Joe,

Sounds like things are really heating up for
you -- in a good way. That's exciting! I'm con-
sidering starting up a similar business in my
own area, so I'm anxious to see/hear how you do.
Be sure and let us know what happens and pass
along any tips.

I got Jim E.'s ebook on starting this biz and
read it thru a couple times, and I don't remember
his mentioning the need for any web-programmers
or graphic designers. I am guessing that you are
doing a little more for your clients than was
laid out in the "basic" plan. And, perhaps you
decided to keep a more "robust" database than the
available services or software can provide. Care
to fill us in?

Regards,
Chris

> Hi Michael,

> And thank you for your reply.

> Well... for each new client we bring on
> board we need both graphic and web work
> done. So it would be a kinda ongoing
> thing. I'm confident that once we get
> rolling I'd be able to afford paying
> piece work... but up until that time
> I'm a little unsure how to handle the
> compensation.

> Again... there's much more to it. We already
> have the basics done -- database and mailing
> functions... but as the project evolves we
> will be in need of almost constant
> programming
> work. So again... I'm not sure how to
> approach
> compensation at this "cash poor"
> junction.

> Yeah... we've got that contracted out
> already
> to a work at home mom.

> That's where I lose you Michael. If I don't
> have the money to pay these people right
> now,
> what other options do I have other than
> offering
> them a piece of the pie?

> Yes. That was dicussed with the University
> Career Development guy. But he said if I
> can offer compensation in addition to
> credits
> I will attract better people.

> How exactly does a promisary note work. I
> don't
> konw much about that.

> Well... we we're hoping to work with someone
> locally... but I'll keep it in mind. Thank
> you.

> Maybe I didn't phrase that very well. He's
> interested in learning more about our
> project
> and is currently looking to make a career
> change. So it might be better said that he
> is interested in learning more about what we
> do. He really wasn't pushy at all.

> One of our telemarketers mentioned to a
> friend
> that we were getting ready to open a certain
> market. That friend happened to know that
> her
> ex-husband was looking for a change and
> happened
> to live in that market. We spoke on the
> phone
> and here we are.

> Again he really wasn't pushy. He just seemed
> excited when I told him about our early
> success
> and the plans we have in the works.

> He told me... but I'll be SURE to do a
> little
> checking up on my own, don't worry.

> Well... not to go against your advice, but
> I am going to meet him tomorrow for a BRIEF
> informational meeting. Feel him out. I
> won't reveal too much, and then check him
> out throughly if I see fit.

> I understand... I'm just trying to develop
> options beforehand.

> Good point.

> Database Designer, Web Programmer, Graphic
> Designer, Web Designer, and a Sales Manager.

> That's what I need. My wife and I have been
> filling all these roles to this point. And
> sure we could keep pluggin away... or we can
> get the OPR we need and blow the roof off.

> We've got great plans, but we need our time
> freed up to concentrate on strategic
> planning
> instead of doin it, doin it, doin it, all
> day
> long.

> UNDERSTOOD! ;o)

> Hey what can I say... I'm a loving person.
> But
> trust me my love for my wife and kids is
> just a
> bit different. ;o)

> Thanks again for taking the time to give me
> your thoughts. They are much appreciated!

> And thank you for the Art of Leverage...
> that's
> what's got me in this predictiment in the
> first
> place. LOL

> Gotta run.

> Cheers.

> Joe Delbecq