I finally finished my Launchbox workshop and as promised, here is the follow up to my previous posting, “Preparing For Launch”, which documented my initial impressions of the program I had just started.
”The Launch Box“ is a three day bootcamp for marketing professionals designed to provide assistance with marketing, branding and public relations and the sessions were held at Carroll Community College’s Miller Center for Small Business on three Tuesdays in October and November. Classes were led by Elizabeth Lilley of Sonata Venture Solutions and this grant funded initiative was partially subsidized by the Carroll County Department of Economic Development.
We had a little bit of drama between the second and third sessions, the third class had to be rescheduled due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy! Luckily we were able to quickly get back on track.
The workshop’s collaborative style was invaluable in the variety of opinions and ideas we all received from each other when presenting a mission statement or an event concept. It was also a wonderfully supportive forum with alternative suggestions given instead of blunt criticism.
After we had completed the three classes, we each met one-on-one with Elizabeth to refine our company’s marketing objectives specifically and that individual attention was extremely helpful as well.
Looking back, I realize how much I’ve come away with. I’ve learned how to improve my press release writing and my marketing budget was far more comprehensive than previous versions.
I also connected with some very inspiring people who I hope to maintain contact with. One of my classmates, Helene Taylor, was one of the 5 finalists of the Carroll Biz Challenge for her business concept of opening a crepe and coffee shop in Sykesville. Please be sure to visit The French Twist Cafe when it opens!
I would highly recommend the course for anyone looking to develop or improve their marketing knowledge and skills.
Thank you Elizabeth Lilley and Sonata Venture Solutions for the opportunity to participate in this workshop, I am excited to use my new skills!