Author
Charleston County Library
Article Date
December 9, 2020

CHARLESTON, S.C. – An initiative from Google called Grow with Google provides free online training for small businesses. Business owners can learn how to become more visible online, sell their products online, and reach more customers. In addition, Grow with Google provides solutions for working and collaborating remotely.

Tips for adapting and adjusting in the wake of COVID-19 are also provided to help businesses navigate the new challenges they now face. These tips include how to transition services online, change business hours in your Google business profile, and add COVID-19 related updates on your business profile to keep your customers informed of changes.

Training content is available in English and Spanish. Training comes in different formats: short video lessons, virtual workshops, and in-depth self-paced courses. Whether you are just starting a new business or looking to expand online visibility for your already established business, Google has all the training you need to get the most out of their tools. Google even has a free mobile app called Google Primer that offers short 5-minute videos on business and marketing topics so you can learn on the go.

At the beginning of December, Grow with Google added a South Carolina digital coach who will provide mentorship and host workshops specifically targeted at helping Black- and Latino-owned small businesses in the state. Digital coach Shennice Cleckley, CEO of Smart Cookie Coaching, will lead workshops this month on topics such as using YouTube to grow your business, learning how to use Google tools for everyday tasks, and more. She will also lead a 2-part workshop aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.

There will be between three and five virtual Grow with Google digital coach sessions per month. Registration is required and is done using your Gmail account. More information can be found here. December’s programs are as follows:

Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks

Monday, December 7, 2020 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Learn how to manage work and life tasks more effectively using Google tools. Whether you want to build a budget, create a meeting agenda or organize your priorities, these best practices will boost your productivity. *As of October 2020, G Suite has been renamed to Google Workspace. Join us to learn more.

Use YouTube to Grow Your Business

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.

Coach Your Team To Success

Thursday, December 17 2020 from 9 - 10 a.m.

Understand the attributes and behaviors that make the best managers. Learn, practice, and build your skills as a coach for your team. Provide meaningful and developmental feedback to your team to maximize their performance and development.

Boost Your Entrepreneurship Skills with Women Will - Part 1

Monday, December 28, 2020 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Women Will is a Grow with Google program that focuses on economic empowerment for women across the world. In this two-part workshop tailored to aspiring women entrepreneurs, you will learn how to plan, launch and grow your business. In Part 1, we will discuss how to communicate with confidence and craft your pitch. Plus, we will explore how resilience helps drive success in entrepreneurship.

If you would like more information, assistance in finding more resources, tips on how to get the job hunting process started, or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. You may also call us at 843-805-6930, leave a voice message, and a library staff member will return your call. Remember, you are not alone.