SCORE adds seminar to lineup

SCORE, a program that brings the expertise of retired executives to mentor fledgling businesses, long has offered two-hour orientation programs for folks yearning to start their own business.

But no one pretends that a two-hour session can do more than barely scratch the surface, and SCORE next month will offer a modestly expanded version of its training.

The group, whose initials stand for Service Corps of Retired Executives, has scheduled a half-day seminar on marketing and advertising for small businesses.

The seminar, which costs $25, will run from 8:30 a.m.

to 1 p.m.

in Room 107 of the College of Business building at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Registration is available at the door or in advance by calling 784-4436; enrollment will be limited to 45.

Dick McConnell, one of the volunteer counselors who devotes time to SCORE, said the seminar arose after entrepreneurs voiced an interest in a deeper look at business subjects.

Teaching the seminar will be:

* Ken Greene of Just Click Marketing in Reno.

* John Mukavitz of Mukavitz.com in Reno.

* Regina Castaneda of Media Strategies International in Sparks.

McConnell, retired from top-level marketing positions, also will speak about the ways small companies can create and market a competitive advantage.

The marketing seminar marks the first time SCORE has undertaken a deeper look at one of the subjects it covers in its basic orientation.

If this session is successful, McConnell said the group may sponsor seminars on other businessrelated subjects.

The two-hour orientations, meanwhile, are offered twice a month in Reno.

McConnell said one measure of their success is the number of would-be entrepreneurs who decide to keep their day jobs after getting a dose of reality during the seminars.

"It's a 24-hour commitment, seven days a week.

They learn about the risks involved because of their lack of experience," he said.

"Optimism gets in the way of reality some times."

Those orientation sessions typically draw 15 to 30 people.

In addition, SCORE's cadre of 25 volunteers provides mentoring sessions for owners of existing small business.

Those sessions are offered in Reno, the Carson Valley and the Lake Tahoe area.

(For information on times or to make an appointment, call the Nevada Small Business Development Center at 784- 4436.)