Past Events
April 4, 2023 – “So, You Want to Start a Business”
Part of our entrepreneurship series, small business owners and individuals interested in starting a business learned how to develop a value-proposition, evaluate the feasibility of their business idea, and build a business model.
Speakers:
- Simone Phipps, MBA, PHD
Professor of Management, School of Business at Middle Georgia State University and Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School's Centre for Social Innovation (UK). - Kate Hogan, MPA
Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Warner Robins. - James Blackburn, MBA, EDD
Associate Provost, Academic Innovation at Middle Georgia State University
May 2, 2023 – “Starting a Business in Warner Robins”
Steering clear of regulatory headaches can save both time and money. This session provides valuable information about zoning, building permits, business licenses, utilities, and more. We are also available to continue our discussion on the structured approach to business planning started in our first session.
Speakers:
- Kate Hogan, MPA
Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Warner Robins. - James Blackburn, MBA, EDD
Associate Provost, Academic Innovation at Middle Georgia State University
June 6, 2023 – “Setting up an LLC”
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
Protect your personal assets. This session explores the benefits of a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). You will learn the steps to create an LLC. As in prior sessions, we are available to discuss your business plan.
Speakers
- Lisa Rackley, MBA,
Area Director, Small Business Development Center - James Blackburn, MBA, EDD
Associate Provost, Academic Innovation at Middle Georgia State University
June 27, 2023 - “Personal Digital Safety”
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
Protect your assets, identity, and family. This lecture will cover tools, best practices, and resources families can use for their devices.
Speaker: Valerie Mercer, EDD
July 18, 2023 - “Artificial Intelligence: The Suspicion of Good Technology.”
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
Learn how the five stages of technology adoption often hinder individuals from discovering and adopting life-saving technologies because of societal pressures or angst. During the discussion, the speaker will demonstrate how devices and innovations can be harmful if we don’t practice personal device safety, but more importantly, create avenues for life-changing positive opportunities in business, health, communication, education, and medical advances.
Speaker: Scott Spangler, DSIT
Tuesday August 15, 2023 - "Communicating Through Story Telling Part 1: Unleashing the Power of Narrative"
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
In today's fast-paced world, effective communication has become more crucial than ever before. The ability to engage and connect with an audience is a skill sought after by leaders, marketers, educators, and individuals across various fields. Defined in the simplest possible terms, a narrative is a story about something. The potential of storytelling is a vital asset at your disposal. When executed skillfully and appropriately, the immense power of a compelling story can profoundly affect your audience establishing you as an influential figure. A well-crafted story can inspire, invigorate, and swiftly establish a connection.
You will gain practical strategies and techniques to effectively incorporate an authentic narrative into your own communication repertoire. You will learn how to craft narratives that engage and inspire your audience to action and build trust and connection.
Speaker: Marc Miller, PhD, Professor and Dean of the School of Business and Health Administration
Tuesday September 5, 2023 - "Communicating Through Story Telling Part 2: Telling Stories Through Data Visualization"
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
Building upon the foundation of the first lecture on storytelling, "Communicating Through Storytelling Part 2: Telling Stories Through Data Visualization" delves into the innovative fusion of storytelling and data visualization techniques. In this lecture, we explore how visualizing data can enhance the power and impact of narratives, enabling communicators to effectively convey complex information and engage diverse audiences.
Participants will gain insights into choosing the right visual representations, creating meaningful charts, graphs, and infographics that amplify the narrative and facilitate comprehension. We will also explore the use of interactive data visualizations and explore commonly available tools that enable dynamic storytelling experiences.
While it is helpful to have attended Part 1 of this workshop, it is not required.
Speaker: Marc Miller, PhD, Professor and Dean of the School of Business and Health Administration
Tuesday October 3, 2023 - "Communicating Through Story Telling Part 3: Qualitative Data Analysis"
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
"Communicating Through Storytelling Part 3: Qualitative Data Analysis" is an engaging lecture that delves into the intersection of storytelling and qualitative data analysis. In this session, we explore how storytelling can enhance the interpretation and communication of qualitative data, unlocking valuable insights and creating meaningful narratives.
The lecture begins by highlighting the significance of qualitative data in understanding human experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. We discuss the unique characteristics of qualitative data and the challenges and opportunities they present for effective communication. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of various qualitative research methods, including interviews, observations, and focus groups, and how these methods generate rich narratives.
The result are valuable insights and practical skills to leverage storytelling using qualitative data. You will leave with a toolkit for effectively communicating qualitative findings through compelling narratives, enabling you to inspire action, drive impact, and engage audiences in a meaningful way.
While it is helpful to have attended Parts 1 and 2 of this workshop, it is not required.
Speaker: Marc Miller, PhD, Professor and Dean of the School of Business and Health Administration
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – “Improving Organizational Performance with LEAN”
Time: 5:30 to 7:00pm, Walker Auditorium, Administrative Services Building
Speed and value are two critical success factors in today’s market. Whether you operate a service business, a logistics company, or a manufacturer, the principles of LEAN are a valuable tool in your organizational toolkit. In this presentation, participants will be introduced to three important elements of LEAN. Participants will learn how value-stream mapping can increase value-added services and reduce barriers that take away from business success. They will also learn how to eliminate the 8 elements of waste to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Finally, the participants will learn how the I CARE model is used to improve your overall customer experience and satisfaction.
Speaker: Dr. James Blackburn, Associate Provost, Professor of Practice, Middle Georgia State University