ScrapBiz.com Launches Online Mentors to Keep Businesses from Becoming Memories

ScrapBiz, the leader in scrapbook business start-up education, adds seasoned Topic Guides to help members get started in the right direction.

(PRWEB) June 25, 2005 -- Americas enthusiasm for preserving its memories in scrapbooks continues unabated, but people hoping to cash in on the hobby – selling everything from scissors and software to consulting services – should look before they leap," says ScrapBiz.com founder Kim Guymon.

To keep new businesses from becoming faded memories, ScrapBiz.com has launched an online mentoring program that provides members with immediate access to expert advice and current information. By visiting the message board at www.scrapbiz.com (known as The Clubhouse"), members can link to seven different Topic Guides" – veteran scrapbook entrepreneurs who specialize in a particular business category. Members are invited to ask questions and request information on a variety of subjects – from marketing and management to new products and technologies.

The Topic Guides are another tool for our members – the ‘voice of reason we all need when launching a business," says Guymon. They offer insights that help members fine-tune their business models and bust the myths. A member might say, ‘Did anyone try this, and our seasoned consultants will reply, ‘Yes, that works or ‘Nope, don't try that."

• Canadian Topic Guide and Country Coordinator Sandra Brindley of the Memory Workshop (www.memoryworkshop.ca) offers updates on Canadian vendors and license requirements, as well as general information.

• Consultant Topic Guide Christy Gandara of One Creative Bug (www.onecreativebug.com) helps consultants who hold parties in scrappers homes, selling products from their inventory or from a product catalog.

• Product Development Topic Guide Cara Miller of Everything Bear (www.murphybear.com) consults with women who develop and manufacture their own scrapbook product lines – from paper and stickers to page layout kits.

• Crops and Events Topic Guide Laurie Neal of 123 Crop (www.123crop.com) helps members who facilitate large scrapbooking events, such as weekend retreat crops, bus-tours or day crops.

• Online Stores Topic Guide Staci Woods of Scrappin' Angels (www.scrappinangels.com) covers all aspects of e-tailing, offering members information and resources needed to create successful online stores.

• Home/Retail Stores Topic Guide Elizabeth Hewitt of Alluvus Scrap (www.alluvusscrap.com) consults with women who want to establish a home-based store, or even (eventually) a bricks and mortar store.

• Scrapbook Artist Topic Guide Jan Hicks of Scrapping Forever (www.scrappingforever.com) works with scrappers for hire" – women who design scrapbooks for clients.

It takes more than just a dream to be successful in this industry," says Guymon. Thats why we developed this program. Its a great tool for helping members minimize the risk and expense of launching a new business, and the Topic Guides also serve as security blankets and cheerleaders for some people."

For more information, visit www.ScrapBiz.com or contact Kim Guymon at Kim@ScrapBiz.com

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