i am STRONG on choice number 1... i think it really plays to the brand! great attitude and descriptive of what to expect. the one that`s getting all the votes is too vanilla!!! 

(this is my feeble effort to try to sway anyone on the fence!)

but you have to vote, kim!!!

I voted#1   It ties it all together.

Marcy

Rich & Joel & all you SUN types:

This is an interesting event you have created here.  Why not make this a permanent feature of the community, a survey section, where members can post surveys and get feedback on business concerns just like this?

Then on the community home page, you could feature a survey on a rotational basis, even post it up on the main website as a way to generate interest in joining the community.

I have a couple that I could use some feedback as well.

I like # 8 but think you should re-word it to

"Don’t just think it... Rave and Rip It"

It`s more lyric that way it flows better.

It`s a quick easy way to get a straight answer!

Thanks Joel!

Joel,

Yes, being able to create your own polls right here in the StartupNation community would be a nice touch.

R@

Joel,

The poll option is WONDERFUL!!!  In case no one has told the SuN Team today...."You`re Awesome!"

Out of curiosity, is there a way to see the polls stats, i.e. sample size?  If it is possible, I would be interested in comparing the number of overall votes to the % per each option.

It is easy to understand... the "like it or not" is a very black and white cut and dried format.

PLEASE READ THE MAIN CONTEST PAGE FOR THE FULL DETAILS ON THIS CONTEST

You’re helping us to create an even more valuable community and website for you. Please visit the 3 steps we’ve listed below & come back to vote for the one that you feel is the most valuable to you.

• Step 1: Create A Life Plan 
• Step 3: Create A Business Plan 
• Step 6: Find the Funding 

Make certain that you also post a comment below to give you another entry to win. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Quick links to all the contest polls:

• Contest Page 1
  
• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

Without a doubt, Creating a Life Plan! I think as people get there business idea`s together, they are always thinking of the other two choices. We all know that a Business Plan is a neccesity in starting a business and I can only assume that if anyone had funding for there business, they wouldn`t have time to be here voting!

Tough choice here for me since the life plan and the business plan are very important. 

The business plan wins out though because it helps me to remember what it is I want to do with my business so instead of reacting to changing conditions I can make things happen.  The problem is trying to get the thing done.  It is a painful process it seems since all too often I just don`t seem to know the answers  (or how to put them on paper) or I keep changing my mind (based upon new information I receive) about where I want to go. 

I`m finally starting to hit my groove and at least I have something to look back on and see whether or not I was right about what I wanted to accomplish.   I do have to admit, too, that as uncomfortable as it is to put something on paper that I then I have be accountable for, it does help me focus more on the important things...and remember what it was I thought was important the last time I revised it - that in and of itself can be amusing at times...

I`d have to vote for Finding Funding.

While I`m a big proponent of having a life plan and a business plan, I believe this information is more readily available online than the funding information. As a business owner who may soon be heading into the uncharted territory of finding funding, this information is extremely valuable and helpful - it paints a very clear picture of what`s available and what to consider. And it gives me places to continue my research.

Life Plan is my favorite.  It makes your business that much more fulfilling!

Being able to create a creative business plan is essential to one`s lifes goals, be it for finance, goal setting or independence and knowing when to call it quits can all be setup within a solid business plan.

I liked all of them and printed all of them out.  I`d like to take the opportunity to say that the upside and downside in " funding" was very useful - I`ve always favored article that `shows you the pictures`. 

At the end I voted for Life Plan because that is one article I shared with many friends. 

I am going with "Life Plan" on this one.

I know so many business owners (and career professionals for that matter) who let the business (or job) control and dictate their life.  Creating a "Life Plan" helps in all aspects, not just business.  My personal motto for business (or work) is "I work to live; I don`t live to work."  It helps me keep perspective.  (After all, I married my wife to spend time with her, not call her on the phone during a two hour commute.)

Now some of you may disagree and I do love my job (web dev), but I would rarely do it for free (dontation of time and talents to worthy causes not withstanding). AND, most people if they were honest, would probably say the same thing about their job.

That`s why I want my own business.  It may be more work, but hard work never killed anyone that I know of, and being the boss (if done right with a life plan) tends to give one more control of time and money.  After all, that really is the basic commodity now isn`t it? (Time for Money)

Developing a Life Plan will help one decide if a certain business or funding is right for them.

Many people have a good business plan and solid funding but are miserable because they don`t have their life in check. When I am having a less than fantastic day and I question my decisions I tend to look at my Life plan rather than my business plan.

Only if I had a great month of online sales does it help to look at my finacial plan too!   

Like that of SolidGrnd, I, too, know what I want out of life, and figuring out what results I want out my business is imparative... but in my current situation, Finding the Funding, I would have to say was something I could have done a little bit more research on. StartUp Nation has great resources to do that, including the support and ideas from its members.

The lifeplan is most important in my opinion. A good lifeplan keeps your goals in check, helps you balance your priorities, responsibilities, and family, and will creep into the way you run your business in ways like values, ethics, and organizational culture.

P.S. Anybody know how to format the signature? I`ve been trying for hours to stick a line break in there.

It is easy to forget that there is life beyond business, when your business is your passion. But since there is life after, before or around business, this is a good step to do regularly.

Lots of great comments everyone!

My thoughts are that a business plan, although it doesn`t spell it out precisely, will really open your eyes to the commitment that you are making and therefore a glimpse of the life that you will have to lead.

It may be that after looking at your plan in detail, you come to realize the difficulty and reconsider your direction entirely.

Life plans are mostly idealistic and may be adjusted and should be as success allows.While business plans have practical and realistic to even have a chance. Part of that practicality is good understanding of how your life will flow around your business.

While I`m sure that there is a lot of interest in Find the funding, my vote goes to write the plan because it is more comprehensive and contains more "how to" information.

• how luxurious should i live?
• where do i want to live?
• how much money do i need to make?

They are all great but the Life Plan article is my favorite. Although I`ve already though about a life plan it is always interesting to read other people`s ideas.

You’re helping us to create an even more valuable community and website for you. Please visit the 3 articles we’ve listed below & come back to vote for the one that you feel is the most valuable to you.

• Grants to Start a Small Business 
• Choosing the Right Business  
• The Defining Dozen: #1 – What’s Your Idea? 

Make certain that you also post a comment below to give you another entry to win. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Quick links to all the contest polls:

• Contest Page 1
  
• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

Not only do I really like the informative articles that are published on StartUpNation, I`m also in the process of sharing them with visitors to my website by way of linking to the SUN pages (thanks Joel!).

Keep up the good work, guys, information is power.

Another tough decision....but only because I know just how important it is to choose wisely business type wise and how important it is to be able to convey your idea to others.  It seems though that until you`ve chosen the business you should go into and that you will excel at, you really don`t have much to talk about so I give the choosing the right business my vote.

As one who was very successful in finance but who really didn`t care for much of what I was doing on a day-to-day basis, choosing your focus poorly can really cause some ugly stuff...and my situation was working the 40 hours a week schedule.  If I hated planning weddings and interacting with people, this new business of mine would be much more torturous.

Bottom line - choose your passion wisely.  It`s much easier to change the way you tell people about it than to choose something else and start over!  :)

Grants.

Translation...free money (usually). Who wouldn`t absorb this article?  

Even though I was partial to Finding the Funding in the previous poll, and I do know what kind of business I want... in fact, not just one, but many that can`t be intermingled with one another... that once you get an idea - how do you go forward with it... just how detailed do you get... so on & so forth.

Plus, the reality of Choosing the Right Business is this... every other person could potentially have the same business as the next... it is the products, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the service you provide that will "show up" your competition, and make you shine.

The Defining Dozen.... sounds a lot like a skeleton business plan.

To me the article on defining your idea clearly was my favorite because it was the most useful to the startup entrepreneur. I`ve seen way too many folks spend a lot of time, energy and money without a clear understanding of what the business really is.

I couldn`t get the third choice to display but out of the first 2 choices I liked the information about the grants the best. It was new news to me.

The article about grants definitely sparked my interest since I am almost at that stage of starting my business. It was interesting to read that companies as huge as AOL started with grant money such as this.

PLEASE READ THE MAIN CONTEST PAGE FOR THE FULL DETAILS ON THIS CONTEST

You’re helping us to create an even more valuable community and website for you. Please visit the 3 blogs we’ve listed below & come back to vote for the one that you feel is the most valuable to you.

• War of words: is it ‘flesh out’ or ‘flush out’?
• Could starting a business running errands be the best home-based business idea?
• Your small business needs more Cowbell!!

Make certain that you also post a comment below to give you another entry to win. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Quick links to all the contest polls:

• Contest Page 1
  
• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

Joel,

I voted for More Cowbell. Like you, I love that skit - super funny! The business analogy is very good. I equate it to the WOW! factor I preach to my clients all the time. Whoever thought to add the cowbell sound to this rock song is a genius. In business, we need to always be seeking something that makes us stand out from the competition - the Cowbell. Your idea to tie this skit into a business blog post was creative.

R@

You`re gonna want that cowbell my friends....

Heck, I even referenced this blog when we were coming up with things for your rehearsal dinner, Joel....like I could honestly choose anything else!

Okay, I`m almost embarrassed to admit I don`t know the Cowbell skit. And, I don`t have time to watch the video clip right now. So the whole post didn`t hold a lot of meaning for me. As a marketing coach I get the gist by the last paragraph (and agree it`s vitally important), but the post pretty much lost me before I got that far.

The flesh vs. flush debate on the other hand is one that has been going on among my business associates for years. Since I believe what engages people with blogs are things they can relate to, I HAVE to buck the trend on this forum and vote for Flesh vs. Flush.

BTW, love the solution to just drop the vowels!

More Cowbell rules!

Anyway, so does the message of the blog. Innovate, Consolidate, and Differentiate. The 3rd being the message of the author, but all three are important to a start-up and the mantra of my business.

The cowbell was good and would have been great if it went a little deeper into the princible behind it.

But the fl_sh it out is more valid when dealing with people in the business world. The post it self showed it. they were more concentrated on the saying then the project.

P.S. it is flush it out. Meaning to find the answer or get rid of the problem.

It is linda like Play it by ear. A lot of people say year because it A. sounds the same and B. makes sence because you are dealing with a time table when using this phrase. But it is wrong.

Gotta go with cowbell.  I love a good analogy and this one is memorable, applicable and accurate.

Gene Frenkle Lives!

PLEASE READ THE MAIN CONTEST PAGE FOR THE FULL DETAILS ON THIS CONTEST

You’re helping us to create an even more valuable community and website for you. Please visit the 3 forum topics we’ve listed below & come back to vote for the one that you feel is the most valuable to you.

• StartupBucks   
• One Thing I Will Accomplish Today  
• Why & How You Started Your Dream Business    

Make certain that you also post a comment below to give you another entry to win. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Quick links to all the contest polls:

• Contest Page 1
  
• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

I still have a hard time trying to make sure that I accomplish at least one specific thing a day. I realize that as each day comes to a close I have done a lot, but I always manage to let one thing slip into the next...and the next and the next...etc.

You`re just not going to make this easy for me are you? 

I am voting for Startupbucks because it is the one place where I am guaranteed to check daily.  The "one task" board is second on my list because I do enjoy having that accountability, but the mere thought of living without quips by Swaynester, Steve, Rich, Joel and countless others on Best Men, Weddings and a varietey of other topics reduces me to tears.  See?

At any rate, I seriously doubt I would have remained a faithful member of SUN had I not happened upon this thread where I`ve gotten an inside look at the people behind this gloriously sunny place....so it wins.

One thing I will accomplish today is absolutely my favorite! 

For one, it`s a great way to hold us solo-professionals accountable. Do any of the other work-at-home moms out there suddenly find yourself doing laundry when you`re supposed to be working? And then end up working until midnight!  I can`t be the only one, can I?

One thing I will accomplish today  is doing things my way, on my terms, with the people (and bugs) I choose. Next to G-d, good health and family, there`s nothing like owning your own busness!

I voted for the Why and How you started your dream business. This relates to something each of us at Startup Nation have (or will have) in common.

At "Why and How", there seems to be a more personal understanding of how people approach their business on a professional level and then I`ve found many people are addressing what an important factor it was to pay attention to their gut instinct. This is where I am seeing the critical connection between pure, raw emotion and success. It is more inspiring and motivational than I could have expected.

My only hope to make it better would be to see it run off on a tangent less often than it does and concetrate on the topic. I understand though that this is the nature of an open forum.

One Thing....

What a great reminder to focus on moving ahead with your plans, even if it is at a one-success-at-a-time pace.  Helpful

Since I am the type of person who has a to-do list and writes down things that have ALREADY been done just for the sheer joy of crossing them off, "One Thing I Will Accomplish Today" was created just for me. I`m all about the motivation. I have made SUN my home page!

Of the choices, I am going with "One Thing I Will Accomplish Today".  As a professional procrastinator, that would be one of my biggest struggles, but I will tell you about that tomorrow.

PLEASE READ THE MAIN CONTEST PAGE FOR THE FULL DETAILS ON THIS CONTEST

You’re helping us to create an even more valuable community and website for you. Please visit the 3 radio show pages we’ve listed below & come back to vote for the one that you feel is the most valuable to you.

• How to Create a Vibrant Website
• Are 10 million people visiting your website monthly?
• Elevator Pitch Contest “Pitch-Off”

Make certain that you also post a comment below to give you another entry to win. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Quick links to all the contest polls:

• Contest Page 1
  
• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

As I mentioned in my first comment, this is the one section of SUN that I have really never taken advantage of. It`s not that I don`t think it`s useful, but I just find it easier to find a couple minutes top read a few articles.

On a side note....I`m not sure which of you guys came up with the idea to have this "contest," but I`m sure that every SUN Surfer will agree that the advertising that you are offering will be well worth the amount of traffic that you are receiving in areas that may not have been visited as much in the past. Kudos!!!

Hi, I learn from all the pages.  But I have to say my really favorite thing is to download the podcasts or listening to the On Demand seminars.  I listen to the podcasts when I am at the gym or walking.  I listen to them more than once, because I always seem to learn something new.  At work, I listen to the On Demand seminars while at my day job.  

Although I obviously have an affinity for the Elevator Pitch-Off , I read the article on vibrant websites more than once in coming up with my site which still needs some tweaking probably but which I am currently happy with.

So, vibrant website it is!!

I have to say the Elevator Pitch Contest. I watch ALL my clients struggle with coming up with a good elevator pitch. Plus, I`ve heard so many bad ones at networking events. This is a fun way to share examples and learn what works and what doesn`t.  I guess it`s what you`d call Edu-tainment!

I wish we can vote for the headline: Are 10 Million People Visiting Your Website Monthly?

If you have a website you have to listen in! I did and one day the headline will be, "Are 10 Million People Looking For Bugs on Your Website Monthly?"

I voted for the Vibrant Website, although I thought one very important point was kind of missed, and definitely not stressed enough. He kind of hit it with the logo, color scheme blurb, but really.... branding is essential. Even crucial if you`re selling a product.

Branding will help you differentiate your product from your competitors, and if you`re an innovator it will pay off in heaps.

Hands down... How to Create a Vibrant Website... because I`m currently in the initial process and stages of using a company`s templates to set up my web site for my business... Look for it within the week.... it`s going to be a great start for me. I welcome all to check out my profile to see it launch.

A website is something we will all have to address whether we need 10 million vistors a month or 10 really important visitors for the entire year.

It`s important that when you do it, you learn well from the people that know what they are doing and have a proven record of success.

Most effective for all. I have seen two many people get lost as people go so far into there idea that the lisener deams it imposible.

Elevator Pitch!

This is important to me...it is interesting to hear others working on their pitch

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BELOW BEFORE VOTING ABOVE

Help me settle a bet in the office here. 

It’s my belief that as a visitor to StartupNation.com you tend to focus on one aspect of our website and don’t often get exposed to the entirety of what we offer. I also believe that if you were to check out more of StartupNation.com, you’d like what you found there. Others on the StartupNation team believe that you’re already totally informed about what’s available at the site.

By the way, as an incentive we’re giving away a chance to win your choice of either a week of free advertising for your business on StartupNation.com or an iPod Nano.

To help us settle the bet, follow the instructions below. We’ll collect some very brief feedback from you, taking only a couple of minutes of your time (and qualifying you for the drawing of the winner of either advertising or an iPod Nano).

We’ll use this feedback to create an even more valuable community and website for you, which is fundamental to our mission.

Here’s how it works: We want you to visit 5 different types of pages here on StartupNation.com and then give us your feedback on their value to you.

We’ve set up some polls to gauge your reaction – Contest Page 1 through Contest Page 6. Cast your vote in each poll and then when you post a comment under each poll you will be entered into the drawing to win the advertising or iPod Nano. If you comment on each poll, you’ll be entered a total of 6 times, 1 per poll – that’s the maximum number of entries. Even if you post 20 comments, you’re still only entered once per poll. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered. If you post a comment under 2 polls you’ll be entered twice (you get the idea).

As you see in the poll above, we’d like to know what type of page on StartupNation.com you like the best:

• Contest Page 2: 10 Steps to Open For Business
• Contest Page 3: Article content
• Contest Page 4: Blog
• Contest Page 5: Community Forum
• Contest Page 6: Radio Show page

BEFORE you vote in the poll above, you’ve got to check out some sample pages of each category. To do that, follow the links in the above bullet points to each of the polls on Contest Page 2 through Contest Page 6 which will include links to 3 sample pages per category.

Make certain that you vote in each of the  6 polls and post a comment on each for your best chance to win.

This contest lasts only 3 days, until the end of Thursday, August 31.

Have fun!

just so you know, the VAST majority of how-to content in the other pages of the website comes from street smarts, not book smarts. jeff and i have never taken a business class in our lives - we are true street fighters in business and try to share that real-world knowledge.

i do agree, though, there`s nothing quite as wonderful as the ability to ask specific questions and get specific answers like the community forums make possible.

My favorite type of page on StartupNation.com is:

Articles

It is these pages of information and knowledge that brought me to the SuN site and I still use them for research and teaching my clients. I have a number of business sites I visit on a regular basis and my favorites are the ones that make business articles and knowledge available to the user. Even though the majority of the information found in the SuN articles can be found on other sites and through many resources, the articles here have a nice small business feel to them and are usually written from a down-to-earth, small-business mentality that is easy-to-read and comprehend ... and relevent.

R@

I like several areas of the website, however, my favorite would have to be the forums because of the all the "real time" content that I identify with as a business owner.  I get to see what others in my same position are going through and the great sharing of ideas. 

Kevin

Hello-  I can say that I rarely visit other pages than the Community Forum to check on who is new and what new questions or comments have been posted, but on the other hand, my partner has visited just about every page and read almost every article, we both find the information very helpful and informative we just get it different ways.

I have found almost the entier site to be very useful and informative. As I can see by the poll results, the radio show are is the one portion that I don`t really access. It`s not that I don`t think it would be usefull, but I find more opportunity to read than to listen.

The articles from the Sloan brothers and company are to the point and very useful for entrepreneurs who need direction and sound advice.  I`m really grateful for their presentation at a recent The UPS Store marketing conference.  I`ve been on the site at least once or twice a week since then.  I wish I had more time to go through the blogs and community boards.

Thank you, Sloan brothers and StartupNation...

I typically stop by the forums first and foremost, but I also frequent the "10 Steps" pages as well as the radio show page.

No matter where I visit at Startup Nation, I always find something useful!

forums are the best... imho.

connect with others of like mindset is always good

I had a hard time choosing just one!  I like both the 10 steps to open for business but I spend alot of time in the forum as well(more reading than posting usually).

I was aware that the other pages existed, just not the new and improved features.  Thats my two cents!

Though I regularly end up on various parts of the site because I do try periodically to go in through the main page, the forums easily beat out everything else.  Since I receive posts in email, if something looks interesting I click over.  If there is an article linked to it, I happily go check it out...but without those little bits of "SUNshine" in my email, I probably wouldn`t come nearly as often...and I know because until I got that first email regarding the new community and signed up, I rarely came to the site because I just didn`t think to do so...

And, besides, you can`t listen to Jeff`s rendition of the original SUN theme song anywhere but here to my knowledge. 

I`m fairly new to StartUpNation but so far I`d have to say my favorite area is the Community Forum. It`s interesting to see a snapshot of other small business owners and the issues they are dealing with.

Before today, I had gone through the 10 Steps but I hadn`t ventured into the other areas of the site.

I do plan to explore the site a bit more now that I`ve been exposed to more of it through the survey. Okay, so I admit you had to bribe me to get me to make time to check out all that you offer. As a marketer, I have to say kudos!  What a smart way to introduce your visitors to the various aspects of your site.  And as a visitor, I win, too, because now I understand more of what your site has to offer.

I would say that I am split between the Forum and the 10 Steps.  I am sure my use of the forums will increase though as I begin to post topics and replies.

As a web developer/designer by trade, I am forced to recognize the psychology of the list given and the user trends of the site.

A user tends to enter through the broad door and then drill down to very finite information.  Let’s use me as an example.

I found the “10 Steps” via a Google search.  I then perused the “Article content” looking for and finding more interesting information.  This then led me to the Podcasts via the “Radio Show pages” which I would listen to as an efficient way to get even more detailed information.  The Podcasts led me to the “Forums” because they promoted the Forums not only directly but indirectly by mentioning that they recognized the caller’s user name from the Forum during the shows.  I have not been to the “Blog” regularly because I seem to find more specific, to the point, information on the Forums and I have a limited time to give to reading through the SUN site.  However, someone less audio driven might have found the Blog where I found the Podcasts which would most likely lead them to the forums for more detail.

Since everyone is really looking for specific answers to their situation and since every situation is unique, the Forums will usually win out in the long run for the shear “need-meeting” that they provide.

An interesting lesson from this is that business works the same way.  Whether it’s a product or a service, you must provide a broad door for your clients (users) to enter through, and then make sure that once they are in, you then meet their need as efficiently and personally as possible.  Every client is unique, and though it may be a general product, you have to be able to personalize the product and personalize the need for it before your competition does.

(Thought I would make my first post a big one.)

Can we rename StartUpNation?

My vote is Community Forum Nation! This community has the best, the brightest, and most creative minds on Earth. Ya`ll rock!

Hey Joel,

Did I miss the anouncements on the results of this whole thing!?

Maybe it`s because I missed my last "one thing I will accomplish today"!

But that doesn`t explain why they`d leave you out in the dark! lol

They just don`t love me!!  No love!!!

Stay tuned everyone. We`re in the process of contacting the prize winners & we`ll make the announcement as soon as possible.

Thanks Joel!

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BELOW BEFORE VOTING ABOVE

Wow – we are blown away by the overwhelming response to this week’s email announcing the short contest at StartupNation.com. So many of you responded and expressed appreciation as you discovered a great deal of value on the website that you didn’t previously know about. Thank You!

Your feedback has caused us to ask just a few more questions, like any growing business would do.

Please come back and let us know your opinion on some new features that we have recently added to make your experience on StartupNation.com even more valuable.

In return, we’re giving away a 2^nd prize for your participation in this short exercise, which once again will only take a few minutes of your time.

AND as a special incentive for you to pass both contests along to friends and people you feel would value from all that StartupNation offers, we will ask each of the 2 winners to name the person who referred them to StartupNation and they’ll get a prize too!

That’s 2 prizes + 2 referring prizes = 4 TOTAL PRIZES!! Each prize is your choice of either a week of free advertising for your business on StartupNation.com or an iPod Nano.

As a reminder, here’s the link to the original contest main forum page.

Here’s how you qualify for the 2^nd prize: We want you to visit 5 recently added features here on StartupNation.com and then give us your feedback on their value to you.

We’ve set up this single poll to gauge your reaction. Cast your vote above and then when you post a comment in this forum you will be entered into the drawing to win the 2^nd prize of advertising or an iPod Nano. You get only 1 single entry for this portion of the contest. If you vote but don’t comment at all, you will not be entered.

As you see in the poll above, we’d like to know which new feature on StartupNation.com you like the best:

• The Defining Dozen Questions You Need to Answer
• Detailed Business Plan Question Descriptions
• Active Discussions in the Community on each of the 10 Steps
• Browse All Member Profiles
• Photos in Member Profiles

BEFORE you vote in the poll above, you’ve got to check out each of the new features. To do that, follow the links in the above bullet points.

Make certain that you pass along the good news of this contest to your friends for your best chance to win.

This contest ends tomorrow night at midnight, Thursday, August 31.

Have fun!

My favorite new feature on StartupNation.com is:

The Defining Dozen Questions You Need to Answer

A MUST exercise for anyone considering going into business. I wish I`d had all of these resources many, many moons ago when I started preparing for my life as an entreprenuer!

R@

 I am involved with a program called youth entrepreneurship here Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada. The program is developing skills and knowledge in becoming an entrepreneur with the end result being a completed business plan. I have found you site as very valuable and a great supplement to what we discuss in this course. Hats off!

The defining dozen is a great referral web section to which I can refer those people who ask me about getting started.

Great job!

Defining Dozen and Business Plan are both great, but since I already have these things checked off for my business, I`d have to say Browsing the Member Profiles. I`m brand new to StartUpNation and it`s interesting seeing who else is a part of this community. Plus it`s nice to be able to search for members in my city or in my industry.

We are constantly implementing new & enhanced features to the StartupNation.com site and community. You all are terrific in making suggestions and encouraging us to do more, more, more! Thanks!!

We’d like your input on which of 3 new features you feel is the most important. We’re going to be launching all 3. What we’re looking for is your opinion on which we should put our focus on first. Cast your vote in the poll above and then please post a comment below to share your thoughts on the reason you made your selection and your ideas on the details we should be considering as we implement your choice.

• Member Rating overhaul
• Community Forum Category overhaul
• Buddy List visible in Member Profiles
• Other

Member Rating overhaul – Member Ratings is the current manner in which community members may rate how valuable another member’s contributions to the StartupNation community are. You can rate someone on a scale of 1-5. Members may be rated only if they have posted to the community forum or sent a private message. This has been a vibrant topic of conversation from the first day that we launched the community.  There are plenty of opinions on how to make this a stronger tool and valuable to the community. What’s yours?

Community Forum Category overhaul – Forum Categories are listed in the yellow bar on this page. The current categories have been in place since the community launch. We had always planned on making changes once the forum topics had some strong activity. Now is the time.

Buddy List visible in Member Profiles – Each member currently can create a Buddy List that is visible only to them personally. This new feature would allow you to make your Buddy List public if you choose to. This can be a valuable tool for people who are getting to know you as they see who you align yourself with.

Other – we’ve got many more projects in the works. Maybe you have one in mind that you feel should take higher priority than the 3 we’ve listed. Tell us about it!

Hey Joel...thank you again for listening to us!!! I love that you guys do this! Although I have commented on another posting regardng the need to update/overhaul the rating system...I think that clarifying the community forums is essential for continued ease of use by all users...new and old. I am a total organization FREAK...and would love to see the ability to link my favorite topics or categories to my profile for easy lookup/access!?

Anyway...thanks again!!

Hi Joel,

I suggest to do away with the member rating system.  In my opinion it seems that we are trying to run a popularity contest instead of a business community that allows entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to share advice.

Regards,

I agree with Jon!  Check out "Brag with RSchlieper" and you`ll see instances where we discuss how "ratings" had dropped.  I, for one, don`t really care what others think about me or what I have to offer.  If they like, and have the guts, they can contact me directly via email or to a post. 

Do away with the rating system.

RSchlieper (Ron)

I`m not just agreeing with this because I`m at a 2.5 right now   I agree because it`s irrelevant what people think-- maybe (and here I go giving the tech types work) there could be a rating system post-by-post (you could rate a POST, not a person)

Hi Joel!

I am with my other compadres here that I don`t see the tremendous added value in the rating system ... I can see how it might color the open, honest feedback someone would provide just to maintain a high rating.

I have a 4.8 but that doesn`t mean I am any smarter, insightful or supportive than anyone else.

Kind of reminds me of high school (blech!) which all of us would probably rather not go back to.

-Pam

Joel, as I am a big believer in community forums and networking, the problem with the site is I do not have the time to cull through every posting to find the people I need to meet and do business with as you only see a dozen posting at one time. 

If there was a way for me to search the forums that would be helpful. eg. such as by industry - mortgage, construction, web design, web marketing, etc. 

Take it step further for a member by industry not just discussion, this will allow me to initiate contact. 

Credit Guy 

Hey Joel,

I was acutally just on the Member Search area...and I think it kind of ties into this idea. I think we should be allowed to give ourselves a market that we feel we are part of...and you could search the member listings for those in that type or similar markets. For instance...when I was in search of a web developer...I initially tried going to Member Search to see if I could search out members who were in this market. Or investors...if i am searching for potential investors....or how about if I wanted to start a home-based business from one of thoes that are already established...but I don`t know who on SuN is into these!? I think that would be REALLY a nice change!

I posted the following on the other discussion about ratings, but wanted to repeat it here:

Wow, I`m glad to see this discussion. I only have one rating, and it`s a one. I have no idea why someone bothered to take the time to rate me and give me a 1. I`ve said nothing offensive and have only tried to be helpful.

It`s true, as someone said earlier in the thread, that this sort of thing can make one reluctant to use the forum. I`m not comfortable here anymore, because I have no idea what I did to offend someone and am not willing to take the chance of doing it again.

In fact, I`m hesitating about even posting this because I don`t know if there is something in it that someone will take the wrong way.

regarding the rating system, what if it wasn`t a rating system, per se, at all, but instead a scoring system. essentially, people could give a "point" or a "startupnation flag" (icon from our logo), if they want to acknowledge someone`s good effort, contribution or spirit.

people could accumulate these and those with the highest scores could occassionally gain special spotlighting in the community.

just a late night thought that joel`s going to chastise me for interjecting into his post...

Down the road would it be possible to have a community calendar?  Then if SuN members are presenting at public events, holding press conferences, etc. the details could be posted.  Besides as a side benefit it could provide an infastructure/forum to announce future offline Startup Nation group meetings!

Here`s my other:

I`d like to see some sort of improvement with the notification system.  I`ve become rather frustrated with it.  There are certain topics that I want to hear about and so I`ve turned on the master notification, but then within that large heading, there are several which I frankly could do without.  On occasion, I`ve tried to go in and disable notification on that one topic...to no avail.  So, I`d really appreciate that being made so that I could subscribe the the main heading and then "unsubscribe" from some of the subheadings.

Perhaps it isn`t as high a priority as some others, but it`s defintiely something that would help us better hone the email we`re receiving if we are on the notify list...

• The rating system needs changed but is not such a big deal.  Someone posted earlier the idea of rating members individual posts rather than rating the member personally.  I for one don`t really look at other peoples ratings too much, the more I am involved in the community the more I know whose advice I will give priority to and whose advice I will probably just ignore.  By rating the post, it will help new members begin to make those same associations...
  
  
• The forums need reworked but I don`t envy those who have to decide what to do about it.  There are so many possible options that it will probably be a hit and miss for some time until a process is discovered that just "works" for most members.  (sorry, I realize that comment probably only rates a 1    )
  
  
• The notification system is a little excessive.  I want to be notified of new posts since my last visit and I want to go to that first post since my last visit, but I don`t want 37 emails for each new s.u.n.w.a. post that happened in the last 2 minutes...
  
  
• Something else I`ve not seen suggested but would like to see on the forums is a spell chacker (er, I mean checker)...

Wow, what a great question! 

I have not been a member that long, but I agree that the Forums are the most important thing at SuN for me!  I agree that they need to be more user friendly so that I can find the answers to the questions that not only I pose but also to the questions that others pose that I may need the answer to also.  How about a button that allows you to track that post with out having to have the new posts e-mailed to you, that way when I log on I can click the tab next to the Forums tab called "my Forums" or some such thing.  That way I can keep better tabs on the posts that I am interested in and still come back to the others later.  (If you have read any of my posts especially the Coffee vote, you know how much time I have lol).

As for the rating system, it is a good idea to have I believe, if the votes do not become a "popularity" contest.  I have used them to see what people think of the person that is answering my question or starting a post as a barometer of how I feel that post may or may not help me!  I am (sometimes) a master of nothing and need all the help I can get.  Some of the posts I feel are a bit... foolish and show up in the most incorrect places, that person could get the "flag" thrown by us the refs to show that the post is either in the wrong place or not worth your time.  But that brings up the question of who is to decide that!  (I would take the job on for a small fee!  lol) 

Not sure of how I feel about the Buddy List (and no it is not because I don’t have any Buddies).  I think that is what your e-mail address is for!  Use it for your business contacts, customers, venders ect, why not people on SuN?

Spell Checker would be good too, save me a step from copy and past to MS Word!

Also, get rid of this font, some times I forget to change it and while this was great for my grandfather, we have moved on and it is hard to read IMHO!

Also, can you have the post reply open in a new window so that it is eaiser to move back and forth between the questions and ideas in the individual posts so that when you want to reply to multiple post in a forum it is eaiser to see what you want to talk about and will cut down on one person having to post two or three times in a row to make the points that they want to make!

Other than that, great site LOVE IT

Tony

Another country heard from... I agree that the ratings are easily misconstrued and used as a popularity meter. As I have mentioned before, the very nature of a forum suggests opportunity for free thinking and opposing points of view. Ratings are simply opinions, so if you disagree with me, say so in a post! I think everyone in SUN respects the fact that we all have something to offer, and the variety of ideas are what makes this site interesting and stimulating. I don`t need someone else`s rating to help me decide the value of a post.

The ideas for categorizing forums are all great. My own thoughts have already been mirrored here, so no need for redundancy.

Keep up the good work, Joel et al, and thanks for providing SUN. It`s a terrific resource!

I have an Internet Marketing coach and a personal coach!!

Andrew

Having successfully worked in 54 countries during my career, Ican readily "parachute" into most any country in the global marketplace with established contacts with key decision-makers and as a VIP member of two (2) International Registries of Professionals and Executives (fees paid by a business colleague in the Middle East), I "laugh" at the many so-called "Business Coaches" I have met during the many events I have attended since returning to "the area of my birth to make a difference" (SE Michigan) from a 6 year Consultant contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (began as a 1 year contract).

I coach many local company business owners and one thing they always comment on: "Why do the other coaches always require "upfront" monies prior to coaching and my response is always "Not IF, but WHEN we are successful, then you can pay me for my services". WHY you might ask? Well, I only pick those that I know from my global experience will be successful in MY world, the global marketplace so it is a "No Brainer" and of course, the confidence that comes with working in virtually every culture in the world!

As a note, if anyone is interested in the 2007 World Igbo Congress Convention scheduled for late August at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, please send me a private email. I am looking for Presenters/Sponsors in very specific market sectors for possible opportunities in Nigeria.

Isn`t life grand!!!!! To all, have a grrreat and successful week.

Joe the Road Warrior

I like the term "Accountability Coach" better than business coach or success coach because that`s what my coach does for me.  As an entrepreneur I am already motivated and tenacious enough to solve my own problems, but because I am so ambitiuos, I tend to add too much to my to-do list.  So my coach keeps me accountable to completeing important tasks! ~;o)

I love my coach, she`s awesome!!!

www.lifeempowermentcoach.com

I think the definition of `coach` has diminished over the past few years. In all honesty, I think it`s far too easy for someone to become a life/personal/business coach. Some of the certification courses don`t even require a high school degree...never mind college! (As long as the check clears...)

If I get to a point in my career where I am just simply stuck, I would want someone with a background in counseling to help me through it. I`m not saying I would need in-depth therapy, but I think that working with someone who understands behaviors would be very beneficial. I`ve seen enough examples of people who hit a brick wall, to know that simple goal-setting and cheer leading will not even scratch the surface; sometimes you get stuck because of real-life issues that need to be addressed.

I would strongly urge anyone considering the services of a business or life coach to ask about their credentials and career background.

Yes I would consider it. But coaching seems to be the big fad right now, and there are so many people posing as "coaches". Their marketing doesn`t have any method of separating themselves from the pack of other consultants, so it`s hard to know who the market leader is. And the really great ones must be in high demand and un-affordable to those that really need them. And each learner`s personality and situation is different, so how can you be sure that the same coach that helped 1 business person become successful will be able to do the same thing with you?

Joe the road warrior: Can you share with us your criteria for "picking" guaranteed winners, based on your experience? Maybe we can evaluate ourselves against your template and see if we come close to the mold.

> I only pick those that I know from my global experience will be successful in
> MY world, the global marketplace so it is a "No Brainer" and of course, the
> confidence that comes with working in virtually every culture in the world!

I have worked with a success coach and it has done wonders for my entire life, not just my business. But I did get to the point (month and a half) where I felt I did not need her anymore.

I now have a mentor who has "made it" in many businesses, she is invaluable. I feel things happen quicker and with less mistakes because of her feedback.

Hmm... maybe I should check out the SCORE thing... but honestly, I`m afraid, because I would be furious if I were told that art is not profitable to make or sell. I know it is in many situations, bur I have certainly had enough people in the world try to discourage me.

Anyway, in most coaching situations, it is hard to verify the coaches credentials, and I have no idea what coaching sessions cost. If I could afford it and if I knew the coach would be helpful, sure, but how do you know until you try? Can I afford to risk money on seeing whether or not a coach is right for me? No.

Coaching seems to be the "in thing", however, I`m a person who incorporates business coaching as well as mentoring, advising, and analyzing in my work because too many smart business people fail in spite of their good ideas. I have an objective perspective based on 40+ years in the business world. I`m more of a Business Doctor than a strict business coach.

And yes, you could afford my services because 2 hours are FREE and no one has to accept my recommandations.

my site is www.businessbuilderscoaching.com for more details

Coaching is an ongoing process of self-development and growth. The clients I coach today are already successful, but they know they have the potential to be even more successful. When I was the director of education for a 5000 employee health system, I saw first hand the power of coaching leaders. It creates insightful positive changes in the leaders and increases engagement and output of those who report to them. 

Coaching is a designed alliance between the leader and the coach. It can be viewed as a  three legged stool: Discovery, Planning and Accountability. 

Discovery-   One of my roles as a coach is to help the leader become especially aware of their own values and goals. To help them have a dead accurate self-assessment of their own strengths and weakness and to use this knowledge to take on the hundreds of possibilities that confront them during a normal day. Successful leaders do not need someone telling them how to do their job, they already know that better then anyone.

Planning- As a coach I was their confidential sounding board, allowing them to talk out ideas before sharing with others or implementing them. I would ask questions and help them become laser sharp and clear on what needed to happen. Together we would walk through "what if" scenarios to ensure a smooth confident implementation.

Accountability- The third leg of the coaching stool is accountability, as leaders we are self motivated be definition and able to get things done. However never underestimate the power of telling someone that you respect, that you are going to do something in a specific time frame to really turn you into a super achiever. Then it was my role to ensure we celebrated the successes and learned from the set backs.

When I made the choice to move into a private coaching practice, I worked with my coach to help me break the homoeostasis of my current success; to become the person I have always dreamed of being. 

Like most people I was paying for a land line at home so that I could have an internet connection. I dumped my land line last year, and opted for the new ClearWire mobile wireless DSL.....although not perfect, for the price it gets me online in mosr areas that I work on my laptop. So with a cell phone and Clearwire I am more mobile than being teathered to my home office.

As previously stated, landline phones will work during a power outage. Next, unless the technology has improved, cell phone aren`t as secure - because it`s wireless.  I don`t know if you want to share personal information (acct #`s SSN`s, etc) using a cell  phone.

Myself, I wouldn`t.

I still have a land line with no LD service on it, local service only. Then I have the cell for LD and when I`m mobile.

The home office will have VOIP shortly and that will be my business/fax line.

I`d never give up my land line, just in case of emergencies.

we are still keeing that landline, just for when a hurricane rips down those towers...the Southern Bell/ATT/Bellsouth/att (or whatever) switching station is inland so it just might make it.  We lost cell service for 36 hours when a hurricane skirted offshore just missing us.  Not sure why.  

CampSteve.  We have 3 rotary phones.  When my kids get older they can show all of their friends and have a good ol laugh.   The ringtone on my cell phone is the good ol` fashion metal bell type ringer sound from a rotary phone.  I can hear that thing no matter where in the yard/world I lose my cell phone!

hey, check out this neat new contraption...we aren`t the only ones that like old fashioned standard rotarty telephones from bell systems property not for resale.

http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/06/portable_rotary .html

I use a cell phone for business simply for the mobility factor, but keep a land line at home, and in my home office for faxes. Cell signal strength at my home is mediocre on a good day, so the landline is an absolute necessity. Land line has never dropped a call or had a dying battery end a conversation, and cell phones have never yet come close to meeting the clarity. During the `04 and `05 hurricane seasons, I lost cell signal routinely, but never my landline connection.

I, too, am one of those old-fashioned members of polite society who believes cell phones and cell phone conversations in public places should be like well-behaved children: seen, but not heard. Especially from the opposite side of the restaurant!

In my former life in corporate America, if someone`s cell phone rang during a staff/sales meeting, the offender was pelted with paper wads and had to stand the remainder of the meeting.  An interesting observation has been that it`s usually the biggest egos who think they can`t turn their phone off for 45 minutes.

Perhaps I should have stated weather emergencies or natural disasters...

Here in sunny North Dakota, you never know when straight line winds , tornadoes, a foot of snow over lunch, -30* temps or -70* wind chills, freezing rain, and the occational buffalo stampede might happen, and take out the local tower. Phone lines here are burried, and not nearly as suseptable to the quirks of Mother Nature.

Not to mention, cell coverage in the northern plains states isn`t as good as it is in more populated areas... The Bay area has more population than the entire state here (a mere 700k or so), so the need for a cell tower every 20 miles isn`t as important.

Cell phones are nice in certain situations... and I insist that both the wife and I have one just in case, especially during the winter season here. But, I would never give up my land line for the reasons stated above.

After I got the cell phone I found that wasn`t using the land line phone much. Now using cell phone & satellite internet which is considerably faster than dial up internet. After installing a wireless network my laptop only used the cord that connects to the electrical outlet.

I finallly cancelled my land line two months ago.  I had been wanting to do it for about a year but felt like I had to have a land line even though I never used it.  I just wasted $50.00 every month. I now use an E-Voice number for business cards, web site, etc.  and I use E-Fax to send and receive faxes. I also use a wireless Sprint card for my laptop.  Email is my primary form of communication so I do not use my cell that much for business.  I also use text messaging to keep in touch with family.

While I still maintain my landline for the quality of the voice, I use an virtual 800# and route my calls to whichever line is appropriate.  Once cell phones become user friendly (i.e. great headsets, and easy to do conference calls, 3 way calling, speaker phone, etc) and the sound quality is there, I don`t see a need for them anymore.  However since I am on the phone making reservations most of the day it is critical that I am able to do this flawlessly.

Regards,

Janette Jahoda

Travel Eventures, LLC

www.traveleventures.com

It is O.K. to have someone else write your web site content but you must be actively involved.  Only the business owner truly knows their business.  Outside writers may be able to bring better point of view, web knowledge and new ideas to the table, but when it comes right down to it, the web site owner must have the final say.  This is why I say NO to this poll even though I would have some do it under supervision.  Many companies would be actually better off if they did.  The stories I can tell you about letting a writer tell you how to sell your products – if I only had that money to spend on that today…

The only thing that is absurd is your dour response!

 I see absolutely nothing wrong with the question.

Dale King

Being a copywriter, I prefer to write my own content, so I suppose my answer is no.

That said, if you don`t have the ability to write your own content, I see absolutely nothing long with the practice, as long as the person you hire is a competent, proven professional. 

Dale King

Not everybody can write, just like I can`t sing!

Why not let us decide  ?  Next time you`re on the radio... just layout a tune.

~Roland

Nilole, fortunately for myself and other copywriters, not everyone has the ability to write effective content for themselves. They require professional help.

Therefore, if a person doesn`t have the ability to write effective content, they shouldn`t attempt to do so. They should hire a competent, proven professional to do the job for them.

Otherwise, they`re doing a disservice to themselves and their prospects, because their website`s content is not effectively portraying the purpose of their website and/or their marketing message.

Dale King

That`s exactly right.

Dale King

I think it should, in most cases, be a collaborative effort.

Copywriter: Base text
Owner: Change/Edit/Rewrite base text
Copywriter: Finagle new draft
Owner: Approve or finagle (ad infinitum)

There needs to be professionally written copy, but not at the cost of losing the company`s "tone" or "personality" (also known more technically as "branding" *grin*). If you have an owner collaborate with a writer, you can make something that is greater than the sum of the abilities of the people involved.

Doing business today requires a lot of innovation.  The more minds you can bring together to think through and deliver your ideas and plans, the greater the chances for success.  This is why SuN is such a great tool for success.  This is also the main reasons for doing a written business plan - it makes you think through the process.  So what does this have to do with this discussion?  Plenty!  If you can afford to have a professional write your webs content and you make sure it fits the business plan you had in mind, you increasing the chances of success by doing it.  As I said earlier, just make sure it fits what you know to be true.  Professional writers make mistakes too and need their clients help to be successful for everyone involved.

From a perspective that I`ve not yet seen represented on this post:

A significant portion of my revenue is generated with copywriting. I compose and produce TV and radio scripts, billboards, print ads, brochures, flyers, and yes, web content. But I would never attempt any of these without getting a feel for what the client needs/wants/expects long before the first keystroke is made.

There are so many examples on the Internet that offer testament to why site owners and designers should trust a professional to help write their copy. Spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors alone damage credibility. Worse yet, weak or poorly-written copy will fail to perform its intended task. Then let`s not forget print etiquette, a subject to which many web designers have apparently never been exposed. Your website is often the first impression a prospect has of your business. Remember the adage "Jack of all trades - master of none." Outsourcing can often save you from making mistakes. My CPA does not write ad copy; I don`t do Income Tax returns.

Dear Infopreneur, 

<< ......my sales will soar just as soon as I have some time to focus on my business. >>

    That thought was actually running through my head as I composed my original message. I had such a good time reading your post. Laughter is good for the soul.

C H

I guess you can look at it two ways - he can afford to drive around quoting customers in his luxury SUV because:

a.) He`s ripping people off left and right

b.) He`s a hard worker and is so successful because he`s built up an excellent reputation and is reaping the rewards

I would hire him based on his reputation. I personally know two contractors - one has very nice Lexus SUV and a fleet of brand new, shiny pick-up trucks for his employees. The other has been driving the same Toyota for years. Both do great work, are trustworthy and have outstanding reputations for their craftsmanship in our area.

I don`t think I would take the vehicle into account or let it sway me one way or the other. Maybe they should ask for references, and check with a previous customer.

I select my vendors on a variety of factors which includie ethics, values and responsibility.  Driving a Hummer is unethical and irresponsible due to its environmental footprint and contribution to global warming.  The days of self-serving conspicuous consumption are history - I am not impressed.  We are facing a growing crisis and as leaders, we need to act accordingly.

Maybe he is the owner of the company and does all the quotes himself and has employees that perform the work?  It`s also flashier and fancier marketing if he has the company name and contact info on the Hummer.  Would likely catch my eye before the old beat up work truck.  Also shows he takes pride in the appearance of his company.  And if he can afford such luxuries, maybe he`s working because he loves it instead of working because he has to.

everything has pros and cons.

I don`t thing it is the right first impression for a working vehicle for the same reason I wouldn`t like my limousine driver wearing ostentatious jewelry, suit, glasses or cologne...However if the guy is the best at what he does and doen`t need new clientls may be different business decission.

Make it a Chevy and we`ve got a deal. :)

no way. If the person is driving a hummer then they are trying to show off how much of a important person they are. Hummers are vanity luxuries, not a sign of being successful. It bespeaks of an attitude problem, that I wouldn`t want to deal with during or after the job. Image if something goes wrong on the job, but this person doesn`t believe it is his problem, because he is driving a hummer, he is better than everyone else, etc., and he won`t bother to make the effort to fix it. You better believe that the way you present yourself makes an impression on your prospects and customers. Don`t think the truck or appearance has nothing to do with it. It has everything to do with it. That is why and how businesses that have their employees dress up (from Hyatt to Hooters) attract customers who are willing to pay more for their services. But in the case of the Hummer, I would not say that is a good way to sell drywall services. Maybe if you were selling financial services or something that you would need to convince your prospect that you were very successful, a luxury car would help, but not for drywall. Now if it was a new Ford or Chevy truck, or a late model truck that was well kept, then that would remove the vehicle out of the consideration because a Ford or Chevy truck is not as much of a "in-your-face" vanity symbol as a Hummer is. Even a Cadillac Escalade would be pushing the vanity effect to the negative side. However, there are many people in this world that are fools and make decisions based on foolish reasons, so there are probably many people who would think "cool" and hire him because of the hummer. But my wife would say he is compensating for a small penis and would not hire him.

I would be disappointed in the Hummer, and perhaps feel compelled to fire a barb about conspicuous consumption. Small penis compensation aside, if he came by referral, he must do good work, so I would certainly consider hiring him as long as his references, licenses, estimate, etc. all checked out. Same phenomenon occurs in Yellow Pages: Without the benefit of a personal referral, people assume the plumber with the biggest ad is either the most expensive or the most successful.

Consider the flip side ... I drive a `98 Honda Accord EX.  It`s often dusty, because from home I must travel 1/4 mile on a clay road to go anywhere. But I love this car, and I hang on to it because it still looks good, it`s very comfortable, runs like a champ, gets 30 mpg city on regular unleaded, everything works - especially the A/C in August! - and I enjoy not having car payments. If  I came to you as a referral, would you hire me?

Look at his shoes and watch.  This will generally give you a better idea of his "financial values". 

Echoing here that old addage, don`t judge a book by its cover, you should, as stated many times in this post, do your homework as a consumer and look into references, BBB and experience and not concern yourself with what he drives.  Besides, maybe its his brother`s Hummer and he`s just borrowing it while his Bentley is in the shop. 

I completely agree -- but I think I would also sway towards Nikole`s comment -- and assume he was overpriced.  When a vendor shows up in an expensive car, I assume he/she is trying to compensate for something that is lacking ... something that is more important to the job at hand than the impression they`re trying to give me. 

I don`t know about what you`ve seen, but I`ve NEVER seen a Hummer owner use the truck for its "natural purpose".  Yes, the Hummer would be functional for his job, but the smart money is betting that he doesn`t use it for pulling loads on site.  It`s the same as saying a Benz or BMW SUV owner uses their "truck" for hauling.  Now show me a contractor in a dirty Yukon or Suburban ... and I could buy that.