The Net Cracker - Laugh and Learn

NORTH TONAWANDA, NY: School teacher Kim Tomaszewski received a call from a close friend last spring. After watching a documentary about an elderly man helping his friend learn how to use the computer, he thought of Kim. “He knows my affinity for seniors and thought this would be a great fit,” Tomaszewski said.

Following her friends advice, Tomaszewski began business counseling with SCORE counselor Dennis Arcangel and regularly attended SCORE workshops. “As a high school English teacher, I knew about education and believed in the importance of individualized tutoring, but I didn’t know the first thing about starting and managing my own business.”

The Buffalo - Niagara SCORE chapter roster includes businessmen and women who have been or are now successful entrepreneurs, small business owners, senior corporate executives and experienced professionals. They are ready to put that experience and expertise to work for you as they have for business owners and would-be owners in service operations, manufacturing, retailing, consulting, food service, communications and more.

At each meeting, SCORE counselors provided Tomaszewski with expert advice such as checking out the competition, reviewing her brochure, tracking customers and marketing potential. She compared SCORE with other business counseling and says that SCORE counselors have real working knowledge of the business world. “They were like angels from heaven – if it wasn’t for SCORE, I don’t know if I’d have the confidence I have now.”

The Net Cracker opened its doors in August 2009 offering seniors basic computer skill tutoring such as searching the internet, using e-mail, opening photos and connecting with friends. Tomaszewski marketed The Net Cracker to senior facilities. She used direct mailings, and door to door sales, but her presentation to the Ken-Ton Presbyterian senior facility proved to be the most effective. She visited the facility and presented The Net Cracker. The senior facilities were very receptive and soon her calendar was full of presentation dates and lessons.

Many children and grandchildren are interested in having their older loved ones connect and are willing to assist them in receiving lessons and computers for theNORTH TONAWANDA, NY: School teacher Kim Tomaszewski received a call from a close friend last spring. After watching a documentary about an elderly man helping his friend learn how to use the computer, he thought of Kim. “He knows my affinity for seniors and thought this would be a great fit,” Tomaszewski said. Following her friends advice, Tomaszewski began business counseling with SCORE counselor Dennis Arcangel and regularly attended SCORE workshops. “As a high school English teacher, I knew about education and believed in the importance of individualized tutoring, but I didn’t know the first thing about starting and managing my own business.” The Buffalo - Niagara SCORE chapter roster includes businessmen and women who have been or are now successful entrepreneurs, small business owners, senior corporate executives and experienced professionals. They are ready to put that experience and expertise to work for you as they have for business owners and would-be owners in service operations, manufacturing, retailing, consulting, food service, communications and more. At each meeting, SCORE counselors provided Tomaszewski with expert advice such as checking out the competition, reviewing her brochure, tracking customers and marketing potential. She compared SCORE with other business counseling and says that SCORE counselors have real working knowledge of the business world. “They were like angels from heaven – if it wasn’t for SCORE, I don’t know if I’d have the confidence I have now.” The Net Cracker opened its doors in August 2009 offering seniors basic computer skill tutoring such as searching the internet, using e-mail, opening photos and connecting with friends. Tomaszewski marketed The Net Cracker to senior facilities. She used direct mailings, and door to door sales, but her presentation to the Ken-Ton Presbyterian senior facility proved to be the most effective. She visited the facility and presented The Net Cracker. The senior facilities were very receptive and soon her calendar was full of presentation dates and lessons. Many children and grandchildren are interested in having their older loved ones connect and are willing to assist them in receiving lessons and computers for them to use. Certificates are available for group and private lessons by contacting “The Net Cracker” at www.thenetcracker.com m to use. Certificates are available for group and private lessons by contacting “The Net Cracker” at www.thenetcracker.com

Net Cracker

Tomaszewski says, “Seniors are intimidated by the computer. They have specific needs and have to be treated with patience, understanding and most of all humor!” “Using the internet is fun! It keeps our minds, hands and memories active.” The Net Cracker’s motto “Laugh while you Learn”. Her clients say that she has a talent for teaching and they love learning to search for recipes and medical information, reading the news, connecting with friends and loved ones, and playing games. She says, “They are learning to connect with the world in a new way.”

SCORE helped Tomaszewski transform her business idea into reality. They provided her with assistance in all aspects of developing the business, including developing marketing and sales strategy and managing cash flow. SCORE’s mentoring and Tomaszewski’s diligence soon paid off. What once seemed like a far-fetched idea became a true business venture.

Tomaszewski may already be successful, but she is not finished yet. These days she plans to attend SBA’s Straight Talk 2011 event. Straight talk 2011 is the 15th annual presentation of this program which over the years has attracted thousands of participants. The upcoming half-day seminar will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Available seminars are “Make Yourself Credit Worthy”, Access to Government Con-tracts through Certification”, “Show Me the Money”, “Business Assistance for Veterans”, “Navigating Your Business through Taxes & Permits”, “We Did It! You Can Too!” and “Marketing Your Small Business”. “It was scary to start a business, and I am happy to feel the excitement that is our there for this service,” Tomaszewski said. “I look forward to attending Straight Talk where I can receive the essential tools needed to achieve my small business success!”

For more information and registration for Straight Talk 2011, please visit the SBA Buffalo district homepage at www.sba.gov/ny/buffalol or visit www.wnystraighttalk.org.

SCORE can help you successfully start a business, guide you in securing financing for your business and assist you in developing an effective business plan - the first step in securing your business loan. SCORE volunteers pro-vide face to face counseling on small business needs, tailored to your particular situation or industry, with skilled business professionals. Counseling can also be provided via email with the same level of assistance.