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Small Business Success Index

Index Score*   Grade
75 marginal
Capital Access 67
Marketing & Innovation 70
Workforce 79
Customer Service 91
Computer Technology 74
Compliance 90
*Index score is calculated on a 1-100 scale.
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About Jay Ehret

February 15th, 2010 :: Shashi Bellamkonda
jay-ehret

Jay Ehret (www.themarketingspot.com), popularly known as @themarketingguy on Twitter. He is a small business marketing consultant and has coached several entrepreneurs on how to build a powerful brand and more importantly how to create a rewarding customer experience.

According to the latest Small Business Success Index report, the biggest use of social media for small businesses is customer engagement. Jay will tell you just exactly how you can leverage social networking to attract new customers with some real world examples.

Here’s our first podcast with Jay Ehret. Listen in and tell us how you like it.


#GrowSmartBiz Video : Thank you and What next ? Roy Dunbar Chairman & CEO Network Solutions

October 2nd, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

Here we wrap up the conference and talk about what is next for small business.

#GrowSmartBiz Video: Effective Use of the WashBizJournal – Alex Orfinger

October 1st, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

Alex Orfinger, Publisher of the Washington Business Journal was our MC for the event and was very entertaining. He kept the audience going throughout the day and on top of that gave a great 10 minute overview of using the WBJ. Check out the video below:

#GrowSmartBiz Video : Panel 3: Staying Ahead in the Current Economy

October 1st, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

Christine Banning from SCORE gave a great presentation on the current economy in the afternoon of the #GrowsmartBiz conference. Check it out below:

Christine Banning is VP of Marketing and Communications at SCORE Association and is a marketing expert. She leads strategic brand management, marketing, marketing alliances and PR & communications for SCORE nationally. She has successfully led SCORE’s digital marketing strategy, reaching nearly 3 million people each year. Christine reaches an audience of 500 million annually through SCORE’s PR efforts. Christine speaks nationally on branding, entrepreneurship, small business identity and marketing. Christine serves on the Board of Directors of Dress for Success, Washington, DC. She received her graduate degree from The American University in Washington, DC. She was recently named an Honorary Member of SCORE New York City.

#GrowSmartBiz Video: Where do you stand on the Small Business Success Index?

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

Ever wondered what the Small Business Success index is all about? Well, get it from the guy that runs it and will give you fond memories of statistics class in college.

Charles Colby is that guy and Rockbridge Associates is his firm. Check out the video below for some great content.

Presented by RockBridge Associates

#GrowSmartBiz Video : Panel 4: Integrating Traditional Marketing with Social Media

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

On the last panel of the day, Jill Foster moderated a great group of social media experts.

For a detailed write up, check out Ken’s live blogging coverage OR watch the video of the panel below.

Terri Holley, Creative Blog Solutions

Terri Holley, MS CPCC, is the owner and founder of Creative Blog Solutions. As one of the premier social media strategists on the Internet, Ms.Holley helps small businesses harness the power of social media so they can generate more leads, retain existing customers, and create additional streams of revenue. Her clients include profit and non-profit organizations throughout the United States. To maximize results and ensure a return on investment, Terri aligns business objectives with social media solutions while taking into consideration the needs and resources of the small business owner.

Terri brings a broad range of knowledge and experience to social media and online marketing. A proud graduate from the world-renowned Coaches Training Institute, Terri views social media marketing through the prism of strengthening customer relationships. By emphasizing the relationship factor that drives social media, Terri helps small businesses develop online marketing tools that attract a community of enthusiasts around their brand, products and services.

In addition to running Creative Blog Solutions, Terri currently authors two blogs, both of which have excellent search engine rankings and substantial traffic. Her blogs have received extensive press coverage and have several inbound links from prominent sites on the Internet.

Danilo Bogdanovic, Loudoun Scene

Danilo Bogdanovic is a full time Real Estate Consultant/REALTOR® with Market Advantage Real Estate, LLC in Northern Virginia and owner/author of LoudounScene.com andLoudounForeclosures.com. He has been successfully utilizing social media and technology in his business model since October 2006. Approximately 75 percent of his business is generated from his online and social media efforts, which include blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, among others.

Danilo’s local real estate blogs are followed by editors of, and have led to features in, media and publications such as the Loudoun EasternerLeesburg TodayWJLA ABC7 News,Washington Business JournalWashington PostReutersUSA Today and The Economist. This credibility and exposure has helped increase his presence in the market place, which has led to increased business.

Brent Leary, Co-author of Barack 2.0 , Partner of CRM Essentials

Brent Leary is a CRM industry analyst, advisor, author, speaker and award winning blogger. He is co-founder and Partner of CRM Essentials LLC, an Atlanta-based CRM advisory firm covering tools and strategies for improving business relationships. Recognized by InsideCRM as one of 2007′s 25 most influential industry leaders, Brent also is a past recipient of CRM Magazine’s Most Influential Leader Award. He’s been quoted in several national business publications, including the Wall Street JournalNewsweek and Entrepreneur magazine.

In 2009 Brent co-authored Barack 2.0: Social Media Lessons for Small Business. He has written regular online columns for Inc. and Black Enterprise magazines, as well as for popular business sites including American Express OPEN Forum. Brent also hosts and produces the popular “Technology For Business $ake” Internet radio program. His popular blog can be found at BrentLeary.com. You can find him on Twitter at @brentleary.

Joanna Pineda, Matrix International Group, Inc.

Joanna Pineda is CEO and Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group International, Inc., an interactive agency that helps companies, associations and non-profits develop and implement their online strategies. Matrix Group offers clients a mix of Web strategy, branding, design, multimedia, custom application development, content management, association management software, and mission-critical hosting solutions.

Joanna has worked with hundreds of organizations that appreciate her out of the box thinking aboutways to promote their businesses online, grow their membership, and streamline internal business processes. Joanna is a well-known tech leader in the DC area. She was named one of the most influential business women in the DC area by the Washington Business Journal, one of the top 100 techies by Washingtonian magazine, and one of the top CEOs by SmartCEO. She also serves on the Executive Board of DC Web Women.

In addition, Joanna is a well-known blogger. Through TheMatrixFiles.net, Joanna blogs about social media, leadership and marketing. She is also a contributor to WomenGrowBusiness.com.

Jill Foster, DC Media Makers

Jill Foster, co-founder of DCMedia Makers, teaches social media and serves as editor forWomenGrowBusiness.com, a Network Solutions community blog that brings together resources and success stories (humor too!) for women in small business. Fulfilling a ‘bucket list dream’ last year, she covered events at the Democratic National Convention ’08 using mobile media. And in May 2009, her mobile media project report which she co-produced won the Apps for Democracy Social Citizen Award in Washington, DC. Conversations regarding her work have appeared in the WashingtonianWashington PostGuardianUKIndy Star, and other media outlets; she enjoys participating in tech and entrepreneurship communities including DC Web Women and WomenWhoTech. She can be reached via twitter @jillfoster.

#GrowSmartBiz Video: SmallBiz Quick Tips: 10 Rules for Killer Business Cards – Steven Fisher

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda


About Steve Fisher:

Steve currently is Managing Partner of AppSolve. In its 10th year, Appsolve specializes in user experience design, enterprise web development and online community management. Through AppSolve, he works with Network Solutions to manage its online small business community. Prior to that he was founder and CEO of Slipstream Air, a software provider to the private air travel industry. It was sold in 2008 to JIT Airline Resources, which rebranded as Slipstream Aviation Software. Steve has also held key leadership positions at Global Network Solutions, OnSite Technologies, IKON, USConnect, Ryland and Wells Fargo.

He has published several e-books on Small Business Management, User Experience, Online Marketing and Innovation. Currently, he is working on his first book, “101 Rules for Entrepreneurs” slated for a Spring 2010 release.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from University of Baltimore and on a personal note he is a private pilot, musician and concert photographer. He cur¬rently resides in Columbia, MD, USA.

You can reach out to Steven Fisher at the Network Solutions Blog

#GrowSmartBiz Video: SmallBiz Quick Tip-Becoming an Entrepreneurial Leader Rieva Leonsky

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda


Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a communications company offering custom content and expert insight designed to help entrepreneurs build their businesses and achieve success. Lesonsky spent 26 years at Entrepreneur magazine, where she started off as a research assistant and worked her way up to editorial director. Lesonsky is also one of the only women to ever hold a top spot at a business publication.

A native of New York, Ms. Lesonsky is the author of Get Smart and the best-selling Start Your Own Business, and co-author of the books Young Millionaires, Ultimate Book of Franchising and 303 Marketing Tips. She served on the Small Business Administration’s National Advisory Council for six years. The SBA also honored her as a Small Business Media Advocate and a Woman in Business Advocate. She is a nationally recognized speaker and expert on entrepreneurship and small business ownership, and is a regular on MSNBC’s “Your Business” program.

#GrowSmartBiz Video: SmallBiz Quick Tips: SEO/SEM Randy Windsor Network Solutions

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda

At the GrowSmartBiz conference, Randy Windsor of Network Solutions gave a great small business tip presentation onf SEO and SEM. Check out the video below:

#GrowSmartBiz Video Panel 2: Raising Capital w/ Effective Finance Strategies

September 30th, 2009 :: Shashi Bellamkonda


Shannon Nash, Nash Management Group

Shannon King Nash is a CPA, attorney, author, and entrepreneur. She is the President of theNash Management Group, an entertainment and business management firm based in Los Angeles and Atlanta that represents venture funds, entertainers, producers, foundations/non-profits, high net-worth individuals and companies. She is also a partner with Atlanta-based Register Lett LLP, a boutique law firm specializing in entertainment, media, corporate and intellectual property law.

Shannon is the author of the award-winning book For the Love of Money: The 411 to Taking Control of Your Taxes and Building Your Net Worth. This practical financial empowerment book uses popular songs (from Marvin Gaye to Snoop Dogg) to teach valuable finance and tax lessons. She also wrote the Vault Guide to Tax Law Careers and Helping the Nonprofit Client. She has been featured as a tax, finance and legal expert in numerous publications, including: Global Finance MagazineJet Magazine,Essence MagazineEbony Magazine, ABC News Online, Upscale MagazineThe Chronicle of Philanthropy, Bankrate.com, L.A.Parent Magazine and The Washington Times. She was recently featured on the cover of the April issue of Black Enterprise. In addition, she served as the finance expert on episodes of BET’s “The Center” and Style Network’s “Modern Girls Guide.” Shannon received her BS in Accounting from the University of Virginia McIntire Schoolof Commerce and her JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. You can find her on Twitter@shannonnash.

Kristina Bouweiri, Reston Limousine & Travel Service, Inc.

Kristina Bouweiri is President, CEO, and co-owner of the Washington, DC metropolitan area’s largest limousine/shuttle service, Reston Limousine & Travel Service, Inc., nationally ranked 27th in size. Offering high-quality transportation and a proven record of safety and customer service, Reston Limousine also has a proud legacy of business leadership and philanthropic support.

Kristina is a well-known business leader in the Dulles Corridor area. She is active as a member and board member with numerous organizations, including Loudoun CEO Cabinet, Loudoun and Dulles Regional Chambers of Commerce, Committee for Dulles, eWomenNetwork, and Leadership Loudoun. An ongoing supporter of philanthropic work, especially children’s causes, Kristina assists Make-A-Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, and the International Children’s Festival. Reston Limousine annually provides over $100,000 through gifts-in-kind to charities.

The Washington Business Journal named Kristina one of the 50 most powerful and influential women in Washington. She has been featured in business publications such as Washington SMARTCEOEnterprising WomenLimo Digest, and Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation. In demand as a mentor for other women in business, Kristina frequently serves on panels and makes presentations, sharing her insight and business experience.

Denise O’Berry, The Small Business Edge Corp.

Denise O’Berry is the author of “Small Business Cash Flow: Strategies for Making Your Business a Financial Success” a book about how to get, manage and keep your cash flow on an even keel and where it belongs — in your business.

A small business owner since 1996, Denise has worked with hundreds of small business owners over the years and is inspired by their enthusiasm and ability to overcome huge obstacles. She provides small business tools, tips and advice to small business owners around the world via her Just for Small Business column and shares additional small business tips at her website. Find Denise on twitter at @deniseoberry.


Jeremy Brown, Rapid Advance, LLC

Jeremy Brown is President and COO of RapidAdvance LLC, a Bethesda based specialty finance company that provides working capital to small and medium-sized businesses. Since inception in October 2005, RapidAdvance has provided over 13,000 financing transactions to over8,000 unique businesses. A typical customer of RapidAdvance accepts credit cards and generally has a permanent place of business other than their home such as a retail storefront, office or warehouse. Funds are typically used for business expansion, acquisition of another location, purchase of equipment or inventory, stocking for an upcoming busy season, to pay off debt, or for other business purposes. As Jeremy likes to say, “We finance Main Street America!” RapidAdvance provides financing in all 50 states, in Canada with the exception of Quebec Province, and the U.K and Ireland.

Jeremy has 20 years experience as an entrepreneurial C-level executive running start-up and mature businesses in a variety of service industries, including stints as COO of a meetings and conventions services company with 50 locations in North America; President and CEO of a commercial construction contractor with 500 employees; and President of a retail computer company. Jeremy knows what it means to meet a payroll, grow a business, take care of the customer, finance expansion, and when necessary, empty the trash cans.

Jeremy is also President of the North American Merchant Advance Association (NAMAA), the industry association of companies that provide similar types of alternative financing solutions. Jeremy has been quoted and profiled in various industry publications as an expert in the field of alternative small business finance solutions.

In an earlier life Jeremy was a CPA, but don’t hold that against him!

Edward S. Tuvin, Capital Bank, N.A.

Eddie Tuvin holds the position of First Vice President for the direct lending programs of Community South Small Business Lending Group as well as co-manager of sales for CSB’s national wholesale loan securitization program to other lenders.

Tuvin is serving his second consecutive term as a federally appointed District Advisory Council Member to the United States SBA Washington Metropolitan District. He has testified to the The Senate Committee on Small Business on several occasions during the past 2 years and acted as the representative of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL). Mr. Tuvin has been a licensed Maryland Real Estate Broker in good standing for more than twenty years. Tuvin has completed financings for small business such as technology companies, restaurants, hotel/motels, gas stations, automotive repair centers, liquor stores, and various franchise operations.

Mr. Tuvin is licensed by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and is the investment manager for several private accounts. He co-developed a sophisticated hedging strategy for Operating Partnership Units of REIT shares (article in Real Estate Finance Journal, Spring 2000 edition). He is the Managing General Partner of the Tuvin Family Partnership, a real estate and investment partnership. He was a co-founder of Chesapeake Interlink, Ltd., a company that utilized cutting edge 4th generation programming languages to provide customized applications on Digital Equipment platforms.