Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Denise Murphy, owner
A Touch of Elegance Event Planning
www.aTouchofEleganceEvents.com
touch_of_elegance@sbcglobal.net
847-342-1599 – 847-877-4470
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
A Touch of Elegance is a full-service, ala carte event planning service that runs every kind of party be it a birthday, anniversary, shower, or wedding. Eighty-five percent of our business encompasses in-home parties, but we also handle the smaller scale business event. While we usually work with our client’s caterer of choice, we will recommend high-quality caterers when asked. All of our servers and bartenders are professionally- trained and along with serving the food and beverages, our servers help with most everything else ranging from on-site theme party decorations and buffet setups, to table staging and bar prepping. From the moment the food is delivered we begin managing its presentation, replenishment, and tidiness. We do kitchen cleanup, trash removal, put leftovers away so, in the end, you’d never know an event had ever taken place.
OUR UNIQUENESS
Unlike many others in the industry, we actually do have all of the party rental equipment available which eliminates the need for the client to go elsewhere for these additional items. We have enough place settings for 135 people – elegant china, silverware, glassware, chafing dishes, coffee urns. At the same time, we have decorations and accessories available for most every theme party popular, today. Not to mention that my son runs his own DJ business and is always available as part of our package. We truly provide an all-in-one party service.
IDEAL CLIENT
Anyone who would rather sit back, relax and enjoy their own party rather than have the hassle of trying to run the whole event themselves is who we consider our ideal client. Brides-to-be planning a wedding, couples throwing an anniversary party, someone surprising his or her spouse with a birthday celebration, or a small business owner hosting an employee holiday party – all of whom are looking for outstanding service at a great value – fall into our perfect client category.
UNIQUE CHALLENGE
My biggest challenge is managing our tremendous inventory of party-planning items and rental equipment in a limited amount of space. Keeping a horizontal and vertical inventory of what we have so that it is easily accessible is an enormous undertaking.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
At first, this lack of space posed a real problem, but we took time to create a layout of our available space and installed some cabinetry that not only organized many items, but also concealed them so they were both protected and out of sight. However, my theme party accessories remain visible in bins so that I can mix and match themes easily. To better handle this challenge, I actually took an organizing class and since, have inventoried and documented all of my rental items for better tracking. However, I still find myself reorganizing everything on a regular basis in search of the perfect system. It is an ongoing process and one that works better as time goes by and, at the moment, is working fairly well for A Touch of Class Event Planning.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Aura image professional strives to educate mainstream on biofeedback benefits
Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Dianne Reddington, aura image consultant
Attune Aura Imaging Photography
Dianneaura1@aol.com
www.attuneauraphotography.com
847-981-1974
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
As an aura image consultant, I help people utilize their energy in the best way possible. This means getting their energy centers - or chakras - coherently effective or, if you will, Attuned. This biofeedback imaging camera actually counts your energy (vibration) and translates it into color (vibration). For example: 4500 vibrations = red; 6000 vibrations = orange; etc. These vibrations represent your energy centers. This is displayed via a PolaroidTM photo, I then translate this bio-energy. One of the benefits of aura photography is that often I see something that might represent stress which could be manifesting in different areas of the body. I might gently suggest that, with my guidance, the person get in touch with this stressful feeling to clarify and, hopefully, clear it. Another benefit is these colors might represent values of which people are not fully aware and, therefore, not fully realized. The colors reveal the full energy spectrum from harmonious to disharmonious. In essence, the photo is a self-discovery tool. It shows your energy in brilliant color and with that knowledge, it can help you utilize the power of your energy. The aura does change as you change.
MY UNIQUENESS
Outside of biofeedback being a rather unique field in itself, my vast knowledge of biofeedback energy and the fact that I continually teach the subject at various colleges and universities makes me unique from my competition. My history has been in working very strongly with the renowned Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. that, as part of its mission, believes in the spiritual nature of humankind, and the connection of body, mind, and spirit.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
Anyone who wants to know more about themselves or who wants to get deeper into his or her own psyche by making use of another self-discovery tool would be my ideal client. Up until now, I have been working with like-minded people. I am now turning my focus toward business professionals as a new segment of my clientele.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Until now, most of my clients were acquired by word of mouth from others in my field. Taking my talents and skills out of the classroom, so to speak, and into the business world is my immediate challenge. I have no formal business training, planning or marketing expertise, so I need to find and work with the right person or persons to help me promote my business. I am looking to take it full-time into the mainstream arena.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
I’ve started using social media as a means of giving my business exposure. At the same time, I’ve been participating in business networking and have now launched a new website. I am exploring ways to reach professionals and possibly will do so through more lecturing. To gain non-professional clients, I intend to develop in-home Attune educational reading sessions. It continues to be a learning process, but by making the right business connections I’m confident that Attune Imaging Photography will soon become well known among professionals and non-professionals alike.
Dianne Reddington, aura image consultant
Attune Aura Imaging Photography
Dianneaura1@aol.com
www.attuneauraphotography.com
847-981-1974
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
As an aura image consultant, I help people utilize their energy in the best way possible. This means getting their energy centers - or chakras - coherently effective or, if you will, Attuned. This biofeedback imaging camera actually counts your energy (vibration) and translates it into color (vibration). For example: 4500 vibrations = red; 6000 vibrations = orange; etc. These vibrations represent your energy centers. This is displayed via a PolaroidTM photo, I then translate this bio-energy. One of the benefits of aura photography is that often I see something that might represent stress which could be manifesting in different areas of the body. I might gently suggest that, with my guidance, the person get in touch with this stressful feeling to clarify and, hopefully, clear it. Another benefit is these colors might represent values of which people are not fully aware and, therefore, not fully realized. The colors reveal the full energy spectrum from harmonious to disharmonious. In essence, the photo is a self-discovery tool. It shows your energy in brilliant color and with that knowledge, it can help you utilize the power of your energy. The aura does change as you change.
MY UNIQUENESS
Outside of biofeedback being a rather unique field in itself, my vast knowledge of biofeedback energy and the fact that I continually teach the subject at various colleges and universities makes me unique from my competition. My history has been in working very strongly with the renowned Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. that, as part of its mission, believes in the spiritual nature of humankind, and the connection of body, mind, and spirit.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
Anyone who wants to know more about themselves or who wants to get deeper into his or her own psyche by making use of another self-discovery tool would be my ideal client. Up until now, I have been working with like-minded people. I am now turning my focus toward business professionals as a new segment of my clientele.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Until now, most of my clients were acquired by word of mouth from others in my field. Taking my talents and skills out of the classroom, so to speak, and into the business world is my immediate challenge. I have no formal business training, planning or marketing expertise, so I need to find and work with the right person or persons to help me promote my business. I am looking to take it full-time into the mainstream arena.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
I’ve started using social media as a means of giving my business exposure. At the same time, I’ve been participating in business networking and have now launched a new website. I am exploring ways to reach professionals and possibly will do so through more lecturing. To gain non-professional clients, I intend to develop in-home Attune educational reading sessions. It continues to be a learning process, but by making the right business connections I’m confident that Attune Imaging Photography will soon become well known among professionals and non-professionals alike.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Small-budget startups become prime targets for developer of affordable websites
Showcasing early entrepreneurs has a twofold purpose. One is to offer an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. The second is to provide a forum through which they can guide other aspiring business owners around avoidable obstacles and toward a path of attainable goals. Sharing insights begins with hearing their stories firsthand beginning with a conversation with
Tony Palumbo, owner
LocalTech4Hire.com
support@localtech4hire.com
www.LocalTech4Hire.com
847-331-8764
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
LocalTech4Hire.com provides economical website development for small business owners who know they need an online presence, but up until now, thought website development was cost prohibitive. Building basic websites that are affordable gives new companies the opportunity to get started with Internet sales and marketing. At the same time, it takes their goals and vision directly online. As they begin to prosper and outgrow their site, I’m then able to help them, at that point, with the development of a more advanced site to better suit their current needs.
WHY I GOT STARTED
I began LocalTech4Hire.com after realizing that I was as far as I was going in my current career. I had gone as far as possible in my position and advancement did not look promising so I needed to take control of my own future success. I knew that my true interest, talent and value lie in web development. So, I pursued the education and training necessary to become a professional website developer and, soon after, started LocalTech4Hire.com.
MY UNIQUENESS
Besides my very affordable pricing which, first and foremost, is what sets me apart from my competition, my ability to quickly understand the individual needs and requirements of my clients is also a unique capability. Finding the most cost-effective solution to what will work best has resulted in solid relationships among my customers.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
Companies that don’t have any online presence and, as a result, are not prospering would, naturally, be a good client for me. In addition to that, businesses ready to upgrade or refresh their websites would also fall into my ideal customer profile.
MY MARKETING METHODS
I’ve found that doing a lot of face-to-face networking is working well for getting my business the recognition it requires. At the same time, I’m a member of the local Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce. MeetUp group networking is another means of meeting other business owners who might need my services. Another method for generating awareness is to engage in online Q&As and leaving a link to my website.
SHARED ADVICE
What I found more encouraging than surprising was how helpful people can be with regard to my business startup. I have received so many tips, ideas and advice from other professionals that it has truly been a most positive experience. I wish I had known about the great source of information and opportunity my local chamber of commerce provided. I spent quite some time not really knowing how to get my name out into the marketplace before becoming a chamber member. I’d recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs that they prepare and follow a detailed business plan. Having a set direction will keep you on course and help to ensure that you waste little time building your business. Also, get involved in networking to make the important contacts it takes to move your business forward. It’s a good idea, as well, to research your competitors. Find out who they are, where they’re located, who they are targeting and what they are offering. By doing so, you’ll be in a better position to provide a greater value at the fairest price which is one formula for future success.
Tony Palumbo, owner
LocalTech4Hire.com
support@localtech4hire.com
www.LocalTech4Hire.com
847-331-8764
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
LocalTech4Hire.com provides economical website development for small business owners who know they need an online presence, but up until now, thought website development was cost prohibitive. Building basic websites that are affordable gives new companies the opportunity to get started with Internet sales and marketing. At the same time, it takes their goals and vision directly online. As they begin to prosper and outgrow their site, I’m then able to help them, at that point, with the development of a more advanced site to better suit their current needs.
WHY I GOT STARTED
I began LocalTech4Hire.com after realizing that I was as far as I was going in my current career. I had gone as far as possible in my position and advancement did not look promising so I needed to take control of my own future success. I knew that my true interest, talent and value lie in web development. So, I pursued the education and training necessary to become a professional website developer and, soon after, started LocalTech4Hire.com.
MY UNIQUENESS
Besides my very affordable pricing which, first and foremost, is what sets me apart from my competition, my ability to quickly understand the individual needs and requirements of my clients is also a unique capability. Finding the most cost-effective solution to what will work best has resulted in solid relationships among my customers.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
Companies that don’t have any online presence and, as a result, are not prospering would, naturally, be a good client for me. In addition to that, businesses ready to upgrade or refresh their websites would also fall into my ideal customer profile.
MY MARKETING METHODS
I’ve found that doing a lot of face-to-face networking is working well for getting my business the recognition it requires. At the same time, I’m a member of the local Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce. MeetUp group networking is another means of meeting other business owners who might need my services. Another method for generating awareness is to engage in online Q&As and leaving a link to my website.
SHARED ADVICE
What I found more encouraging than surprising was how helpful people can be with regard to my business startup. I have received so many tips, ideas and advice from other professionals that it has truly been a most positive experience. I wish I had known about the great source of information and opportunity my local chamber of commerce provided. I spent quite some time not really knowing how to get my name out into the marketplace before becoming a chamber member. I’d recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs that they prepare and follow a detailed business plan. Having a set direction will keep you on course and help to ensure that you waste little time building your business. Also, get involved in networking to make the important contacts it takes to move your business forward. It’s a good idea, as well, to research your competitors. Find out who they are, where they’re located, who they are targeting and what they are offering. By doing so, you’ll be in a better position to provide a greater value at the fairest price which is one formula for future success.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Graphic designer's full-circle career spans two continents and 30 years
Showcasing experienced entrepreneurs offers an added marketing communications or social media element to help promote their businesses. In addition, it provides a forum through which they can share solutions to unique business challenges that might be the answer to a similar challenge with which yet another entrepreneur is struggling. This openness of information flows with the following story offered by
Gabi Ladowski, owner
Gabi Ladowski Design & Creative Services
www.gabiladowski.com
gabi@gabiladowski.com
847-259-6415
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I’m a freelance consultant graphic designer, art director and translator celebrating 30 years of full-service creative for all media. This includes graphic design, packaging, web design, logo design, branding, marketing consultation, and much more. I get involved in the entire project from concept to finish. A sampling of what I create would be corporate communications, brochures, editorials, catalogs, newsletters, advertising, website design, Internet marketing, optimization, brand identity, logos, and signage. More recently, I’ve been offering bilingual translation services used for documentation, instruction manuals, handbooks, newsletters, and advertising. I work with marketing professionals, web developers, copywriters, and others to provide a complete creative service.
MY UNIQUENESS
My full involvement is what sets me apart. I go beyond the traditional graphic design project by getting involved in the client’s marketing strategy in order to provide the best possible service. I research the industry, the client’s competition and take all measures to ensure that the client gets the best return on his or her investment. I work to make the client competitive by anticipating in what other areas I can help with the client’s long-term rather than short-term marketing program. In addition, I’m able to be more competitive than most because I have no overhead, no employee salaries or benefits which allows me to pass along savings to my clients.
MY IDEAL CLIENT
Any business that is open to suggestions would be an ideal client. Also one that is ambitious and wants to get ahead of the competition. Or, a company that understands that graphic design is more than just hiring an artist to create a great one-time design, but it's collaborating with the graphic designer as a means of making their business successful. I guess the perfect client is one who understands the overall value that a designer brings to the table.
UNIQUE CHALLENGE
I came to the United States in 1989, after already having established a very successful graphic design business in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon arriving here I found myself having to start my career all over, again, from square one.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
Initially, I looked for design work among some of the major advertising agencies and design studios, but with no success due to the recessionary economic climate that existed in the late ‘80s. I thought my luck had turned when a vice president of a major ad agency offered me a position – ironically, however, it was in Buenos Aires! Of course, I declined. I finally was hired as the art director of a start-up software company. After a few years there and then with other companies, I was becoming more and more of an independent consultant. At the time, companies were experiencing layoffs, yet realizing they still needed to get things done. I was in the perfect position to create the perfect combination for both them and me. So, in late 2001, I went back to my roots and, once again, started my own firm. Soon after, I was hired by one of the largest book publishers in the country on a contract basis to work on their bilingual educational books. That opened a new market for my business and I added bilingual translation to my list of services. I finally had come full circle – from business owner to creative-for-hire back to business owner and am proudly celebrating my 30th Anniversary of delivering full-service creative for all media.
Gabi Ladowski, owner
Gabi Ladowski Design & Creative Services
www.gabiladowski.com
gabi@gabiladowski.com
847-259-6415
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I’m a freelance consultant graphic designer, art director and translator celebrating 30 years of full-service creative for all media. This includes graphic design, packaging, web design, logo design, branding, marketing consultation, and much more. I get involved in the entire project from concept to finish. A sampling of what I create would be corporate communications, brochures, editorials, catalogs, newsletters, advertising, website design, Internet marketing, optimization, brand identity, logos, and signage. More recently, I’ve been offering bilingual translation services used for documentation, instruction manuals, handbooks, newsletters, and advertising. I work with marketing professionals, web developers, copywriters, and others to provide a complete creative service.
MY UNIQUENESS
My full involvement is what sets me apart. I go beyond the traditional graphic design project by getting involved in the client’s marketing strategy in order to provide the best possible service. I research the industry, the client’s competition and take all measures to ensure that the client gets the best return on his or her investment. I work to make the client competitive by anticipating in what other areas I can help with the client’s long-term rather than short-term marketing program. In addition, I’m able to be more competitive than most because I have no overhead, no employee salaries or benefits which allows me to pass along savings to my clients.
MY IDEAL CLIENT
Any business that is open to suggestions would be an ideal client. Also one that is ambitious and wants to get ahead of the competition. Or, a company that understands that graphic design is more than just hiring an artist to create a great one-time design, but it's collaborating with the graphic designer as a means of making their business successful. I guess the perfect client is one who understands the overall value that a designer brings to the table.
UNIQUE CHALLENGE
I came to the United States in 1989, after already having established a very successful graphic design business in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon arriving here I found myself having to start my career all over, again, from square one.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
Initially, I looked for design work among some of the major advertising agencies and design studios, but with no success due to the recessionary economic climate that existed in the late ‘80s. I thought my luck had turned when a vice president of a major ad agency offered me a position – ironically, however, it was in Buenos Aires! Of course, I declined. I finally was hired as the art director of a start-up software company. After a few years there and then with other companies, I was becoming more and more of an independent consultant. At the time, companies were experiencing layoffs, yet realizing they still needed to get things done. I was in the perfect position to create the perfect combination for both them and me. So, in late 2001, I went back to my roots and, once again, started my own firm. Soon after, I was hired by one of the largest book publishers in the country on a contract basis to work on their bilingual educational books. That opened a new market for my business and I added bilingual translation to my list of services. I finally had come full circle – from business owner to creative-for-hire back to business owner and am proudly celebrating my 30th Anniversary of delivering full-service creative for all media.
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