It can be especially difficult for business owners to take time away from their businesses to attend classes, workshops and networking events. But I strongly encourage you to do so. You will benefit greatly from the opportunity, learn new skills, take away great ideas and meet people who can be instrumental in your businesses success. In addition, it’s often when we take a break from our businesses that we can think clearly about it - and that is often the time when inspiration strikes!

So this fall, be sure to take some time out of your business and go back to school. Here are a few of the organizations in the Bangor area that are offering some great workshops and training seminars this fall. Take a look at their websites and follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop!

Eastern Maine Development Corporation – www.emdc.org

Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community – www.womenworkandcommunity.org

UMaine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation – www.foster.target.maine.edu

It’s also a great time of year to rekindle your relationship with any business networking groups that you belong to. We all go our separate ways once summer begins. Fall is the best time to get back to the routine of attending networking events and re-engaging with your business peers.

Let’s welcome fall with new opportunities to learn ways to grow our businesses and reconnect with our friends and colleagues. If the back to school spirit moves you to pick up a new notebook, pens and a lunch box, I say go for it!