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
Asta Dzeveckaite-Buseman, owner
Asta's Landscape Designs
http://www.astasdesigns.com/
630-862-4069
d_asta2002@yahoo.com
MY MOTIVATION
The reason for starting Asta’s Landscape Designs is similar to the same one heard over the past several years – the economy. I have a bachelor’s degree in land management and a master’s degree in rural territory planning, along with post-graduate courses in landscape architecture. I also have over 12 years of experience in the landscape design business working for independent landscape firms most of that time. These were companies tied to the residential housing market. Not surprisingly, with the downturn in the housing market, the company I worked for began downsizing its number of employees of whom I was one. Since I truly loved my work and had some solid business connections, I decided to go into business for myself.
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
Along with providing landscape and hardscape design services to residential clients, I manage their entire installations, as well. I help homeowners make the most of their outdoor spaces either by adding a private patio, a functional walkway or peaceful garden surrounded with colorful flowers. It’s always a thrill for me and my crew to transform what the client has in mind into reality. As a dedicated conservationist, I also encourage the collection and use of rain water and the planting of shade trees to keep homes naturally cool while purifying the air. I’ve become involved with creating “rain gardens” of native flowers and plants that are fed with water redirected from the home’s gutters into a prepared ground area comprised of top soil, compost and sand. This combination acts as a filtration system that cleans the rain water before it reaches the deep root system of the plants.
MY IDEAL CLIENT
Any residential homeowner who needs help with either their overall landscapes or just portions of them would be considered my perfect client. Someone whose landscape just needs some attention by adding annual flower containers for seasonal color or refreshing such as trimming, pruning, removal of overgrown shrubs and replaced with healthy new plants. Or someone who would like to incorporate some water features, ponds or hardscapes into their existing gardens would fit my ideal client profile.
MY UNIQUENESS
I feel what sets me apart from my competition is the fact that I am so conscious about the environment and intent on using as many natural resources in my designs as possible. Unlike some who are more interested in creating your generic landscape elements, I am more concerned about the well-being of the overall surroundings and health of the plantings. In addition, I always instruct the homeowner on how to take care of what was just planted.
HOW I MARKET MY BUSINESS
While most of my business comes from referrals, I promote my business through my website, some Facebook™, and by attending local business networking events. I may look into connecting with local real estate agents who have had houses on the market for quite a while and would need a refreshed landscape to help sell the property.
SHARED ADVICE
I’d tell others who are considering starting a new business to be aware that it is a long growth process. It takes time to build your business to where you want it, especially when the economic climate is questionable. Also, expect to do most of the work yourself until that time when you can hire help. Meanwhile, continue staying on top of your profession through continual education and new training. I would advise all soon-to-be entrepreneurs to carefully examine your potential, but don’t be afraid to follow your heart. Your success will come from your desire to do what you love to do. Like me, I have a passion for creating landscape artistry which I am confident will lead me to my goals of a successful business.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Inventorying party items for 135 guests is normal challenge for one event planner
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.
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 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.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Credential awareness campaign is 2011 goal of massage therapist Denise Blum Sepos
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 Blum Sepos, MA, LMT
A Journey to Health
info@ajthmassage.com
www.ajthmassage.com
847-550-8716
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I’m a licensed massage therapist, as well as a nationally certified massage therapist, specializing in all forms of massage therapy. I opened A Journey to Health in 2000 which provides clients with the simplest modality of the relaxing Swedish massage to deeper, more therapeutic modalities of myofascial release, sports massage, both
pre- and post-natal massage, Aruyvedic head massage, deep tissue work which incorporates trigger point therapy, foot reflexology, and warm stone massage that delivers deep penetrating heat to the soft tissues. So, literally, I offer full-scale therapy options.
MY UNIQUENESS
Outside of my being a nationally certified massage therapist, which is beyond what is required in the state of Illinois, I originally was a dance movement therapist in Massachusetts before coming to Illinois in 1995. Dance movement therapy is one of the creative arts therapies. I saw many parallels between dance therapy and massage therapy, so it was a very smooth change of career paths. I have always worked with people across many populations which I feel was very valuable in my development as a massage therapist.This diverse background has given me a greater depth of practice than many others in the field, today. I’m better able to know how to work with people, how to treat them and how to determine what their problem is and then to easily communicate that information back to the client.
IDEAL CLIENT
The ideal A Journey to Health client is someone who, as he or she ages, is interested in their own health and wellness and wants to prolong their active lifestyles. Other ideal clients are people who have some acute or chronic pain that they’ve been experiencing and want to get back to functioning to their fullest degree. Other clients would be those who want to take responsibility for and control of their health maintenance or want to step away from busy demands to replenish their energy and de-stress their minds and bodies. And, massage therapy is one way to help them reach these goals.
UNIQUE CHALLENGE
With the increased interest in massage, there are many more facilities that are opening with a lot more therapists coming into the field. While the growing awareness has brought massage more into the mainstream, not all the newer practices are necessarily offering high quality massage therapy. The challenge is educating the public on the differences among them. For example, how do you explain the wide range of pricing – from a discount level to one much higher? All massage therapy practices, today, are not equal – not in experience, value or results. Getting that information out to the public is my challenge.
RESOLUTION
To address this challenge, I am engaging in a lot of networking. This has become my number one way of getting my message of high quality message therapy out to my potential clients. In addition, I do presentations to both the public and to professionals. To further my goal of educating people, I’ve made a 2011 resolution to become involved in social media and use these platforms as a means of reaching more potential clients with the value of massage therapy that is offered at experienced and qualified practices such as A Journey to Health.
Denise Blum Sepos, MA, LMT
A Journey to Health
info@ajthmassage.com
www.ajthmassage.com
847-550-8716
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I’m a licensed massage therapist, as well as a nationally certified massage therapist, specializing in all forms of massage therapy. I opened A Journey to Health in 2000 which provides clients with the simplest modality of the relaxing Swedish massage to deeper, more therapeutic modalities of myofascial release, sports massage, both
pre- and post-natal massage, Aruyvedic head massage, deep tissue work which incorporates trigger point therapy, foot reflexology, and warm stone massage that delivers deep penetrating heat to the soft tissues. So, literally, I offer full-scale therapy options.
MY UNIQUENESS
Outside of my being a nationally certified massage therapist, which is beyond what is required in the state of Illinois, I originally was a dance movement therapist in Massachusetts before coming to Illinois in 1995. Dance movement therapy is one of the creative arts therapies. I saw many parallels between dance therapy and massage therapy, so it was a very smooth change of career paths. I have always worked with people across many populations which I feel was very valuable in my development as a massage therapist.This diverse background has given me a greater depth of practice than many others in the field, today. I’m better able to know how to work with people, how to treat them and how to determine what their problem is and then to easily communicate that information back to the client.
IDEAL CLIENT
The ideal A Journey to Health client is someone who, as he or she ages, is interested in their own health and wellness and wants to prolong their active lifestyles. Other ideal clients are people who have some acute or chronic pain that they’ve been experiencing and want to get back to functioning to their fullest degree. Other clients would be those who want to take responsibility for and control of their health maintenance or want to step away from busy demands to replenish their energy and de-stress their minds and bodies. And, massage therapy is one way to help them reach these goals.
UNIQUE CHALLENGE
With the increased interest in massage, there are many more facilities that are opening with a lot more therapists coming into the field. While the growing awareness has brought massage more into the mainstream, not all the newer practices are necessarily offering high quality massage therapy. The challenge is educating the public on the differences among them. For example, how do you explain the wide range of pricing – from a discount level to one much higher? All massage therapy practices, today, are not equal – not in experience, value or results. Getting that information out to the public is my challenge.
RESOLUTION
To address this challenge, I am engaging in a lot of networking. This has become my number one way of getting my message of high quality message therapy out to my potential clients. In addition, I do presentations to both the public and to professionals. To further my goal of educating people, I’ve made a 2011 resolution to become involved in social media and use these platforms as a means of reaching more potential clients with the value of massage therapy that is offered at experienced and qualified practices such as A Journey to Health.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bold decision early on key to entrepreneur's 25 years of success
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
Dona Blunt, president
Newport Promotions
A certified WBE (Woman-owned Business Enterprise)
http://www.newportpros.com/
dona.blunt@newportpros.com
phone: 847-389-5500
fax: 888-884-9726
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I'm in the business of building businesses. What Newport Promotions provides for clients is what will make their phones ring and bring them more sales. We offer promotional product advertising which is a specific form of advertising just as are radio, TV, Internet, and print. Our products range from employee recognition awards and trade show premiums, to custom golf outing prizes and corporate identity pieces designed to enhance marketing programs.
MY UNIQUENESS
What makes Newport Promotions stand out can be attributed to my years of experience, my firsthand knowledge of marketing, and a genuine concern for the success of my clients. We form long-term relationships as opposed to one-time transactional deals. And, because of my experience, I’m able to get my clients the most appropriate products at the most reasonable prices and get them delivered on time.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
The business person who recognizes that there is value in what I bring to our relationship would be my ideal client. These are people who are not just shopping for the lowest price, but those who want to get the best value for what they are spending. They consider me a partner in their marketing programs and look to me to find and furnish the promotional items appropriate for both their plans and their budgets. Ideally, they are companies with annual or on-going promotions built into their marketing strategies. As I would begin to work with the client and come to know their business, they wouldn't need to seek out new vendors for each new marketing or promotional initiative, since I'd already have their past purchasing information on file.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Like most new businesses, when I started out in 1985, I was taking any and all clients. As a result, I soon found that I had two distinct client bases. One was that of independent real estate agents who were responsible for the cost of their promotions out of their own pockets. The second group consisted of business owners who knew the value of promotional items and had budgets for ordering them. While I did get a substantial amount of business from the real estate professionals, it was costing me more to market and sell to them than did doing the same to my other client segment. So, my dilemma became – should I let this business go or not. I decided to let it go.
RESOLUTION
After making the decision to let go of the real estate agents' business, I had to figure out a transition that would be in my best interest. I had been working within this industry long enough to came to know many of my competitors by meeting them at various real estate trade shows. I approached on about purchasing my list of agents with whom he was not already doing business and he agreed. As a result, I was able to free up marketing dollars that I could then spend on targeting only businesses and grow that customer base side of Newport Promotions which I have have been doing successfully for the past 25 years.
Dona Blunt, president
Newport Promotions
A certified WBE (Woman-owned Business Enterprise)
http://www.newportpros.com/
dona.blunt@newportpros.com
phone: 847-389-5500
fax: 888-884-9726
ABOUT MY BUSINESS
I'm in the business of building businesses. What Newport Promotions provides for clients is what will make their phones ring and bring them more sales. We offer promotional product advertising which is a specific form of advertising just as are radio, TV, Internet, and print. Our products range from employee recognition awards and trade show premiums, to custom golf outing prizes and corporate identity pieces designed to enhance marketing programs.
MY UNIQUENESS
What makes Newport Promotions stand out can be attributed to my years of experience, my firsthand knowledge of marketing, and a genuine concern for the success of my clients. We form long-term relationships as opposed to one-time transactional deals. And, because of my experience, I’m able to get my clients the most appropriate products at the most reasonable prices and get them delivered on time.
IDEAL CLIENT PROFILE
The business person who recognizes that there is value in what I bring to our relationship would be my ideal client. These are people who are not just shopping for the lowest price, but those who want to get the best value for what they are spending. They consider me a partner in their marketing programs and look to me to find and furnish the promotional items appropriate for both their plans and their budgets. Ideally, they are companies with annual or on-going promotions built into their marketing strategies. As I would begin to work with the client and come to know their business, they wouldn't need to seek out new vendors for each new marketing or promotional initiative, since I'd already have their past purchasing information on file.
UNIQUE BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Like most new businesses, when I started out in 1985, I was taking any and all clients. As a result, I soon found that I had two distinct client bases. One was that of independent real estate agents who were responsible for the cost of their promotions out of their own pockets. The second group consisted of business owners who knew the value of promotional items and had budgets for ordering them. While I did get a substantial amount of business from the real estate professionals, it was costing me more to market and sell to them than did doing the same to my other client segment. So, my dilemma became – should I let this business go or not. I decided to let it go.
RESOLUTION
After making the decision to let go of the real estate agents' business, I had to figure out a transition that would be in my best interest. I had been working within this industry long enough to came to know many of my competitors by meeting them at various real estate trade shows. I approached on about purchasing my list of agents with whom he was not already doing business and he agreed. As a result, I was able to free up marketing dollars that I could then spend on targeting only businesses and grow that customer base side of Newport Promotions which I have have been doing successfully for the past 25 years.
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