Microsoft Office Live Small Business Community

I think this could be a great forum. 

Maybe we should start off with some introductions....

I'm Sue - just starting up a Pet Portrait Business.  Have never run a business before and haven't that much experience with web sites either.  I've learned so much from those that generously shared on these forums - with a wide range of experiences I think we all could have something valuable to contribute.

I know there are other women out there, starting or expanding a business and bravely designing their own websites....

I'm Janet. Just decided to  turn my decades old "hobby" of photography into a brand new "business" of photography. Husband has had his own business for years so I am a little familiar with that aspect but totally new to this website design stuff. I like the designing aspect, it's the code and html etc,... the stuff you need to do just perfectly or it blows up your page... that is killing me I could not have managed the website part without the great help from this forum so hopefully I'll learn enough to help other newbies to return the favor.

I do like the aspect of a woman's point of view in business .It seems like some here are more artsy type businesses so I especially look forward to sharing some creative ideas with everyone

Hi Sue and Janet and any other women reading this discussion. I am Karen Dayan - and I am responsible for the Office Live Small Business outreach to women entrepreneurs. Have you already heard about Vision to Venture? You should check out this amazing event for Women Entrepreneurs at www.officeliveoffers.com/v2v You can either attend in a city near you or online. Let me know how we can help better service women through our community web site. Glad to see your enthusiasm.

BTW; Karen has initiated a group in Facebook. With the intention to leverage that site's social networking capability to expose and share profiles to help you meet and engage with others. To visit the Facebook group go here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21499467736 

Hey there, I'm Amber. I started my website just a few months ago and I design and make custom crib bedding and accessories and I sell high-end baby boutique items on my online store! I used to teach the computer class at my local ISD here in Texas, so I was able to spend a lot of time learning about html, but I'm technically a newbie who just soaks up as much info as I can! My mom is my business partner but I'm the one doing all the website stuff and marketing. I'm mom to two wonderful kids and I'm doing everything I can to stay home with them and still support my family! I look forward to meeting other women who are doing the same thing!

www.dreamscapesbaby.com

Hi everyone, I'm Sheri.  I have started a business called Pocket Full of Posies.  My sister-in-law and I have started making custom handmade tutus for little girls.  We got started when I bought my little girl a tutu for her first birthday.  I thought, I could do this!  So I contacted the lady who sold me the tutu on e-bay and she sold me the instructions on how to make a professional looking tutu.  We have been selling on e-bay for a while and finally decided to start our own web site.  We plan on eventually expanding our product line, I also make handbags and diaper bags.  But for right now we are focusing on the tutus.  This community is so wonderful!  Everyone is so helpful and there is so much information here!  I know nothing about starting a business, nor a web site!  I am a naive newbie to it all!  Even though I am naive, I have helped 2 other businesses start up their own web sites on Office Live, it is so easy to get started!

Sheri

Hello everyone,  and how is your website visibility?  Are you getting the visitors to your site?  How many do you need to stay on top of the growing your business?  Is this enough or would you like more.  We can help.  

Find out what the reaity of how much traffic you should be attaining and how we can get them to come.   

We also have a monthly newletter on the latest seo news.  It gives helpful tips on seo and could be very useful to your site's profitability. 

If you live in our beautiful Flathead Valley of Montana, I would be happy to personaly come in and do a free seminar or demonstration of our techniques. This is a great way to share the knowledge with your collegues or other contacts.  And I have been told it is actually fun too. 

 www.seoexpertsonlinemt.com  

Cheri

Maria here.  I've had more careers and this is my 3rd business.  I'm all excited because I'm completing a grant to  get one of my many Workbooks published!  The grant is due on Wed. 

I get bored easily.  I think that I've been able to be in business almost 10 years now because I live vicariously through all my clients.  They have a diverse set of businesses and being their paid partner, has been a big win-win. 

I'm a native NYer, who lives in WA State right now, but I'm a NY'er through and through.  Been thinking about moving back to the east coast.

I love what I do and just want to do more!  Besides having 9 books published in the upcoming years, my other goal is to create business retreats -- where owners network and complete a business and marketing plan in a great serene place.  Got one in mind in WA, NY and NC. 

I look forward to getting to know you.   

Hi, Sue - and all you other bright and creative women. My name is Phyll and although I have been selling travel technology tools most of my life, I've never done anything like this before.  I'm very excited!  I'm starting up a services business.  Once I have a little more done on the site I'll share it with all of you and you can see what I mean.

Sales and Marketing is my background. Any way I can help- holler.  Oh, and Phyll is short for Phyllis. :)

Hello to All,

I too am called Sue or Suzi to my friends and family and *** in work!

My business is designing and making celebration cakes,I have done this before in my home country but never virtually so to speak.I  emigrated recently and having noticed the number of non-resident brides decided to corner the market. I am new to the website design and marketing world and to be honest would welcome as much help as is offered.

I would like to to take this opportunity to say to  all who are 'new' to this, Good Luck within their chosen field,I pray we are all succesful!

       our only limitation is your imagination........***.

I'm Janice - just started a Virtual Assistant Business, I have never ran a business, I have always worked in an office setting SO this is very scary for me. I also have learned alot from the on line Forums I was able to design what I believe is a very nice site. I also create wedding invitations and event coordinating. I really appreciate the creation of the Microsoft Office Small Business because it has provided me with an opportunity to try to be a BUSINESS WOMAN.

Please stop by my site www.janiswilldoit4u.com, send me a comment or a suggestion under CONTACT US and let me know what you think of the site if i can be of service to anyone you know please spread the word.

 Hi my name is Stephanie and I have recently started an Accounting Firm in Chandler, Az.  I have been an accountant for 4

years and I have a BA in Business.  I graduated from NAU in 2004.  If anyone needs or knows someone who needs public

small business or personal accounting / bookkeeping services, you can visit my webiste at www.smbacctg.com or email

(sbendel@smbacctg.com) or call the office at (480) 248.6489.  

Anyone have any ideas on Marketing for this sort of business?? 

Hi all,

My name is Corrinne and I created SearchByInseam.com to solve a personal problem - never being able to find pants that were long enough!  I worked in the corporate world for 7 years (at Microsoft and Amazon), got my MBA while working full-time, and have been running my business full-time for almost a year now.  I love being my own boss and I look forward to networking with the rest of you and learning some best practices on driving site traffic and increasing sales.

Hi Rinny,

Welcome to the community! There are a lot of friendly faces here that will be happy help you along the way. Your site is terrific!  

I just found this forum, and I'm so glad I did!  I think connecting with other women entrepreneurs is essential to success, and reading all of your posts, and checking out all of your websites has been motivational.  I'm looking forward to hearing more from all of you!

Natalie

Nakali Consulting