Events

Don’t miss these upcoming events. If it’s a digital marketing, business strategy, creativity, career development, personal branding workshop or class… check back here often to add these dates to your calendar and see registration details. Also, see past events and topics.

Upcoming Events


February 13, 2024
Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Wednesday, February 13th at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.

Register Now


Book Michael to speak at your event

Previous Speaking Events


July 13, 2023
Thursday 7:30am – 9:30am (EST)


Get Caffeinated and Make Connections (GCMC) | CoWork Kingston, 8 North Front Street Kingston, NY 12401

Cost: $7

Let’s get to networking! Start your day by making impactful connections with a caffeinated beverage. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

Register Now



July 11, 2023
Tuesday 5:30pm – 7:30pm (EST)


Good Evening, Entrepreneur! (In-Person Meetup) | Troy Innovation Garage 24 4th St Troy, NY 12180

Cost: $12

Let’s get to networking! End your day by making impactful connections with snacks, and drinks.

Refreshments and food will be provided.

Register Now



July 7, 2023
Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00pm (EST)


Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence (Virtual)

Cost: $200

Chat GPT is a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to generate text after being given a prompt. This technology has many people excited worldwide. It can be used to save time, get answers, be used as a launching point for new ideas, and lots more.

This comprehensive 2-hour small virtual group training shows you how to get started with Chat GPT and how you can use it and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to add value to your personal and professional life.

Register Now



July 6, 2023
Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Thursday, July 6th at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.

Register Now



June 22, 2023
Thursday 3:00pm – 5:00pm (EST)


Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence (Virtual)

Cost: $200

Chat GPT is a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to generate text after being given a prompt. This technology has many people excited worldwide. It can be used to save time, get answers, be used as a launching point for new ideas, and lots more.

This comprehensive 2-hour small virtual group training shows you how to get started with Chat GPT and how you can use it and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to add value to your personal and professional life.



June 21, 2023
Wednesday 9:30am – 1:00pm (EST)


Canva Training – Half Day Session (Virtual)

Cost: $375

Canva is a free, powerful graphics platform used to create wonderful visuals. It’s used by educators, marketers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across many industries.

At this small group in-person 1/2 day training, we’ll be covering the ins-and-outs of this amazing creative tool for making content.



June 14, 2023
Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Wednesday, June 14th at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.



March 15, 2023
Wednesday 7:30am – 9:00am (EST)


Get Caffeinated and Make Connections (GCMC) | All That Java 8 Livingston Street, Suite 10 Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Cost: Free, but you must purchase coffee

Let’s get to networking! Start your day by making impactful connections with a caffeinated beverage. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.



March 7, 2023
Tuesday 12:00pm – 1:00pm (EST)

 

Lunch & Learn: Basics of Building a Website | Online

Cost: Free

Having a website boosts your credibility and your visibility. It can also help you attract new customers. In this virtual presentation, you’ll learn the basics of building a website.

You’ll also learn about website creation tools like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify; the elements of a webpage, website structure, and a quick overview of e-commerce.

Register and attend to get a better understanding about websites so you can spend your time and money wisely.

FREE to attend.



March 2, 2023
Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Thursday, March 2nd at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other mid-Hudson Valley and Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.



February 28, 2023
Tuesday 5:30pm – 7:30pm (EST)


Good Evening, Entrepreneur! (In-Person Meetup) | Troy Innovation Garage 24 4th St Troy, NY 12180

Cost: $12

Let’s get to networking! End your day by making impactful connections with snacks, and drinks.

Refreshments and food will be provided.



February 16, 2023
Thursday 7:30am – 9:00am (EST)


Get Caffeinated and Make Connections (GCMC) | CoWork Kingston, 8 North Front Street Kingston, NY 12401

Cost: $7

Let’s get to networking! Start your day by making impactful connections with a caffeinated beverage. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.



February 7, 2023
Tuesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Tuesday, Feb. 7th at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other mid-Hudson Valley and Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.



January 25, 2023
Wednesday 7:30am – 9:00am (EST)


Get Caffeinated and Make Connections (GCMC) | CoWork Kingston, 8 North Front Street Kingston, NY 12401

Cost: $7

Let’s get to networking! Start your day by making impactful connections with a caffeinated beverage. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.



January 12, 2023
Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Thursday, Jan. 12th at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other mid-Hudson Valley and Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.



December 21, 2022
Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


Virtual Networking (Get to Know You) | Online

Cost: Free

Join me on Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 3PM (Eastern) for virtual networking to build some connections.

Get to know other mid-Hudson Valley and Hudson Valley entrepreneurs and professionals. Good vibes and positive energy… all in the spirit of networking.



December 6, 2022
Tuesday 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST)


Canva Tips and Tricks | Online

Cost: Free

Canva is a free, powerful graphics platform used to create amazing visuals. It’s used by educators, marketers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across many industries.

In this 1-hour virtual session, we’ll be covering tips and tricks in Canva that will save you time, increase your productivity, but also help you create amazing effects for your visual content.



November 30, 2022
Wednesday 5:30pm – 7:00pm (EST)


Sip and Draw | CoWork Kingston 8 North Front Street Kingston, NY 12401

Cost: $30

Explore creativity through drawing at this sip and draw event. The activity will be led by instructor-artist, storyteller, and marketer… Michael Roach. You will not only stretch your imagination, you’ll also have fun drawing objects.

Whether you attend solo, or with your bestie, you’ll enjoy this fun and relaxing group activity in a chill, trendy setting… CoWork Kingston, which is located in midtown Kingston.

Drinks, snacks, and drawing materials will be provided.



November 17, 2022
Thursday 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST)

 

Attract Talent for Your Business with Recruitment Marketing | Online

Cost: Free

Finding potential employees is easy. However, finding great candidates that turn into great hires, is hard. These days, you have to run your business on all cylinders, but you also need to hire the right staff so you can grow. Don’t let your competitors hire up all the talent in town. Find out how to effectively recruit new employees using marketing tactics that will add value to your business.



November 3, 2022
Thursday 4:00pm – 5:00pm (EST)

 

HCI Deep Dive – Prioritizing Marketing with Limited Resources and Time | Online

Cost: Free

If marketing your business is crushing your spirit, you probably feel burnt out and exhausted.

With so many tactics, channels, and technologies, it can seem like a scattered mess. You can’t make sense of your marketing if you’re inundated with social media posts, email blasts, the never-ending content creation machine, and endless updates.

However, there are ways you can get true clarity and more done!

In this presentation on Thurs., 11/3, at 4 PM, marketing strategist and consultant, Michael Roach, will offer tips and advice on how to get more streamlined, prioritized, and clearer when it comes to your marketing.



October 20, 2022
Thursday 6:00pm – 7:15pm (EST)


Storytelling for Business – Workshop | CoWork Kingston 8 North Front Street Kingston, NY 12401

Cost: Free for CoWork Kingston Members, $10 for Non-Members

What are customers saying about your company, your products, and your services? How do you make them feel?

To draw people in and get them to form a strong emotional connection to your brand, you must master the skill of storytelling, especially in a business setting.

Stories help you get your point across effectively in a way that makes people get and stay interested. This workshop uncovers how you can convince, inspire, and influence with business storytelling.



October 14, 2022
Friday 8:00am – 9:30am (EST)

 

Achieve Victories in Business With Marketing Automation | Online

Cost: Free for RPCN Members, $25 for Non-Members

Could you use daily victories in your business? Use marketing automation and you can achieve it. Automating tasks can benefit you, as well as your customer. Get started with this workshop and you will be equipped to automate business activities with a smile on your face.



September 15, 2022
Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm (EST)


How to Use Canva for Your Marketing Registration (Online)

Cost: Free

All of a sudden graphics… with very little warning… graphics creation and making visuals have now been added to your job description. You have to produce posters, brochures, and marketing content for social media. With Canva, the browser-based graphic design platform, you can create images that are on-brand and look great in a flash.

With such a powerful tool, it’s hard to know how to get started. There are so many options and features.

How can you create pretty visuals for your marketing quickly that really speak to your customers?

This workshop will show you how to get started with Canva. You’ll also learn some tips and tricks.



May 12, 2022
Thursday 12:00pm (EST)


Learn Design with Canva (Crash Course)

Cost: FREE

Canva is a free, powerful graphics platform used to create amazing visuals. This tool is used by educators, marketers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across many industries.

Take this short crash course and start creating designs like business cards, invitations, presentations, social media content, and more!

Perfect for beginners and non-designers.



April 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2022
Tuesdays 12:00pm – 1:30pm (EST)


Essentials of Digital Marketing (4 Week Course)

Cost: Free

Digital marketing is a “must-have” skill when running a business.

You can learn this critical skill virtually in this FREE 4 session multi-part course… Tuesdays in April. You’ll be able to access the slides and videos on YouTube.

Topics covered: social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), e-commerce, websites, target audience, digital advertising, and more.



February 23, 2022
Wednesday 3:00pm (EST)


ACE 60 Minute Skills Workshop: Canva Video Workshop

Cost: Pay what you can

Want to create compelling and exciting videos for social media, presentations, and more? Do it with Canva, the FREE graphic design platform. In 60-minutes flat, Michael Roach of Michael Roach Creative gives you the scoop on everything you need to know to get started making and editing videos with Canva.

This is a sliding-scale event, so please choose a level — $5, $10, $15 or $20 — that you can afford. Your donation helps ACE pay a fair wage to our instructors.

If you’re not able to pay any fees at this time, please write to Maureen at maureen@upstateace.org, and you’ll receive a code to attend this session free of charge.

Sign up NOW for FREE!



February 8, 2022
Tuesday 3:00pm (EST)


Storytelling for Business (Workshop)

Cost: FREE

Learn how to use storytelling to create awareness, and move potential customers towards a purchase.



September 17, 2021
Friday 12:00pm (EST)


Learn Design with Canva (Crash Course)

Cost: FREE

Canva is a free, powerful graphics platform used to create amazing visuals. This tool is used by educators, marketers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across many industries.

Take this short crash course and start creating designs like business cards, invitations, presentations, social media content, and more!

Perfect for beginners and non-designers.



April 8, 2021
Thursday 3:30pm (EST)


Create Now with the Adobe Creative Cloud (Online Event)

Cost: FREE

It’s time for you to elevate your creativity. Find out about the digital tools in Adobe Creative Cloud. The desktop and mobile apps are perfect for the user who takes photos, makes illustrations, creates websites, or dreams up visual effects for film projects. Take creativity to new heights in this motivational, and inspiring class. Attendees will learn which tools in the software suite work best and demo the software with hands-on activities.

Requirements: laptop, speakers/headphones, Internet connection



March 30, 2021
Tuesday 3:00pm (EST)


How to Use Canva for Your Marketing

Cost: FREE

All of a sudden graphics creation has now been added to your job description. You have to produce posters, brochures, and marketing content for social media. With Canva, the browser-based graphic design platform, you can create images that look great in a flash.

This workshop will show you how to get started with Canva. You’ll also learn some tips and tricks.



February 18, 2021
Thursday 3:00pm (EST)


How to Use Instagram Stories to Attract Customers | Virtual Workshop

Cost: FREE

In your pocket, you have one of the most creative sales and marketing tools at your disposal. If you’re not using Instagram Stories to grow your audience and attract customers, you’re missing out. In this short session, you’ll learn how to create a Story, get tips, light a creative fire that create sales results.

Attendees who sign up will get a downloadable resource to create engaging stories of their own.



Novemeber 5, 2020
Thursday 12:30pm (EST)


Marketing to Multiple Generations | Webinar
w/Denise Horan from Integrated Management & Sales Consulting and Michael Roach Creative


Cost: $50

Making a habit of generalizing customer profiles is a good way to blow through your marketing budget and tick customers off. It probably won’t produce the sales results you need either. How should you approach profiling customers, especially across multiple generations?

In this workshop, learn how to market to multiple generations. Avoid the common trap of seeing an entire audience or a generation as a single broad category.

Join me (Michael Roach) and Denise Horan of Integrated Management & Sales Consulting for an interactive workshop, Thursday, November 5th at 12:30PM (EST).

Attend for important lessons about reaching your target market. You’ll also hear from a panel of people who span multiple generations. See what they say about how they buy goods and services.

***Limited group size***



September 30, 2020
Wednesday 12pm (EST)


Enhancing Customer Service: Bridging the Gap Between Marketing & Technology | Webinar
w/Jolene Damián from DiRAD Technologies and Michael Roach Creative

Combine modern #marketing and #tech and you could reach more clients. More clients, means real opportunities, more business experiences.

Attend this FREE webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 12pm with Jolene Damián from DiRAD Technologies and Michael Roach Creative and learn how you can mix marketing and tech, and enhance customer experience.

Sign up, attend, and get a chance to win a gift card in our special challenge.



September 23, 2020
Wednesday 12:30pm (EST)


Sales & Marketing in a Pandemic World : An Interactive Workshop | Online Event
w/Michael Roach & Denise Horan

Cost: $50

The sales world has really changed in the past 6 months. Many sales executives are forced to work remotely; skipping relationship building on appointments and at networking events. The new landscape forces us to be creative and look for ways to reach our target markets. Come explore your options.

***Limited group size***



July 23, 2020
Thursday 9am (EST)



Leveraging Technology to Create Word of Mouth Marketing | Online Event

In this workshop, find out how to do this form of marketing in a rapidly changing marketplace with talkative buyers.

You will:

  • Learn how word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) applies to all business models (B2B, B2C, and more)
  • Discover what your industry’s market is saying before you begin communicating
  • Understand the providing value with content gets people talking
  • Get tips to make it simple for people to engage and make purchases with your company



July 16-17, 2020
Thursday, Friday 10am – 6pm (EST)



Pipeline: The Virtual Sales and Marketing Conference

Join me and over 30 sales and marketing experts for Pipeline: The Virtual Sales and Marketing Conference. In this 2-day conference, be ready to transform your sales and marketing so you can get more customers.



June 25, 2020
Thursday 3pm, 7pm (EST)



WordPress Training (1 Hour Class) | Online Training

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Pick one of the sessions: 3pm or 7pm.



May 28, 2020
Thursday 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (EST)



WordPress Training (1 Hour Class) | Online Training

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.



April 27, 2020
Monday



“Online Workshop: The Art of Journaling” | Virtual Event | Arts Center of the Capital Region

Keeping a journal helps you keep track of events, emotions, and ideas. Combine the usefulness of a journal and drawing and you have a very illustrative record of your life. Share it with family, friends, or keep it private. This workshop will show you how to intertwine your journal with sketching, doodles, at the same time… boost your creativity.



April 22, 2020
Wednesday



“Create Now with the Adobe Creative Cloud (Online Event)” | Virtual Event

It’s time for you to elevate your creativity. Find out about the digital tools in Adobe Creative Cloud. The desktop and mobile apps are perfect for the user who takes photos, make illustrations, create websites, or dreams up visual effects for film projects. Take creativity to new heights in this motivational class.

Attendees will learn which tools in the software suite work best and demo the software with hands-on activities.



April 9, 2020
Thursday



“Drawing to Combat Anxiety and Reduce Stress (Online Event)” | Virtual Event

Need to squash anxiety and crush stress right now? Do it with a dose of creativity. Drawing can help you relax and improve your mood.

You don’t need to be an artist to create something wonderful. In this short online event, you’ll expand your imagination. Escape your reality for 45 minutes with fun, interactive drawing exercises.



March 26, 2020
Thursday, 3:00pm – 5pm



WordPress Training (2 Hour Class) | Online Training

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Package includes beginning assessment only. Also includes a 30 minute website Q/A or consultation.

Register now



March 5, 2020
Thursday, 3:00pm – 4:15pm



“Storytelling for Business” – Workshop | CO., 6571 Spring Brook Avenue, Rhinebeck, NY

What are customers saying about your company, your products, and your services? How do you make them feel?

To draw people in and get them to form a strong emotional connection to your brand, you must master the skill of storytelling, especially in a business setting.

Stories help you get your point across effectively in a way that makes people get and stay interested. This workshop uncovers how you can convince, inspire, and influence with business storytelling.

Who Should Attend?
– business owners
– startup founders
– human resource professionals
– salespeople
– marketers
– business professionals

What You’ll Learn
– storytelling tools and formats
– context really matters
– no conflict, no story
– consider your audience
– how to resolve a brilliant conclusion

Register now



February 26 – March 18, 2020
Wednesdays



“Beginner’s Drawing – I” – Class | Voorheesville Continuing Ed, 432 New Salem Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186-4825

Draw more than a straight line and basic shapes. In this beginner’s drawing class you will learn to create sketches fearlessly on paper. Make art by understanding light and shadows, interiors, the human form, still life, nature and lots more. All class supplies are included.



February 29, 2020
Saturday, 10am – 4pm



“Intro to Graphic Design” – Crash Course | The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

In this one-day crash course, explore the ever-growing and exciting process of visual communication known as graphic design. It’s way more than just picking colors from a swatch. It’s typography, form, imagery, and a whole lot more. You will critique real-world design found on the pages of printed media like magazines and newspapers, as well as deconstruct designs that appear online. Sign up and start learning how you can use graphic design to complement your own skill set.

Register now



February 4 – February 25, 2020
Tuesdays



“Intro to Coding: HTML and CSS” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? This beginner’s course will show you the basics needed to understand HTML and CSS coding skills. HTML (the Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are two of the core technologies for building Web pages. At the end of this class, you’ll go home with the basic knowledge to confidently write code!

Register now



February 6, 2019
Thursday, 2:30pm – 5pm



WordPress Training (2 Hour Class) | Bull Moose Club Albany, 150 State Street, Albany, New York

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Package includes beginning assessment only. Also includes a 30 minute website Q/A or consultation.



January 11, 2020
Saturday



“Intro to Coding: HTML and CSS” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region , 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? This beginner’s course will show you the basics needed to understand HTML and CSS. HTML (the Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are two of the core technologies for building Web pages.

At the end of this single-day class, you’ll go home with the basic knowledge to confidently write code!



December 30, 2019
Monday



“Create Now with the Adobe Creative Cloud” | Troy Innovation Garage
24 4th Street | Troy, New York

It’s time for you to elevate your creativity. Find out about the digital tools in Adobe Creative Cloud. The desktop and mobile apps are perfect for the user who takes photos, make illustrations, create websites, or dreams up visual effects for film projects. Take creativity to new heights in this motivational class.

Attendees will learn which tools in the software suite work best and demo the software with hands-on activities.

Please bring a laptop, and or tablet device for hands-on exercises with Adobe apps and software.



December 18, 2019
Wednesday, 2:30pm – 5pm



WordPress Training (2 Hour Class) | Bull Moose Club Albany, 150 State Street, Albany, New York

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Package includes beginning assessment only. Also includes a 30 minute website Q/A or consultation.



December 12, 2019
Thursday



“Incredible Ways to Boost Business Productivity” | Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
255 Orange Street | Albany, New York 12210

As a business leader, do you find yourself spending more time on minor details, instead of on the big picture… your business’ growth and being more productive? Or, perhaps your time is spent on tasks that are very time-consuming. There are ways to free up your schedule and take the hassle out of annoying tasks. Attend and get tips and tools you can employ right away. Boost business productivity and experience more out of life.



November 19, 2019
Tuesday



“Instagram for Business” – Workshop | Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, 255 Orange Street Albany, NY 12210

“Instagram for Business” offers entrepreneurs the tools and know-how to use this fast-moving popular social media platform to their best advantage. Marketing professional Michael Roach will show you how to turn your experiences and products into posts that matter and engage your customers.



October 23, 2019
Wednesday, 9:30am – 12pm



WordPress Training (2 Hour Class) | 488 Broadway, Albany, New York

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Package includes beginning assessment only. Also includes a 30 minute website Q/A or consultation.



October 1, 2019
Tuesday, 2:30pm – 5pm



WordPress Training (2 Hour Class) | Troy Innovation Garage | 24 4th Street, Troy, New York

Learn the difference between WordPress, GoDaddy Website Builder, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and other web builders. Get a list of other web builders and content management systems to explore. Check out what else can be done with WordPress like with portfolio sites, business directories, job boards, news sites, and more.

Package includes beginning assessment only. Also includes a 30 minute website Q/A or consultation.



August 28, 2019
Wednesday, 12pm – 1:30pm



“Alternative Funding Resources for Businesses (Lunch & Learn)” – Workshop | Utaxes, 45 Colvin Avenue, Albany, New York

More and more businesses are realizing that securing funding is key to surviving in this unpredictable economic climate. Sure, there are loans, investors, and grants. But, there are even more creative ways to secure funding for your business.

Attend this lunch and learn event and find out how to upgrade the financial health of your new or existing business with alternative funding options.

*** Light lunch will be provided. ***



August 15, 2019
Thursday, 5:30pm – 7pm



“Get Business Clarity with Meditation and Daily Affirmations” – Workshop | Troy Innovation Garage, 24 4th Avenue, Troy, New York

Technology won’t fix your sense of well-being. An app is virtually useless in helping your cope with stress and anxiety. As an entrepreneur, you’re tested daily by distractions, doubts, and high-stress situations. Continue down this path and your health will suffer. With mindfulness meditation and positive affirmations, you can be the business person you desire to be. Get a handle on your emotions, squash your fears, and feel more satisfaction.

Join marketing strategist and speaker, Michael Roach, for a workshop on meditation techniques for the busy professional and entrepreneur. Attend and learn how you can be the focused, productive, measured professional you always wanted to be.



August 3, 2019
Saturday



“Intro to Coding: HTML and CSS” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region , 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? This beginner’s course will show you the basics needed to understand HTML and CSS. HTML (the Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are two of the core technologies for building Web pages.

At the end of this single-day class, you’ll go home with the basic knowledge to confidently write code!



June 25 – July 16, 2019
Tuesdays



“Intro to Graphic Design” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Explore the ever-growing, exciting process of visual communication known as graphic design. It’s way more than just picking colors from a swatch. It’s typography, form, imagery, and a whole lot more. You will critique real-world design found on the pages of printed media like magazines and newspapers, as well as deconstruct designs that appear online.

Sign up and start learning how you can use graphic design to complement your own skill set.



June 20, 2019
Thursday



“Pack the House and Create Fans with Social Media (Webinar)” – Online

Being a musician is more than plugging in and turning up the volume. If you are a performing artist, you must take promotion and the task of growing your fan base in your own hands.

With social media, you can grow your base, promote your songs, and pack the house. In this webinar, learn how to do social media right and get people to desire your sound.



June 11, 2019
Tuesday



“Incredible Ways to Boost Business Productivity” | Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
255 Orange Street | Albany, New York 12210

As a business leader, do you find yourself spending more time on minor details, instead of on the big picture… your business’ growth and being more productive? Or, perhaps your time is spent on tasks that are very time-consuming. There are ways to free up your schedule and take the hassle out of annoying tasks. Attend and get tips and tools you can employ right away. Boost business productivity and experience more out of life.



June 6, 2019
Thursday



“June Networking Event” | Capial Region Association of Talent and Development (CRATD) | City Line Bar and Grill | 1200 Western Ave, Albany, NY, 12203

Join the CRATD on the deck at City Line Bar and Grill for an evening of building better relationships within our community and celebrating the last year! This session is our final meeting prior to our summer intermission.

During this session, special guest, Michael Roach will be sharing tips and tricks to be a better networker. Whether an extrovert or an introvert, you’ll learn to be a better networker and build better professional relationships. You’ll probably come away with several new contacts as well!



April 10 – May 1, 2019
Wednesdays



“Intro to Coding: HTML and CSS” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region , 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? This beginner’s course will show you the basics needed to understand HTML and CSS coding skills. HTML (the Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are two of the core technologies for building Web pages. At the end of this class, you’ll go home with the basic knowledge to confidently write code!



February 5 – February 26, 2019
Tuesdays



“Intro to Graphic Design” – Class | The Arts Center of the Capital Region , 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

Explore the ever-growing, exciting process of visual communication known as graphic design. It’s way more than just picking colors from a swatch. It’s typography, form, imagery, and a whole lot more. You will critique real-world design found on the pages of printed media like magazines and newspapers, as well as deconstruct designs that appear online. Sign up and start learning how you can use graphic design to complement your own skill set.



February 20, 2019
Wed



“Marketing Trends You Should be Tracking in 2019” – Workshop | Troy Innovation Garage, 24 4th Avenue, Troy, New York

If you run a business, you’re concerned with cash flow, customers, technology, and a whole lot more. With all these concerns, can you really afford to ignore the changes and trends that affect how you reach your audience?

Now is the best time to gain a firm advantage in the marketplace. Learn about the marketing trends that will create winning results for businesses today, throughout 2019, and into the future.



December 18, 2018
Tues



“Marketing Trends You Should be Tracking in 2019” – Workshop | Troy Innovation Garage, 24 4th Avenue, Troy, New York

If you run a business, you’re concerned with cash flow, customers, technology, and a whole lot more. With all these concerns, can you really afford to ignore the changes and trends that affect how you reach your audience?

Now is the best time to gain a firm advantage in the marketplace. Learn about the marketing trends that will create winning results for businesses today, throughout 2019, and into the future.



December 12, 2018
Wed



“How to Create Visual Content Your Audience Will Love” – Workshop | American Marketing Association/NY Capital Region Chapter | Albany, New York

Your audience is growing more and more sophisticated. They are attracted to eye-catching content that makes them click, subscribe, and buy. They are smart visual learners that can decide in mere moments whether or not to engage with you and your brand.

How do you address your audience’s needs? What will you do to stand out alongside competitors in your industry… or in the area? It takes a special set of skills to get noticed. Have no fear. These skills are not out of reach.

In this easy-to-follow workshop, you will learn how to get started with recognizing and creating visual content. You’ll also get familiar with simple, but effective digital tools. Engage readers of your blog, email subscribers, and reach your connections on social media.



November 27, 2018
Tues



“Attract Talent for Your Business with Recruitment Marketing” – Workshop | Berkshire Bank, 255 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York

Finding employees is easy. Finding great employees is hard. These days, you have to run your business on all cylinders, but you also need to hire staff so you can grow. Don’t let your competitors hire up all the talent in town.

Find out how to effectively recruit new employees using marketing tactics that will add value to your business.

This program is sponsored by Michael Roach Creative and will be held in the Berkshire Bank Community room.



October 3, 2018
Wed



Saratoga Fall Job Fair | “Connecting Your Talents – Your Way – to Your Audience” – Workshop | Capital Job Development Group | Saratoga Springs, New York

Since new opportunities are most often discovered through personal connections, I will outline and help you practice effective communication approaches that will match your own personal style with the audience in front of you.

Learn more



September 19, 2018
Thursday



“Gaining new SaaS customers in a rapidly changing marketplace | Sharatoga Tech Talks | Saratoga Springs, New York



September 5, 2018
Wed



Schenectady Fall Job Fair | “Connecting Your Talents – Your Way – to Your Audience” – Workshop | Capital Job Development Group | Schenectady, New York

Since new opportunities are most often discovered through personal connections, I will outline and help you practice effective communication approaches that will match your own personal style with the audience in front of you.



August 9, 2018
Thursday



“Incredible Ways to Boost Business Productivity” – Workshop | Troy Innovation Garage | Troy, New York

As a business leader, do you find yourself spending more time on minor details, instead of on the big picture… your business’ growth? Or, perhaps your time is spent on tasks that are time-consuming. What if there were ways to free up your schedule and take the hassle out of pesky tasks? Would you employ these tips and tools? Register and get ideas to boost business productivity and experience more out of life.



July 31, 2018
Tues



“Stay Ahead with Digital Marketing” – Workshop | 142 Central Avenue, Albany, New York

Learn why and how organizations are employing a digital marketing approach to reduce cost, create customers, and meet overall business goals. The workshop takes place from 5pm – 6pm, followed by a social hour from 6pm – 7pm. At the social hour, make new contacts, meet business owners, and develop powerful connections.

Event hosted by New York Capital Region Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NYCRHCC)



July 26, 2018
Thursday



“Storytelling for Business” – Workshop | Troy, New York

‘You’re so special to me.’ Almost every brand wants its customers to feel that way. What are customers saying about your company, products, and services? How do you make them feel?

To draw people in and get them to form a strong emotional connection to your brand, you must master the skill of business storytelling. Stories help you get your point across effectively in a way that makes people get interested. This workshop uncovers how you can convince, inspire, and influence with business storytelling.

Who Should Attend?
– startup founders
– human resource professionals
– salespeople
– marketers
– business professionals

What You’ll Learn
– storytelling tools and formats
– context really matters
– no conflict, no story
– consider your audience
– how to resolve a brilliant conclusion



June 26, 2018
Tues


“Engaging Today’s Distracted Consumer” – Workshop | New York, New York

As consumers, do we have too many options to choose from? Or, are we overloaded from all the notifications, pings, and media online and offline? It seems that every moment is scheduled and booked… leaving our senses flooded.

Is this the customer your brand is trying to reach—one who seems focused on everything at once? This presentation goes deeper than colors that make you do a double take. Join Michael Roach as he discusses a framework your brand can use to engage today’s distracted consumer. Learn how to get your customer’s attention and create memorable experiences.



May 24, 2018
Tues


“How to Visually Advertise Your Business” – Workshop | New York, New York

Learn how to connect your business’ visual content to your customers. Business owners often prefer a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to advertising their products and services. If that’s you, see the common pitfalls to avoid. Learn what it takes for the big brands you admire to get advertising right. Whether you do it all yourself or if you trust your advertising to a firm, you’ll gain knowledge that will save you time, energy, and money.


Apr 2018

“Recognize & Unleash Your Talents” – Workshop | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Saratoga Springs, New York

Get practical tips on how to recognize your skills and communicate them with confidence during your job search. Co-presented with career and professional development coach, Bob Frederick of Employee Development Associates



Mar 2018

“Recognize & Unleash Your Talents” – Workshop | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Schenectady, New York

Get practical tips on how to recognize your skills and communicate them with confidence during your job search. Co-presented with career and professional development coach, Bob Frederick of Employee Development Associates.



March 2018

“How to Create Visual Content Your Audience Will Love” – Workshop | Capital Region Chamber | Albany, New York

In this easy-to-follow workshop, you will learn how to get started with recognizing and creating visual content. You’ll also get familiar with simple, but effective digital tools. Engage readers of your blog, email subscribers, and reach your connections on social media.



March 2018

“Recognize & Unleash Your Talents” – Workshop | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Albany, New York

Get practical tips on how to recognize your skills and communicate them with confidence during your job search. Co-presented with career and professional development coach, Bob Frederick of Employee Development Associates.



Oct 2017

“Marketing is a Must: Not Marketing Your Business is Not an Option” – Presentation | minority business group | Albany, New York

Creating that wonderful product, or coming up with that perfect service doesn’t mean you’ll have customers. Small businesses have to let people know about their products and services. Marketing can introduce the business to customers and create sales opportunities. Hear why marketing needs to be the activity you make a priority for your small business. The life of your business depends on it.



Oct 2017

“How to Attract Your Next Employer by Marketing Your Skills and Abilities” – Presentation | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Saratoga Springs, New York

Hiring managers don’t react to low-energy, unimaginative applicants who lack excitement. They respond to excited, confident individuals who know how to position themselves and frame their skills with the needs of the employer. If you also fail to distinguish yourself from other applicants, you won’t move forward. Help employers find you and choose you from the rest. This workshop teaches you how to market your skills and talents, and avoid mistakes when trying to attract your next employer.



Sept 2017

“How to Attract Your Next Employer by Marketing Your Skills and Abilities” – Presentation | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Schenectady, New York

Hiring managers don’t react to low-energy, unimaginative applicants who lack excitement. They respond to excited, confident individuals who know how to position themselves and frame their skills with the needs of the employer. If you also fail to distinguish yourself from other applicants, you won’t move forward. Help employers find you and choose you from the rest. This workshop teaches you how to market your skills and talents, and avoid mistakes when trying to attract your next employer.



Apr 2017

“Digital Traffic Patrol: Effective Ways to Monitor the Impact of Your Social Media Efforts” – Presentation | LESM Conference | Virtual

Find out how to effectively patrol social media traffic. See which metrics are worth measuring. Monitor sentiment within your community. Attendees will take away insights to create a stronger bond with citizens while keeping them safe offline and online.



Apr 2017

“Simple Marketing Concepts You Can Use as a Job Seeker to Get Noticed” – Presentation | Capital Job Development Group Job Fair | Saratoga Springs, New York

In a crowded job market, you need to stand out and get noticed. You can set yourself apart from others with some basic marketing tips and strategies, and on to securing your next career opportunity. Understand what you are really communicating when you forward that cover letter and resume. See which words show weakness and which words trigger a positive emotional response. Identify what works and eliminate actions that produce little return.

 

 

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