Register here for the expo.

For more information, contact Rick Brunsman at rbrunsman@mfvexpo.com

Future Dates & Locations:

Boston:  June 6-7, 2009 @ Hynes Convention Center

N. Texas:  Nov. 21-22 @ Dallas Convention Center

Our friends Brett and Leila, co-founders of the National Copreneur Society (NCS), are ramping up their membership efforts and you’re envited.  NCS is an organization formed in 2006 designed to celebrate and support entrepreneurial copreneurs.

Join them on April 30th, 2009 from 10:00a-11a MDT (11 CST, 12 EST) for their first open-door webinar of the National Copreneur Society. The meeting is open to current copreneurs and those who are interested in becoming copreneurs. Also welcomed are individuals and businesses that provide services to copreneurs.
Topics of discussion will include:
*Mission and vision
*Member services
*How you can participate as a member or board member
*How you can help the Society to grow

Click here to join the webinar

The story behind Social Saints
In the winter of 2007 I started a very long conversation with God about my purpose and what he would have me to do. After months of prayer and dialogue I received my answer. Simply put God wants me to use my talents to empower others. Since I’ve always considered myself a God Fearing Internet Marketer, I decided to combine those two truths into something more real. The result is an internet marketing consultancy designed to assist faith-based organizations and non-profits in the development of strong, relationship-oriented, online communities.

On another note, Akuba has been a WONDERFUL partner through this transition. She’s offered great feedback, advice and perspective and most of all she has given me nothing but pure support! Because I’m building Social Saints from the ground up, lots of late nights and long weekends have been invested so sometimes it was difficult finding time for us. That didn’t stop us though, as we are always willing to take extra steps to keep the relationship fresh and positive. Here’s a quick list of the things we do to ensure our relationship doesn’t suffer during busy seasons.

1. Work together – Often times Akuba would grab the laptop and work beside me just to be around. We could then discuss whatever we liked without feeling like we were interrupting one another.
2. Have lunch more often – With Akuba grinding away at grad school and me developing Social Saints, taking advantage of the “lunch hour” became a time for us to stop working, have lunch and just enjoy each others company.
3. Being patient – One of the biggest things we have to realize is the “busy season” won’t stay busy, so just be patient and know that it will pass. During our busy season we also took the time to plan a little getaway once it’s past so that we can catch up on “us”

I hope those 3 tidbits help, but let us know what you do to keep things positive while your mate is going through a busy season!

Read on to learn more about Social Saints

What Social Saints has to offer
Technology Solutions – We can assist your non-profit or faith-based organization in the development of a facebook application, adding social technologies to existing websites and applications, email marketing campaign development, CRM and membership management software integration and so much more!

Social Media Consulting – We can show you how to turn your social capital into solid relationships. Wondering how to use Facebook, MySpace or Twitter to promote your ministry, cause or message effectively? That’s what Social Saints is here to do!

Marketing Technologies Education – We believe in building self-sustaining organizations, so we don’t just consult and build, we also educate. We follow and believe in a train the trainer educational model, so that organizations can learn how to use the internet more effectively to promote and communicate your message and/or ministries.

If you have any questions, inquiries or want to join the discussion and find out more; visit Social Saints on Facebook, and Twitter!

Thank you so much for staying tuned and we look forward to our next conversation.

Cheers!

-Justin

- Akuba & Justin

You read it correctly! Bizzyness is proud to announce our new group on Linkedin, a networking site for business professionals. Now you can show your support for Bizzyness to colleagues and business associates in your network. In addition to copreneur current events, you can find and post job/contract opportunities and engage in meaningful dialogue with other individuals and couples.

Join now!

Of course I became all excited and called in to talk to them about their experiences and plug Bizzyness (of course).  I was super nervous in the beginning.  I was hyperventilating as I jotted down things I wanted to say.  I just knew this was the moment of truth for Bizzyness.  The truth of the matter is, I was slightly disappointed in the way it turned out.  By the time I was able to talk to them, about 30 minutes had passed and my comment was no longer relevant, nor did it spark any dialogue.  Maybe next time!  I did realize that I become slightly anxious when it comes public speaking that I need to master.  Considering where I would like Bizzyness to go in the near future, I had better learn to master that fear.  Fortunately enough for me, the long wait allowed me time to mellow down and get my point across.

I also learned something new about me and Justin’s dynamic.  I saw me speaking on the radio as an opportunity of a life time…well, not so major, but reeeely important – while Justin didn’t see it the same way.  His thoughts were that it wasn’t such  a big deal unless they were calling US to be on the show.  I get that, completely.  What I learned is that though we share this company (Bizzyness) we won’t always share the same victories or let downs in this.  Now i’m not saying we won’t ever, but it’s ok for me to feel one way and for him to feel to the contrary about our business.

So Joyce, this is for you…the next time you have a show about Copreneurs, WE need to be on the show! This way Justin will believe it to be a big deal and I can improve on speaking to large groups.  =)

XOXO,

Akuba

Wishing you the best in 2009!

- Bizzyness

No, we haven’t forgotten about you all, things have just gotten extremely busy for the both of us.

Akuba: Justin has a million and one projects he is working on in addition to Bizzyness (details coming soon).

Justin: Akuba has started her editing/writing career underway and business has started to pick up for her.

Thanksgiving was great! We spent it in Athens and Atlanta with family and friends. Bizzyness v2.0 is coming along great! We’re really excited about what’s in store with the new site. We’ve also met some really cool couples in the Copreneur world. With the economy the way it is, we have officially decided to pause our entertainment endeavor and work on one of our less-costly endeavors. Our research has shown that right now, people are spending less in all areas (including entertainment) which is perfectly understandable as we have too.

We have decided to start a line of t-shirts with a philanthropic spin. Our hopes is that this line turns into a lifestyle rather than a line of really cool shirts and other gear. Philanthropy is where both of our hearts lie, so it just makes sense that we work on this together. Everyday (and especially during the holdays and this econimic downturn) we see more and more cases of people, families, and our environment in need of serious help. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone gave just a little of themselves; be it time or money. We have, and thats why we chose to focus on this area. We want to show the world that its ok to be rebellious if its for a good cause…that living on the edge can also mean doing what is right while everyone else isn’t.

So stay tuned as we flesh out the concept of our line, and search for graphic designers, etc.

Ciao!

Akuba & Justin

Have you and your partner completed your business plan and are now looking for funding to begin your project?  Do you like free money?  If so, this may be the opportunity for you.  The Urban Entrepreneur Series presented by MillerCoors is a business plan competition designed to reward budding entrepreneurs to help get their businesses started.  Contestants have the opportunity to win one of four $25,000 grants or the grand prize $50,000 grant.

Submit your business plan between now and Dec. 1st at 5pm CST.  For more information and official rules, visit:  www.millercoorsmues.com.  All questions/comments can be sent to mues@flowerscomm.com.

Also, join the MUES tomorrow Tuesday 11/18/08 from 11:30a to 12:30a CST for a webinar on chosing the right business structure.  Register here.