Great article Taylor. Like Dave, I find myself an "odd duck" at networking events, but these are very helpful suggestions. We've built our business on building relationships with our clients and helping others along the way as much as possible.

I think it all depends on the client. We have one restaurant manager that likes to text and email me, so I am comfortable texting him.

I think that those who join Twitter and Facebook to make money will surely be disappointed. For those looking to make friends, connections and to learn from some very intelligent people, you will benefit. Of course, with any web related medium there's spam. Too much, but you're never going to escape that regardless of what medium you choose. Being an entrepreneur can be rough at times. It's definitely not for the faint of hearts. There will always be people who will try to cheat you online or not pay you for services, but at the same time the great people and connections I've made far outweigh the bad.

Taylor, you're correct in the value is that 'best found in the relationships we cultivate and the intentions we bring to those relationships". I think you should find a happy balance with your Tweets, some business mixed some fun just like in any aspect of life. I've met some wonderful people on Twitter who I now consider friends, as well as learned some valuable business and life lessons from others. You run the risk of spam-type encounters just like in anything remotely internet related. Just sort out the good from the bad. I immediately block anyone spamming me about anything that I don't feel is appropriate.

Good article, but..... You mentioned Page Layout Systems that you couldn't recommend, but you never said which Content Management Software programs that you would recommend. Care to share?

Great article Angela. I just checked our site in some other browsers and I DO have issues. We may need to talk!

Great article. You never fail to tell it like it is. Everyone involved with Biznik benefits from your wisdom and sage advice.

Angela,

We would be more than happy to help you out with any promotional campaign and hopefully save you a little money. You've always been very helpful to us, so it's the least we can do.

We have found success in packaging a promotional gift with a nice letter and some business cards. Also, there are great promotional items that you can insert your business card into and ask friends and clients to give out to others. Everyone likes getting something fun and useful. It keeps your name out there in front of clients and potential clients.

As a small business owner who has spoken to several designers in the last two months, I can honestly say that Angela has proven to be extremely professional. This is any excellent article that helps us non-designers understand the process. It truly is all about great communication between both parties.

Another great article by A.Michelle. You seem to always know when I am struggling with an issue and then write an insightful and intelligent article to put things into perspective.

Great job.....thank you!

I love this article. "Service doesn't come from the list, it comes from your heart". That totally sums it up for me. So simple yet so very true. The last paragraph is so well written and wonderfully visual in it's concept.

Being in business means taking calculated risks. No one really knows what the outcome is going to be. You hope that your research is correct and we all hopefully weigh the pros and cons, but in the end it's a risk. If you are afraid of taking a risk or making a mistake, owning your own business is not for you. I find it interesting how many business and life coaches there are on Biznik. Most are very young, inexperienced people who find themselves out of work and decide to coach others on running their business. Some take a shamanistic approach like Taylor and Brianna, but most haven't a clue about my industry or most industries.

Deciding to start a business is a lot like deciding to have children or not. If you are waiting for the perfect situation, you will more than likely go childless. Great opportunities happen sometimes when you least expect them.

We prefer the eco friendly options offered at Greenerprinter.com

http://www.greenerprinter.com/grp/welcome.do

While I haven't read every one of these uplifting posts, I would have to say that Lisa and Cheryl have summed it up best for me. I agree with Lisa that it all comes down to being "free" to be the person you want to be in life and I share Cheryl's philosophy about trying to help others as you grow your business.

We can do better than this. Come on, let's get the word out to support Tshombe and put him in the winner's circle!

You've got my vote!

First I was Mr. East Coast and now I am that SE guy. Yes, it's 107 SE Washington Street in Portland. Great building. I sent an email inviting the wine guy to join Biznik. He has a great spot that would be perfect for events.

We have some great neighbors in the Olympic Mills Commerce Center that are subleasing space. It's a great "green" building with an excellent coffee shop and a new wine bar. There are also conference rooms to use and our common area is a rotating art gallery featuring local artists.