Interviews

Carl Christensen’s gallery, Integrity Studio, in New Hope, PA, was recently featured in Entrepreneur magazine as a small business that’s winning on Pinterest, and a 2013 calendar featuring Carl’s images compiled by Orange Circle Design, one of the world’s largest calendar producers, will be available in Target stores nationwide. Find out how Carl uses Pinterest and Etsy to help interest in his gallery and sales.

If you’re familiar with those ubiquitous eCourses and webinars, you know that sometimes learning can feel be a bit… undercooked. I bet you probably don’t show up to half of them, especially if they’re free. But Tea Silvestre is turning the idea of learning on its head and creating a reality web series that teaches you how to market your business online. She dubs it “Biggest Loser meets Hell’s Kitchen” for entrepreneurs. And if you’re one of lucky contestants, not only is it free but there’s a stunning grand prize involved. Find out what’s cooking and how you can get a spot in the Kitchen, too.

Lena West of The Influence Expansion Academy knows a thing or two about influence and success. She’s refreshingly down-to-earth yet exceedingly uplifting. I had a conversation with Lena about life, work, parents and tattoos. She has some great advice to share and some inspiring stories. In her own words, “You can strive for mediocrity or you can decide that every single day you wake up you’re going to go for it.” If that sounds like you, you’ll enjoy this conversation.

Two years ago, a 10-year-old Boy Scout named Donovan came to my house selling popcorn to raise money for the scouts and our troops. I was blown away by his presentation on his iPad, the follow-up emails and the Facebook page that he created with the help of his father. I recently sat down with Donovan “The Popcorn Scout” Fisher, now 12, to see what he’s been up to and learn some of his selling secrets. You’ll be impressed by this young man’s salesmanship and maybe even inspired to buy some of his popcorn to contribute to his amazing success!

Interviewing Adpro Imprints President Peter Demaree, Jr. at his unassuming office in Ocean, I found this self-described “t-shirt and jeans kind of guy” and “behind the scenes person” a far cry from the egotistical, bombastic business archetype of Hollywood, cable news, and the blogosphere. He’s no Donald Trump, and I mean that as a compliment. Find out how he creates customer loyalty and what types of marketing work for this local business.

When Jaimie Hardell learned that a local women’s clothing boutique was for sale, she jumped at the chance to fulfill her dream. JLynn’s Boutique is known by both locals and seasonal visitors for offering trendy women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories, with new styles arriving every week. The Boutique opened on July 1, 2011 on Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, but even non-locals follow her online and order hot new items when she posts them on her Facebook page. Find out how Jaimie made her dream a reality and survives in warm and cool weather alike.

Meet Patrick O’Keefe. At 27 he’s a published author, sought-after public speaker, owner and manager of the iFroggy Network, podcaster with media and technology leader SitePoint as well as on the Copyright 2.0 Show, and all-’round entrepreneur. He has enough energy and enthusiasm to leave us “regular” folks breathless and today marks the publication of his new book “Monetizing Online Forums”. It’s hot off the press – and it’s completely free. Come be inspired and find out how you can get a copy of his book so you can learn to monetize your own forum or website.

Whether they’re playing at an Atlantic City casino, a Jersey Shore nightclub, the floor of the New York Stock Exchange or a private party, Daddy Pop brings a contagious energy to the stage. As the band owner and lead singer, Liz Schuber loves any song that makes people dance. Find out how this band got together, how they market in a crowded space and what insights they bring from a business perspective.

Laryssa Wirstiuk is a writer and a writing instructor with a dream – she wants to publish her own book. And not just an ebook but an actual paperback. Her goal is to print 1,000 copies in her debut as a fiction writer and she turned to the social phenomenon Kickstarter to seek the funding she needs. Find out how she’s using Kickstarter and social media to reach her goals and read her advice on running a successful funding campaign.

“If you make a mistake, you better correct it.” So says Danny Murphy, Red Bank restaurateur who knows how to please his customers. After 43 years in the restaurant business, Danny combines his “old time restaurateur philosophy” with a very modern focus on social media and the web. Find out here what makes him laugh and get his insights into how businesses can weather downturns.