Melon Bicycles – Small Business Brief #6

Posted on 09. Nov, 2009 by Tracy Sigler in Small Business Briefs

Last week I spent some time with Loran and Andrew at Melon Bicycles in Asheville. I guess it’s more accurate to say Arden because they are located in the Small Business Incubator there. I know some urban commuters like folding bikes because they are easier to bring into the office than a full size bike. I used to work in an office building in the DC metro and I commuted by bike almost every day. The building owners didn’t want bicycles on the elevator because they were afraid they would tear up the swanky paneling. Not that it stopped me.

I would think people with boats, RVs, anyone traveling to things like festivals or motorsports events would find a folding bike more convenient than some type of scooter.

Anybody out there own or want a folding bike? I’m curious how you plan to use it.

Check out Melon Bicycles’ site for more info about their Slice line of folding bikes.

Mission Healthcare Foundation – Small Business Brief #5

Posted on 05. Nov, 2009 by Tracy Sigler in Small Business Briefs

I realize this is neither “small” nor a “business” but they are taking care of business and have a noble mission, no pun intended.

Yesterday I had coffee with John Locke, Director of Philanthropic Initiatives at Mission Healthcare Foundation. They are working to raise $59 million for a new cancer treatment center here in Asheville. Construction starts early 2010.

In addition to making a donation there are other ways to get involved. Visit the Mission Healthcare Foundation to learn how.

Gallery Minerva – Small Business Brief #4

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by Tracy Sigler in Small Business Briefs

So many paintings I want to bring home! This small business (and any art gallery)  is made for modern marketing. They have tons items that will do well in photography and videos that can be distributed through the growing number of social media channels.

One site I think would be fun to experiment with is DailyBooth.com where people upload photos. It’s similar to a photography-based Twitter, and it’s new enough that you can likely carve out a niche just by showing up and sharing what you have to show off.

For the real thing visit Gallery Minerva’s Asheville fine art gallery.

Stay tuned for the “b-roll” at the end.

Leadership Asheville – Small Business Brief #3

Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by Tracy Sigler in Small Business Briefs

Yesterday I met with Gerry Goertz, Director of Leadership Asheville, and his team. Their “business” is a non-profit one and their mission is certainly noble.

Leadership Asheville . . .

  • Encourages a vision for a better Asheville area community
  • Provides opportunities to make this vision a reality through leadership
  • Embraces the diversity in our communities and encourages everyone, without exception, to contribute to its success
  • Draws on the valuable lessons of past and present leaders, combining them with the potential of new ideas
  • Establishes networks to cross boundaries, sectors and philosophies
  • Believes that people, working together, have the power to create positive change
  • Holds a firm commitment to a better future through awareness, understanding and action

Learn more about this Asheville community leadership program.

Leader Asheville Facebook page

Motion First – Small Business Brief #2

Posted on 29. Oct, 2009 by Tracy Sigler in Small Business Briefs

Earlier this week I met with Meridith Elliot Powell. I love talking to Meridith. She’s full of energy and positivity and I always come away energized to get to work. Her company is now called Motion First and there is a completely new website in development. For now, check out her current site if you are interested in business strategy and sales coaching. Motion First is based in Asheville , NC are they work with a variety of small businesses.

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