How has Inside919 helped your business and our community?

[Pat Howlett]

Hello all,

I am finally starting to take to the road and launch other networks. I'm in Rhode Island this week launching Inside401.com and when I meet with local business owners and professionals here I have discovered a challenge.

I'm a stranger from a different part of the country, I have no reputation there and so will have challenges building enough trust to get folks to join and help themselves and others.

I'd like to ask for a little help...

Could you write me (or the network) a Recommendation? - something that might help a micro business owner or professional in some other part of the US see that we do offer real value.

I hope to answer the "Why should I join this little local business network - what's in it for me and my community?".

My intention would be to use this on a page on these networks.

In return please also include a link to your Website or Facebook page and I'll include that as well to bring you more visibility.

Thanks in advance for the assist. - Pat

[Michelle Gower-WordPress Mentor]

In case the 4,000 members on Inside919 don't convince you...

I've been a member of Inside919 since April 2008 - one of the first 100 members. So I've been able to watch it grow from a small group of people who liked this 'idea' to a network that strives only to serve whomever joins it by asking just one small favor in return: contribute.

If you are only looking to advertise your business and get results from that, that's your call.

But I'm the type that likes to interact, learn new things, meet new people, and share my experiences so that others can learn and avoid making my mistakes.

Through Inside919 I've...
--discovered in-depth business workshops that changed the very course of my business, like Bill Davis' 100 Days to Abundance or Olalah Njenga's Breakthrough Advantage.

--learned of the new Center for Excellence, where I can teach my own workshops at an affordable price.

--met a hundred other microbusiness owners that were not only strangers before, but unheard of. I would not have come across these people otherwise.

--partnered with other businesses without the shackles of 'paying into a group' or 'joining a chamber' - open relationships that focus on collaboration instead of competition

--been mentored by, and now mentor, others who were in my shoes and who are in the shoes I've taken off

It's not hard to capitalize on these things, either. All it takes is a little of your time - to share, to be a resource, to offer something of value.

You can't put an ad rate on that.

Anyone who wishes to contact me directly to learn more can do so at [e-mail].

Sincerely,
Michelle Gower
Gower Power Consulting, LLC
http://www.gowerpower.com
http://facebook.com/gowerpowernc
http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellegower

[Leslie Flowers]

Middle of 2008 I joined and shortly thereafter became the 2nd sponsor on this network as I saw an opportunity for local growth of my business. I've stayed a sponsor since that time. Here's why ....

1. I learned everything I know about social media from friends on inside919.
2. More than 100 have done business with me during that time.
3. I have done business with more than 3 dozen local folks.
4. I like buying local as more revenue 'stays' and circulates when shopping local.
5. I honed my writing skills by having a listening community for my blogs/articles.
6. I've executed 3 major collaborative efforts in business with others on the network.
7. I've asked for help and received it, no matter what I needed.
8. I've found ways to serve my community.
9. I conduct mastermind studies and the concept of masterminding is prevalent here.
10. We are not competitive ... we are a collaborative network.
11. The guiding principles are lofty .. no shenanigans or bad language here.
12. I give, and others give too so we all end up receiving.
13. Pat Howlett has made sure that we had social events so we weren't only connected online.
14. Have made short term and long term friends and business associates.
15. Pat Howlett is a man of his word -- that is he does what he says he'll do by when and then does it. Perfect role model for all of us.
16. Google love is present.
17. Plenty of free workshops available, from soup to nuts!
18. Lots of community assistance ... nonprofits ... from which to choose to be generous.

I pay to be a sponsor, yet, to simply be a member and benefit from all the services, costs you nothing.

While I enjoy other social media sites, I admit I land at my local micro-business network inside919 1st every day. Then I'll check out FaceBook and a few others.

[Pat Howlett]

Thanks Leslie!!

Please add a couple links to the bottom.

[3qj8i8oe8nrmv]

I joined Inside919 two months ago and I am very impressed with the professionalism of the website and the professionalism of the members on Inside919. I love the events listed on Inside919 which allows me to attend local scheduled events to meet new business contacts and customers. I now search Inside919 before I go to LinkedIn. Great Job Pat!

Cedric
Real Time Pain Relief
http://www.ce-houston.info

[Pat Howlett]

Thanks Cedric!

[Whitney Hill]

Inside919 has been a great way for me to connect to the movers and shakers in the local small business community.

[RocioVRojas, BaileyWrightRealty]

I joined sometime this year and have to admit that I have not taken advantage of the great opportunities afforded on this network. However, that will be changing. I am now ready to focus more on growing my business and learning all I can from this site. There are so many benefits of being a member like:

Receiving great advise from professionals or people who have been there done that..
Exposure to your business
Many workshops to help you learn and grow your business

There are so many things to mention. But the best thing is being able to meet lots of great people!!

Sincerely,
Rocio Rojas
Realtor,SFR
BaileyWrightRealty
919-758-7500
[e-mail]
www.rojashomesraleigh.com

[Pat Howlett]

Hey Norie, might I edit this a bit to include on the Inside401 page?

[01dvz2i3s3hr8]

I moved to North Carolina in August of 2011. It was such a wonderful thing to see the Inside919 website to help me start networking, and finding local businesses to work with. The events that Inside919 sponsors and the people I have met have helped me grow personally and grow my business. The Friends and the Mentors I have gained have been priceless. Thank You Pat!

If you would like to reach me for further information feel free to contact me:

Adrianne and Paul Gibilisco
Regional Directors Take Shape For Life
TSFL#25132601
919 489 2226
914 406 0682
914 406 0696
www.winforlosing.tsfl.com
[e-mail]

[Pat Howlett]

Thanks Adrianne and Paul

[Diogenes Ruiz]

I understand that folks might be busy, skeptical and not real excited about trying another new thing. They are trying run their businesses. There are three key questions that business owners must ask themselves.

1. Am I better off being a skeptic and waiting until my competitors have joined a group that helps them shorten sales cycles, establish meaningful client relationships in my backyard, or would I be better off to start building these local relationships with new clients NOW?

2. If it cost little to nothing and there are so many other business owners, like myself, using this model and testifying to its effectiveness, why would I not participate, especially if I truly want to grow my business?

3. If after answering questions 1 and 2 I'm still convinced that I should proceed with business as usual, where can I find a good shrink?

[Pat Howlett]

Really appreciate it Diogenes