Past Courses

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Protecting Your Business or Startup from Legal Threats.

A Miller Business Academy Lunch & Learn.

Presented by Tim Wan, Wan Law Group, PLLC

Is your Business or Startup set up properly and adequately protected from legal threats? Are you going to be able to enforce your rights, while still maintaining your business plan? Are you maximizing your revenue? Whether you are a startup business, an established business going through changes, or a business in transition, this program will help guide you toward success and protecting your business.

Microsoft Office 365 Unmasked: I Didn’t Know It Could Do That?!

Presented by Robert Kratzke, BESTech Solutions

Microsoft Office 365 is not just Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Those well known applications are now surrounded by a rich set of integrated tools that will dramatically impact your business. Learn about these tools that you don’t know you may already own with your Microsoft 365 account. See examples of how these tools can save you time and money, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction and service.Experience the POWER of Office 365!

Branding Boot Camp

Led by Keith Groshans, Rocket Juiced Studios, Inc.

Think branding is just having a cool logo? If so, drop and give me 20! This branding boot camp will push your ideas of “branding” beyond a nice piece of artwork and into the processes and understanding that lets you craft the right branding framework for your business. No pull ups or mile long runs, but we will start to whip your business’ brand into shape.

This course will cover:

• Understanding what the full branding ecosystem is
• Discuss the importance of brand consistency
• Discussing the pillars that make up an effective brand strategy
• Identifying aspects of your brand that happen both internally and externally
• Understand how customers and consumers see and experience your brand and how you can leverage that
• Steps to identify your brand’s voice and personality
• Discussions on visual branding, clear logo importance and other customer facing elements that tie together and enhance your overall brand.
• Active workshops throughout that will help you to identify and craft strategic elements of your brand.
• Bootcamp workbook that you can take back to your team


About the instructor:

Keith Groshans, Top Banana @ Rocket Juiced Studios

In over 20 years spent at top advertising and design agencies in New York, Keith designed award-winning creative for brands such as Whirlpool, Canon, Kellogg, NYU and Disney, but he found himself drifting further away from his clients and deeper into the dark politics of agency life. Thats when he realized that working directly with clients and their challenges were much more important and satisfying than big-agency glory, so he created Rocket Juiced Studio.

• Rocketjuiced.com • instagram/rocketjuiced • keith@rocketjuiced.com

Grant Writing Essentials: Learn to Write to WIN!

Led by Nicole J. Christian of Nicole J. Christian Consulting

Join us to gain a deeper understanding of different funding opportunities and to get grant ready. This full-day workshop will cover the New York State Consolidated Funding application, what funding is available and all the components of a successful grant application including the grant proposal, problem statements, and work plans. Grant expert, Nicole Christian will provide valuable insight on the grant writing process including grant writing do’s and don’t’s and three keys to write to WIN!

Communicate or Die!

Led by Dave Clemente, Total Systems Education, LTD.

The success of all business activities in the twenty-first century critically depends on communication between everyone involved on every level. We all know that communications can and do go wrong. We also know that poor communications lead to unnecessary sunk costs, missed opportunities and deadlines, and frustration through all aspects of business.

This full day course is designed for all stakeholders whose contributions are essential for business success. Upon completion of this workshop, each participant will be able to:

  • Assess their own communications strengths and how to capitalize on them and weaknesses and what to do about them.
  • Eliminate wasteful speaking.
  • Identify and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Maximize results by learning to listen effectively.
  • Build teams that work together effectively and achieve desired results.

This course is a mixture of lecture, discussion, hands-on exercises, team role-playing and self-assessment. Participants won’t just be hearing about effective communications – they will practice them.

Introduction to (G)oogle Suite

Led by Tom Diener

Google G Suite, previously known as Google Apps, is the Google equivalent of, and competitor to Microsoft Office 365. It is a suite of enterprise applications and storage used by many businesses. Unlike traditional applications, G Suite is not installed on the desktop, instead, the applications are accessible through your web browser, making your applications and documents available anywhere and on any device.

This workshop will focus on key applications of Google G Suite:

Gmail
Calendar
Docs – Word Processing
Sheets – Spreadsheets
Slides – Presentations
Drive – Storage

Several other applications from the constantly evolving G Suite will be showcased, along with certification pathways.

Tom Diener is an instructional technology consultant. He started his career as an art teacher and became interested in instructional technology through computer graphics. He ended his K-12 career as an Instructional Technology Coordinator in a Long Island, New York school district. Tom’s taught graduate level courses for both New York Institute of Technology and Stony Brook University (where he coordinated the off-campus Instructional Technology Certificate Program). He’s presented hundreds of workshops, presentations, and courses for institutions across the country. Tom’s an Intel Teach Senior Trainer, Certified Google Teacher, and Certified Google Trainer.

Excel: Basics & Beyond

Led by Sharper Training Solutions

Using MS Excel, the world’s most popular spreadsheet program, you will learn about creating, editing, and formatting worksheets, using formulas, working with ranges, macros, and charting. In this hands-on workshop you will get an introduction to advanced features including:

  • Ways to collect and format a worksheet
  • Formulas
  • The most important database functions and how they work
  • Macros
  • Charting and Graphing
  • Harness the magic of vLookup
  • Discover the power of conditional formatting
  • Hyperlinks and linking worksheets with formulas
  • Use and Excel database in conjunction with Microsoft Word for Mail Merge
  • Creating invoices
  • Editing and formatting templates…and much more!

Leave this class with intermediate mastery of MS Excel.

Prerequisites for this class are comfort with computers and a basic knowledge of MS Excel. Computers will be provided for all attendees; however students may bring their own laptop provided they have MS Excel 2013 installed.

Sharper Training Solutions, Inc. has been providing computer training programs for over 20 years. Over the years, they have worked with educational institutions and businesses in a wide variety of industries. Building on their solid reputation, Sharper Training Solutions has become the premiere training firm in the Long Island market using a fully-equipped mobile training lab. Their training focuses on basic PC operation and the most widely used Microsoft applications. They currently provide ongoing training programs for patrons and staff at more than 90 libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Project Leadership

Led by Dave Clemente, Total Systems Education

In Today’s cross-functional, high speed, multi-location and high-demand project environments, the ability to be successful has never been more difficult (and failure more public!) This Project Leadership workshop helps managers and project managers of all backgrounds, become true leaders.

In addition to specialized discussions about Project Management, participants are exposed to some foundational management, supervisory and leadership concepts and techniques. Instructional methods for this full day course are lecture, discussion, individual and case study exercises, specialized individual testing, critique and action plans.

Dynamic Public Speaking

Led by Valerie diLorenzo

What do people fear the most?  Speaking in public!  Without training, many people lack the confidence, energy and clarity that audiences expect. During this all day course each participant will be coached in the skills they need to feel confident and succeed in front of audiences of all sizes, in both formal and informal settings.

Upon completion of this course, each participant will learn to:

  • Present with an energetic, polished and comfortable style
  • Speak and gesture naturally
  • Simplify and organize your thoughts for the strongest possible impact
  • Handle questions and interruptions with ease
  • Gain, inspire and persuade your audience

Please note – this is not a lecture course! Participants will spend most of their class time in coached exercises and videotaped role plays. They will learn by doing. Each participant will receive a video of their presentation – before and after.

Digital Marketing

Led by Henry Bramwell of Visionary

This digital marketing workshop will show you how to build an effective digital marketing strategy and how to increase your visibility in an extremely competitive landscape.

This course will cover:

  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Search Engine Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Web Development
  • Online Reputation Management
  • Blogging
  • Analytics
  • E-commerce
  • Email Marketing

Henry Bramwell is the founder and president of Visionary. A gifted designer by trade, Henry also is an astute marketing expert who commits his energy and efforts to client success. Visionary offers a full complement of advertising and marketing services for clients ranging from international Fortune 500 firms to small businesses. As a member of the Board of the Brookhaven Business Advisory Council, Henry is a sought-after speaker and business mentor. He has taught seminars on web site development for small businesses for the New York State Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook.

WordPress in a Day

Led by Sharper Training Solutions

Learn how to use WordPress to design and create an engaging, practical website or blog without learning to code.

In this class you will learn:

  • The workings of websites and how to make your own web pages.
  • Layout text and how to add images and links to your favorite sites.
  • Create ways for your visitors to email you directly from your site.
  • The differences between the front and back end of a WordPress website.
  • Advanced techniques and themes.
  • Widgets, plugins, and much more!

This course is for intermediate and advanced computer users. Computers will be provided for all attendees. WordPress is a website design and content management system that offers both free and premium versions.

Sharper Training Solutions, Inc. has been providing computer training programs for over 20 years.  Over the years, they have worked with educational institutions and businesses in a wide variety of industries. Building on their solid reputation, Sharper Training Solutions has become the premiere training firm in the Long Island market using a fully-equipped mobile training lab. They currently provide ongoing training programs for patrons and staff at more than 90 libraries in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Social Media Toolbox

Led by Sue Glenn, Diverse Marketing & Web Design

This all day hands on social media training course will cover the
following topics:

  • Setting up or redesigning your business social media sites on various platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
  • How to get people to like your Facebook Page.
  • Creating and curating content, photo collections and live posting.
  • Facebook and LinkedIn groups—which to join and what to post.
  • Using social media scheduling platforms and how to link accounts and schedule your content.
  • How to create and post videos and upload content for future use.
  • How to set up an account and create your own content with Canva.

Sue Glenn is the owner of Diverse Marketing & Web Design, a digital marketing company specializing in helping business owners increase awareness of their brand through effective email, social media and website marketing.

Business Communication for the Busy Professional

Led by Colleen McKean, Stony Brook University

Join us for this one-day session that will help you polish your business communication skills. This hands-on workshop will focus on writing clearly and concisely, presentation skills, and creating a 30-second elevator pitch.

You will leave this course ready to write and speak with confidence.

This course will cover the following topics:

Writing clear and concise:

  • Emails
  • Client proposals
  • Simple press releases and event listings

Writing for Social Media:

  • Marketing messaging – Who is your target audience and how do you want to appeal to them.
  • Facebook – Posting, sharing, creating a community
  • Promoting ads on Facebook
  • LinkedIn – Profiles and Connecting

Business Communication Etiquette:

  • Networking skills – How to work a room
  • 30 second elevator speech
  • Graceful exit
  • Connecting others – hosting
  • Finding common ground
  • Presentation skills training

Colleen McKean teaches business communications, project management, marketing, and human resources for the College of Business at Stony Brook University where she has been since 2009.  Prior to that, she worked for USA TODAY from 1991 to 2008 where she served as Regional Marketing Director from 2000 to 2008. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Molloy College and a master of business administration with a concentration in management from Long Island University at CW Post.

Human Resource Essentials: Building your business on a solid HR foundation through the 3 phases of employment

Led by Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Associates, Inc.

This course takes you through the 3 phases of employment: Pre-employment, employment, and Progress Discipline and Termination of Employment. With Human Resource Essentials, you will learn the methods and skills necessary to meet the human resource challenges of today’s ever changing workplace and workforce. This course will give you a strong foundation in current HR best practices.

Get a better understanding of the employment laws every employer should know like ADAAA, FMLA, Workers Compensation and Disability, Title VII and COBRA. By the completion of this course you will have a better grasp on the phases of employment and a solid foundation and understanding of Human Resources.

Overview:

  • The employment laws to consider to stay out of trouble
  • Title VII
  • ADAAA (as amended)
  • FMLA
  • Workers Compensation and Disability
  • COBRA

Pre-employment:

  • Hiring is the most expensive decision a company can make
  • Write the job description
  • Define if the job is nonexempt or exempt: an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules
  • Use an employment application
  • Rules about felony inquiries
  • The legal interview, what cannot be asked
  • Design effective interview questions
  • Compose offer letters

Employment:

  • What to include in new employee orientation
  • What on boarding means
  • What’s required in new hire paperwork
  • Communicate the job description and job performance expectations
  • Track hours worked
  • Record keeping requirements
  • Limit liability with respect to harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims
  • Document, document, document

Progressive Discipline and Termination of Employment:

  • Steps and benefits of progressive discipline
  • Employee Warning form
  • The key to documenting to limit liability

PMP’s consultants, attorneys and HR specialists are experienced professionals committed to providing clients with practical guidance on all aspects of the employer/employee relationship by navigating clients through the maze of regulations and laws governing labor relations and human resources. For more information click here to visit their website.

Photoshop Essentials

Led by Sharper Training Solutions

Become an instant graphic artist by working with images and pictures in Adobe Photoshop. Learn intermediate features and editing techniques like:

  • How to alter images including sizing, shaping, and coloring.
  • Layers, retouching, filters, and effects.
  • Special features of Photoshop such as Layer masks and styles, Vectors, and more.

Learn how to create works of art and make your digital photos look the way you want them to.

This course is for intermediate and advanced computer users. Basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop preferred but not required. Computers will be provided for attendees.

Sharper Training Solutions, Inc. has been providing computer training programs for over 20 years. Over the years, they have worked with educational institutions and businesses in a wide variety of industries. Building on their solid reputation, Sharper Training Solutions has become the premiere training firm in the Long Island market using a fully-equipped mobile training lab. Their training focuses on basic PC operation and the most widely used Microsoft applications. They currently provide ongoing training programs for patrons and staff at more than 90 libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Building Your Business With Digital Marketing

Led by Henry Bramwell, Visionary

If you’re like most marketers, you likely recognize the challenges of effectively reaching your customers in a digital age. With options like PPC, SEO, email marketing, social marketing, retargeting, and Google Analytics, marketing can seem overwhelming.

With a strategic online digital market-ing plan, you can keep your organization ahead of the game – without the stressful cost of learning by trial and error. This Digital Marketing workshop will show you how to build an effective digital marketing strategy and how to increase your visibility in an extremely competitive landscape. Get the solutions and real-world strategies you need to take control of digital platforms and drive marketing success for your organization!

Henry Bramwell is the founder and president of Visionary. A gifted designer by trade, Henry also is an astute marketing expert who commits his energy and efforts to client success. Visionary offers a full complement of advertising and marketing services for clients ranging from international Fortune 500 firms to small businesses. As a member of the Board of the Brookhaven Business Advisory Council, Henry is a sought-after speaker and business mentor. He has taught seminars on web site development for small businesses for the New York State Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook.

Project Management: The Survival Kit

Led by Dave Clemente, Total Systems Education, Ltd.

Projects carry complex concerns not always found in traditional management. This one-day workshop introduces participants to Project Management and how it can help in every line of business and every type and size activity. The overall objectives of this workshop are to inform participants of their roles in projects and to enable negotiation, communication, and coordination between management, project managers, stakeholders, and other members of the project team and to help you survive the project.

Upon completion of this course, each participant will be able to:

  • Understand a project’s mission, objectives, and risks;
  • Determine the scope of the work;
  • Assemble a work plan and determine the schedule;
  • Understand importance of producing deliverables according to schedule;
  • Understand the important of effective communications;
  • Understand each team member’s role in supporting the process;
  • Understand how Microsoft Project can help with project planning;

Total Systems Education, Ltd. was founded in 1980, and is a USA based global delivery organization that provides specialized training in Project Management, Business Analysis, Green Project Management, and other related topics (including PMI PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, and IIBA CBAP/CCBA Certifications).

Sales and Marketing: The True Sales Professional

Led by Rich Isaac, President, Sandler Training

Learn What It Takes to Achieve Your Best Results Yet

Creating Magic

Led by Tim McHeffey

Great leadership isn’t about mastering and memorizing impossibly complex management theories – it’s about following practical and common sense strategies. Covering the principles of Lee Cockerell’s Creating Magic, Ten Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney, this full-day program will introduce tried and true positive methods of frontline managerial experience combined with the magic of Disney. Lee Cockerell, as the Senior Operating Executive of Disney Orlando for 10 years, led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of the number one vacation destination in the world.  One of Lee’s major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies, which continues on as the primary resource for developing the 7,000 leaders at Walt Disney Orlando.

Based on the principles taught at the world renowned Disney Institute you’ll learn that the secret for creating “magic” in your career, your organization, and your life is simple: outstanding leadership— the kind that inspires employees, delights customers, and achieves extraordinary business results.

All participants will receive a copy of Lee Cockerell’s Creating Magic, Ten Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney.

Tim McHeffey, MBA brings over thirty years of being on the “firing-line” daily, demonstrating solutions to true-to-life management problems. He authored the Random House Teacher’s Guide to complement Creating Magic, Ten Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney. Tim helped take Swezey’s Department Stores through decades of prolific growth and success.  He also authored and presented seminars across the country for both SkillPath and Dun and Bradstreet—having trained thousands of business people from companies both large and small, profit and non-profit.