Giannina's Biztalk posts

Dealing with foreign payments and conversion rates

Hi Everyone,

I recently picked up a non-US client, who is super cool and paid me promptly through Paypal for the deposit on his project. My shock came when I saw the sad conversion from foreign to US Dollars. I lost nearly one-fifth of the project fees through conversion. I guess I should have been mentally prepared for it, but was stunned nonetheless.

Has anyone else encountered similar situations? How do you deal with it? Do you account for conversion in your fees?

I love this client though, and don't want to make waves. I guess I wonder if I should have a different approach next time. Love to hear your thoughts.

Need referral for pet acupuncturist

Anybody know a lovely, caring pet acupuncturist who can help my cute but aging doggie with her aches and pains? Prefer this person to be on Eastside or make housecalls.

A bonus: Whoever ends up working with my little buddy will be exposed to overwhelming amounts of cuteness and doggie affection. Can you handle it?

Thanks! -g

Executive Summaries for Business Books: have you tried them?

As I am on a perpetual quest to feed my head, I realize that it might just take me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to read all the books I want to read. Has anyone tried an executive summary service for business books? If so, which one did you try and what did you think of it?

I hope this finds everyone well. Looking forward to hearing from everyone! -g

What amazing books have you read?

Howdy Bizniks,

I am gearing up to take my business to the next level and have been reading a ton to inspire myself.

So I am asking you, the fabulous Biznik community, to tell me what books you've read recently that inspired you. They can be business books, or purely inspirational. Tell me why you found the book helpful, if you have time.

Here are some I will share with you:

• Blink by Malcom Gladwell: This book blew me away. First impressions really do count, and Malcom Gladwell explains why. Fascinating case studies.

• The E-myth Revisited: Examines how to bridge the gap from working in your business, to working on your business. So that some day you can take a day off.

OK, your turn! Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

Cool new tunes from a fellow Biznik, check it out!

Ok, everyone. I am doing this on behalf of one of my best buddies, fellow Biznik Garrett Cullen. He's going to kill me but I just have to spread the awesome news. I have watched Garrett work on his music for years and I am happy to announce he finally just released his album!! It's a cool blend of mellow danceable electronica with upbeat feel and lovely lyrics. So I am shouting this from the tree-tops: check out his music now and support one of my best buds. It's available at iTunes and other sites...

Click here to find where to buy: http://www.hypersoul.co.uk/

Have fun and feel free to give Garrett a shout.

(Garrett, please don't hate me.)

Has any of you purchased liability insurance for your business?

If so, who was your agent? Did you like the quality of service they provided? Would you refer them to me?

Having just had a neighbor's kid's car drive through my fence and hit my house this afternoon (very superficial minor damage to my house but the fence is now fiddle sticks) I realize I had a close call. He could have driven right through my office and flattened everything. (Even me and the dog, had I been home!) He was that close. Oddly, the accident seems really funny to me now, but he seriously could have single-handedly knocked my biz to its knees in one fell-swoop... I wonder if liability insurance would have helped cover my business assets had this been true?

Phew! Lucky to be alive ;) !

Now does anyone want to give me advice on this topic? I am definitely looking for referrals.

(Other moral of this story: back up your data in a safe place, kids— a place you can't accidentally drive over!!)

Need people to take a survey

I posted a survey for one of my clients under the "Offers and Promotions" section of Biztalk, as there is a special offer attached to the survey if you complete it (it's super quick). We are conducting an online survey asking consumers about their thoughts/feelings on organic cotton and natural dyes.

Please check it out! Thanks for all your help!

10% off organic clothing if you take a survey!

One of my clients is offering a 10% coupon toward purchasing organic clothing from their website if you take a quick survey for us! We are conducting an online survey asking consumers (like yourself) about their thoughts/feelings on organic cotton and natural dyes.

I just did the survey myself and it took a minute, tops. I want to to extend this opportunity to as many people as I can, so please have it!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1SvuCKe0FVjVP07gwFvIag_3d_3d

Note: the survey will only be up for two weeks from today, so please act fast.

Business ethics dilemma

It has recently come to my attention that one of my vendors has been working directly with one of my clients, providing the same type service that I provided to my client.

The truth is, this client can't really afford me and even has trouble paying for services, and I would have been OK with their arrangement, had all parties involved just been honest and approached me openly.

How does one navigate this sticky situation? Again, I'm not really angry, just wishing for honesty.

Though I have to admit, that if this happens again with this same vendor, I might have to let them go. This situation makes me wonder if now all my clients are up for grabs — on the sly. I think this vendor should feel lucky that I continue to send them work. And should treat me accordingly.

Thoughts?

Your favorite email newsletter tool?

Hello all,

I have used online tools for email newsletters/marketing such as Constant Contact, but am also looking to explore others. A web developer friend has recommended Mail Chimp, which I need to explore more, but at first glance, it looks really good.

Are there are other similar tools anyone has had success with?

I am looking for ease of use, affordability, as well as the capacity to implement my own custom email newsletter template design.

Looking forward to hearing your recommendations.

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday week! -g

Need referral for Structural Engineer

Hi everyone,

Not sure where to post this, but here goes.

I need a structural engineer to come look at my recently built home. I've got some issues that I am concerned about and want a structural engineer to come out and have a look and make recommendations for what to do. I'm afraid I could have serious issues with my home's foundation. And I'm afraid that my builder won't take me seriously unless I have info (ammo) to back me up.

Any one know a good structural engineer that is honest and trustworthy?

Help!! -g

Show me yours and I'll show you mine

Tee hee. Made you look.

How do y'all cope with stress when the going gets tough? What's your fave on-the-fly stress busting technique?

Here are some of mine, which I have been using ALOT lately :)

• Jazz or blues radio make me relax • Cartoon break!!! • Danceable music in the studio for impromptu boogie breaks (yeah, I keep the blinds closed sometimes) • Play with my dog, who's always ready for some P-L-A-Y • Quick nature walks with said dog • Stretches • Quickie art break: stare at Carolyn Polk's paintings for 10 seconds (I own 3) • Chamomile tea and dark chocolate

These are my fave on-the-fly coping strategies. What are yours? I am always adding more to my repertoire so your ideas are appreciated.

-g

Referral for pattern maker/ pattern drafter

Hi everyone,

One of my clients in the apparel biz is looking for a great Seattle-based pattern maker or pattern drafter for their new apparel line. Can anyone refer a good pattern maker?

Thanks! -g

Seeking energetic PR maven interested in Fashion and Sustainable business

Hi everyone,

I am seeking a PR genius interested in fashion and also organic/sustainable products. Would like to partner up with you to offer PR services to help launch new brands, PR being a vital component. I've got some hot projects coming up for Fall where PR is a must.

Please email me directly to set up a meeting or to send me a referral.

Thanks! -g

Launching Fashion Branding Blog

Hi Everyone,

I recently started a blog to offer branding advice to startup fashion companies, and also for established companies as well that are looking to fix a tired brand. The blog features intelligence from retail buyer interviews and from walking the major fashion tradeshows, as well as info culled from online resources, links to magazine articles on fashion entreprenuership, and my own strategic branding insight and commentary.

The URL is: fashionbrandingtips.wordpress.com

I plan to continually add resources, so check back often!

And a big thanks to fellow Bizniks Rachel Whalley and Dominic Canterbury, for their extremely helpful bloggng and marketing seminar last fall. Couldn't have done this without you!

Thanks, see you online! -g

pantone books claimed

Hi all,

My Pantone book set is going into a loving home.

Thanks for all your interest!

-g

Selling my Pantone swatchbook kit (6 fanbooks), $50

Hi everyone,

Of interest to any graphic designers in the group— I am selling a Pantone swatchbook kit. It contains the following color fan books:

• Pantone Process color Coated SWOP guide • Pantone Process color Uncoated SWOP guide • Pantone Solid Uncoated formula guide • Pantone Solid Coated formula guide • Pantone Solid Matte formula guide • Pantone Solid to Process guide

I bought this 4 years ago and have used it infrequently. It comes in its own case and has been stored in the dark. I just got a new one, and checked this one for fading, and it has not faded. But, I don't need it anymore, so it's yours for $50 if you want it. The newest version of the same thing from Pantone.com is selling for $299.

Please email me off-list if you want this.

looking for local product photographers

Hi there all you fab Biznik-ites...

I am looking for someone who can shoot products or objects and give them a sexy, allluring look. May have a project soon that would require a great lensman/woman.

Anyone fit that bill? Note, anyone who specializes in photographing jewelry is a plus.

Thanks!!!! -g

Seattle Chamber Tradeshow

May 9, 3-7 pm Qwest Field Events Center

Promises lots of good networking. I'll have a booth there (#112), come on by for a visit!

For more info visit www.seattlechamber.com

Form/Space Atelier needs a new location

Hey everyone,

Fellow Biznik Paul Pauper from Form/Space just told me their space on Second Ave is being shut down and they need a new location for the gallery.

Anyone know of a great space for them? Pioneer Sq is preferred but they are open to options...

Email Paul Pauper directly through Biznik, or give me a shout and I can pass the tip on to him.

Thanks for all your help!

Be well, g