Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have been lurking here for a while now and have finally decided to wise up and start contributing! I am a former Corporate Event Planner who did not want to return to that crazy life after my daughter was born. I have always been a photography buff so I decide to start a business doing what I love and what I am passionate about!

I have had my business for about 5 years and am doing OK, but 2008 is my year to GROW! So hopefully I can help some and learn some while I am here!

Thanks for a great community...looking forward to meeting everyone!



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Jill Caren
ilovephotogifts.com
http://www.ilovephotogifts.com
Unique photo art, gifts, accessories and more!

jill,

the transition from lurker to "exposed entrepreneur" is a difficult one. hope you can breathe your way through it...



glad to know you`re among us on the boards here and would love to know what some of your ideas are for growth.

here`s one idea (and then maybe we should get things going in a more appropriate forum category):

partner with complementary entrepreneurs. a dog groomer can partner with a new carpet installation company. a moving company can partner with an apartment complex. capice? find an entrepreneur who would help you connect to more customers and vice versa...



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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Hi Jill....
What`s nice about the SuN forums is that they`re active, dynamic, and current. Being a "lurker," all you get is advice that may or may not apply directly to you. By getting involved, you not only can help other folks, but you can talk about specific issues you`re trying to figure out. It`s good stuff, Maynard :-)

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Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

Glad to see you "come out of the entrprenurial closet"...

Thanks everyone!

I am in the process of revamping my business plan. I have had a retail store for the past 3 years that I will be closing this month. The online store does much better than the brick and mortar..it was a hard decision, but best for my family and my sanity! I am working on a marketing plan for 2008 since now my focus will be solely online as opposed to mostly local.

I am also aggressively putting a PR campaign together - that is my primary focus once my website is 100% complete with the services I offer....

I am hoping being a member here will open my eyes to some things that have worked for others....as well as learn about things I know nothing about yet.....like affiliate marketing...

I appreciate the warm welcome!



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Jill Caren
ilovephotogifts.com
http://www.ilovephotogifts.com
Unique photo art, gifts, accessories and more!

Jill,

welcome aboard!

I always ask new members - what are your dreams?

Andrew

Hey Jill,
Can`t believe we joined on the same day.  Should I say welcome or you??  If you need any assistance, click on the live help button!! lol

Cindy

(i`m interested in hearing this answer from Jill, too, but wanted to suggest that lurkers-turned-posters are not coming out of the closet as much as coming out of the kitchen, basement, garage or similar breeding ground for the next great business!)

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation