A Year Later: 2013 SBU Win Helps Lisa Jackson Net New Business

Jackson continues to apply the lesions she learned from SBU experts to help her both maintain and grow her business. Another big move she says is that she has since redefined her business model.

“Before SBU, I would describe my company as a digital project management consultancy because I looked at myself as a one-stop shop. But my strong suite really is in social media,” she explains. “I have been focusing on that area more. I also have been focusing on and working with businesses in the fashion and education industries.”

In fact, she recently launched her first event under the Phoenix Aficionado banner, entitled SMWiFashion. The debut event, which is being held Tuesday, February 18th,  is a panel discussion tailored towards sharing best practices on multicultural marketing in indie fashion.

In addition, she joined forces with a local advertising agency, Highbrid Media, also a small black owned business. That relationship came about after meeting the owners, Juan Perez and Daniel Gutzmore, at an event. “The one thing that SBU emphasized is the importance of building relationships. I stayed in contact and shared information with Highbrid, and about six months later they bought on board as social media consultant.”

Now you can move your business forward as Jackson did: SBU is back by popular demand. AARP, one of the world’s largest member organizations with more than 37 million members, has partnered with Black Enterprise to present SBU. Once again, the online video course offers expert advice to entrepreneurs looking to start and grow profitable small businesses.

SBU’s team of rotating business, marketing, branding, and technology all-stars include ‘SmallBizLady’ Melinda Emerson; Vanguarde Consulting Group CEO Derrick Webster; Ramon Ray, Regional Development Director for InfusionSoft and Editor of Smallbiztechnology.com; and Alfred Edmond Jr., SVP/Chief Content Officer of Black Enterprise.

In addition, SBU experts and the Black Enterprise editorial team are available via Twitter chats to connect directly with participants, answer questions, and provide additional resources.

The 2014 SBU grand prize is a trip for two to the 2014 Entrepreneurs Conference featuring keynote speaker T.D. Jakes.

To register for the Small Business University and for additional information, tools, and resources about small business success, visit www.blackenterprise.com/sbu and www.aarp.org/blackcommunity. Follow us on Twitter @BlackEnterprise and @AARPBlackCom and join the conversation using hashtag #SmallBizU.