so, I am new to this...

[c.l...@charene.net]

Hello my fellow marketers. I am new to LinkedIn and have never been
part of a discussion group before so let me know if I am off target. I
am currently working on a invitation for a non profit and a tri fold
brochure for a roofer. Currently, have another invitation and brochure
at the printers. Just finished a logo design update as well.

I work exclusively in InDesign and the creative sweep. Have been in
the business for over 25 years and have owned my business for 23
years.

Let me know how LinkedIn has helped you and how this discussion group
can benefit us all. You can check out my web site at www.ChaRene.net
to see some of my work.

How is the economy affecting you? Have things slowed down
considerably?

Do any of you belong to off line networking groups? I belong to a
networking group called BNI and my local chamber of commerce. It has
really helped since I am a one woman shop and find myself glued to my
computer 24/7. It is easy to become a hermit!!

[keylime...@gmail.com]

Hi Charene,

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you -except I have only been in
business for myself for 2 years. I have been doing design for a little
over 9 years.

Currently I am working on a few web projects, a couple of logo designs
and I have a regular monthly contract with a local newspaper to design
all their ads. I will be send 3 business cards to the printers today,
pending approval.

I work mainly in illustrator, but am proficient at all the other apps
in Creative Suite. I love Indesign.

I live in a tourism community, therefore things always slow down for
me in the summer. and during december. I have not noticed a decrease
in spending due to economics. I have how ever noticed a decrease in
workload due to the "do it yourselfer" This area thrives on it.

Besides connecting with others I have not had any luck gaining jobs
from linkedin. Although it has kept me in better contact with my
current clients. I belong to 2 chambers (1st - 30 members, 2nd 500+
members) and volunteer with many other community projects.

You can see my work at www.keylimecreative.ca

I would like to see a group form that would be open to exchanging
ideas, thoughts, how-tos, constructive criticism and a general
shoulder to lean on when needed.

Have a Productive & Prosperous day!

Jennifer

http://www.linkedin.com/in/keylimecreative

[chri...@charter.net]

Hi Charene =

The economy has slowed obviously! When it comes to print it has also
slowed quite a bit. I have heard that 4th quarter will pick up,
because companies can only hold off for so long before they need to
advertise! And be sure to remind customers this is THE BEST TIME to
advertise their products/services. Because as the economy revounds
the companies that advertised to their customer and prospects are the
ones that will be remembered!!!

Networking is maybe one of the most important things all of us can do
right now to help one another. I personally get all of my new
customers/business thru referrals and very little thru the "old
fashion" cold calling techniques. People are busy and they like
working with poeple they know!

I work for one of the largest printing companies in the country and
the largest private printing company in Minnesota. Taylor Corporation
is our parent company to Curtis 1000 Inc. If I can be of help to any
of your projects I would love the opportunity. I can provide any type
of printed communication your customers are looking for. Please visit
our website to see for yourself www.curtis1000.com. I look forward to
talking with you further if you any projects you would like to
discuss.

Thank You
Chris Dahl
Curtis 1000
952-484-5037