow their reach, we’re local to the Reno area and are available to meet in person to discuss your new and ongoing needs.

Request more information today and let’s take this exciting new step together.

 

Additional resources to get you started with your business and/or startup in Reno.

 

All revved up to make that BIG move to the Biggest Little City in the World?

Well, before you make any major decisions about your move, it’s best to seek help from official Nevada organizations and other entities that are here to support you. Here are some additional resources that you might find useful to give you a flying start:

Resource name What’s in it for you?
StartupNV.Org A one-window, not-for-profit organization that offers startups access to a variety of resources, including workspaces in Reno, mentorship and capital funding.
Edawn.Org

Since 1983, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) has been a tireless advocate for supporting new startups in the Greater Reno-Sparks region.

 

Their Reno Startup Deck is a collection of 52 programs, services and events, from mentorship and funding, to workforce development/education and networking, that not only helps new enterprises establish themselves in Reno, but also aids recently established entities grow and thrive within the community.

NCET.Org

Although transformed into an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2007, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) has been around since 1999.

 

If you are new to Reno, and wish to network with local peers, learn about establishing and managing a tech startup in the city, scout out local talent pools, and showcase your company’s tech prowess, then you’ll find a wealth of resources at NCET

Pacific Workplaces

Interested in making that BIG move, but don’t want to buy an office in Reno – just yet? Well, Pacific Workplaces may be just what your startup needs.

 

You’ve heard about Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Well, Pacific Workplaces offers startups the benefit of Workplace-as-a-Service™.

 

Here, you’ll gain access to on-demand offices, be it virtually or in real time. You can share space with other like-minded entrepreneurs, or opt to establish a “virtual” footprint – with a real Reno street address and phone service – while you find your footing. Alternately, just create a “day office” when you can hold meetings and team meetings.

Reno Collective

It’s always difficult taking that first BIG step forward. But what if that first step brought you into contact with dozens of freelancers, entrepreneurs, solo-preneurs and startups just like you?

 

The Reno Collective workplace community does just that! You’ll have access to collaborative workspace, infrastructure, support and much more…all for the fraction of the cost of buying, renovating and owning your own working offices.

 

Better yet, you might even find mentors, promising talent (maybe even future employees) and business partners among the vast talent pool that calls Reno Collective their “office”.

University of Nevada’s Reno Innevation Center

What’s an “innevation center”, you ask? Well, it’s a center for Invention, it’s where Innovation happens, and it’s where you’ll find entrepreneurs, startups and anyone interested in collaboration and invention.

 

If you are a new business startup, planning to make your BIG move to Reno, you might want to give the Innevation center a closer look. You’ll find co-working spaces, open and closed-door offices, and meeting and presentation facilities. You can also rent conference rooms and spaces for special events.

 

As a member, you’ll also have access to Makerspace – all the equipment, knowledge, and collaboration you need to get your gig to a flying start!

 

 

Marketing your business is super important. Join me and local business owners for an hour of marketing and business support, where we share whats working and not working in sales or other business related topics.

Learn about digital marketing strategies with Google My Business.

Join our Reno Business Networking group and get the latest news on what is working in marketing businesses in the Reno Nevada area today as well as network with some of Northern Nevada’s leading businesses. JOIN for free here.

Reno Marketing

www.RenoWebDesigner.com

Click to call Sandy 775-870-0488.

★★★★★ a month ago
With Sandy’s expertise our company sky rocketed up the search engine list. Her professionalism, SEO skills and customer service is second to none. Thanks to her the Pure Glow Salon has experience a substantial increase of web hits, phone calls and most importantly dollars to our bottom line. If you are looking to do the same for your business the only option is Reno SEO, Marketing & Design.

Greg Enholm
CEO, Pure Glow Salon & Spa

★★★★★ a month ago
I have worked with few other seo companies in California in the past but I wasn’t happy at all . I found Sandy at Reno seo on Google and I called her and she was great and explained to me everything i need to know and she did a full report on my site , then we met and she talked more about my site and how she can help me rank better . She put together a plan for me so I can start on my own and she’s giving me 2 hours of training which I’m very excited about . She’s very responsive and very quick responding .

Sally Piano
CEO, Sally Piano Music

★★★★★ 5 months ago
Absolutely fantastic. After working with multiple companies, hours and hours of research, and nothing but excuses money and time, all it took was working with the right people. The nightmare that used to be SEO is long gone. Marketing your company should not be a DIY project. Thank you Sandy for your incredible work!! Can not recommend enough.

Travis Moore
CEO, Bail Bonds Unlimited

★★★★★ a month ago
Very professional and clearly knows her stuff. Highly recommended.

Dan J. Lovelle
Attorney At Law, LVlitigation.com

★★★★★ 3 months ago
What a great job! Pleasure to work with. Smart & Responsible. She’s mine, all mine. Excited to launch my new website for Towelster!

Dan Raucch
CEO, Towelster.com

★★★★★ 5 months ago
Sandy with Reno SEO, Marketing and Design is amazing. She handles all of my Website and SEO needs flawlessly. I have seen our numbers grow and page by page. She has earned my trust and gratitude 10 fold. I will be referring everyone that asks

Andy Renshaw
CEO, Vix Hawg

★★★★★ a month ago
Our company has more than doubled since partnering with RWDR. Sandy and her team are now managing over 14 web site properties along with our SEO and PPC campaigns. We are opening new locations as a result. Highly Reccomended SEO expert.

Andy Renshaw
CEO, LightningBail.com

★★★★★ 3 months ago
Sandy is our #1 go to person for ranking in Google search. Our bail bonds company ranks more than once at the top of search for all of our relevant keywords. Our company is growing at a steady rate thanks to her SEO and PPC services.

Kimberly Charles
CEO, ALL N ONE Bail Bonds

★★★★★ 2 months ago
Reno SEO, Marketing & Design has elevated my internet ranking! I am so impressed with their talent, efficiency and commitment to helping others succeed.

Anna Marie LEach
Counselor, AshramCoaching.com

How to Create a Killer Digital Marketing Plan for Your Business

How to Create a Killer Digital Marketing Plan for Your Business

digital marketing plan reno

Every business needs to think about their marketing efforts. There are many things businesses can do to ensure the success of their marketing plans such as SEO, paid advertising, social media, and more.

But before business can put any of these things to work, they need a clear digital marketing plan.

In this article, we will show you how to get yours in motion. Let’s get started.

reno marketing

RSVP for our Reno Nv Marketing Workshop here: TBD. Follow us on Meetup to see our next marketing support groups, networking events and live digital marketing workshops.

Know Your Audience

Before you begin your marketing strategy, you need to identify who your audience is. Different audiences respond better to certain tactics, so a marketing strategy is not one size fits all.

Both need to work hand in hand to determine what your target audience will respond better to.

For example, if your audience is women in their 20s and 30s, your campaign should include more social media tactics. On the other hand, if your audience is men in their 60s and up, you wouldn’t focus all your efforts on social media.

Set a Clear Objective

After you’ve identified who you want to target, it’s time to set clear objectives.

Answer the question, what do you want your marketing strategy to achieve? In order to effectively answer the question, you need to have a defined mission and objectives.

Measure the Effectiveness of Your Plan

You need always to measure the effectiveness of your marketing strategy. How can this be possible?

It can be done by choosing monitoring tools and keeping a close eye on them.

For example, at the beginning of your strategy, you might want to set KPI’s and measure their effectiveness.

Whatever other tools you should measure the effectiveness of your strategy, you need to ensure you keep an eye on it.

Learn From the Past Mistakes

Unless your business is brand new, chances are you’ve created a marketing strategy before.

And while you might be tempted to carry on some of the tactics that worked for you before, you must also learn from your past mistakes.

Knowing the previous failures of your marketing strategy will help you identify what not to do in the future.

The more information you make, the more successful your new strategy will be.

Set a Budget

This one is one of the most important tips to keep in mind. When coming up with a marketing plan, you need to always stick to your budget.

If you’re going to outsource to a marketing agency, make sure you discuss the budgets in the early meetings.

Determine how much you want to spend on paid promotion such as banners and pay per click.

Make a Plan but Allow for Detours

Finally, while it’s important you make a plan from the beginning, allow for some flexibility.

If something doesn’t seem to be working out, go ahead and change it.

Create a Digital Marketing Plan: The Bottom Line

Now that you know more about creating a digital marketing plan, you can get started and give it a try.

Remember to identify your audience, set a budget, and make a plan.

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to learn more about marketing tips, visit the marketing section of our blog.