Claudia Beck, Artist, Graphic Designer and Business Owner
Helping Other Business Owners is Claudia Beck's Passion
Claudia Beck is a lifelong artist, graphic designer and business owner. Having worked for other companies her entire career, when she became a Mom just over 10 years ago, she decided to leave the work force. Claudia wanted to and felt she needed to stay home and work. This way she could have the time to be "Mom": the one to take care of and teach her son about life, be there when he needed a hug, a kiss and a playmate too.
While continually doing freelance graphic design during this "post employee" lifestyle she also dabbled with a variety of costly and unsuccessful direct sales companies, money-making programs and other financially draining systems, so she set on a quest to develop her own business, which turned out to be businesses. These could then be based on what she really wanted to do anyway therefore much more worthy of the time it took her to develop and run them.
Because of learning from her mistakes and taking a lot of time to make those mistakes too -- her 10 years as an online marketer and business owner has actually paid off. She has owned and run a variety of niche sites, headed up business networks, written countless articles on a variety of topics and is a huge participator and advocate of affiliate marketing.
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Claudia says, "Way back when -- in the middle of my career -- I pined away wishing I had chosen a different one because I felt that as a mere graphic designer working for someone else, I was not helping others to the extent that I wanted to nor felt that I could do. But now, with my current businesses I am able to comprehensively help other business owners and those who want to be, in a variety of personal, hands on ways. This is what I truly LOVE to do."
"I have been fortunate enough to take on this endeavor during an amazing technological time in history. With the advent of the internet and all of our other technological advances that we are experiencing over the last 15 or so years, it has enabled me to help folks all over the world from my simple little Studio based out of my home. I never would have imagined having a client base that circled the globe! Not only do I have clients world-wide, but many great new business partners and 'dear to me' friends from every corner of the earth as well. What a fantastic time it is to start a business -- own a business -- work to grow a business! I am blessed to be a part of it and even more so to be situated that I can help others do the same."
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Her current portfolio of businesses includes Sunflowers and Seagulls Promotional Services (http://make-me-seen.com) which provides its clients with creative and custom web and print design for all of their advertising, marketing and corporate identity needs. These services help others build a professional and memorable presence for their own businesses.
Claudia also owns WAHM-Trade Website Traffic Services (http://wahm-trade.com). An online advertising service for home-based and small business owners providing them with a variety of targeted and unique venues to drive traffic and potential sales to their websites.
In addition to the above businesses, Claudia also offers Private Coaching services for Ventrino® Traffic Exchange owners (http://www.make-me-seen.com/VNC_Splash1.html) helping them to set up their own online advertising services and get them running quickly, properly and professionally.
Claudia's ultimate goal with these companies is to consolidate them all into one comprehensive business promotions service under her Sunflowers and Seagulls Promotional Services umbrella. She is planning to add other much needed services for business owners such as website hosting and providing them access to 3rd party services such as commercial printing.
Claudia also very much enjoys writing as a way of transferring knowledge to others. She is a published author with Evan Carmichael for their Women Entrepreneurs department (http://www.evancarmichael.com/Women-Entrepreneurs/3329/summary.php). She also writes for article directories and has written numerous articles for her own websites and blog on a variety of topics.
Claudia concludes, "I try to, and LOVE to, meet all of my clients and potential clients personally however possible. So whether it's via an instant chat session, through a computer voice service such as Skype (http://www.jdoqocy.com/8o121kjspjr69EB9CAD687CED8FF) or face to face I try to be as accessible to my clients as possible."
You may take a peek at Claudia's design and illustration work here (http://make-me-seen.com/sunsea_galleryentry.html). She would also love for you to follow her on Twitter at (http://twitter.com/SunSeaPromos). Wanna' contact her directly? She'd love it! Feel free to by clicking here (http://make-me-seen.com/sunsea_contact.html).
9:17 PM |
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Future Fan Maternity founded and owned by Casey Self
The inspiration behind Future Fan Maternity struck Casey Self in August 2008 as she searched all over town for a shirt to wear to an LSU football game. She was 6 months pregnant at the time and found her choices to be very limited...just a couple of maternity t-shirts. Wanting something more flattering, it seemed she was out of luck! She knew there must be other pregnant women out there looking for LSU maternity clothes they could wear to work, a tailgate party or just to lounge around the house!
With that, Casey set out to find a high quality maternity apparel manufacturer and to obtain official licensing rights. She knew she wanted to design maternity flattering, versatile and comfortable maternity wear - pieces that both looked and felt good! As an MBA graduate student at
LSU and full-time working mother of two, she knew she would be crazy to embark on a new business venture! She also knew she'd be crazy to pass up the opportunity to start her own company...especially a company that produced products she was proud of.She started by offering three distinct styles of LSU clothing - pieces she would have wanted while she was pregnant. She has since expanded to included a fleur de lis maternity t-shirt and is working on an LSU tank top. She could not be more proud of the quality of each design piece. The quality is something I can attest to. I received a pair of LSU lounge pants from Casey and they are fantastic...soft, comfortable and of superior quality!
Her goal is to expand her clothing line to offer additional styles and schools...I am def
initely looking forward to that!It has been a challenge for Casey to juggle work, her family and her business but she does it quite well. Future Fan Maternity has become her creative outlet and passion. It has been a wonderful way to put her education to good use and she has certainly learned a lot through practical application! Her company is something she is very proud of - and she should be. She has found a niche that was lacking and has filled it quite well!
She says the idea would not have ever crossed her mind had it not been for her adorable little girl. Her children are a huge motivator for her to take her company further. She hopes that one day they will be able to share in her success.
Congratulations to Casey Self on creating a wonderful work at home mom (wahm) business with superior products!
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Happy New Year! I am Julianne Wish, a work at home mom (WAHM) and the new owner of Buy By Mom. Angie and I are working together during the transition period to make sure everything goes smoothly and to make sure the transition is seamless.
I have been in business online for the past decade and offline much longer than that. In addition to Buy By Mom, I own The Wish Place, am a partner with Moms United in Business, the Director of Communications for Our Milk Money, and am the Colorado state representative for the National Association for Moms in Business. I also write a regular column for Our Milk Money entitled Wishful Thinking. Working with WAHMs and helping WAHMs succeed is my passion!
I am very excited and optimistic about 2010. I have been working hard thus far advertising Buy By Mom both online and offline to get you the visibility you need and deserve. I look forward to reviewing your wonderful products and to posting your giveaways...both of which will help you gain even more visibility for your products, services and businesses.
If you haven't already, be sure to join Buy By Mom on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I am Julianne Wish, a work at home mom (WAHM) and the new owner of Buy By Mom. Angie and I are working together during the transition period to make sure everything goes smoothly and to make sure the transition is seamless.
I have been in business online for the past decade and offline much longer than that. In addition to Buy By Mom, I own The Wish Place, am a partner with Moms United in Business, and am the Colorado state representative for the National Association for Moms in Business. Working with WAHMs and helping WAHMs succeed is my passion!
I am very excited and optimistic about 2010. I have been working hard thus far advertising Buy By Mom both online and offline to get you the visibility you need and deserve. I look forward to reviewing your wonderful products and to posting your giveaways...both of which will help you gain even more visibility for your products, services and businesses.
If you haven't already, be sure to join Buy By Mom on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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Big Changes for Buy By Mom!
This post will be bitter-sweet for me.
After much thought, even more prayer, and lots of back-and-forth, I have decided to sell Buy By Mom. I've poured my heart and my soul into this website, but with 5 kids, I just don't have the time to invest to make this website all that it can be.
After receiving several offers for the purchase of Buy By Mom, I selected the person I thought would take the best care of the website. A mom who would love this website as much as I do and make it a better place for WAHMs and those looking to support them.
The new owner of the website is Julianne of The Wish Place. If you stop by her website, you can see that she already has a passion and a heart for WAHMs and moms who want to be at home with their children.
I have no doubt that Julianne will do great and mighty things with Buy By Mom, and it will be a site that you want to return to daily.
As for me, I'm not going anywhere for awhile. I'll still be here, helping Julianne out for the next year or so. I just won't be as active as I once was. I'll still be blogging over on my other blog, www.5vinezmonkeys.com and running my graphic, web, and blog design business. All that while taking care of my 5 kids and husband.
I hope that you will continue to stop by and show your support for Buy By Mom. Let's make this an easy transition and give Julianne the welcome she deserves!
And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at angie@buybymom.com.
After much thought, even more prayer, and lots of back-and-forth, I have decided to sell Buy By Mom. I've poured my heart and my soul into this website, but with 5 kids, I just don't have the time to invest to make this website all that it can be.
After receiving several offers for the purchase of Buy By Mom, I selected the person I thought would take the best care of the website. A mom who would love this website as much as I do and make it a better place for WAHMs and those looking to support them.
The new owner of the website is Julianne of The Wish Place. If you stop by her website, you can see that she already has a passion and a heart for WAHMs and moms who want to be at home with their children.
I have no doubt that Julianne will do great and mighty things with Buy By Mom, and it will be a site that you want to return to daily.
As for me, I'm not going anywhere for awhile. I'll still be here, helping Julianne out for the next year or so. I just won't be as active as I once was. I'll still be blogging over on my other blog, www.5vinezmonkeys.com and running my graphic, web, and blog design business. All that while taking care of my 5 kids and husband.
I hope that you will continue to stop by and show your support for Buy By Mom. Let's make this an easy transition and give Julianne the welcome she deserves!
And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at angie@buybymom.com.
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Ho-Ho-Holiday Specials!
Buy By Mom offers our readers a wealth of fabulous mom shops to purchase from.We all understand that money is tight, especially during the holidays, so some of our Mom Shops have offered discounts to Buy By Mom readers! Don't delay. Take advantage of these offers and support work at home moms this holiday season.
Shop with confidence and know that every purchase you make is going to benefit a mom and her family this holiday season.
Discounts:
Angela Vinez Designs - 20% off any order. Use code buybymom at checkout. (Offer ends December 31, 2009)
A Gift Basket Connection - 20% off to Buy By Mom Readers. Call Patti @ 800-437-3237 and mention Buy By Mom for your discount.
Free Shipping:
Avon - Free Shipping on Any Order. Use code FSANY at checkout.
Katie's Kreations - Free Shipping on any order. Just put "Buy By Mom" in the comments section, and your shipping costs will be refunded.
55 Maple Designs - Free Shipping on any order. Just put "Buy By Mom" in the comments section, and your shipping costs will be refunded.
Little Lambs Children's Boutique - Free Shipping on any order. Use code buybymom at checkout. (Offer good until January 31, 2010)
Little Ladybug Designs - Free Shipping on any order of 35 Cards or More. Use code freeshipcust at checkout.
If you run a mom-operated business and would like to have a discount code featured here, please contact us with the details.
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Free Tip Friday: Naming Your Business
Naming a Business - Ideas to Be Creative
By Nelson Smith
Naming a business is more than just a title or description of your business, it is the initial representation of what you produce/supply/offer. So, with this in mind, you'll want to name your business something memorable / catchy / funny / unusual.
What are your options when naming a business?
Your first and easiest option would be to pay a specialist branding company to come up with a name for you. This may or may not be the perfect name for your business, but I can tell you it will certainly be expensive!
Second option would be to throw some names around between friends and family and pick the one that seems to stand out the most. This is a very hit and miss option and you are relying on people who may not be the most objective.
The third option (and in my opinion the best) would be to do some serious targeted research on the internet and find out exactly what people on the internet search for. If people are searching for specific words/terms, then surely it would make sense to adopt those words when naming a business. I use a free tool from Google called the 'Keyword Selector Tool'. It allows you to put in your main keyword or phrase, and it will then generate a list of keywords that are directly related. The best way to use the tool is to try and look for synonyms (similar words that mean the same) for your keyword. e.g. 'Dog'/'Canine'. Make a list of as many words as you can and put them into a text document. You can then add/mix/sort all the keywords until you come up with a great business name. The keyword selector tool will also tell you how many times per month that word or phrase has been searched for (a great indicator of popularity). It's obvious that the more times the keyword is searched for, the public must relate more to that keyword than others.
Now is the time to ask family and friends their opinion. Now the real research has been done and naming a business is not just a stab in the dark. Once you have decided on a few names, then you need to go and see if they have already been taken. If not, get it registered as soon as possible and then get yourself a domain name.
What are your options when naming a business?
Your first and easiest option would be to pay a specialist branding company to come up with a name for you. This may or may not be the perfect name for your business, but I can tell you it will certainly be expensive!
Second option would be to throw some names around between friends and family and pick the one that seems to stand out the most. This is a very hit and miss option and you are relying on people who may not be the most objective.
The third option (and in my opinion the best) would be to do some serious targeted research on the internet and find out exactly what people on the internet search for. If people are searching for specific words/terms, then surely it would make sense to adopt those words when naming a business. I use a free tool from Google called the 'Keyword Selector Tool'. It allows you to put in your main keyword or phrase, and it will then generate a list of keywords that are directly related. The best way to use the tool is to try and look for synonyms (similar words that mean the same) for your keyword. e.g. 'Dog'/'Canine'. Make a list of as many words as you can and put them into a text document. You can then add/mix/sort all the keywords until you come up with a great business name. The keyword selector tool will also tell you how many times per month that word or phrase has been searched for (a great indicator of popularity). It's obvious that the more times the keyword is searched for, the public must relate more to that keyword than others.
Now is the time to ask family and friends their opinion. Now the real research has been done and naming a business is not just a stab in the dark. Once you have decided on a few names, then you need to go and see if they have already been taken. If not, get it registered as soon as possible and then get yourself a domain name.
Ideas and inspiration are what you need when searching for a Cool Business Name.
Get Business Name Suggestions and ideas by visiting: http://www.internettbusiness.com/
Get Business Name Suggestions and ideas by visiting: http://www.internettbusiness.com/
Article Source & Originally Published By: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nelson_Smith
*If you have a tip you’d like to submit for Free Tip Friday, use the contact form to submit it. You will receive full credit for your tip, as well as a link to your website.
*If you have a tip you’d like to submit for Free Tip Friday, use the contact form to submit it. You will receive full credit for your tip, as well as a link to your website.
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