ForumsShop Talk

IWrite and I are getting together soon...stay tuned.

I've had conversations with 16 other members off-line, more to exchange ideas or go into details that shouldn't be shared in a public forum. Money hasn't changed hands, if that's what you mean by "actually done any business" -- but that's not why I'm here.

I consider these forums to be like the networking opportunities I have during breaks at business conferences, in that it provides two things I enjoy: (1) a chance to get to know more of my peers around the country (and around the world) and exchange ideas with them, and (2) a chance to share basic advice and answer questions for free that would cost a new or emerging business owner time or money (that he/she probably can't spare and shouldn't have to spend).

There are some people here I look forward to reading and interacting with, and when someone posts a "thank you" or gives "helpful" points to one of my answers, there's a non-monetary reward that makes me feel good. So on both counts, I consider my participation here a "success."

The structure and features of this site don't directly facilitate the exchange of products or services between members, whereas some other business communities do that very, very well.

Mademan,

I am not sure if I helped DomainDiva, but we sure did exchange some great infomation. It was a great opportunity to meet with her and some of her team and to see where they are going, and offer some suggestions to help them get there. I think I helped but I am not sure.

I know I was helped, I was thinking about doing a dinner and question session with business owners and after meeting with her, I am sure I can make this work and actually help folks along the way. I can grow my agency my way.

I'm not sure if this qualifies as a success but I feel it does.

Mademan,

Thanks. I agree. It felt good to do things the way I believe they should be done. I will keep you updated.

IWrite is one of the most creative people I have ever met....he came up with a marketing/launch announcenment just by listening to me and what we were trying to achieve!!! As a matter of fact his ideas are SO unique that if we can't get this product noticed we might as well pack it in. I consider our time together an unqualified success. Be prepared to laugh as well. I was nearly in tears a couple of times.

(I have been on the road for several days...finally have a break here).

Thank you both!

I don't want this to become a "lovefest" but it is really easy to come up with solid solutions when people are open to suggestions and different ideas. DomainDiva and her team are honest about what they know and do well. I am trying to do this thing on my own because I feel like agencies have forgotten how to work with clients.

Even if they don't work with me down the road, I know they now have a better expectation of what an advertising agency should bring to the table in helping them grow their business.

I am so thankful that she invited me to sit and talk with them. I am also glad you asked this question!