Alison Flangel is a rising junior at the University of Maryland, pursuing a degree in Government and Politics along with General Business and Public Leadership. This summer she is working as a marketing intern for EGBI. In her free time, Alison loves cooking, playing tennis, and hanging out with her dogs.
Alison shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI below.
To get started, would you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
In my free time, I love to play tennis.
How have you volunteered for EGBI (tasks, projects, etc.)?
Thus far in my time at EGBI, I have done a lot of work on various programs such as Excel and Canva. I really like being able to help with the company’s organization, as that is something I enjoy doing in my own life as well. In addition to this, I have taken on helping with our annual report by conducting interviews and writing feature articles.
Why do you think it is important to volunteer at EGBI?
EGBI is a unique organization — I love the mission that targets minority business owners. I think that by providing tools and resources to individuals who usually lack this knowledge, EGBI is rare. I am very proud to work for an organization with such a powerful objective.
What has your favorite experience with EGBI been so far?
My favorite experience so far has been getting to meet with business owners and hear their stories. It is so inspiring to hear first-hand the obstacles individuals have overcome to get to where they are today.
“I don’t think there is a better organization to volunteer for than EGBI.Within the non-profit sector they are top of their game.”– Alison Flangel
In 2021, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Alison make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training, coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.
Want to get involved too? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
Hi! My name is Ricardo Leon. I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. I have an Associate in Computer’s Science. I joined a tech company back in 2005 in Guadalajara, Mexico and then they invited me to move to the U.S. with a work visa that later on they upgraded to a Green Card.
I understood that I couldn’t build a life around a single income so I decided to open a few lines of businesses with my wife, and this has been an amazing life changing decision for me and my family. The benefits and knowledge that the small business world brings is UNBELIEVABLE GOOD! EGBI has helped us make amazing things possible by giving us entrepreneurs tools to go get things done! I’m very thankful for that!
Ricardo shares his experience as a volunteer and client below.
To get started, would you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
My soul gets full when I see people making the decision and taking action to improve their lives, like opening a business, learning more about personal finances and topics related to businesses, and having the courage and discipline to set goals and go after them. That makes me really happy!
What is unique about your business?
I work best with business owners that are willing to do more and learn more about the business world. I bring a different perspective and new ideas to the table when they decide to do business with me. I also like giving them as much value as possible beyond any contract, like offering their products or services to people in the community that are looking for them.
What is the biggest obstacle you encountered in starting or growing your business? How did EGBI help you overcome this?
At first it was my very own limiting mindset, like doing paperwork to form an LLC, talking to the State Comptroller to make sure all transactions would be done correctly in order to collect and pay State sales tax, then getting permits for a food business that I used to run, etc. All of that was overwhelming to me! But then I was invited to participate in the workshops that EGBI provided and that gave me a lot of clarity in terms of how to manage my business and how to make it grow by following a plan. EGBI gave me all these tools and knowledge that I’m using now to get consistent income in my digital marketing solutions business.
EGBI walks you through the entire process of making a small business successful. Isn’t that what you’re looking for? – Ricardo Leon
Ricardo, you have volunteered as an instructor and also on the EGBI Marketing Committee.Why do you volunteer with EGBI, and what has your experience been like?
I’m very grateful to EGBI and their goal to make more and more businesses successful. That’s why I volunteer every time I’m invited to. I have nothing but good things to say about this organization and its commitment: to help as many business owners as possible to establish and make small businesses grow. The coaches and managers at EGBI are amazing people that always make sure that all volunteers (like me) feel welcomed and confident to help them in their mission.
What advice do you have for someone thinking of volunteering with EGBI?
Please do it! Everyone’s experience in running and managing a small business is unique and everyone can provide a different perspective on how to get around obstacles, as well as tips and tricks to be successful in this small business world. We all will appreciate your input!
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In 2020, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Ricardo make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training, coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.
Want to get involved too? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
Amy Carrillo Cobb started her business in Spring 2020. Amy holds a bachelor’s in finance and is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She started her own business Amy Cobb Consulting to help Business Owners demystify their finances. Amy has a history of non-profit experience beginning in 2007 with her participation in the Hispanic Austin Leadership program. She became a Board Member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-Austin Chapter in 2008. She was a board member for the Latino Leaders of America and co-chaired their annual 5k fundraiser Walk-Run-Lead in 2014 & 2015. She now serves as the Board Treasurer for Ladders for Leaders.
Amy is a wife and mother of a 6-year-old daughter. She has lived in Austin since 2004. She is dedicated to using her skills and experience to help others and unify the community.
Amy shares her experience as an EGBI volunteer, supporter, and blog writer below.
To get started, would you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
My fun fact is I’ve completed the Austin Marathon & Half-Marathon. Owning a business is a marathon not a sprint- I am a runner and business owner.
Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
This is my first-year volunteering for EGBl. I believe in the mission and am happy to assist as an Austin Business Owner.
Why do you think it’s important to volunteer?
I created Amy Cobb Consulting on the foundation to enhance social equity. Volunteering was instilled in me at a very young age by my family. We are strong community advocates, and I will continue that legacy through my volunteerism and business.
“I chose to become an EGBI volunteer because I believed in the mission. It is mysocial responsibility as a community member to help others succeed.” – Amy Carrillo Cobb
Why do you write blogs for small businesses owners?
As a Latina and first-gen Entrepreneur, I run into my own set of limits that I subconsciously put on myself. [Based on] my experience speaking, working and strategizing with my clients, others do the same thing. I want to engage business owners through a platform (blogging) that is easily digestible. My blogs allow others to see how I engage with my clients. I am the resource for minority business owners.
What advice do you have for someone thinking of volunteering with EGBI?
Volunteering helps me engage in the community and hone my business skills. It is a way to participate and build your skills.
Amy Cobb shares her knowledge through blog posts for EGBI. Read her recent post on Money Sabotages & Trauma to learn more.
Linktree is an online tool frequently used on social media platforms like Instagram for organizations to compile important links onto a single landing page. It generates a URL, allowing business owners to share important information such as a website, registration form, online store, and more, all through one link. It is especially useful for Instagram, which limits the amount of links users can add to their profile. Linktree is convenient to both use and access, with a free Basic version available to all.
However, there are a few things to consider before implementing Linktree in your business. First, the Linktree URL and logo on the landing page may not match the brand your company hopes to portray. While it may take time, many platforms (Wix, Squarespace, etc.) allow users to code their own landing pages for free. This has the added benefit of direct access to your website, increasing traffic. Additionally, many of Linktree’s advanced features require premium accounts, which can range from $5 to $24 per month.
If your company relies on social media for marketing, it may well be worth it to create a Linktree. To get started, visit the Linktree Website and sign up for free. As you create an account, you will customize your unique Linktree URL to fit your purpose. For example, a common URL would be “linktr.ee/[company name]”.
Once you have signed up, you can begin adding necessary links or media to your landing page.
Next, through the “Appearance” tab, you are able to customize your Linktree appearance using colors, images, and even Canva designs to match the company brand.
Lastly, once you launch your Linktree and begin sharing with potential customers, Linktree will track and analyze data including views, clicks, click-through rates, and revenue (if applicable). Premium accounts include metrics such as locations of users, referrers, or on what social media app Linktree was accessed the most, the type of device used, and more. You can monitor these statistics through the Analytics tab.
Overall, Linktree is a valuable marketing tool especially considering the digital revolution occurring today. Despite certain drawbacks, it is a convenient way for businesses to increase engagement with customers.
By Amy Carrillo Cobb, Business Owner at AmyCobb.Co
Business owners bring their story with them into the work – their past, present, fears, mess, humor, and trauma all go into their business decisions.
Every business owner has their own sabotaging beliefs around money. These beliefs have been following you around throughout your money journey. You must identify them, dig deeper, and be kind to yourself when you start noticing the patterns behind your actions. Below are some beliefs that prevent and distract you from making sound financial business decisions.
Money Sabotage Statements
Read Each Statement and See if you have a Reaction to It
I often manifest unexpected bills.
I’m afraid to increase my prices for fear of losing all my clients.
I feel an unconscious need to give it away, spend it or even repel it.
I’m afraid to set goals or money targets because I think I’ll jinx it.
I avoid looking at my bank account.
I feel weird when I have extra money in the bank.
I feel guilty making money out of things that are easy for me.
I’m surrounded by people struggling in business.
I stay with old suppliers because I don’t want to hurt their feelings.
I avoid celebrating milestones, I just move on to something else.
Did you have any A-HA’s? You can now start to recognize your patterns and behaviors when you feel uneasy about making a financial decision, acquiring your biggest client or signing your biggest contract. The key is to become more aware and compassionate when your old thought patterns about money are in the driver seat. It is safe for you to release your sabotages and enjoy your success.
About the writer: Amy Carrillo Cobb gives others the financial capacity to make a difference through Bookkeeping, Accounting and Finance services. She is a Money Mindset Coach, Business Coach, and blogger. https://linktr.ee/amycobbco
