dsmBUZZ

#129 Sherry Borzo of Storied Gifts

2009-11-04T07:46:47-06:00

I've been pleased with the wonderful guests that have been on Entrepreneur People Real Stories the past couple of years. It is hard to believe there have been over 100 shows recorded and interviews obtained. At this juncture in my business, Storied Gifts, I thought it was time to put myself through the interview paces and share what I've learned from the entrepreneurial journey thus far. I'm passionate about my work as a personal historian and wanted to share my story of helping people share their stories in a meaningful way.

A huge thanks to Kelly of Kelly Moore Consulting for conducting the interview. And thanks to all who listen to these programs. I hope you've gained business wisdom, and learned more about the people and services that come from these entrepreneurial adventurers.

November 2009 Entrepreneurs on EPRS

2009-11-03T08:11:30-06:00

November 3:Sherry Borzo of Storied Gifts. In this interview I change seats as host with Public Relations expert and good friend Kelly Moore of Kelly Moore Consulting. I am passionate about the mission behind Storied Gifts; that there is no other history more important than your own. I speak to my first full year in business and what I’ve learned from the process and my clients about enjoying the journey.

November 10: Helen Pham of Simply Savvy Aprons. This entrepreneur helps restaurant staff and salon stylists look their very best. Helen’s story is both inspiring and informative as she takes us from product idea all the way through the manufacturing process. Her discoveries and reasoning are a marvel and sure to provide excellent groundwork for others.

November 17: Shell Medelson Herman of Kidzart. The vision for Kidzart was to create a viable business focused on providing art education to children. The reality has been a hugely successful program that can be found in states across the US and recently overseas as well. In this interview, Shell explains how she co-founded this concept, and helped expand Kidzart into an award winning franchise opportunity.

November 24: Tom Boesen of Boesen the Florist. In this interview we take a journey back to when Boesen Florist first began with Tom Boesen’s grandparents. They moved to Des Moines, Iowa with a goal of owning a floral business. Today this family owned business is a cornerstone not only for the local community but one of the largest wholesalers in the states. Tom shares his years of knowledge and his passion for the industry. His is a passion that still blooms today.

photo by Bri...D, powered by flickr

#128 Akeem Clayton of Be-Zaar Events

2009-10-29T11:13:04-05:00

Based out of Atlanta, this high-end event planner and floral designer tells a story of starting early with a talent for design that has expanded into owning his own business. Akeem provides insights regarding his industry, his business

Be-Zaar Events, and offers helpful tips to know when selecting an event planner.

I Blog. Do U? November 2009 Conference, 14 and 15

2009-10-26T03:42:21-05:00

I blog. Do you? Blogs cover such a large range of topics- from personal journals to businesses. Above all it’s a way to keep in touch with people- whether they are friends and family or customers. Blogging is a “personal touch” in the impersonal internet.

November 14 & 15 mark the inaugural I_Blog Conference at the Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa. The purpose behind I_Blog is to help new and existing bloggers understand the business of blogging, learn techniques to grow their blog, help them develop ideas and create their niche.

If you blog- or are just considering it- I_Blog has information you can use. From promoting yourself to tax advice we’ve got it covered. Want to learn how to become the “voice” of your community or need to figure out how to prioritize your life? We’re covering those topics, too. The speaker’s biographies can be found at the I_Blog blog. The I_Blog conference costs only $75 to attend - and that includes 4 meals! Rooms can be reserved by calling the Hotel Pattee directly 515-465-3511 – be sure to mention that you are attending the I_Blog conference (iatraveler’s group) to get the conference rate of $99 (book by October 23).

The I_Blog Conference is uniquely scheduled to give buzz to Midwest and national sponsors right before the holiday shopping season. People are watching every dollar they spend- wouldn’t the extra buzz about your company be helpful as people head out to do their holiday shopping? For as little as $100 you can create word of mouth buzz where your customers are- in the Midwest! (Learn more about becoming involved with I_Blog).

Have questions about I_Blog? Contact Jody Halsted by email or call 515-707-6547.

Pre-Paid Legal Director Rod Thompson

2009-10-25T16:00:12-05:00

We give members access to professional legal counsel not only for traditional legal problems, but for everyday events such as:
• buying a house or a car
• creating a will
• handling a problem with an insurance company
• dealing with identity theft...
...and much more where legal review should be routine, but rarely is. These events can be among the most important events in a person's life, yet there is a tendency for them to take place without proper legal review. For Pre-Paid Legal members, access to legal counsel is only a toll-free phone call away. All for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day!!
Pre-Paid Legal markets the Identity Theft Shield to help you stay ahead of the curve. One of the most talked-about and fastest growing white-collar crimes in history, identity theft is a problem you can't afford to ignore.

As a business owner, have you ever:
• Signed a contract or document you hadn’t fully read or understood?
• Had difficulty collecting money from customers?
• Wanted to have a resource for ANY business or legal question?
If you answered yes to any of these situations, we may be able to help.

Hi, my name is Rod Thompson, PPL Director. I work with families, companies both large and small in providing legal access plans for the business, business owners, individual families, commercial drivers, identity theft protection programs, and employee benefits. I happened to be in the right place at the right time to allow me to serve a growing need in the marketplace. Protect business and families across the area personally, professionally and financially. It is simply a joy to help others. Contact me directly at:

515 707 7424

Rod Thompson, IA PPL Director 515-707-7424 cell

www.RodThompsonOnline.com

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS Division

Small Business - Protect and Grow your Business

#127 Tevyn Cole of School Me Clothing

2009-10-24T15:13:20-05:00

Anyone can have an idea, but to take it to the next level and make it a reality . . . now that is something. Tevyn saw a gap in his education and took action, an action that resonated with others. What started with a notion in school became his business while he was still in high school. Now as a young man he has won awards and recognition of celebrities and individuals across a broad spectrum. School Me Clothing has garnered the attention of celebrities and individuals across a broad spectrum. This is an inspiring story of action, particularly youth in action. Take a listen and enjoy.

No Regrets in the New Year with Christine Hegstad

2009-10-21T08:25:32-05:00

I encourage local businesses that participate in the dsmBUZZ community to let us know what's coming up in their business. Are you looking for a kick of motivation for 2010? Tired of slogging in the news of gloom? Check out this great opportunity.

CREATE YOUR YEAR OF NO REGRETS!
Saturday, Nov 7, 1-4pm
Connxions Event Center, Urbandale
$79 (Early-bird $65 through October 19)
A new year is just around the corner. How will you make 2010 your BREAKTHROUGH year? Join us for one of our most popular workshops, Create Your Year of No Regrets, facilitated by Dr. Christine Hegstad of MAP Professional Development Inc. This session offers proven tools and unique strategies to help you clarify your vision for the coming year. You'll work through eight poignant questions to reflect on lessons from the past year, uncover your passions and purpose, and create an action plan that will make this year your best yet. Past participants have started businesses, upgraded their careers, run half-marathons, made plans to travel overseas, gotten their finances in order, and so much more! Pre-registration required; details and testimonials can be found at www.TheLifeOfNoRegrets.com.

#126 Melanie Jordan - "What You Know is Worth More Than You Know" tm

2009-10-15T16:52:51-05:00

I was chatting with a fellow entrepreneur today and she said, "I don't know what I don't know." It struck me funny because of course it is true. I'm clueless as to what I don't know. On the other hand, if you own a business, have a hobby, or basically breathe in and out YOU KNOW LOTS!

In this interview with Melanie Jordan of "What You Know is Worth More Than You Know" tm, she explains how anyone can tap into what they know to create a business.

I especially enjoyed talking to Melanie because I think she shares an affirming message for these times where relying on being an employee can leave you exposed. What you know has value if you wish to use it to create your own enterprise, even if it's on the side, or just to feel like you contribute knowledge that is particularly special for you. Melanie covers a great deal of information so hold on to your hat during this interview.

#125 Soul Flower - podcast with Mike Shoafstall and Peggy Rossi

2009-10-09T06:54:16-05:00

This is a story of the perfect connection. Soul Flower went from a small boutique to a worthy resource for folks who want to find organic and hip clothing on the web. Ten years of history and many stories later, Mike and Peggy have a successful business and insights to share about cultivating an on-line business.

Entrepreneur Odyssey of October

2009-10-05T09:30:15-05:00

October 6: Soul Flower – Mike Shoafstall and Peggy Rossi. This is definitely and “oh wow man, that’s so groovy” kind of story, Peggy and Mike share how they went FROM brick and mortar to realizing their best business opportunity was truly on line. The owners of this boutique experience cater to those who love hip and organic clothing. In this interview, they describe their journey, talk about what’s yet to explore in the on-line world of retail and how they connected with those who care about what they do.

October 13: Melanie Jordan – What you know is Worth More Than You Know ™ Shares her story of discovering that anyone can turn what they know into a business. Find out how you can take your lifetime of knowledge and turn it into a business that generates revenue while helping others. Or, if you already have a business, learn how what you know can expand your product line and services.

October 20: Tevyn Cole – School Me Clothing – This young man realized a glaring gap in the lessons of history taught in his school. In this interview, Tevyn explains how he took action to change the awareness of these important omissions and create a business that makes a difference. Tevyn is an award-winning entrepreneur sure to offer you inspiration.

October 27: Akeem Clayton – Be-Zaar Events – Based out of Atlanta, this high-end event planner and floral designer tells a story of starting early with a talent for design that has expanded into owning his own business. Akeem provides insights regarding his industry, and offers helpful tips to know when selecting an event planner. .

photo: A photo from our own little odyssey, a trip to visit our son Oliver serving in the Peace Corps. We're on top of Table Top Mountain overlooking Cape Town.