Tech tour targets small business growth

SANDY — More and more, entrepreneurs are relying on technology to help develop their small businesses. How they utilize the high-tech options available to them could be the difference between success and failure, according to an industry analyst.

Growing small business using social media, websites, blogs and taking advantage of increased mobility are some of the major tenets that will be discussed at the Small Biz Tech Tour event coming to the Wasatch Front on Thursday.

"It's going to be an all-day event helping small businesses understand how to use technology as a tool to grow their business," said Ramon Ray, who describes himself as the "technology evangelist" for Smallbiztechnology.com.

The five-city tour will stop in Utah on Oct. 14 at the Miller Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College's Sandy campus. During the event, industry experts will share their insights, lead discussions and show attendees how technology can save time and money, boost productivity, increase revenue and better serve customers.

Ray said topics will include boosting customer service through mobile technology, leveraging technology to build a successful business, using technology creatively to develop effective and affordable marketing strategies.

Speakers will include Ray, Walt Rivenbark, executive director of small business mobility applications for AT&T, Jeremy Hanks, co-founder of online retail marketer Doba and Kelly Anderson, founder of Startup Princess — an international network focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs.

Ray said the event is geared toward being informative and fun and offers participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about ways to bolster small business in the age of technology.

"We want people to meet people and engage," Ray said. "(Participants) should bring their pens, pencils and paper and be prepared to (take down) a lot of insights."

For more information, visit www.smallbiztechtour.com.

e-mail: jlee@desnews.com