Blogging has become an important part of many quilters’ lives, as well as numerous other people.  It keeps them in touch with others, lets them express themselves and their creativity, helps them promote a business, and makes them happy.

(Just take a look at the article, Blogging, How it can Expand Our Creative & Personal Growth, in the Jan./Feb. issue of Cloth Paper Scissors.) 

The question, “Why do you blog?” has become the determining factor in the final (8th)week of the challenge at the b5 Business Channel.  The blogs have been narrowed down to four.  Home Biz Notes, where I co-blog with Yvonne Russell, is one of the finalists.

If you’ve been following the challenge (and if you haven’t!)  stop over at Home Biz Notes and read the final entry, “Why Do I Blog?”   Also, a portion of the final determination rests with the readers and your comments.  If you leave a comment, that will be a vote for our entry. 

Perhaps, while you’re there,  you’d like to let us know there why you blog.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilters – Blogging Question at Business Channel Challenge

I chose to relate the story of my mom, who influenced many people throughout her years as a country grocer, and hoped this would inspire Kay and others.  As I wrote about Mother, I realized (as I said in one of my comments at the post):

I think we all can find inspiring stories within our families. I hope, with this story, I encourage others to look at their lives and the people they know. Someone, somewhere has inspired them in a way they may not realize at first.

Mother also inspired my quiltmaking by encouraging me to make and sell these items in her store during the Bicentennial years of 1975-76. 

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Runner-up in this week’s contest was Biz Chicks Rule with the post, What Keeps Me Going When I Need Inspiration.  This is their second week in a row, either coming in first or as a runner-up!

What inspiring stories do you have among your family and friends that encourage you? Let us know about them!

Post from: Blisstree

My Mother, The Country Grocer…a Winner!

If you’ve been following the “apprentice” type competition

Kay’s problem for week #4 involves her business expanding too rapidly for her to fill her Christmas orders. (Kay has started a business producing chef’s aprons and hats for children.)

What’s she to do to solve this challenge, which actually is a good one to have?

Rachel Clarke, at Behind the Buzz, hosts our entry this week. If you’re following Kay, our prototype business owner, and her challenges, check out When a Business Gets Successful. Find out how Kay can solve her problem and fill all her orders before Christmas.

You may find you have some of these situations in your business and will benefit from the advice given to Kay.  (I’ve had quilters ask me how to get a business started and keep it going.  Substitute what you’re making for Kay’s children’s items and put yourself in her place.)

Posts about Kay’s challenges in the b5Media Business Channel “Apprentice” type contest:

Week #1 – Starting a Business on a Limited Budget

Week #2 – If You Handle “Made in China” Items in Your Home Business

Week #3 – Top 5 Interview Tips

(If you’d like to vote for our Home Biz Notes blog, visit Taxgirl for the poll in the right sidebar. Here you indicate the blog you think should win this “Apprentice” type challenge.)

Post from: Blisstree

Quilters Take Note…”Apprentice” Type Competition into 4th Week at b5 Business Channel

This “Apprentice” type contest, continues through December.  If you’ve become a Business “Apprentice” follower, you can check out weekly results at Home Biz Notes regularly.)

See the ACES entry at: Greener Assets in the post, Facing the Lead Dilemma in Your Small Business.

Related Posts: Do Any of Your Quilting/Fabric Art Items Contain Lead?

Is Lead a Danger to Alzheimer’s Patients?

Great Advice for Home Business Startups

Starting a Business on a Limited Budget

Bring in the Dough: Yielding Wealth in Your Own Business

b5media Business Apprentice Updates

(Incidentally…if you’re wondering about the chef’s hat above…the prototype business featured in this “apprentice” contest involves a startup selling chef’s hats and aprons for children.)

Post from: Blisstree

For Quilters Who Are Following the “Apprentice” Type Contest