Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC)

We closed out the year by reminiscing on 2024 highlights, discussing our goals for 2025, and drinking lots of hot chocolate thanks to our in-house barista Monique! Happy Holidays from the TSBDC 🥰 We'll be back on January 2nd!

For our final Staff Spotlight of 2024, we’d like to highlight Thomas Tate, who has been a Small Business Specialist with the Nashville Center for twelve years! Over the years, Thomas has demonstrated a unique combination of expertise and creativity that truly sets him apart. Most recently, Thomas has been working closely with clients to develop their 2025 goals and projections, helping them lay the groundwork for a successful future. His ability to combine strategic thinking with a client-focused approach has been a huge asset to us and the businesses we support. Thomas, we’re honored to have you on the TSBDC team! 🎉

As we wrap up the year, don’t forget two of your most important assets: your customers and your employees! 🌟 Customer Appreciation: Whether it’s a handwritten note, a small discount, or a personalized email, showing gratitude builds loyalty and turns customers into lifelong advocates. 🌟 Employee Recognition: Celebrate their hard work with meaningful gestures like bonus incentives, public shout-outs, or even an extra day off. It’s not just good for morale; it’s good for business. Remember, investing in relationships is just as important as investing in growth. These small acts of appreciation now may lead to big rewards in the year ahead! Need tips on how to build strong connections with your team and customers? The TSBDC is here to help with our no-cost consulting services!

Our Clarksville Center is hiring! We’re looking for someone who can: 🔹 Provide technical assistance / one-on-one consulting to future and current business owners 🔹 Assist in managing our business-oriented workshops and events 🔹 Represent the Center at events and strengthen community connections in our 7-county service area 🔹 Assist in the successful implementation of an innovative model for internships If this sounds like you, we’d love to meet you! Read the full job posting and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eFX_4M55

For our weekly Staff Spotlight, we’d like to highlight Samantha Fox, Administrative Assistant with the Knoxville TSBDC! Here’s what Samantha’s colleagues have said about her: 🔸 She brings energy and passion to help the TSBDC network succeed and connects with our clients in a way that puts them at ease. 🔸 She has increased our online and social media presence during the past year and is continually looking for ways to grow our brand in our service area. 🔸 Samantha can multi-task and prioritize responsibilities, which makes our center operate efficiently. 🔸 She is instrumental in coordinating our classes during the year, including scheduling, preparing presentations, testing technology, and promotion. In 2024 Samantha earned her Certified Administrative Professional certification, which is no small feat!! Congratulations Samantha, we’re so glad you’re part of the TSBDC network!

As you plan for 2025, it’s important to base your goals with this year’s data in mind. Review your operations, financials, marketing, and any other area that you feel is critical to your success! What went well? What needs to improve? We recommend starting with Q1 and creating a 30/60/90-day plan, which is a good balance between month-to-month planning [which can be short-sighted] and annual planning [which can be overwhelming and less flexible as goals change throughout the year]. The key to a great 30/60/90 plan is only including tasks that move your business forward, not *every* task that needs to get done, and determining which tasks can be delegated to others. Need help with your strategic planning? That’s what the TSBDC is here for! 😏

🔐 CLIENT SPOTLIGHT 🔐 As the holiday season approaches, concerns about crime tend to heighten. One Memphis-based company, Top Notch Security has become a trusted name in addressing these concerns by providing comprehensive security solutions across various sectors. Founded in 1999, Top Notch Security is now one of the fastest-growing security companies in the country, with a workforce of 286 employees. Through the TSBDC's consulting services, owner Alfred Washington has gained valuable insights into scaling his business sustainably while maintaining a strong focus on employee satisfaction and client service. The Memphis TSBDC team has played a vital role in helping Top Notch Security thrive in a competitive industry. Specifically, they assisted Top Notch with workforce development and refining hiring and retention strategies, which helped build a strong, resilient team that can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing security landscape. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewgakBHh 

For this week’s Staff Spotlight, we’d like to highlight the new Director of the Clarksville TSBDC at APSU, Dave Dessauer! Dave brings a wealth of experience to the position, previously serving as the career readiness coach for the College of Business at Austin Peay and director of leadership and development at the University of Texas at Austin. “I am honored to lead the TSBDC at Austin Peay and build upon its strong foundation of support to the community of small business owners,” Dessauer said. “Small business owners are unique and their businesses reflect more than a way to make an income. A business can be a hope, a dream, an avenue for impact, or a way to create a legacy. I look forward to pulling together my background in management, education, and coaching to ensure business owners have access to the resources, guidance, and support needed to start, grow, and sustain their businesses.” Welcome to the team, Dave! We’re glad you’re here! 😃

It's the final stretch! The end of the year is soooo close but we have a few final business tips to help you close out the year on a strong note! 🔸 Strategic planning for 2025: Operations, Financials, Marketing. In each of these areas, evaluate data from this year and create a plan for next year. What went well? What needs to improve? What deserves most of your attention in Q1? 🔸 Show customer & employee appreciation! Thank you notes and small gifts are a great way to show your appreciation to clients and employees. 🔸 Take time to unwind. Trust that you’ve put the right systems in place so that you can take a few days off. Clear your mind so that you can start 2025 with a fresh perspective.

Happy #SmallBusinessSaturday! Today, we celebrate the heart of our communities: YOU, the small business owners. You're the backbone of our economy and have a have a determination unlike anyone else! 💪 Just remember, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help your business thrive with no-cost consulting and resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we’ve got your back! Request an appointment here: https://lnkd.in/e67472rW