2024 Annual Home-based Business Conference

Thursday, November 7, 2024
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Virginia Peninsula Workforce Development Center
600 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA

Join us for a conference dedicated to streamlining digital and operational practices for home-based business owners and entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your business for years, this event offers invaluable insights tailored to every stage and type of home-based business, including traditional, franchise and direct or network marketing.

No matter where you are on your business journey, this conference is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s digital landscape!

AGENDA

Conference Moderator: Barbara H. Smith, BHS & Associates

  • 8:00 am Registration & Networking Breakfast
  • 8:30 am Opening Activities
    • Conference Moderator: Barbara H Smith, BHS & Associates
    • “Wake Up” Session: Alexis Perkins, Chair One Fitness
  • 9:00 am Keynote Address: Valuepreneurs – Digital Strategies & Operational Efficiencies
    • Speaker: Steve Waddell, Valuepreneurs
  • 10:00 am Morning Break
  • 10:15 am Managing Cyber Risk
    • Speaker: Tiffany Parker, Tank Commercial Insurance
  • 11:05 am SEO Made Simple: Essential Tips to Boost Your Website Visibility
    • Speaker: Danielle Johnson, House of MKTG
  • 11:50 am Lunch & Networking
  • 12:30 pm Panel Discussion: Growing Your Business at Home & Beyond
    • Panelist Host: Bill Holloran, Hampton Roads SBDC
    • Panelist: Angela Knight, Angela Knight Coaching & Consulting
    • Panelist: Kathy Young, FUMS
    • Panelist: Todd DuRose, Hampton Roads SBDC Business Advisor
  • 1:15 pm Turn Strangers Into Customers using Paid Ads on Facebook & Instagram
    • Speaker: Jeraud Norman, Jeraud Marketing Group
  • 2:00 pm Afternoon Break
  • 2:15 pm Improving Profit & Money Management
    • Speaker: Tremaine Wills, Mind Over Money
  • 3:00 pm Introduce Economic Development Partners
  • 3:30 pm Networking with Economic Development / Community Partners Reception

Keynote Address

Steve Waddell founder of  Valuepreneurs

Steve Waddell, VALUEPRENEURS

SESSIONS OVERVIEW

Wake Up Session8:30 am
An active & engaging 15- minute session to kick off the conference.
Managing Cyber Risk 10:15 am
Recent cyber risk trends show small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Common threats include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, while lesser-known risks, such as supply chain attacks, are also emerging. Documented cases show the average cost of a cyber-attack can be devastating for SMBs, making it crucial to implement a cyber-risk management framework. This should include cost-effective controls and mitigation techniques. Cyber insurance should be considered, and small businesses must be prepared for managing attacks when they occur.
SEO Made Simple: Essential Tips to Boost Your Website’s Visibility11:05 am
Discover the core fundamentals of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to apply them to drive more traffic to your website. Perfect for home-based business owners and beginners, this workshop will demystify SEO and provide actionable steps you can take today to enhance your online presence.
Panel Discussion: Growing Your Business at Home & Beyond 12:30 pm
This panel discussion will explore strategies for scaling your home-based business. Panelists will share their personal growth journeys, highlighting key challenges and solutions for sustainable success. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to effectively grow and manage their business at home and beyond the home setting.
Turn Strangers Into Customers using Paid Ads on Facebook & Instagram1:15 pm
Discover the powerful framework we use to launch and scale Facebook & Instagram ads that convert—even if you’ve never run a campaign before. You’ll learn how to create simple but compelling videos that build Know, Like & Trust,  making you the go-to choice in your local market. But here’s the game-changer: the process starts long before you ever set foot on Facebook. I’ll show you the steps to take before launching, so when it’s time to go live, your ads are primed for success. Plus, we’ll cover how to automate your follow-up to ensure that your “Speed to Lead” is fast and effective, turning strangers into customers .
Improving Profit through Money Management 2:15 pm
Participants will learn the fundamentals of navigating their business finances and gain insight to financial technology and resources to make managing their business finances easier.

SPEAKER INFORMATION

Barbara H Smith
Barbara H SmithBHS & Associates
Barbara H. Smith, known as the “Celebrity Speaker Trainer,” is a powerhouse in professional development with over 30 years of experience in technology, including a decade as an engineer for the Department of Defense. As an award-winning international TEDx speaker, Amazon bestselling author, executive coach, corporate leadership trainer, and Associate Professor at Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC), Barbara’s influence spans both the corporate and academic arenas.
Alexis Perkins
Alexis PerkinsChair One Fitness
Alexis entered the fitness industry as a group exercise instructor in 2009. Since then, she has taught master classes all over the world, lead and co-produced the 30min television program Fuzion Fitness, hosted the largest dance fitness event in Coastal Virginia, became owner of Body by Alexis Studio, former host of the podcast Living Health, and is currently the Founder and Creative Director of Chair One Fitness. Chair One Fitness is breaking down boundaries making fun fitness options available to anyone no matter their age or ability.
Steve Waddell
Steve WaddellValuepreneurs
Founder and President of Nasoni, where we’ve transformed bathroom faucets through innovative, award-winning designs that save water and enhance user experience. With over 30 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and multi-million-dollar engineering firms, I’ve learned how to navigate the challenges of turning ideas into market-ready products.
Tiffany Parker
Tiffany ParkerTank Commercial Insurance
A highly accomplished insurance professional with extensive experience in risk management and commercial insurance. With a career spanning over a decade, Tiffany has cultivated a reputation as a trusted advisor in the insurance industry, offering deep expertise in risk analysis, claims management, and strategic planning. Her robust background is marked by a blend of analytical rigor, customer-centric service, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Danielle Johnson
Danielle JohnsonHouse of MKTG
A human-first marketing agency that helps brands amplify their voice and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Danielle’s digital journey began when she built her first website at just 9 years old, sparking a lifelong passion for creativity and problem-solving. With a background in graphic design, coding, and digital marketing, she has leveraged her Gen Z perspective to turn her freelance success into a thriving agency. Known for her hands-on, tailored approach, Danielle has become a trusted partner for businesses across the globe looking to elevate their brand presence and grow authentically in the digital age.
Bill Holloran
Bill HolloranHampton Roads SBDC
Provides managerial and technical assistance services, including marketing and sales, management and operations, and access to capital, to small businesses in the Hampton Roads region. His skill set includes operational management. Bill has been with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center since 2020 and worked in economic development as a consultant and volunteer for three decades.
Angela Knight
Angela KnightAngela Knight Coaching & Consulting
As an International Coach Federation -certified coach (ACC) and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, Angela specializes in guiding executives through organizational changes, leadership transitions and navigate the self-doubt, frustration, and stress that arise during times of uncertainty, change and ambiguity so they can feel more confident and resilient in high-stakes, high – pressure environments.
Kathy Young
Kathy YoungFUMS
Founder of FUMS, a brand bringing information, inspiration and motivation for living your best life to the Multiple Sclerosis community. My mission is to provide education, inspiration and motivation to everyone dealing with Multiple Sclerosis. I go about this by blogging about my own experiences, interviewing “experts” and other patients on my podcast, and “finding the funny” in all of it!
Todd DuRose
Todd DuRoseHampton Roads SBDC Business Advisor
With almost three decades of experience as a media and data strategist within the ever-changing advertising sector, Todd has been instrumental in guiding hundreds of clients towards impactful marketing strategies for business growth. His extensive expertise spans across diverse media platforms, seamlessly navigating the transitions from traditional to digital mediums. This journey has equipped him with profound insights into the constantly evolving media landscape, enabling him to construct strategies that optimize marketing budgets while delivering exceptional results.
Jeraud Norman
Jeraud NormanJeraud Marketing Group
Jeraud is an Apprentice School graduate that worked on aircraft carriers & submarines for over 10 years at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. In 2017, he started Jeraud Marketing Group where “They Turn Strangers Into Customers Using Paid Ads on Social Networks” They’ve worked with businesses in different industries across the world including being hired to help the United States Air Force increase their recruitment efforts. Over the past 7 years, they’ve generated over $50million in revenue for their clients.
Tremaine Wills
Tremaine WillsMind Over Money
A Financial Services Agency Owner, Financial Planner and Speaker committed to helping entrepreneurs manage their money better and become accredited investors. She also helps employers retain top talent by improving their financial wellness. Tremaine is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Accountant and 2x Investopedia Top 100 Advisor with multiple investment licenses. Tremaine is passionate about building wealth in our community and providing education on how to retain the wealth we are building.