Greater San Marcos Partnership, San Marcos Chamber Commerce Announce Next BizTalk “What’s Your Market?”

“Marketing is a critical component to a thriving small business,” Callender said. “The best businesses in the world will fail because they are not promoting their services and just wait for customers to come. I’m going to discuss how to find your audience and then reach them through marketing strategies.”  

San Marcos, Tex. – Knowing your niche and the clientele you’ll serve is a key to successfully beginning a business – and marketing to your audience is imperative to keeping your doors open. On September 20^th, BIZtalks, Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) and San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s free series for area businesses and prospective entrepreneurs, will take on some of those initial questions entrepreneurs need to answer as they launch a business. Serial entrepreneur and startup advocate Dana Callender, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of pre-accelerator DivInc. and Co-Founder of Stellar Impeller Public Relations, will offer practical advice for entrepreneurs and perspective small business owners looking to launch a business in any industry. 

BizTalks: What’s Your Market? will take place on September 20th at the LBJ Museum from 4 pm to 5 pm with a networking hour immediately following. For planning purposes, guests are asked to RSVP to http://conta.cc/2xiZl56. 

The program expects to answer many questions, including:

• How do you determine what gaps exist in your area and what business would be successful?
• How do you define to whom you are marketing and how do you reach them?
• What are some tips for successfully marketing your business with little financial resources?

The audience will also be invited to ask questions during and after the program.

“Marketing is a critical component to a thriving small business,” Callender said. “The best businesses in the world will fail because they are not promoting their services and just wait for customers to come. I’m going to discuss how to find your audience and then reach them through marketing strategies.”  

Dana Callender is the chief operating officer at DivInc. She is a focused and results-driven leader with expertise in media relations, community engagement and improving diversity in the Austin startup scene. In addition to her role at DivInc, Dana is the co-founder and director of public relations at Stellar Impeller, a public relations, design and events agency that services hospitality and nonprofit industries. Her PR efforts have landed clients in Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, Texas Monthly, Thrillist, Cosmopolitan, LA Times and more.

As a startup entrepreneur, Dana has been able to bring ideas to fruition, develop solid media relationships, and has a particular passion for customer service and building strong communities. Her organizational skills and willingness to get things done ensures that no detail is left untouched.

Dana’s continuous pursuit to be challenged and make a significant contribution to society, have led her to pursue a life of volunteerism. She volunteers with Leadership Austin, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Wine and Food Foundation of Texas. Dana has a Master’s degree in Public Relations from Ball State University.

“Our goal with BIZtalks is to offer access to resources, both through networking and gaining new knowledge, that will help Greater San Marcos entrepreneurs grow their reach and gain new contacts,” said Victor Garza, Director of Existing Business, Talent and Entrepreneurship at GSMP. “We hope that existing and aspiring small business owners will come out to hear some ideas on highly effective, low cost marketing.”

“Our collaboration with the Greater San Marcos Partnership means big things for local entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Samantha Brown VP of Communications for the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. “Together we are working to provide relevant, informational events in San Marcos, which we are doing through BIZtalks. Dana Callender, our next speaker, brings a unique perspective and vast knowledge in market awareness and understanding, something from which we can all learn.”

BIZtalks is a free event that is open to the public. The program will begin at 4 pm and will include a question and answer period with Callender. Immediately following the program will be a networking reception provided by GSMP and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.

About Greater San Marcos Partnership

Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) is the 501c6 regional economic development organization serving the city of San Marcos, and Hays and Caldwell Counties focused on positioning the region for a wider diversity of quality jobs for all with higher wages. The GSMP mission is to promote sustainable, responsible and comprehensive economic development in the greater San Marcos region by implementing a five-year economic development strategic plan. Visit greatersanmarcostx.com for more information.