Two spots still open for Business Boot Camp

Several downtown merchants have made the decision to attend Destination Business Boot Camp in Longmont, Colo., from July 19-21.
Currently, there are four business owners signed up to attend the three-day program geared toward giving business owners the knowledge they need to be successful.
‘Anytime I can learn anything, I’m willing,’ said Roxie St. John, who owns Roxie and Darla’s Shopping Bag on Main Street. She started working in retail in 1968. Since that time, she has been to several seminars. However, she feels this one is different.
‘I went to the meeting in Fayetteville (held by the same person who heads the boot camp) and I got a whole lot out of that,’ she said. ‘I can’t wait to get to Denver to see what else there is. I feel like everyone needs to get as much information as they can to make it and be successful downtown.’
The camp is offered by Jon Schallert, who teaches businesses and communities how to turn themselves into consumer destinations. He speaks to thousands annually about his 14-step destination business process. He developed the process over the course of 21 years of working with small business owners.
During a telephone seminar held at Main Street McMinnville’s office Friday, Schallert explained program benefits.
‘It’s a myth that mom and pop business owners can’t compete with superstores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot,’ said Schallert. ‘But you better have a proven strategy, and that’s the advantage of the 14-steps of Destination Business reinvention.’
By following the steps established, participants will learn how to:
‘ make their business unique
‘ target specific customers
‘ establish loyal customers
‘ advertise effectively.
After the boot camp, those who participate will receive an on-site follow-up training session from Schallert and additional follow-ups throughout the full year by phone and Internet.
The session will be paid for by Main Street McMinnville thanks to a grant it was awarded from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for 2008-09. With the grant, up to six downtown business owners can attend.
Main Street McMinnville, through the grant, will pay the $1,295 tuition, which includes all breakfasts and all lunches during the session. Participants are responsible for paying for their own transportation and lodging.
Several business owners attended the telephone seminar given by Schallert. The deadline for the July 19-21 boot camp is Monday, June 30. There is space available for two more businesses.