Nancy's Biztalk posts

Looking for a great (possibly short-term) renter?

Hi all,

Are any of you Bizniks landlords and looking to rent a one-bedroom place? I signed up for the first time home buyer's workshop and have been playing with the idea of trying to buy my own place within the next year. I haven't thought this was an option being a small biz owner for the last seven years who's not "living large" yet, but I'm finally starting to toy with the idea of owning to see if it's possible. Well, I had a discouraging phone call with my landlady tonight. I have been an exemplary renter for the last 4 years in my current place and 9 years in the townhouse I was in before my current apartment, yet my landlady is adamant about me signing only a year-long lease, which is up for renewal at the end of this month. She won't agree to a month to month or even a six month lease, despite the fact that I explained that I really want to start thinking about buying my own place if possible in the coming year. I'm working with a realtor friend to start to investigate if buying is even possible for me at this point, and we'll see what info I glean from the Biznik workshop. I have a month to decide if I will resign my lease. I like my place and don't really want to move until I buy but maybe this is a sign that I need a change and bigger and better things are indeed in store (possible even my own place). I live in Greenwood now and would prefer to stay in the Greenwood, Greenlake, Ballard, Wallingford, Fremont area but may be open to other options if the fit is right. Maybe someone even needs to sublet for a while. If so ping me and we'll talk rent ranges and other specifics. Thanks! Nancy

Help me find the sofa of my dreams

Hi, all. I have been trying to find a great sofa/couch and figured, what the heck why not post it on BikTalk. Maybe someone is selling the sofa of my dreams. I've been perusing Craig's List and seem always to just miss the sale of what I want. Argh! So, I've narrowed it down and here's what I'm looking for. Please let me know if any of you are ever sell anything along these lines or know of someone who is.... Size: Three seater sofa/couch (not a two-person love seat) Color: Purple/eggplant/plum (apparently this color was very popular a few yrs ago according to the sales woman at Macy's but is now a special order taking 3 months to special order any of their sofas in this color)
Fabric: Something comfy...velvet-like, microfiber, brushed cotton, etc....nothing tweed-like or nubby Style: solid color/no patterns, contemporary lines Other: Definitely from a non-smoking home and preferably a pet-free home If you ever stumble across the sale of something along these lines, pls ping me. Thanks!!
Nancy

SUMMER SPECIAL AT HOP TO SIGNAROO

Attend any Hop to Signaroo baby sign language class between now and August 31st and receive a FREE American Sign Language boardbook. These adorable boardbooks are a great addition to our class and a fun way to practice 40 baby and toddler-relevant signs with your little one. I offer classes through Swedish Medical Centers, as well as various options for lessons in your home.
Offer available to all levels of Biznik members! Check out my site at http://www.hoptosignaroo.com for details.

Regence vs Lifewise

On my list of things to do today...write a letter (with great pleasure) to Regence Blueshield to cancel my health insurance policy. For those of you who have individual insurance with Regence, I highly recommend that you check out Lifewise. You were probably, like me, appalled to see that they raised their rates again (20%) a few months ago. This prompted me to check out Lifewise, who did not have great coverage for individual plans a few years ago...but they do now! I never thought I'd be so thrilled to have up 6 insurance-covered doctors visits a year! I had catastrophic insurance through Regence and in the many years I paid into the policy nothing was covered (supposedly if I was ever hit by a bus or the like, I'd be cover as that constitutes a catastrophe). With Lifewise, some yearly preventative exams are covered plus 6 add’l office visits a year are allowed and discounts or Rx...wahooo! Check it out it you have Regence, as you may want to jump ship.

Also, we energetic indie biz owners really should band together to do something about healthcare reform. If you're like me, health insurance and out of pocket medical expenses are likely one of the biggest expenses of your biz. I was pretty spoiled when I worked for the state and had amazing benies....back in the day!

Upcoming event at the Greenwood Library that looks interesting

I received notification of this event and thought it looked like something many Bizniks might enjoy. I'm disappointed that I have my comedy improv class that night or I'd be there. If anyone does go or has gone to this gentleman's events before, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Passion into Practice Vision Seminar This evening is an introduction to a program that helps you rediscover yourself and your dreams. We will support you in determining what you truly want for your life around work and other areas and what may be standing in the way of you having it.

WHEN: Tuesday 6/26, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM HOST: Jim Marshall WHERE: Greenwood Library - 8015 Greenwood Ave Seattle, WA PRICE: No charge

http://www.eventme.com/Event.aspx?Event=6H7B+bDURt4

Tax dedections on car purchases fro small biz owners

Here's an article from the P.I. biz section that may be helpful to entrepreneurs buying a new car. The article sites a book, which likely we all should be reading, to discover little known tax breaks for small biz owners.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com:80/business/318934_schreter08.html

Help trying to print flashcards

Hello all, In the last several weeks I had been all over the net and have checked with some local printers about trying to cost effectively print some flashcards to sell in my classes, presentations and online store. I'm hoping someone will have some suggestions for economical printing options. Everything I am finding would entail committing to about 500 sets of flashcards to be able to run them at a decent price. I’m looking to start with about 250 sets to see how they sell. Ultimately, I'm looking at an initial run of 500 sheets total, which is 125 sheets of 4 different 11" x 17" PDF's (plus cutting). Easy enough but they need to be on card stock 14 point or thicker with gloss on both sides or 5 mil lamination but this seems to be far too spendy. I've tried Costco printing and there minimum run is double that which means committing to 500 sets of flashcards to start with, which is too risky. Smaller, local print shops and online professional printers had even higher minimums. Anyone ever produce anything similar and have suggestions?? Maybe someone even knows of a place that prints flashcards, specifically w/o giving up copyrights, of course...??