About Us
Networking Solutions for Spokane's Small Business Owners
It seems like only yesterday we launched a small web development and graphic
design studio here in Spokane. Having graduated with a degree in Computer Science
on the heels of 9/11, the economy was in shambles. It seemed as though the tech
industry was hardest hit and jobs in my field had simply evaporated. If I wanted
to work in my chosen industry, I was going to have to create the opportunities
myself. Thus, my husband and I founded our small business.
Getting started in a new business venture can be an overwhelming endeavor.
From writing your first business plan to sales and marketing, the learning curve
is enormous. The business consumes your every thought from the time you wake
in the morning until you fall exhausted on your pillow at the end of the day—and
you will probably dream about it while you sleep!
The good news is that all these efforts do add up, and suddenly you discover
yourself “open for business!” Now what? Once you are set up and ready
to go, how do you get your name out there?
Advertising is good. Even better, you can hire a staff of professional sales
people. Of course, the vast majority of small business owners are forced to work
within extremely tight budgets. The cost of advertising and hiring a sales and
marketing staff may not be feasible in the early years.
Networking is vital. There are a number of local and regional networking groups
and associations that provide terrific networking opportunities. Some are free,
some have fees—all are well worth while. If you can't do so right away,
or even if you can, online networking is an additional option and one that is
here to stay. That's why we have created SpokaneBusinessDirectory.com.
It is a “virtual” networking group for small businesses in our community;
an online meeting place for small business owners to find one another, gain inspiration
and insight from and get to know each other, and establish a sense of community
and comrade among its members—all without leaving the office computer!
We have endeavored to create an online environment of positive reinforcement
and shared ideas among regional small business owners to help foster economic
growth and opportunity in our community. Here you will find:
- Business Profiles – Learn about your neighbors! We post a new
business spotlight on our homepage each month. We maintain all archived profiles
of local small business owners just like you, highlighting their business, how
they got started, what they have learned and what they would do differently next
time. This is a terrific opportunity and an unprecedented bargain! Submit
Your Profile »
- Business Directory – A hand-compiled list of businesses and non-profit
organizations in our area complete with contact information and links to their
websites. This is a FREE service, so what are you waiting for? Get
Listed »
- Business Resources – An invaluable list of local and Internet
resources to help you start, maintain, and grow your business (all in one place!).
Check 'em Out »
- Business Articles – written by and for business professionals.
This is your opportunity to share your own insights and establish yourself in
your area of expertise. Every article includes a byline with author business
and contact information, and a link to your company website and/or email. Submit
an Article »
- Quarterly Business PromoTips E-Newsletter – chock full of business
news, regional success stories, promotional strategies, networking tips, and
advice from business experts. It is FREE to join, and a terrific resource! Join
Our Newsletter »
- Suggested Reading – Recommended reading for everything you ever
wanted to know about starting, operating, and growing your business. Start
Learning »
- Trade Services - This is the place to find bartering opportunities
with other small business' in our region. Trade-in-kind for products and services.
Post what you are willing to barter and see what type of response you receive—it's
FREE! It works the other way around too. Is there something you need? Post
it »
- Find Independent Contractors – Good help is hard to find! Post
your profile if you are an independent contractor or find the help you need if
you want some help, but are not ready to hire full-time employees. Find
Help »
- Find Partnering Opportunities – Join forces with a complimentary
business in our area. Post your offer here and let others know what you need,
or peruse the postings to see if you can find what you are looking for. Find
Partners »
- Advertising Opportunities - What a great place to let your target
audience know what you have to offer. You'll find our rates so low, you can't
afford NOT to advertise here! Ad design is included at no additional charge to
boot! Get Your Ad »
Have we forgotten anything? This is a work in progress and we want to hear
from you. What would help you succeed with your business? Share your ideas with
SpokaneBusinessDirectory.com by emailing us at info@spokanebusinessdirectory.com.
We are continually on the lookout for ways to improve our website and make
this “virtual” networking group better to serve your needs. SpokaneBusinessDirectory.com
is all about us and how we can work together to help one another succeed in business.
From my humble office to yours, here’s to your best year in business yet!
Martin and Norma Maxwell own and operate www.Designmonger.net,
a full service graphic design and web development studio. You can reach them
at 509-991-8168 or by email at info@designmonger.net.
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