I'm new to this board and was wondering what types of businesses are being represented. So, I was hoping we could share what we do. I'm thinking this might also be a great way to support each other! So...what do you do?

I run a home based business selling personalized gifts(chocolate bars,books,photo blankets etc) I've only been in business for 7 months and really need to work on making this a viable business all year around-not just Christmas time. I look forward to seeing what everyone else does.

I am also selling the personalized candy bars. Maybe we can put our heads together and find a way to make this type of thing last year round!

You can email me at personaloccasions@yahoo.ca

PurpleEgg showcases soaps that are shape like leaves, we also personalize and customize these products for company or events, we have giftbaskets and party favors.

PurpleEgg
http://www.PurpleEgg.net

Hun, what is your website? I would love to interview you for next month... maybe it will get you some extra exposure?

Alyice
http://thedabblingmum.com

Just checked out your website...it looks great. Please take a look at mine at www.weddingandeventplanet.com I would love to discuss the opportunity of providing you content for Moms getting married a second time around. Please email me at mbieri@weddingandeventplanet.com

>I run a home based business selling
>personalized gifts(chocolate bars,books,photo blankets etc) I've
>only been in business for 7
>months and really need to work
>on making this a viable business
>all year around-not just Christmas time.
>I look forward to seeing what
>everyone else does.

I am in the process of starting to sell different kinds of gifts and candles and personalized books, which i buy from different companies and then resell them to my customers---either through catalog sales, home parties, etc.---i don't know which kinds of permits i need to have...do you think you can help me??? thanks-paula

If anyone is interested in reselling candles please visit www.ablighthousecandles.co.uk and email us for details. Regards

I may be interested in selling candles if you can make them into animals. I need horse candles (I have a riding stable) but cow, dog and cat and chickens would be nice also. Can you help?
Pricing?
Qyty

You can resell our candles at http://www.ablighthousecandles.co.uk
Regards

I started my business last August and I haven't really advertised any but I hope to change that this month so I can get some sales for Valentine's Day. Have you guys made any big sales?

Alma
You 'R' So Sweet
http://www.ursosweet.com

have you tried swap meets, trade fairs, craft events? Have you tried gearing your products for different holidays and or products that would be used year round?

Hi there!

I do a little of everything. My site, Mom and Her Money takes up much of my time. I receive so many emails from moms that tell me they are frustrated with their lives and all the time they are forced to spend away from kids and husbands. Moms work soooo hard trying to do it all. They feel guilty if they leave their kids to go to work, and guilty if they don't go to work because money is so tight. It's terrible!

So, I spend my time looking for ways they can make money without having to be at a 9-5 job all day. No get rich quick ideas, but honest ideas to get them thinking outside the box.

Thanks for asking! I love reading about how other people are making it!

Sher
http://www.momandhermoney.com

>Hi there!

>I do a little of everything. My
>site, Mom and Her Money
>takes up much of my time.
> I receive so many emails
>from moms that tell me they
>are frustrated with their lives and
>all the time they are forced
>to spend away from kids and
>husbands. Moms work soooo hard trying
>to do it all. They
>feel guilty if they leave their
>kids to go to work, and
>guilty if they don't go to
>work because money is so tight.
> It's terrible!

>So, I spend my time looking for
>ways they can make money without
>having to be at a 9-5
>job all day. No get rich
>quick ideas, but honest ideas to
>get them thinking outside the box.
>

>Thanks for asking! I love reading
>about how other people are making
>it!

>Sherhttp://www.momandhermoney.com

Hi,
I love your site. I have tons of work at home sites I've bookmarked over the years and just have to tell you that yours is very informative, fun and inspirational. I too love to sell on eBay but I haven't discovered how to make enough money from it to cover my monthly bills yet.

Along with selling on eBay, I also work at home with my husband. He is a partnership owner of MaximumSoftware.com and I do their bookkeeping, some customer service and occasionally help with shipping. Basically whatever they need me to do that usually involves some type of clerical work.

We also have 3 children, 1 in high school, 1 in grade school and the youngest is 2 years old. Although I stay busy, I sometimes think about working part-time outside the home, but that thought disappears quickly when I hold her and she gives me a big kiss.

Sweet Dreams,
Nancy
http://www.maximumsoftware.com

Thank you for visiting the site and telling me how much you liked it! I get so much positive feedback from that site and I feel so blessed that I can check my inbox on any given day and find an email from someone that wanted to say "thank you" or offer words of encouragement.

It's great that you can stay home. There have been so many times I have almost given up and went back to work outside the home, but somehow I've always persevered and stayed right where I am. I try to encourage other moms that want to do the same thing to push on and to try new things!

If ever you have any info you think other moms would like to hear about concerning working at home, be sure to email me!

Thanks again!

Sher
http://www.momandhermoney.com

Sher,

I am a working father and husband that also enjoyed your site. I have been working very hard to start a business that both my wife and I can work at and be home with the kids. I would like to spend more time with the kids but in the CPA world we find it hard to do.

Your site gave us some important information on some of the services that we thought of providing. Keeping my fingers crossed that we can get up and running soon. As soon as I get things in order that is.

Thanks so much!

Ed

You are so welcome! You are in pursuit of the same goal we have in our home. More than anything, we'd like to eventually be successful enough so that both of us can be home.

He is in law enforcement as well as nuclear security and with the long hours, low pay and threat of harm, we really want to make working together in a successful small business a reality.

Thank you very much for your words, and be sure to visit often. Keep me posted on how things go for you!

God Bless!
Sher
http://www.momandhermoney.com

I noticed you sell personalized candy bars... Anything wedding or event specific? I am always looking for new lines to carry. Please look at our website at; www.weddingandeventplanet.com or email me at mbieri@weddingandeventplanet.com

I retired about eighteen months ago at age of 45, confident I had enough in stocks and shares to last next decade or two. But seem to have lost well in to six figures in stock market value in last twelve months so decided I cant quite afford to completely retire after all :(

So a few months ago decided to start in business all over again for the third time, and am setting up three companies in Printing, New Media publishing and Design, and e-commerce retailing. Ive managed to get a load of old friends on board, and am enjoying myself so much I cant think why I ever wanted to retire...despite the seventy hour weeks we all are now working before even launching!

about your stocks, but you do seem to be having fun now! The fact that you just keep going is great motivation for me!!

I invest in Walgreens Pharmacy stock and have found out the company has been around for over
100 years. And is still a family owned business.
With a 37 year profitable track record. Also is a Debt free company. I love to do sales & marketing and promoting new ideas. But I seem to not be able to get them from Ideas on paper to
Marketable Products to Profitable Products My email is:alabama588@hotmail.com
Don

I would love to learn more about this, what do you do in this department?

Alyice
http://thedabblingmum.com
http://edrichcommunications.com

I am so sorry to hear that you are unable to retire fully due to the losses you've made on your investment. However, we are on the same case and I was just wondering if you can give us some lawyer or advice on what we could do - we have invested into AT&T and GBN stocks on 2000, but now our brokers has disappeared and I cannot find a way of getting hold of them. How can I get my money back? please help.

did you get your stock back? by any chance did you ever live or work in california? If so, I may have found your stock.

I'm sorry to hear about your downfall. I invest
into Walgreens Pharmacy stock. They been around
for over 100 years. And they are a Debt Free company. I have a great track record for the past 37 years. It is still family owned and hard to come by these days. I love Sales & Marketing, But cannot seem to make it into a full
time paying job. I would love to be able to take my ideas and turn them into Marketable Products that turn into Profitable income. But I cannot seem to make it happen. Don

Hi,

I've started doing a little bit of research online on how one would go about designing and publishing personal jounals. I have a specific target audience in mind to create a personal journal for but haven't had a whole lot of luck in finding good leads as to how to do this.

Would you happen to have any advice for me?

Peter,

Do you have a website or more information about your new company? I am currently doing greeting cards but will be expanding after a short while.

My website is www.halfmeasures.biz and is in very rudimental form.

Thanks,

Drew

Shanna,
Good morning. It's nice to meetcha.
What do I do, huh? Lemme think.LOL
I have an editing, critique, and creative writing business. It's been a labor of love from the beginning. A lot of work, but I love it, so it's not work to me.
I look forward to getting to know you.
Have a good day.

Lynette
http://www.uniquecritique.net
The writers website

Your business sounds interesting. I'm going to check your website out...

I used to do a little writing myself and took a few classes on creative writing. I enjoy doing anything artistic I guess. But then I decided I needed to make some money. I am not able to go out and work like everyone else so that makes it difficult.
I used to sell a little on ebay but only done well during the holliday season. If anyone knows a good ebusiness you can start with no funds and no training I would be interested.
I was thinking of buying clothing wholesale and doing an on-line store. Any thoughts on that?

Julie
jrice@cox-internet.com

Howdy!

I'm a both a Speaker and a Business Of Life Coach. I also put out a newsletter called "Stop Thinking & Start Doing ActionLetter" which is a free business newsletter aimed at getting things done!

Welcome to the cafe!

Scott
http://www.WorkYourLife.com
Enjoy Life, Now.

It sounds like you might be able to help me. I am in the process of starting a business. But, i'm kind of nervous about doing it. It's something i've alwasy wanted to do. But, now that i'm ready to go, i get this anxious feeling when i go to call customers. I know i have to contact them. But, when i pick up the phone, i get cared. Any words of advice? Thanks.

Hi Dave,

I'm not a big fan of cold-calling/direct mail or anything else that takes a lot of time or money to market my business. I have never made a cold call in my life, and business is booming. If you're scared of it, why do it?

I'm into relationship marketing, permission marketing, viral marketing and authority marketing. If you want to hear more about them, let me know, or drop by and sign up for the newsletter :-)

Scott Stratten, Speaker/Coach
http://www.WorkYourLife.com
Enjoy Life, Now.

>Hi Dave,

>I'm not a big fan of cold-calling/direct
>mail or anything else that takes
>a lot of time or money
>to market my business. I have
>never made a cold call in
>my life, and business is booming.
>If you're scared of it, why
>do it?

>I'm into relationship marketing, permission marketing, viral
>marketing and authority marketing. If you
>want to hear more about them,
>let me know, or drop by
>and sign up for the newsletter
>:-)

>Scott Stratten, Speaker/Coachhttp://www.WorkYourLife.comEnjoy Life, Now.

Hi Dave,

First, nice website. The "Time" piece was especially uplifting. I need that right about now. Could you explain what you mean by "relationship marketing, permission marketing,...etc"?
I, too, am trying to grow a business in my spare time. It's bookkeeping and accounting, but I am very uncomfortable with cold calls. How would those other marketing techniques work for me?

Mark

I'll assume you meant "Hi Scott" :-)

Thank-you for the compliment on the time piece, I'm very proud of it, and it's been downloaded over 4,000 times this month (viral marketing)

What I meant by relationship marketing etc... is passive marketing. They way I market, and they way I get my coaching clients to market is through relationships etc... by being in contact with people passivley (newsletter, articles, email etc) getting in touch with past clients, positioning them in fron t of potential clients with articles etc..

If you're interested we can chat about it on the phone, it's a long explanation and I'm not a huge fan of typing it out. Or you can join us on an upcoming teleconference called "UnMarketing- how to market with little or no money"

Or just sign up for the newsletter at my site :-)

Scott Stratten, Speaker/Coach
http://www.WorkYourLife.com
Enjoy Life, Now

Hi Scott,

I tried to sign up to your newsletter but the link didnt work.
Could you do the necessary for me?
Thank you so much ..
This is my email address : jewel1@email.com

Warm regards,

Barbara

Hey Mark...when you figure out the technique of marketing in the bookkeeping/accounting realm, let me know. I too am starting a bookkeeping business in the near future. Already sent out postcards, but to no avail. Am not really concentrating on it right now, because it just doesn't FEEL right at the present moment. I still am working part-time full-charge bookkeeping and can go in and check out when I want. So I really have no complaints. But I DEFINITELY plan to start up something probably about mid year or after. Let me know what results you get from marketing and how you did it.

I anxiously await your results! Roxie

email me at:
roxfriesen@aol.com

I so know what you mean. What did you learn from Scott? My husband always says, "the first few calls of the day are hard, but after you get on a roll, it gets easier." I think the scariest part is the rejection, but we have to realize the rejection is not about us as a human being, but the fact that they simply cannot use our services.

Alyice
http://thedabblingmum.com
visit free home biz course online

HAPPY (DAY OF THE WEEK) WEDNESDAY TO YA!!!! SEE HOW THEY RESPOND, THEN GO FROM THERE.
HI ITS NIKKI AT NIKKISBARGAINSTORE. YOU KNOW THE ONES THAT SAY BUY 3 GET 1 FREE ON ALL YOUR ORDERS?
WELL IM JUST CALLING YOU TODAY CUZ WE WERE JUST GETTING RID OF ALL OUR INVENTORY FROM LAST SEASON AND I THOUGHT OF YOU , AND HAVE THEM AT 50% OFF RIGHT NOW. SO I TELL YOU WHAT ILL SEND YOU A CATALOG AND YOU CAN GO FROM THERE, WHATS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND YOU A SAMPLE OR HECK ILL EVEN MAIL IT TO YOUR FRONT DOOR JUST SO YOU DONT HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOUSE TO GET IT.REMEBER A NO MEANS TELL ME MORE! AND A YES IS A YES SO GET THTE ADDRESSES AND GET OFF THE PHONE CUZ YOU COULD BE CALLING 100 PEOPLE A DAY LIKE I USE TO. THE NAME OF THE GAME IS JUST GET YOUR CATALOG OR WEBSITE AND ? ELSE YOU HAVE FOR THE PEOPLE AND GET IT TO THEM NOW! TAKE CARE.

For a little over 4 years now, I�ve been publishing �America�s Favorite Newslesspaper.� I started in my own community, and within 18 months created a booming business. Wanting to share my success, I started expanding across the country about 2 years ago, working at first primarily with 20 non-profit groups in different local towns. In 2002, I started working with individuals who had an entrepreneurial urge to have their own business. I how have close to 50 associates in 23 different states. Each individual owns and operates her or his business in an exclusive geographic area. I have met some of the finest entrepreneurs in America. Each one has a �can do� attitude. With the country appearing to be in a slump, my associates are priming the pump in their local economy by helping the local businesses to market and promote their goods and services with a fun and affordable approach to the serious business of advertising. My goal is to have at least one associate in every state by the end of 2003. Finding people who are �doers� not just dreamers isn�t an easy task, but it�s worth it to see people succeed.

If anyone is interested in more information please visit my website at http://www.nickelnews.com or send me a private email.

johnhenry@business-opportunities.biz

>For a little over 4 years now,
>I’ve been publishing “America’s Favorite Newslesspaper.”
>I started in my own community,
>and within 18 months created a
>booming business. Wanting to share my
>success, I started expanding across the
>country about 2 years ago, working
>at first primarily with 20 non-profit
>groups in different local towns. In
>2002, I started working with individuals
>who had an entrepreneurial urge to
>have their own business. I how
>have close to 50 associates in
>23 different states. Each individual owns
>and operates her or his business
>in an exclusive geographic area. I
>have met some of the finest
>entrepreneurs in America. Each one has
>a “can do” attitude. With the
>country appearing to be in a
>slump, my associates are priming the
>pump in their local economy by
>helping the local businesses to market
>and promote their goods and services
>with a fun and affordable approach
>to the serious business of advertising.
>My goal is to have at
>least one associate in every state
>by the end of 2003. Finding
>people who are “doers” not just
>dreamers isn’t an easy task, but
>it’s worth it to see people
>succeed.

>If anyone is interested in more information
>please visit my website at http://www.nickelnews.com
> or send me a private
>email.

>johnhenry@business-opportunities.biz

Please send me more information on this at mchdavid@aol.com. I'm quite interested in this, although I'm having a little problem understanding the concept. I did own my own business last year, a business that never quite took off, and trying to get one going again after losing SO much, is scary. Any cushion I had is gone, and trying to figure out something to start and get going while still working has been very difficult. I appreciate any information you can give. I haven't decided if this IS for me, but I'm looking at all options at this point.

Thanks
Michelle

I design and sell candy wrappers for any occasion. It's a fun and rewarding business. I get to work from home which I love to do and being your own boss it where it's at
northwestwraps@yahoo.com

Hi Vicki,
how did you get into designing and making candy wrappers? I mean who do you supply them to (do you have a contract?) and how did you market your wrappers?(I thought all small and big candy companies did their own design and packeging inhouse) I am artistic and desperate to do something from home,but just don't seem to be coming up with a viable money making idea.

Don't worry about competiton...I live in Scotland!!

It's great to read what others do!
I own On the Lake Creations and make handmade cards and hand decorate mini gift bags. I've expanded to offering wholesale, which has been great for my business. I've been working full time from home since the beginning of this year. It's not always easy but it really is a dream come true to have my own business.
Ellie
On the Lake Creations
http://www.onthelakecreations.com

>I'm new to this board and was
>wondering what types of businesses are
>being represented. So, I was
>hoping we could share what we
>do. I'm thinking this might
>also be a great way to
>support each other! So...what do
>you do?

>It's great to read what others do!
> I own On the Lake
>Creations and make handmade cards and
>hand decorate mini gift bags.
>I've expanded to offering wholesale, which
>has been great for my business.
> I've been working full time
>from home since the beginning of
>this year. It's not always
>easy but it really is a
>dream come true to have my
>own business. EllieOn the Lake Creationshttp://www.onthelakecreations.com
>>I'm new to this board and
>was >wondering what types of businesses
>are >being represented. So, I
>was >hoping we could share what
>we >do. I'm thinking this
>might >also be a great way
>to >support each other! So...what
>do >you do?

It was very interesting readying the replies. What do I do? Nothing for the moment. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. In my past, I have over 20 yrs in admin/secretary work. Hated it! In my new life I want to have my own business and never have to work for someone else again in my whole life!!!! Be my own boss for a change. I've been surfing to see what's out there.I've learned a lot just from reading other peoples experiences.

Did you ever decide on a business for yourself?

Alyice
http://thedabblingmum.com
Free Home Biz Course

>>It's great to read what others do!
>> I own On the Lake
>>Creations and make handmade cards and
>>hand decorate mini gift bags.
>>I've expanded to offering wholesale, which
>>has been great for my business.
>> I've been working full time
>>from home since the beginning of
>>this year. It's not always
>>easy but it really is a
>>dream come true to have my
>>own business. EllieOn the Lake Creationshttp://www.onthelakecreations.com
>>>I'm new to this board and
>>was >wondering what types of businesses
>>are >being represented. So, I
>>was >hoping we could share what
>>we >do. I'm thinking this
>>might >also be a great way
>>to >support each other! So...what
>>do >you do?

>It was very interesting readying the replies.
>What do I do? Nothing for
>the moment. I'm trying to figure
>out what I want to do
>when I grow up. In my
>past, I have over 20 yrs
>in admin/secretary work. Hated it! In
>my new life I want to
>have my own business and never
>have to work for someone else
>again in my whole life!!!! Be
>my own boss for a change.
>I've been surfing to see what's
>out there.I've learned a lot just
>from reading other peoples experiences.

visit www.excelir.ca/exceltsunami find the business presentation. Enjoy and good luck!!

Thanks for asking such a fun question. It's interesting to see the wide spectrum of small businesses we have here at Idea Cafe.

Personally, I'm a freelance writer and editor, with a background in small business information and public relations.

I'm a one-woman show who's works from a home office who has clients from past work experiences. I'm able to work flexible schedules and be home with my two growing daughters.

I enjoy helping posters with startup information and PR questions and quandries.

My comfort food is chocolate

Have a nice day.

Reierson Editorial Services
Medford, Oregon

I don't want to spam you but my business is all about chocolate!. Check out my website www.cherubs-n-chocolatebysandra.com

Not a problem Sandra! I looked at your web site, very nice!! It looks very professional. And we all love chocolate for sure
Vicki
NorthWestWraps

Wow! Vickie, It really is a small world. I'm from Klamath Falls, Oregon. I go thru Medford about twice a month. Originally from Grants Pass. Drop me a line sometime, northwestwraps@yahoo.com. Best wishes to you!!
Vicki
http://www.northwestwraps.com

I began writing (journal) when I was just in third grade. I am 33 now. I have always wanted to write as a profession but got discouraged a year or two ago when I wrote some articles but got no response or turned down after submitting them. Can you offer me any advice to help me get started. I've always been told to write about what I know. Is this true? How do you know if you are good enough to pursue it?

Hi, my name is Milenko I am 42 y/o guy from Croatia. I used to work on cruise liners and I was working on 6 diferent company's. I would like to become a Freelance writer, 'couse on the ships I was employed on many different positions in Restaurant. Please tell me if you know whom can I reffer to start doing it. Also please if anyone knows somebody who needs short or long funny story's (for stand up comedians, or so)to connect me with such a person. Thank you very much, for your help.

Hi,
Wow, there's a lot of interesting people on this...My
business provides creative services (marketing,
advertising, graphic design and web) to small
businesses and startups primarily. We have worked
with some larger clients, however, we tend to cater to
the small businesses because we have direct access to
decision makers, and can help them thru a difficult
creative process.

Check out our website listed below to learn more.
http://www.cocoassociates.com

We truly enjoy what we're doing, and work with some
pretty amazing business people! Our program of
branding and building marketing support (brochures,
web, direct mail, etc.) is a lot of fun because we get to
help with and witness business growth in our clients.

If anyone needs any help, please don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,

Colleen, Owner
coco@cocoassociates.com
http://www.cocoassociates.com

Hiya
I am a one woman show too,in the UK! I spent 5years in B2B selling and progressed to my own window cleaning firm!
Currently looking for something a bit more "down to earth/safer" business to quench my thirst! Moving into safety of catering.

All the best
Corrine

I work FT but recently started selling Tupperware as well as setting up a store front on Ebay. I'm working towards having a larger online gift store featuring "country" gifts as well as some German linens.

This was a fun and informative post. Thanks!

http://my.tupperware.com/kristabrezina

ShallSucceed,

I was surprised to see your post that you have a window cleaning business. I just recently purchased information on this.

My job is closing down, and this happened to catch my eye on the Net. I ordered a book and a video. It doesnt seem to hard to get into, I just hope I can make a go of it.

I hate working like a dog, and not making any money. Im hoping that I can have this window washing business without having to climb up high.

The highest I will go is to the second floor of a home, then there are a lot of business that have
low to the ground windows.

Hoping this works,
Louise

>ShallSucceed,

>I was surprised to see your post
>that you have a window cleaning
>business. I just recently purchased information
>on this.

>My job is closing down, and this
>happened to catch my eye on
>the Net. I ordered a book
>and a video. It doesnt seem
>to hard to get into, I
>just hope I can make a
>go of it.

>I hate working like a dog, and
>not making any money. Im hoping
>that I can have this window
>washing business without having to climb
>up high.

>The highest I will go is to
>the second floor of a home,
>then there are a lot of
>business that havelow to the ground
>windows.

>Hoping this works,Louise

Hi Louise,
I know it has been a while since you posted this but, did you ever start this window cleaning business, and if you did, how did it work for you?
Thanks,
Michele

We host websites... big and small, from small one-person operation to big businesses with branches in Asia and Europe. We also design and develop websites, using ASP, PHP, MSSQL, SQL...

I started the company back in 1997! Had only one customer the whole year of 1998, moved out of the apartment and bought our own house in 1999... then bought a house twice the size, and 4x the land in 2000!

http://www.web10hosting.com
Ruel

Hi Ruel,
Interesting name... we may know each other... is your Dad's name Bill?
Cindy

>Hi Ruel,Interesting name... we may know each
>other... is your Dad's name Bill?Cindy
>

No my Dad's name isn't Bill, sorry.

Hi! Glad to have you here at the BOIC. I'm in the creative field, my company does web development, graphic design, and photographic design. In my 3rd year of business now, and I love coming here to get some great advice and just to vent.

Tamra
www.studiometamit.com

We help businesses market themselves, schools raise funds and organizations and clubs get their name out there!

We take everyday items, add logo/company name,etc. and VOILA...marketing 24/7!!

From t-shirts to magnets and pens, executive gifts, awards, golf items and more...we help our customers increase their sales, reactivate accounts, get noticed at tradeshow/conventions and more!!

Mostly we have lots of fun! And we work from home!YEAH!!

Thanks for asking!!

Vickie
http://www.101PromotionalProducts.com

Vickie,
Have you had companies add their personalized product to your company? I'd be interested..
Thanks,
Sandra

Sandra...

Not sure what your question is(it's been a busy, but fun week!!)...but feel free to email me at info@101PromotionalProducts.com

Vickie
http://www.101PromotionalProducts.com

I own a gift and balloon shop. I am also a balloon decorator, where I decorate weddings, parties, and come up with some balloon bouquets as well. I am in the learning mode, and I am having fun while I am doing this. I am sharing the gift shop with another business owner that sells novelties so this is really working out quite well so far, and even though we are 2 business people sharing the rent our business is just starting to grow.

Web design, development, and marketing.

Jeremy Thompson
http://www.AlliedCreativeGroup.com

Hey All,

Thanks for posting this question! My name is David and I'm a work-at-home Dad who owns and operates Davidbase, a custom database application design business.

My PRIMARY job is taking care of our 4-month-old boy, but between the diapers, spit-up, and Winnie the Pooh, I remain a professional. (I view it as an asset - if I can spend 9 hours alone with a baby boy, I can do anything...)

We develop custom database applications for businesses of any size. We create the system for you to store records on anything - inventory, sales, demographics, or all of the above. We specialize in the integration of information to create meaningful statistics that helps back-up your business decisions with factual data.

In addition to that, we offer an "Expert On Demand" service, giving clients quick answers to technical questions generally regarding Microsoft's suite of applications. All the geekiness of an IT staff without the hassle, and at a tiny fraction of the cost.

Check us out!

David Badurina
http://www.davidbase.com

That's what I do! Original, handpainted, artist signed designs, for the colorful at home. I started with small wholesale accounts that have done splendidly. Which, in turn, gave me the courage to try a retail website, to reach potential clients all around the country. It has been a huge amount of fun so far. Thanks for a great thread!

Beege {:^)

Beege Welborn
Handpainted Glassware ~ Fine Art ~ Accessories

http://www.beegewelborn.com

>Hey All,

>Thanks for posting this question! My name
>is David and I'm a work-at-home
>Dad who owns and operates Davidbase,
>a custom database application design business.
>

>My PRIMARY job is taking care of
>our 4-month-old boy, but between the
>diapers, spit-up, and Winnie the Pooh,
>I remain a professional. (I view
>it as an asset - if
>I can spend 9 hours alone
>with a baby boy, I can
>do anything...)

>We develop custom database applications for businesses
>of any size. We create the
>system for you to store records
>on anything - inventory, sales, demographics,
>or all of the above. We
>specialize in the integration of information
>to create meaningful statistics that helps
>back-up your business decisions with factual
>data.

>In addition to that, we offer an
>"Expert On Demand" service, giving clients
>quick answers to technical questions generally
>regarding Microsoft's suite of applications. All
>the geekiness of an IT staff
>without the hassle, and at a
>tiny fraction of the cost.

>Check us out!

>David Badurinahttp://www.davidbase.com

Hi Dave,

I just had to reply to your post b/c I felt such a connection with your comment that your PRIMARY job is the father and caregiver of your child during the day. I too feel the same way. I run a child shuttle company but always say that I am a stay-at-home mom when people ask what I do. Although I usually mention my company somewhere later in the conversation. My company has been doing very well and my employees understand my goals. I'm not necessarily "staying-at-home" all the time but I structure my work schedule around my childrens naptime and playtime (I have a 1-yr old and a 3-yr old). So they are also my PRIMARY job. So thanks for commenting in the manner in which you did.

This is a neat discussion. What do I do?

I am a press release writer, freelance writer, Editor of an Online Magazine, Web Mistress, Virtual Assistant, and Discount Telecommunications Agent... and funny thing... they all tie together.

Alyice
http://thedabblingmum.com
http://edrichcommunications.com

Alyce,
I checked out the dabblingmum and loved it.
I'd love to feature your newsletter as a resource at my site. I am always looking for unique and informative advice and insight for writers.
I really enjoyed my visit.

Lynette
http://www.uniquecritique.net
Check out and sign up for our free newsletter
http://www.uniquecritique.net/NewsletterNo2.html
"If it needs to be written, you need us to write it!"

Thanks for the compliment! I have worked very hard on this site all summer!

Alyice
http://edrichcommunications.com
http://thedabblingmum.com

The really cool part is I do all of my work right here in my home office online and on the telephone - LOVE the commute :-)

I actually have a small (and all prospering) portfolio of businesses.

a) http://MyFinancialTrainer.com helps people become empowered in their personal and business finances. My personal background includes 30+ years of professional Tax preparation and through this site I am able to broadly market some of the best tax advice for home-based business I've ever seen. In fact the only thing I've seen that comes close is Diane Kennedy (Robert Kiyosaki's accountant) and her team, and their retainer is price prohibitive for many small businesses.

b) I have a nutritional supplements business. What can I say about these products? I loved them, took them, gave them to my family and recommended them for two years before I became a rep. While nothing is perfect for everyone, I love these products. http://www.concordebuddy.com/maran/

c) I'm a rep for a Leads generating business. I do not believe in hounding or chasing my friends and family.

http://www.prostepinc.com/visitors/?maran

And of great value to me is my volunteer activity as a Coach at The Greatest Networker. We coach people all over the world in all different companies in Network Marketing. It's a very different approach, I do not have conversations about overcoming objections.

http://greatestnetworker.com/is/maran

It was great meeting all of you.

be well and remember, Who You Are Makes A Difference

I do handy man work, small residential construction services that the big contractors don't like. I get so many calls that I am putting together a plan to start building a team.

We have a "farm" with llamas, horses, longhorn cattle and we have added having birthday parties at our home. Offering hayrides, light lunch and games... it has gone over really well.

Then recently, my dream of having an antique/gift shop came true. There was a closed antique business in our town, the owner had retired. I called and asked if I could re-open the shop and keep his stuff in there on consignment. He really thought it was a good idea. And from there we went. only open for a week or so now, but had 40-50 customers the first day. We are in a small town with very little retail. Downtown was almost dead, but with us opening back up and a dance studio opening next door, it is much more lively now.

I love it, someday I hope to be able to have them support me full-time. Just getting some bills paid off first...

Wow there are so many talented people here... what a great way for someone new like me to get to know everyone!!

I am the owner/operator, web designer, graphic artist, packaging, shipping, creative mind, marketing, search engine placement... shewwww back bone to my business Candles By Victoria.

I have been in business online for just over 2 years and absolutely love what I do. I have worked very hard to not only create a wonderful candle but to get my site out there where it can be seen and work for me. I have managed to get my site ranked very high in most search engines and have done this by hard work alone, no out of pocket money.

If I can do this I know anyone can, with determination and a passion for what you do, anyone can achieve their goals!!

Victoria~

Candles By Victoria
http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com
Hand-poured with love...
...Hand-made from the heart

i'm with you, Victoria... thrilled to be in the company of so many talented people here on the board!
as for what i *do*... i stomp boldly in every puddle i come across. in between puddles i have fun with the following...
http://www.cheaptherapy.net
...handcrafted paper art that celebrates Life.

LOUD cheers to you all!
lisa

Victoria,
Can you give a little advice about the techniques you used to get good search engine rankings?
I am an absolute candle junkie.LOL I've got candles and holders of all shapes and sizes.
I'm going to mosey on over to your website when I am done here.
Candles are instant atmosphere, don't you think? (And after all, atmosphere is everything, in my book.*grin*)

Lynette
http://www.uniquecritique.net
Check out and sign up for our free newsletter
http://www.uniquecritique.net/NewsletterNo2.html
"If it needs to be written, you need us to write it!"

As for my rankings in the engines. It took a lot of hard work and many hours of fine tuning my keywords and exchanging links with good quality websites that had similar interest but didn't compete with me directly. I have learned a LOT about link exchanging since I first started and I am much chooser these days then I was in the past but I totally believe that exchanging links with other websites is what helped me get where I am. I have over 600 sites at Google alone pointing to my website. Search engines are no different then any other business they want to give their customers what they are looking for and if they perceive your site to be popular and what the masses are looking for then they will rank you higher.

I also leave my web address everywhere I go and end every email that I send out with a link to my website. Just like the famous line .. You can built it... but if they don't come your not going to be very successful are you?

I have been asked many times if this idea or that idea this has brought me traffic to my site and I always tell everyone that if it only brought one person to my site that was one more person that was there before I did whatever it was I did... so if it is free and it involves nothing illegal or illicit then I will usually sign up and try it

I am also the feature website this month at www.biztalk4u.com which is another great way to get your site seen. Just like this site many business websites offer the chance to be their spotlight business and I think that is a great idea and a great way to get your site seen and make your customers feel comfortable and secure about ordering from you. There are many things you can do and I am constantly thinking and working on new ways to advertise my site, that is the name of the game

Sorry this got so long and I hope I was helpful... at least a little!!

Victoria~

Candles By Victoria
http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com
Handpoured with love...
...Handmade from the heart

Nice site, love candles, put you on my favorites.
I have a small shop which is currently closed. Due to some double dealing by someone I trusted I had to open with next to no funding. I struggled through part of the summer but then had to pull in my horns. I am currently a bake shop, the end plan is a cafe, bakery and catering business. I plan on using the internet for custom items, cookie baskets and advertising. I had a web site paid for but the woman never finished it. Someone else made one but through iVillage so that the name is impossible long. I am now trying to get sons to build me one since they have the knowlege. Having 30 years food and beverage experience makes dealing with food a natural. I'm not giving up and still have the shop, am currently working and sending in applications for grants so I can get the puppy up and running again. I love reading through and seeing all the diverse occupations. Good luck to all, Barbara

Victoria,
I had the best time surfing around your site! I am drooling over your navigation bar.*sob*
I have bookmarked it and will definitely be returning.
The only thing that I didn't like about the site was the black background. It really hurt my eyes.
You've done a fantastic job.
Kudos!

Lynette
http://www.uniquecritique.net
Check out and sign up for our free newsletter
http://www.uniquecritique.net/NewsletterNo2.html
"If it needs to be written, you need us to write it!"

People either love or hate the black backgroud.. I have thought of changing it in the past but I get way more folks that love it then hate it Can't please everyone on the internet as I'm sure you know I used to try but found out quickly that was impossiable so I go with the masses LOL. Thank you so much for your compliments!!

that is a great idea and one that i too have been
"talking" about for at least a year now. i have workedwith the larger guys and it's tough, fast, and un rewarding, also i have seen them turn down jobs i would haveloved to jump on! so i think weshould talk.

~tim

I work as a hardware technician in the computer/it field. I hope to own my own business someday.

Thanks

Unindra

My business is providing a unique tradeshow promotional item called the "Meeting Survival Kit". I would love to 'talk' to others who work with tradeshow promotional items, as I am very new to this field.

Best of luck to all in all business endeavors!

Lorraine
info@tradeshowkits.com

Hi Lorraine,
What do you do exactly?
Thanks,
Sandra

Hi Sandra,

I have a product called a "Meeting Survival Kit". It is a promotional item for tradeshow exhibitors to distribute to attendees.

After going to a zillion tradeshows and bringing how the requisit coffee mugs and visors, I decided to 'create' something that I always wanted while at tradeshows. That's how the "Meeting Survival Kit" idea was born. It's just a little bag of things that one always seems to need when at a convention: Tylenol, antacid, bandaid, mints, nail file, safety pin, etc. The exhibitor can send me business cards to include in the packages as well.

I have really just started the business, but so far, people seem to like them very well. The bags are also less expensive than most other giveaways, and that seems to help.

Would love any ideas or suggestions. What sort of business do you do?

Lorraine
www.tradeshowkits.com

Nice to see you here Victoria. I've been buying her candles for months now, and they are fabulous!
Also saw your biz profile on the site you mentioned. I see another familiar face here too, Hi Lisa! Being profiled here at ideacafe has done wonders for my website. This is a happening place!
Vicki
http://www.northwestwraps.com

Hi, I'm new to the message board too. I recently bought a franchise, and am providing non-medical homecare for seniors. The name of my company is Visiting Angels of Washtenaw County. I'm a RN who became fed up working for companies that really didn't care about people. I have a passion for the elderly, and know the service is needed, so it was a perfect fit. I am able to have a home office, which is a big plus.

My business offers a variety of products people use every day, but at a lower cost.
Basically I get to help people save money on long distance, internet service, web hosting, free cell phones, dsl, dish network, home and small business alarm systems, and much much more.
My website is a generic one right now but I plan on making my own when I learn more about it.

I have been in this business for about 6 months, very part time, since I have been working so much.

If you want you can check it out at www.LightSpeedCommunications.com

Thank you
Kerry Smith
www.LightSpeedCommunications.com

Shanna,

Thankyou for posting this message. I'm all about networking. I have been studying business for some time now and been on this site reading what everybody has been writing for a while now. I certainly agree that there are a lot of talented people on this website, and there is a lot to be learned. No matter how much you know, there is always something new to learn or someone new to meet.

I am starting a website that will be finished and running by the end of Ocotober. It is going to be a virtual reality shopping mall/antique mall online. A person will be able to shop around my online mall and each store as they would be able to in a real life shopping mall. I am currently figuring out every way to market this cost effectively, and am also trying to find AS MANY STORES AS POSSIBLE with products for sale to fill the ground level of this new mall. If anybody is interested in any advice or want to learn more about this and possibly reserve space in this mall, or if anybody needs advice or help with their business, please email me at anthony_346@yahoo.com

Thankyou,

Ronald

could u send a motivational books through my e-mail address?

hello my website will be ready in a couple of weeks I am interested in your idea , can you explain in more detail e-mail me katgrowly@aol.com or jcimports@bellsouth.net

Do you have to be a RN or get a medical license to do this? also....what do you mean by non-medical care? I have a degree in a totally different field but I am very interested in what you're doing.

>Hi, I'm new to the message board
>too. I recently bought a
>franchise, and am providing non-medical homecare
>for seniors. The name of
>my company is Visiting Angels of
>Washtenaw County. I'm a RN
>who became fed up working for
>companies that really didn't care about
>people. I have a passion
>for the elderly, and know the
>service is needed, so it was
>a perfect fit. I am
>able to have a home office,
>which is a big plus.

Can you fill me in on the franchise part, I also want to know if I have to be a RN to have a medical license to be in this business. I can't wait to hear from you.....thanks

I just received an e-mail from Idea Cafe that I had a response. As you can guess, recently opening my business, I've been too busy to attend to checking the message board. I started by coming across franchises in the area I was intersted in. I started to inquire about them, and started receiving information. I checked them out with the BBB, and did some more checking. I was attuned to how they treated me, and their company. I went to an informational meeting on the one I was most interested in first, and had another scheduled (which I ended up cancelling). I met with a man from SCORE, to discuss what I needed to do for start up, and he reviewed my franchise agreement. I also had a lawyer review it (which I think was a total waste of money). And in the end, I bought a franchise from Living Assistance Services Inc. because they had the hearts behind what they were doing. I wanted a senior homecare agency where the focus was Caring for Seniors, and not to just make money, or be another number for the franchise company. I followed the initial recommendations from SCORE, and went to a week training for my agency. Came home, took care of the legal details of opening a business, and opened. My service sales have increased by 10 times in 4 months. I attribute that to our agency working together to really care for our Seniors, and to put the extra effort in attending to their needs, making them comfortable with the process, and carefully screening the caregiver's I hire. Caregivers that go above and beyond, make the agency. I treat them well, therefore will keep them working for me. Non-Medical care consists of Companionship, Hygiene, Light Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, Errands, and Transportation. It doesn't require a degree in the medical field, but I think it helps, not only in marketing efforts, but to handle the situations that have already come up. The biggest way to be successful in this type of business, is to truly have a passion caring for the elderly. If you're looking for an endeavor just to make money, it's not for you.
Do what you love, and the income will follow. Hope this helps.
Angil RN

Angil _ Iam considering offering this type of service in my community and I am also looking into purchasing a franchise. I would really like to discuss this venture with someone else who is in the business. Please email me (ebbertk@erols.com)

WWW.COBBLESTONEPARTNERS.8K.COM

Hi Angie!

For the past year my sister and I have been working on this same business venture and are overjoyed to see someone else who is up and running already. We are located in North Carolina and would like to get some feedback from you on your startup, how things are working and where you find your clients. Any information that you can share with us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

www.cobblestonepartners.8k.com

Angil _ Iam considering offering this type of service in my community and I am also looking into purchasing a franchise. I would really like to discuss this venture with someone else who is in the business. Please email me (ebbertk@erols.com)

Hello Angil,

I am thinking of becoming a franchisee also of non-medical elderly care, how can you rate your franchisor (VA)? Please respond to me at oludamilola@msn.com

I have heard so many bad stories about franchises.

Thanks,
Nike

how is your business going? i started the basically the same thing two years ago, except i did not purchase the franchize.

I am so interested in doing this. Could you tell me how to get started?

I just sent in an inquiry for two franchises like that and waiting to receive the info. Anything you can tell me or warn me about ahead of time. I am not an RN or nurse (actually I own a horse business with my fiance) but I have had a lot of hands on experience the last two years with my Dad who recently passed away from Lou Gehrigs disease. So many times I had wished someone could do something for him when I couldn't be around. My sister is a Nurse and is also looking for something else so I may make the suggestion to her. Good Luck

Hi, I'm an RN looking for a way to escape the ratrace of the medical system also. I am not able to do the physical work anymore because of a pinched nerve in my foot. But I don't want to go back for a four year degree at age 52. Would rather explore other options. Any suggestions, advice, pointers, etc?

Hi Lorraine....

I know this reply is a bit late, but this is just one of my periodical visits to the site and I saw your posting on what you do. I absolutely love this idea and want to know more about it. Please email me at cwbritt2001@yahoo.com and give me some more information. Thanks!

Lorraine --

I don't work in the same business as you, but I do work in the conference/trade show industry and I LOVE your idea.

I am a Presentation Consultant who works with speakers at conferences and exhibitors at trade shows to create better presentations.

I often work conferences where only water is served and I would love it if more conferences offered your "survival kit."

I'd love to talk to you more about how we could team up (swap links if you have a website, things like that).

Mark
http://www.expressbydesign.com

What a great idea Shanna!!!!!

Proving that people LOVE to talk about what they do.

I am grateful to you for having such an original idea. It's encouraging to not only read what others are doing but also that so many (55 when I clicked on the link) people are contributing to the thread.

As for what I do, I am a presentations consultant who helps people create better presentations and coaches them on improving their presenting skills.

Kudos to you for starting this board!!

Mark
http://www.expressbydesign.com
Winnning you business with clear, impactful presentations

I'm in the success business! Your success IS my business and I love helping my clients become more successful! My title is Business and Life Coach-Consultant.

I sometimes feel like the double-mint commercial... two...two in one . However, my uniqueness is in my ability to offer both coaching and consulting skillets to my clients and students � depending on what their needs and wants maybe. The trained coaching part provides that special support, encouragement, honesty of what I see (or don�t see occurring), questioning, listening between the lines, basically all the things that help my clients bring what �s inside� to the outside. The experienced consultant piece puts me in a spot to be an expert in certain area like starting and running a company, changing careers, finding an ideal place to live or career, Internet and in-print marketing, technology and I help my clients to do all those things!

There is nothing like owning a business where you feel like you�re having fun 99% of the time. I am grateful� because I�m there and I�m helping my clients get there, too!

Maria Marsala
www.CoachMaria.com

Hi there, in a nutshell I simply show people a paint by numbers method in which they can create Prosperity (with Purpose). I train and advise people, in business, and help to support and balance the human immune system.

Warm Regards Spence

Can't believe I never noticed this thread. :^)

In a nutshell, I develop documentation that helps software companies sell and support their products. Virtually every software program has (and SHOULD have!) a help file, user guide, Quick Start guide, or other type of information to help customers use the program properly... those materials are what I design and write.

I also offer associated services such as editing, writing web content, desktop publishing, converting files to PDF, and so on.

Regards,

*Tanja

-------
Documentation that helps support your software products
Online Help ~ Manuals ~ FAQ's ~ Web Content & Editing
Words4Nerds : http://www.words4nerds.com

- Want tips on providing great customer service and creating
effective product documentation? Check out our free e-zine!

I'm a stay at home mommy, 25 and am
currently trying to open a retail store. But for
now I guess you can say I 'm a mini
Webmaster, I build and design websites and
make money off of affiliate programs. It brings
in a little extra cash, I've only been doing it for
about 6 mos and I just keep building different
sites to see what catches on.

Here are two of my sites, there still being fixed
up a little but your welcome to check them out.

http://4free.50megs.com
http://cmmi.50megs.com

Wishing everyone the best of luck in their
business ventures.

Hi kristina! i was just commenting on your site. It looks good i'm also into affiliate programs. I have my own on-line shopping center.and if you like you could take a look at it. I have my own affiliate web site also. There is two options one you have to pay to be part of the other one is free.Check it out at www.themalloftheworld.com/dwanellwarren

I teach computers, but what makes my business a bit different is the casual method I use. I come to people's homes or business, and teach what they need to know about the computer. Topics range from Microsoft Office, digital photography, Ebay, and I even do technical support.
I'm also currently trying to start my own small business group in my area.

http://www.wardenterprises.com- official web site.
http://www.learningthepc.com- I got this site due to needing a more effective domain name to put on my van. I felt that Ward Enterprises didn't express what I do effectively.
http://www.brainstorminc.netfirms.com is the business group I'm trying to start- it has some online resources for everyone.

I've now added wine labels and personalized chocolate cd's too my business. Funny how things take off when you least expect it!

~Vicki~
http://www.northwestwraps.com

Sharon,
By small biz group, do you mean a networking group?

Check out leads clubs, bni, and some other established companies. They provide training and a great place to network.

Best of success and lots of joy,

Maria Marsala

Is your business ready for 2004? Grow your business in less time and improve your bottom line with practical blue-chip strategies. Visit http://www.coachmaria.com/launch.html

Hello, it is nice to meet you. My name is Sherice and I am new to these boards also. I am a Graphic Designer who designs Mascot's for Logo's.

Sherice
sparkie@highstreem.net
Mascot Artist
http://www.mascotartist.com

Hi SHerice ,

Like your idea very much and I was wondering if you would also like to employ an artist out of Germany !! I amm a very creative person myself but never had enough courage to share my works with others . Drop me a mail and maybe we can talk about it ok !!
Thanks alot
AL

Greetings

I'm actually keen to hire artists to outsource work to on occasion. Do you have a portfolio online?

No I do not but I bet I can get one put together !!
Do you have any particular subject or should I just put the things together that I like best ?

AL

Hi,

I just started a new job posting board. http://www.usawhjobs.com

Thanks
Unindra

What do I do? I pretty much help people looking for promotion items for their business. Thanks for the Introduction, and I hope to see you around.

Ike Thaler
Twig One Stop
http://www.twigonestop.com

For over 3 years now, I have been helping people who run websites with professional web solutions such as Webhosting, Programming, Design, Business Cards, Banner Ads, Logo's, Templates, etc.

I see a lot of you have some great ideas that you have turned into Business's. Great Job!

Leigh
http://www.chewnet.biz
contact@chewnet.biz

Hi, I run a marketing/design consulting business. I've been using Idea Cafe for over a year, and I love it! Great place to meet and great, gain referals, give and get advise.

If you need any help marketing, once you decide what new venture you want to take on, or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, drop me a line!

Best of Luck to everyone!!!!

Michele Larson
Larson Marketing Concepts
mlarson@gemhold.com
http://www.larsonmarketing.com

Hi all!

I cant belive how much of a response this thread has gotten... Everyone has soooo many great ideas.

I myself have had a few home businesses, I did web design and asset management. I have even got my feet wet in MLM...

Presently I am starting a newsletter targeted at home businesses. I will be providing content on marketing ideas, managing, finance,etc... So if anyone has any ideas or wants some free plublicty by writing a guest article let me know... I plan to launch by the first of the year...

Jason R.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homebizmentor/

Hi Jason,

Count me in,I'd be glad to write an article here and there for you...You can go to my website to see everything we do. I run a marketing/design consulting business and specialize in assisting smaller businesses, a majority of which are or have come from at home businesses.

Great idea...Best of Luck,

Michele Larson
Larson Marketing Concepts
mlarson@gemhold.com
http://www.larsonmarketing.com

Basically I am a distributor for an excellent product that we have manufactured. I am in the jerky business.

I know that people that come to idea cafe are always starting new and exciting businesses. Most of our stores are independently owned and operated.

We just opened three new stores, one in Gatlinburg, Tennesee. One in Grayling, Mich. and a kiosk in a CA. Mall. Most of our stores work well in tourist areas. Anybody live in a great tourist area?

Janie
www.houseofjerky.net

>Basically I am a distributor for an
>excellent product that we have manufactured.
> I am in the jerky
>business.

>I know that people that come to
>idea cafe are always starting new
>and exciting businesses. Most of
>our stores are independently owned and
>operated.

>We just opened three new stores, one
>in Gatlinburg, Tennesee. One in Grayling,
>Mich. and a kiosk in a
>CA. Mall. Most of our stores
>work well in tourist areas.
>Anybody live in a great tourist
>area?

>Janiewww.houseofjerky.net

Hey I did live in the perfect tourist area, hopefully we'll be rebuilt from Ivan's damage by summer for the MASSES!! Can't wait....Interested in your stores.

Or what's left of it...sigh. Hope you made it through the blow in one piece Misty. Did you stick around for the storm? We rode it out and isn't THAT worth a story or two, lol! I've got my fingers crossed for a quick recovery, too, since my darlin' shop owners and their stores at the beaches took quite a hit. But everyone's as busy as bees puttin' things back together. I've got alot of faith in this community!
Beege {:^)

Beege Welborn
Handpainted Glassware ~ Fine Art ~ Accessories
http://www.beegewelborn.com

Hi Shanna and everyone else,

I provide customized solutions for small businesses who would like to use the Internet as a marketing tool or to conduct business.

Currently, solutions include a combination of e-
commerce with fraudulent purchase detection, Web design, hosting, maintenance, and search engine marketing.

If there is anything in particular you would like to know, please feel free to ask me and I will be more than happy to provide you with an
answer.

P Hardy Technologies, Inc.
http://www.phardy.com

Wife

>

>Wife

You probably have the hardest job of all. Keep up the good work.

I enjoy my life very much! Not too many can actually say that!

Wife

>>

>>Wife

>You probably have the hardest job of
>all. Keep up the good
>work.

Someday I hope to be able to say the same thing. We have opened a "General Store" in our town, so that will hopefully be my way out of the corporate world and back closer to home.

Have a good New Year's

Wife

>Someday I hope to be able to
>say the same thing. We
>have opened a "General Store" in
>our town, so that will hopefully
>be my way out of the
>corporate world and back closer to
>home.

>Have a good New Year's

how is the general store coming?
Do you mean the General Store where various vendors showcase their wares?

Interesting responses from everyone. Thanx.

I do promotional products and services, which include things like Holiday Cards (20% off retail!)

http://business.greetingcards.regency.ac

and an on-line printing service for discount business cards, labels, stickers, decals, etc.

http://business.clickprint.com

and consultation regarding effective, efficient and creative ways to use promotional products to solve business problems. People provide problems, and I develop solutions that involve promotional products.

Phil
http://www.business-specialties.com

I help people catch bad "guys" by using surveillance equipment (Cameras - covert, pinhole, nanny, hidden, etc...)

http://www.KenCarrasco.com

I will be running my own business (franchisee)as a teacher of a unique art program for all ages. Take a look at the website www.kidzart.us!
I am so excited to be part of this wonderful venture and I know I will be very successful at it! I look forward to learning lots from this forum.
Take Care

I was just browsing through all of these great responses on what everyone does! Its so amazing to see the diversity in businesses that are out there today. I just had a quick question about the survellience business. For some off reason, I have for many years now considered being a Private Investigator. This is something I have always wanted to do, but, more along the lines of catching cheating husbands/wives, and insurance fraud. My question is where do you start to open this type of business? Would you need to be in law enforcement, security before taking this on?

Start with the state government agency that regulates private investigators in your respective state. Their requirements may or may not require you to have some security or law enforcement experience. Generally, you just need to be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry on an exam.

BTW - I'm not a private investigator, I'm a security consultant. I'm a retired Corporate Investigator.

hope this helps,

Ken

>I was just browsing through all of
>these great responses on what everyone
>does! Its so amazing to see
>the diversity in businesses that are
>out there today. I just had
>a quick question about the survellience
>business. For some off reason, I
>have for many years now considered
>being a Private Investigator. This is
>something I have always wanted to
>do, but, more along the lines
>of catching cheating husbands/wives, and insurance
>fraud. My question is where do
>you start to open this type
>of business? Would you need to
>be in law enforcement, security before
>taking this on?

I am a legal broker, and provide people with access to their own attorney for just pennies a day. I am also a wife and work at home mommy of two preschool children.

Kristina
ckckhard@aaahawk.com

I am an Interior Designer and I am looking to start a consultant and retail store. But until then my husband and I have a business together. We help people with their dreams. It's quite difficult to explain in a sentance or two but we help people start a small business to make the money to do whatever or go where ever their dreams take them.

Hi
I just read your what you do. I am also an Interior Designer in Canada. I would enjoy talking to you.

Charty

I would love to chat with you! You can email me at vogue_graveland@excite.com It's always nice to speak with fellow designers.

There seems to be a wide variety of choices represented in this thread.

I suppose Im a bit, well... odd.
I breed bearded dragons. (Yes, I said dragons - Seriously, that's what they are called. They are an Australian lizard.
For anyone with children that watch the Crocodile Hunter - its the little bugger that jumps up and nips Steve on the nose when he harrasses it during the opening.

My husband and I started this as an accident really. We bred our pets years ago while I was managing a small exotic pet store. The store sold all of the hatchlings for us; which covered our yearly care expenses and opened the door to more possibilities. Unfortunately, the store closed when PetSmart moved in down the road - but the contacts within the pet trade gave us a stable footing - and things spiraled from there.

Vickie
http://www.dachiu.com/

Super question! What a way to get the ball
rolling, and create a reference tool for future
usage. I was fascinated while reading about
each and every business. It's truly great to get
out of my own head.

I design and author a spiritual advice site --
Do you have a question about your life or your
career? The runes can help! RuneCast.com
offers free spiritual advice to everyone. For the
dedicated and daring, we also offer a wealth
of subscriber benefits.

Colleen Lynn
http://www.runecast.com

I know I am probably a bit late, but I just stumbled onto your post. I have to say what a great idea asking people to share what they do. I am impressed at the range of interesting and creative businesses that are out there.

I am a divorce consultant. It might seem like an earie and depressing job, but it is one that is in increasingly high demand. I find it very gratifying when I can help people stay grounded during a very trying and stressful time of life. I am always pleased when I am able to assist people put their lives back in order. Understandably the most heart wrenching cases involve custody disputes. Through my website, I have extended my practise globally and have attracted clients in Canada, the U.S. and even India.

Reena Sommer, Ph.D.
Surviving Divorce: Dr. Reena Sommer & Associates -Divorce Consultants

http://www.reenasommerassociates.mb.ca
rsommer@shaw.ca

Dr.,

You should put together an online course with Barnes and Noble for this! I'm sure you'd get a terrific turnout!

Wife

I'd love to put together an online course, seminar or workshop. Just don't know how to go about it. Any ideas/suggestions would be welcomed. Email me directly if you would like at rsommer@shaw.ca

Many thanks - Reena

http://www.reenasommerassociates.mb.ca
Surviving Divorce - Dr. Reena Sommer & Associates: Divorce Consultants

What a great thread.
I am an RN at the present time.
I love caring the people but, unfortunately, am unable to do so because the facilities won't HIRE enough staff for anyone to be able to do their job.

I am fed up!

Fed up with seeing people's needs go untended. I can't TAKE it anymore.

Which is why I am here....I'm here to brainstorm, network, and learn.

I want to open my own business. I know I can, I know I have the ideas and I certainly have the "people skills" since nursing has basically become a customer service profession these days...ugh. (If you know an RN - ask him/her.)

I have the ideas. Now to get my hands on the start-up moohla.

Congrats, all of you who have done it!

Lexi

www.cobblestonepartners.8k.com

I hear you, Lexi. Nursing is in a desperate plight these days. OK for when you are young maybe. Wouldn't it be great if it were like the movies. Maybe the elder care idea is a good venue for the art of actually caring without the relentless pursuit of profit. Beck

I've been a frequent browser of Idea Cafe for several months but am only recently finding out how useful these forums are... and so only just saw this thread. Thank you for the invitation to introduce myself!

I run computer classes for kids in New York City, mostly after-school but with weekend workshops and a summer day camp as well. We also host computer-themed birthday parties, where the kids complete an activity like creating their own Web pages. I'd like to reach families in other locations next. Instead of immediately moving to open other locations, though, I'd like to move to creating products I can sell online -- books of computer activities (the same kinds of things we do in class) and gift baskets for smart kids.

Eileen
http://www.genuineclass.com/

>I've been a frequent browser of Idea
>Cafe for several months but am
>only recently finding out how useful
>these forums are... and so only
>just saw this thread. Thank you
>for the invitation to introduce myself!
>

>I run computer classes for kids in
>New York City, mostly after-school but
>with weekend workshops and a summer
>day camp as well. We also
>host computer-themed birthday parties, where the
>kids complete an activity like creating
>their own Web pages. I'd like
>to reach families in other locations
>next. Instead of immediately moving to
>open other locations, though, I'd like
>to move to creating products I
>can sell online -- books of
>computer activities (the same kinds of
>things we do in class) and
>gift baskets for smart kids.

>Eileenhttp://www.genuineclass.com/

Hello Eileen,

I saw your message accidentally on IdeaCafe -
posted on 12/27/2002.

Visiting your impressive and interesting website - I've asked myself, maybe you will be
interested to buy/sell/use my creative software
for children in your computer classes?

Please, visit my site:
http://www.music-children.com

I'll be glad to hear from you.

Best regards
Lior

Hello Shana & and everyone!

I just found this site today and am so glad I did! Just by looking at some posts, I know I am going to love it here. This place seems like a great place. I found it from a post on another board, and am so glad I decided to click on it. It's nice to meet all of you! I hope that I can get to know all of you. I plan to be around as much as I can.

Well I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Kat and I am from Irwin, PA. Anyone else here from PA?

I started my own business about 12 years ago, and after 2 years it really took off. When I first stared my business I had no idea what to start with. There were so many thing I wanted to do! I finally decided on one thing and I started with my own magazine, called Kat's Office. It was a magazine dedicated to all the people that owned a business, and what they did. I would feature 20 people that owned their own business in it every week and the services that they offered. It started out as a little newsletter, but in a month and a half, it grew to about 1,300 and now it is almost to 100,000. I finally took it online about 5 years ago. Once I got tired of doing that so I started a few more business.

I started with my own personalized site, where you can personalized anything such as a Poem, Website, Personalized letter from Santa, T-shirts, etc. (anything personalized I do) I also do a Webmaster Sites, where I cater to webmasters and their needs. A newsletter service where I cater to Newsletter needs. I also do Birthday Announcements, and Birth Announcements sites, and am a Mother site also catering to all the work at home moms out there. I also am a one stop shop for webdesign, hosting, domain name registration, and Marketing needs. I teach on Line as well as off line classes to the people needing help with Microsoft, E-mail, webdesign, marketing, etc. I also am a coach, business consultant, and an Affiliate Master of the Affiliate Programs. I also offer Webmaster On Call Service, and a clipping service. I do quite a bit more, but that is enough from me for now.

I now have over 300 sites that I run, working on each as the days go by. its a lot of work but I wanted to work on my own, and since they did so well and kept me afloat as I lived day to day, I am now giving back to my business! The design is over 5 years old, so I figured I would just take them all down and redesign all of them. After I redesigned one, I just didn't like the old look once I got the new look up, so decided that I would re do all of them! I am sure all of you know how it is, when you get a new look, you just don't want to use the old look anymore. So I took all of my sites down, and am now in the process of redoing them. I know I am loosing money, but I like the idea of having fresh sites up, instead of outdated looking ones. That's just the way I am! Once I make a change, all that reflects me has to change also! I should have them all up by the end of February-March, but don't quote me on that! I have a lot to do in little time! I plan to have one to two up a week, but that may

It's nice to meet all of you! I am hoping to be back as much as I can. I hope to meet and talk/E-mail/Chat/ with all of you someday. Until then, I plan to contribute to the lists as much as I can! I am glad to be here! Nice to meet all of you!!!!

Happy Holidays!

Kat
http://www.patsykats.com
kat@patsykats.com

Greetings,
I just found this site and think it's great, but
you all make me feel very stupid! I'm having
such a hard time. I was an award-winning
newspaper editor/photographer for a decade
when suddenly "downsized" (in other words,
unceremoniously booted out the door!). Very
tramatic! I live in a rather remote area in
Indiana so other opportunities in journalism
is zilch. I have a good, at-home office set up
for desktop publishing but have lost all my
confidence. Any encouraging words or
suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Wow, thats something you can be proud of you know. You can always write a book or try to do a little freelancing. I know being out of work cant be easy in a small town so I hope you can find a way to make something work out.
I enjoy writing, but don't do much anymore. (never sold a thing.) I have been thinking that I wouldn't mind writing again about all the wonderful things the Lord has done for me tho. I am however writing christian songs for my huband to sing.

If you want to talk you can email me at jrice@cox-internet.com

Julie

I joined idea cafe today. And what a great time I'm
having just tooling around here. Lots of good ideas,
support and just plain fun.
I have a business called NINEboy.
It's named after my son Gabriel, who was born 9 days
early on the 9th of december at 9 in the morning
weighing 9 pounds we were at the hospital for only 9
minutes before he was born and he is both of our
parents 9th grandchild. whew!
We make printed onesies childrens tshirts and also
adult tshirts.
But the main product is
"The Super Dooper Extra Special Teething Kit!"
an all in one teething toy extravaganza, all of my son's
favorites packaged in a great looking paint can.

This message board has been the most fun I've had
online in quite awhile, everyone is so diverse and
supportive of each other. I wish I would've found it
earlier. But better late than never!
thanks
and go see my site
http://www.nineboy.com
give me some feedback if you have time
my email is
sean@nineboy.com
seeya

Hi everyone! Just noticed the thread on this super site, and just had to add---
I am currently a manager at a department store, but I also make gift baskets on the side. I have sold a lot of them to friends, family, employees, etc. I just don't have the extra time or cash flow to branch out just yet....

- To Sean of nineboy -

Had to let you know that I also have a son(now 15 yrs) he was born 9 days late on February 9th in 1989, at 9:09pm, and he weighed a whopping 9lbs. 9oz. weird,huh?

I had to finaly respond so I could have the 100th post!

I do web site design/hosting/marketing and also general computer consulting. My consulting ranges from building custum computers, to installing them, working win Windows and Linux, installing networks, producing video for streaming, and programming. My main thing is I combine all of the different facets of technology to create a complete solution for my clients.

I also run a few "fun" sites that I have created with the hope of selling some ads, which turned out to be harder then I thought

--
Blaine Hilton
Blaine's Business Services
blaine@blainehilton.com
http://www.blainehilton.com
http://www.webcalc.net

Hello from Southern Oregon. I am in Jacksonville
I run a Web Hosting company www.JacknetHost.com

I have reseller Accounts as well as standard hosting accounts.

15.95 a Month Reseller Web hosting 15.95 a year

www.JacknetHost.com
Support@JacknetHost.com

Hey, there!

I just had to stop in and say "Hi, neighbor!" Vickie, Idea Cafe's CyberHostess, here, and I live in the Griffin Creek area of Medford! We're neighbors! I jog thru Jacksonville quite often! Anyway, I just had to say, "Welcome" and thanks for hanging your hat at Business Owners Idea Cafe (whose world headquarters are in Grants Pass.)

If you're interested in posting more about your business, Andrew, consider submitting your Biz Profile here at Idea Cafe. You get 45 days of free exposure on the site, and after that, the opportunity to keep your profile live for longer with some great PR package options. But the 45 days are free and there's no obligation. We'd love to promote your business on the site if you're interested (and write a good enough profile!)

Just go to https://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_people/index.php and submit your profile.

(We invite all of you small businesses to do the same!)

Best of Biz,
Vickie
Idea Cafe's CyberHostess
Maintaining a "Fun Approach to Serious Business"

Hello Vickie!

Glad that you said hello. I am really close to where you are. I am on Sterling Creek. Just over the hill from you. I will check out that URL that you posted. I am looking forwarded to learning more about this group.

Thanks
James

http://www.JacknetHost.com

Hey, Andrew,

We're REALLY close. I live on Griffin Lane (not the "Big Meadow" part, but down towards the bottom of the "hill" closer to Griffin Creek Road.) Did the Squire Fire affect you this summer? I'm sure it did living on Sterling Creek. It made us nervous and we were still a good 3 or 4 miles away!

Anyway, it's sure a small world!

Best of Biz,
Vickie

Cool deal. I drive that way all the time when I goto Ashland. Very small world it is. =)

The fire was no fun at all. Hope that does not happen again. =)

Does anyone in this group ever meet for a group meeting? Like a club or something.

Sorry that I went off topic on this but it is just so cool to see someone local I mean really local.

If you see a Blazer ZR2 that is grey with mud on it well that is me. =)

Thanks
James

http://www.JacknetHost.com

Hi Vickie! I lived in Grants Pass for 15 years before moving to Klamath Falls. And I see James is on this board too. Jacksonville is one of my favorite places to visit. I've been a member here now for some time and was also profiled at ideacafe last August! Keep up the awesome work Vickie! Always good to see some Oregonians here

Vicki
http://www.northwestwraps.com

Shanna, you seem to have asked the right question and started a great thread -I could hardly avoid joining in. I'm a Life Coach working with people in transition mostly.
"Change" is my forte so my programs include "Career-to-Entrepreneur" transitions, career and life changes. I Love the entrepreneurial spirit at Idea Cafe. Hats off to everyone here! Keep at it.

Janeen
http://www.truability.com
janeen@truability.com

Hello everyone,

I own a online bath and body shop that offers natural skin care, bath and body care products as well as a huge selection of all occasion gifts.

Erica Ducre
Look and feel your best naturally!
www.allnaturalbodyshop.com

Hello, Shanna and everyone who has taken the time to "network"!
It's so wonderful to see what others do, enjoy and "love"!
I own several internet businesses that specifically are designed to help people advertise, market and promote their businesses.
My business partner and I would love for you to see what we do and if we can help YOU in any way, don't be shy, drop us a line and say, HELLO! Let us know that you're an Idea Cafe Member and we'll be happy to give you a discount!
Here's To Your Greater Continued Success!
Elaine@WomenWhoNetwork.com
http://www.WomenWhoNetwork.com

I started my business last year. I offer web design, hosting, SEO and writing services, among other things, to small and home-based businesses. I also like to provide information, so I am developing a repository of small business and web design articles on my main site. I'm pretty much just getting started with this, but I figure this time next year, I'll have a ton of articles and information.

Michelle
http://www.watersweb.net

I sell deeply discounted bridal attire online. Mostly wedding gowns, but flower girl dresses, bridesmaids dresses, veils/tiaras too!

I used to have a brick & mortar shop - but overhead here in Atlanta is too high, and competition is fierce! So, I have decided to use my contacts, get out of the "brand name special ordering" business, and buy lots of gowns and sell out of inventory.

The good news is I don't have a gown here priced at over $299! And they are all brand new! The bad news is now that I run it out of my home, I am having trouble advertising. Online sales are going well although I have to sell at a lower profit when making a sale online.

I'm now looking for funding to expand my inventory so that I have more for brides to choose from.

Great reading about everyone else here!

Marni
discountbridals@bellsouth.net

Hello, I design and crochet wedding throws for that special occasion. Do you think it would be possible for me to place 1 of my throws in your business just to see if it will sell?

hi there. I studied fashion design for 4 years. Id like to get into the business.... but I only do the design work and would like to make my own clothing line. Any suggestion?

Hi there,

Great post, Shanna. I'm sitting here in the Snowy Mountains in Australia, looking out the window at a lake 90% hidden behind dense smoke from the worst bushfires here in memory. About 2 - 3 hours drive south of the national capital, Canberra, where "scores" of houses were destroyed yesterday by the northern extent of these incredible fires.

What do I do for a buck? I worked for several years as a sales & marketing consultant to businesses, and I developed a sales & marketing effectiveness "audit" software system to allow business managers to use a do-it-yourself approach, for peanuts instead of the thousands of dollars to engage me as a consultant. The system in designed for conventional "bricks" businesses, not exclusively ecommerce. My belief is that even smaller businesses need to follow the same sales & marketing functions as major corps, but, of course, on a much smaller and selective scale. Anyone interested can check out the URL in my signature below. Love to hear from anyone. Worked in the US and UK over the years.

Best wishes,
Kevin.

Kevin Morrisey.
kevin@quizwiz.biz
Check out the SamQuiz Sales & Marketing Effectiveness "Audit" at:
http://www.quizwiz.biz/biz/samsys/samsys.htm

Just updating my own message. Just heard the news and the number of homes destroyed by bushfire in Canberra is estimated at 400 !!! Incredible! I sure feel sorry for all those people.

Hi Kevin,
Your message prompts my first post here in CyberSchmooz :-) I've only recently joined this site. After years of jumping from career to career (I've lived a long time ;-0), and doing mystery shopping as a hobby for many of those years, I've finally become fed up with standing last in the corporate line for my paycheck. Over the last several months I have been creating the business I expect will get me that little island for retirement. My company (perhaps I should say, prospective company...it's not quite launched yet) is a market research consulting company (like the people who used to hire me) that conducts observations and documentation of customer service, cleanliness, product, etc. by performing personal visits to businessses and reporting back to them. It's called, Sherlock & Associates: The Undercover Customer Company. It sounds like an extension of what you do. Without the customers, there are no sales.
I was thinking that the only thing holding me back at this point from actually setting sail were those little, pesky things that cost the money I just can't spare right now. Coming into this group and reading all of the posts kicked me in the pants! It's so good to see others expressing doubts, qualms and frustrations (that's not to say I don't feel your collective pain, or that I'm glad to see it!). It has given me the encouragement to get it done!
It's great to 'meet' everyone here!
Daria

Oh gosh. What do I do? Enough to prevent me from getting into any reasonable amount of trouble!

By day I'm a web and graphic designer for an educational institution. By night and weekends, I have a newly launched custom designed candy wrapper business. I do a bit of short story writing as well - Chicken Soul book in March '03. I'm both perennially exhausted and thrilled...thank goodness I love having my head stuck in a computer!
Anne
www.andthatsawrap.com

Hey! I think that what you're doing is a fun way to meet people here! I am fairly new at the Idea Cafe but you cannot deny that it is a useful and fun way to be productive and social at the same time! I am in the process of setting up my website selling candles, incense, jewelry, and other stuff. I will let you know when I get it set up. Idea Cafe has helped me tremendously.

I own Gifts of Excellence which is a full service provider of gift solutions catering to the both business and consumer markets. My several product lines include: Customized Gift Baskets to suit every occasion and budget; Handcrafted Picnic Baskets; Alda's Forever products for the "Beauty Within" and Home Collection; Scripture Wear. My mission is to deliver your message with excellence and style.

how do you promote this? we are moving to Tennessee and Norris Lake is right there sounds like a fun venture.

I am an innkeeper for a bed and breakfast in Inverness, Fl.It is like a small resort, cause it's on a lake and one can take the canoe out, also ride bicycle,go shopping. The people come from all sorts of places. So the world comes to me so to speak. Want to add some more amimities, such as spa and another bath. It's an ongoing, exciting business. Lots of work but always interesting.

Did I make you look? I used that description one week after several weekly networking sessions in a row. Caught some of my fellow networkers offguard. The following week, the lawyer in the group actually came back and told me I was using the word correctly. He seemed a bit surprised. (ameliorate - def. To improve) I help people improve their business.

Actually, I help people solve business problems through the use of promotional advertising items. I have access to over 3800 suppliers, offering 750,000+ different products that can be decorated with the company name, logo, and other info.

Just think of number on ink pens, calendars, caps, shirts, tote bags, golf balls, computer accessories, magnets, decals, and other items you've seen and used that had advertising on it.

This is a great b2b sales opportunity, as the US market is $20 Billion+ in estimated sales volume. Businesses are already buying the products anyway, I just have to show them the advantages I offer.

In addition to my primary focus of marketing and selling promotional advertising, I also recruit and sponsor other entrepreneurs in the United States who are interested in starting their own business. So I have two income streams in the same business.

Also, when you consider the high repeat order factor, I enjoy two forms of residual income. The repeat orders pay the same high commissions as the original original which requires much more effort. And for sponsoring/mentoring others who join, I receive a percentage of the profits on every order they write.

In addition to the excellent income I earn from my home-based business, it keeps me from having to get a legitimate job. LOL I've been full-time self-employed since 1987, and incorporated my business in '96. Technically, I'm no longer self-employed as I am an the only employee of my corporation. No wonder I feel overworked.

I activated my profile in the Cyber Cafe again, if anyone would like more details on the free business opportunity.

Dennis Bevers
BASSCO, Inc.
Sulphur, LA

>I am an innkeeper for a bed
>and breakfast in Inverness, Fl.It is
>like a small resort, cause it's
>on a lake and one can
>take the canoe out, also ride
>bicycle,go shopping. The people come from
>all sorts of places. So the
>world comes to me so to
>speak. Want to add some more
>amimities, such as spa and another
>bath. It's an ongoing, exciting business.
>Lots of work but always interesting.
>

>I am an innkeeper for a bed
>and breakfast in Inverness, Fl.

Are you an owner as well as the innkeeper? It's good to see soemone on this website from the industry.

What do I do?? Starting a B&B resort in the SW-USA.

>Lots of work but always interesting.
You betcha!!

hi yvonne,
my name is nicole, glad to meet you! my husband and i make hankmade soap and toiletries. we have sold at fairs, parties and the like. we were thinking about trying a new market. b& b's. do you have the need for toiletries for your guests? if so you can e-mail me and i can send you some samples if you would like. i have some great ideas for packaging them for guestrooms. hope to hear from you. nicole

Hi!

I am glad to see so many different business interests here and am glad that I joined!

I am a new member and I am a Financial Services Broker. I help people find loans for business or personal reasons. I also handle Accounts Receivables, Purchase Orders, Equipment rental, Sales Lease-Back for small businesses and major financing for large businesses.

I also sell and finance steel framed homes.

Fayette
http://www.maxpages.com/financialsvcs
http://www.lifetime-homes.com/fdel.index.html

I am seeking a home biz that has low to none start up cost and little to none monthly fee - but is legitimate and reputable along with being proven to work. I have ripped by scams for thousands of dollars and a bit reluctant. feel free to email . thank you.

Wow! This could go on forever. I just want to add my 2c. Hi Everybody!! I have an on-line reminder service and shopping web site: lifereminders.com
I'm new at all this, so I welcome ideas and suggestions. Please visit my site.

When you give your power away to others... which is why I"m writing - it's written all over your post - it's easy to get ripped off.

I'm sorry that's happening. But instead of relying on others, rely on you. Figure out what it is you'd like to do, enjoy doing etc. and go for it.

It's a slower process, but it's much less of a financial and emotional drain.

Best of success and lots of joy,

Maria Marsala

Is your business ready for 2004? Grow your business in less time and improve your bottom line with practical blue-chip strategies. Visit http://www.coachmaria.com/launch.html

Hi there,

Great post, Shanna.

What do I do? Where do I begin? I'm a partner of a company called Blackwater Media. We offer computer repair / maintenance, networking, web design, web templates, software development and desktop publishing.

We are also in the process of offering web hosting and domain registration (once we finish setting up the servers). We are basically a one stop shop for small and mid sized businesses that either don't have or want to maintain an IT, Graphics or Web Development departments.

Tena
http://www.blackwatermedia.com

What can I say, I feel like I've missed an entire birthday reading this thread. And loved every minute
I own a nursery, started with just a side of the road few plants from the back yard now have four greenhouses.

I'm a watercolor artist and sell prints, and note cards of my work. I'm just starting to figure out wholesaleing to gift shops... it's a whole new world lol

Beth
http://www.homeindulgences.com

Hi Everyone!

I have been selling Avon from my home and on the Internet now for about 3 months and I have been doing very well with it.

Beth - I just started taking a watercolor classes and I hope to become an artist someday. I went to your site, and I just love it! Besides your beautiful paintings you have lot's of great information there, you are so talented, WOW! Thanks for making such a great site, I've got it bookmarked.

Dyan - I love your cards! My husband is in the Marine Corps; he's a recruiter right now so he has not been sent away yet.

Lisa - Avon has an extremely low start up cost and you get everything you need to get you started right away, plus they have been in business for 115 years. If this might interest you, check out my web site for more info, also feel free to e-mail me and I will send you more info.

I really enjoyed reading this thread, there are lots of great businesses here and lots of places for me to visit, thanks everyone for sharing! :-)

My Avon Web Site:
http://www.youravon.com/ccuellar

Charlene,

Thank you for your kind words. I hope your husband is not called. Unfortunately, so many are on stand-by. My brother is Navy, on stand-by for Korea, my co-worker in the Marines on stand-by for either place, and my boss, a flight nurse, on stand-by for a classified location. I know what is to come, it is just sad that it is going to happen. Best of luck to you and your family.

I created a card called Americas Finest, for our sons and daughters being deployed to serve our country. I could really use some ideas on how to advertise them and where to sell them. You can look at the cards at www.usmilitarycards.com. It was nice reading what everyone else does, I wish you all the best. Oh, just so you know, I do have 2 military bases that would like to sell them, but the percentage they want is incredible not to mention you have to be there to sell them 7 days a week, 9am-7pm. I do have a store called Craftiques selling them. Please help with any other ideas.

Have you tried gift shops that are located in towns that have bases? They might be willing to sell your cards for you and you wouldn't have to be there. I know Norfolk would be a big one with lots of shops, and they have a huge navy population.

Beth
http://www.homeindulgences.com

Beth,
Thanks for the idea. I will be sure to look at individually owned gift stores. Norfolk, is a good idea I had not even thought of. My cousin is a Naval intelligence officer in Virginia.

Thank you
Dyan

During the day, I work as a "vendor" or Mfgs. rep for a company that serves a "major home improvement warehouse" company.

I night.. Well I recently wrote an ebook that's been getting some pretty good reviews. I'm also setting up the business that's described in my book. But, I've been so darned busy helping others set up THEIR businesses, haven't really had any time to work on mine!

So, I pray for an extra minute or two for my business!

Pete

http://FSBO.glorymountain.com ( "The Book")
http://www.FSBO-Tennessee.com ( "The Biz")

back to this topic again

you're all amazing and i can't beleive i've only just found this site now. the sad things for me is that you're all sooooo far away.

i'm from PNG in the Pacific and am craving the company of like-minded entrepreneurs. I've started up a discount card company based on the loyalty card principle but introducing it as a multipurpose card to a country that has never used it before but is in economic downturn and who needs it desperately (i think!). haven't yet launched but progressing slowly but surely. Still looking fopr more funds while awaiting a big proposal for a consumer base to be accepted, fingers crossed

don't know if this'll draw any interest but surely you've all heard from people outside the states before on this bulletin?

would love to hear from like-minded people even if you can't really 'help' with myposition.

ps: have not worried about grammar and spelling so please, no speech or english police!