March 2006

	Consulting Business Start-Up Conference Scores Top Marks Among Aspiring Entrepreneurs By Rosemary Barnes
	View conference photo page (PDF) The basics of opening their own consulting firms in a wide variety of fields was foremost on the minds of 80 men and women who participated in the fourth annual industry-specific conference hosted by the City of Austin Small Business Development Program. The daylong "Consulting Business Start-Up Conference," held March 31, 2006 at the Palmer Events Center, focused on the nuts and bolts of successfully launching and sustaining a consultancy. After checking in and networking with other consultant hopefuls, participants received an enthusiastic welcome from Assistant City Manager Laura Huffman, who stressed the positive impact that continued small business growth has had on the Austin economy. City Manager Toby Hammett Futrell opened the conference with spirited encouragement for the aspiring entrepreneurs, underscoring the city’s commitment to "Helping Businesses Grow!" "With the tools you’ll learn about today, we want to close that space between your dreams and the reality of starting your own business," Ms. Futrell said. "We're excited about bringing you into our big eclectic Austin economy." The Austin City Council also showed its strong support for the conference. Mayor Pro Tem Danny Thomas shared a proclamation from Mayor Will Wynn declaring March 31 as "SBDP's Consulting Business Start-Up Conference Day." City Council Member Raul Alvarez congratulated the participants for taking this first, bold step toward joining the city’s more than 38,000 small businesses. Council Member Alvarez took pride in sharing the city’s commitment to supporting programs and events designed to assist start-up businesses and help existing businesses grow. Throughout the day, a dozen speakers took turns imparting their experiences, wisdom and advice about starting a consulting business. These experts elaborated on such key topics as business structures, writing contracts, setting fees, developing business plans, presenting a professional image, organizing the office, targeting goals and marketing a new business. Speakers – all successful Austin consultants – included Jon Hockenyos, Managing Director of Texas Perspectives, Inc.; Patricia Kelly of Patricia Kelly Law Offices; Tom Parish, Internet Marketing Consultant and Founder of 4WebResults; Sylvia Acevedo, President and Chief Executive Officer of CommuniCard; Jean Kidd, Founder of idealORDER; Sara Canaday, Principal Consultant with Empowerment Enterprises; Yasho Rao, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stadia Marketing and Research Group; Michael Doré, President of MSD Consulting; Tara Kirkland, Director of Consulting Services with Greenlights for Nonprofit Success; Carl S. Richie, Jr., Partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP; Ronney Reynolds, President of Reynolds & Dowling, PC; and Marcia Williams, Owner of MWA Public Relations. "I’ve learned that if you want to be a successful consultant, you have to have a big burning desire, a passion for what you do," said Hockenyos, who specializes in economics and public policy analysis. "Good consulting work is like good stuffing because you add value to a client’s decision making process. People hire consultants to help them make the right decisions." At the end of the day, the participants applauded the conference, giving it top scores in written evaluations. Asked if they were "satisfied with the quality of the conference," their responses averaged 4.8 on a scale of 5.0. Also, when asked if they "would recommend this type of conference to others," their responses averaged 4.9 on a 5.0 scale. One participant commented: "I am so touched by the generosity of all the speakers to share their expertise so selflessly with strangers." Another added: "Excellent conference! Very educational! Having the hard copy is a great tool. The subject matters were each on target and very interesting. It has given me a lot of insight, along with a lot of homework. Thank you to the City of Austin and to each consultant for sharing your time and knowledge so graciously." Conference notebooks and DVDs are available for sale through the Small Business Development Program. For more information, please contact Stacey Mason at 512.974.7721 or at stacey.mason@ci.austin.tx.us. ■