Meet SUSAN DIAMOND, owner of the online business called Prayables, and Featured Business Owner of SCORE Chicago this week. Learn how she started, and what tips she has for your success.
What is your company’s elevator pitch?
PRAYABLES provides inspirational content for women of faith. We do this through a daily newsletter, and on the Beliefnet website.
What inspired you to start your business?
I saw a problem: Many prayers are old-fashioned and no longer relevant for today’s lifestyle. The solution is one I find to be transformational: Create original, short, contemporary prayers, for an individual to use in their prayer life. The result is people who are happier and more productive through a fuller spiritual experience. For example, our page prayers for encouragement has been a big success.
Who are your clients, and give an example of how you served that person or business?
We have one major client: Beliefnet. They are a leader in online inspirational publishing. Prayables is the provider of original content for their different websites. We also service 10 thousand subscribers by sending a newsletter to their inbox six days a week. We rest on the seventh day!
What’s your biggest business challenge?
Finding the right strategy for monetizing. The model for making money online is elusive and changes frequently.
What are your SCORE Mentors’ names and how have they helped you in your business?
Peg Corwin is my SCORE Chicago mentor. She helps me by sharing the latest business best practices in my industry, like search engine optimization, and keeping me up to date on trends concerning social network business models, as well as new ideas. Initially, Peg and Iain Lopata advised me on the development of my own website with this focus.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs?
Talk to everyone in your industry about how to succeed. Be generous with your time and stingy with your resources. Learn some code.
What is your website for further info?
http://www.beliefnet.com/prayables/index.aspx
Our business mentors can help you, too!
==> Schedule an appointment with a Chicago area mentor.
==> Ask a business question to an email counselor.
Disclaimer: SCORE Chicago helps small business owners manage and grow their businesses. We help startups write business plans and launch. Nevertheless, our involvement should not be considered as an endorsement.