New Beginnings: Charting a Successful Business Course for Disabled Parents- Hannah Simpson reporting...

 For parents with disabilities, starting a small business represents not just a career choice but a step toward independence and empowerment. This guide, courtesy of The SL Enquirer, is tailored to help you navigate the unique challenges and leverage your strengths in the entrepreneurial landscape. By understanding and utilizing specific resources and strategies, you can build a successful and rewarding business that complements your lifestyle.

Look Into Financial Support

Securing funding is a pivotal aspect of your entrepreneurial adventure. Seek out financial aid such as grants and loans designed for individuals with disabilities. These resources present a robust foundation for your business endeavors. Additionally, exploring these specialized funding options can open doors to supportive networks and resources that cater specifically to entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Build a Business Blueprint

A meticulously crafted business plan acts as your guiding star toward success. It must distinctly articulate your business objectives, the strategies to attain them, and offer comprehensive financial forecasts. This document serves not just as a blueprint for your path forward but also as a compelling presentation of your business's promise to potential investors and partners. A solid plan can also help you anticipate and prepare for any challenges, ensuring a smoother entrepreneurial journey.

Optimize Your Home Workspace

Designing an ideal workspace is crucial for parents with disabilities embarking on a small business venture. Opt for a layout that maximizes accessibility, with ample room for movement and adaptive equipment tailored to your needs. Prioritize a clutter-free environment with essential items within easy reach, reducing physical stress and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, integrate child-friendly elements if needed, ensuring a safe and engaging space for children while you focus on business tasks.

Streamline with Digital Documents

Streamlining your business operations becomes seamless with efficient document management through digitization. By adopting a system that meticulously organizes your documents, you not only save valuable time but also alleviate stress. Embracing universally accepted formats such as PDFs for file sharing enhances practicality, ensuring that your documents are easily accessible and compatible with different platforms. Check this out: integrating such a system can also lead to improved collaboration among your team, allowing everyone to access and share information effortlessly.

Build an Inclusive Team

In assembling your team, prioritize candidates who appreciate and comprehend the importance of a workplace that's inclusive to everyone. Recruiting staff who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment not only boosts productivity but also cultivates a positive and supportive work culture. This approach will also help in attracting a diverse range of talents, further enriching your business with various perspectives and skills.

Embrace the Digital Meeting Space

Leverage the power of technology by using online video conferencing platforms for your meetings. These digital tools make it easier to connect with investors, partners, and clients, offering a convenient and accessible alternative when travel or face-to-face meetings are impractical. Moreover, they enable more regular and adaptable communication, ensuring that geographical distances do not impede your business relationships.

Networking with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs

Building connections with fellow entrepreneurs, particularly those who have faced similar challenges, offers an invaluable source of support and insight. Engaging in dialogue and sharing experiences with these peers can lead to the discovery of new opportunities and fresh perspectives that can significantly benefit your business. Furthermore, these interactions can foster a sense of community and collaboration, enriching your entrepreneurial journey.

Leverage Assistive Technology

Incorporating assistive technologies, like voice assistants, can significantly boost both productivity and accessibility in your business. These innovative tools are designed to streamline tasks, thereby enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of your business operations. Moreover, they can adapt to various needs, offering personalized assistance that can transform the way you manage daily business activities.

As a parent with disabilities venturing into the world of small business, you'll encounter unique challenges. However, with the right approach and resources, these challenges can be transformed into stepping stones for success. Remember, your journey is not just about business; it's about carving out a path that aligns with your abilities and aspirations, leading to both personal and professional fulfillment.

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TELLING IN THE DWELLING: INSPIRING CREATIVITY IN SL AND BEYOND – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

People come to the Virtual World of Second Life for many and varied reasons.  Some come for companionship; to make friends, or to meet that special someone.  Others come to explore, dance, or to chill out while they listen to live or recorded music in their genre of choice.

Ikon Room is here for the sheer exhilaration of experiencing and embracing fully the creative process, and he has introduced, through his business model, a way that untold numbers of people can do likewise.   

I managed to catch up to Ikon Room one afternoon while he was working on his inworld office spaces, and he graciously agreed to tell me (and our 70,000 viewers) how dreams can become reality in SecondLife.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:    Soooo Ikon.  Thank you for agreeing to chat with me.  I know how terribly busy you are, so let's just start at the beginning….What is Ikon Room all about?

Ikon Room (IR): Ikon Room is a small real estate business in second life that has as its main focus not only on renting out and selling land but also on stimulating people to be creative in decorating the dwellings we sell inworld via our monthly contest. And with that, give exposure to their artwork to inspire others that are yet uncomfortable with their decorating or building skills. In short, my personal focus is to contribute to a world where people are feeling inspired by what others create and then feel less hesitant to create things themselves. In this case, due to my Ikon Room project I-R. World, a dwelling.

JB: Interesting Name. “Ikonroom” How did you come up with that, and does it have any special significance?

IR:   Ikon Room is the name "Moor Noki" reversed. Moor Noki is my artist name in real life. On this artist's name, I am a singer/songwriter/producer. I reversed it as it now sounds like icon. I want us all to be icons! In this case in decorating rooms, given my business in SL. For promotional reasons you'll find Moor Noki's music played on all the lands we rent or sell and you will notice some billboards that state that. Clicking the boards will give you a notecard with all the stores you can buy my music or listen to it for free.  Obviously, after the land is sold or rented out the owner can change the stream.  

JB: From RL New Age musician to SL Real Estate Mogul.  You seem like quite the Renaissance Man

IR:   I would not call myself a New Age Musician in RL. The music I create comes in many different styles which are in line with my personality. Making music, writing lyrics, and producing them was therapy to me and in that light it has become more of a diary,  which is authentic and personal to the bone, so to say. It's me and at the same time, it isn't me any longer. I'm never my last second but it's good to reflect on the past every now and then. Some check their diary for that, and I check my music for that.  I don't shy away from the roller coasters life has put me on, nor do I shy away from addressing issues that we all have to deal with one way or another. Yet often the majority of us are not comfortable enough to speak about it due to shame, guilt, status, culture, and so forth.

JB:Tell me about your properties.  How big are your lots, and where are they located?

IR:   Currently, since I've only just started, I rent out 1024 sqm plots as they fit the rooms I have created for the monthly contest I hold at i-r.world. That being said, renters and buyers can obviously rent or buy larger plots, I will simply fuse those lands. At the moment they are located on the mainland and come in general moderate maturity ratings. Adult land for rent will follow later on. The plots come with 350 prims and cost L$425 per week. You can also buy the piece of land for L$3000 per 1024 sqm. If you buy more than one parcel at the same time and they are attached (can be joined), prices can be negotiated. 

JB: So then, what are you all about?  What is the message you are trying to convey here? And what does “Telling in the Dwelling” mean?

IR:   It's "A Telling in the Dwelling".  When I visit a person's house I step into their story. I step into the past that they live in now. The way they decorate their home is who they have become and currently are. it's their telling in their dwelling. Compare it with how we dress. When we meet someone, we automatically scan them on how they appear, and based on that, we already have a quick idea if we understand this person (read “can connect”) well enough to continue a positive relationship. We are all inspired by others on how we dress – either like it or not. If we like it, we want to create the same but with our own personal touch to it. It's precisely what 'A Telling In The Dwelling" is about. To be inspired, to channel that into your own creativity and make your own telling in the dwelling. 

JB: I understand you offer rooms for 1L. What are those for, and how might people get those?

IR:   The rooms I sell are obviously on my marketplace store for anyone to buy. That being said. They are nothing more than 4 prim boxes. No windows and no doors only floor, wall, and ceiling texture. The main purpose is for people to buy and decorate them. After they've done so they can participate in i-r.world's monthly contest. We will pick 3 winners each month and each of them will get L$500 as a reward. On top of that, the winners will have visibility on our website and inworld with their names attached to it for 3 months. All participants will get the money they paid for their room on MP refunded. 

JB: I see you are promoting something called “I-R.World - The Dwelling Contest”. Tell me more about that, please?

IR:   Certainly. Let me share what it says on our website, https://www.i-r.world.

*******************

Monthly Contest!

Find a room at our MP place! - Marketplace Store Ikon Room

Decorate it with a max of 100 prims

We will pick 3 winners at the end of each month and they get each L$500,-

We will refund the L$1,- to those that bought a room on MP and are participating in the contest.

All participants can turn in their applications at contest@i-r.world

Include a screenshot of your dwelling and a landmark. The new competition starts on the 1st of each month! We will come by and visit your land personally to check out the dwelling you've created/furnished/decorated.  Winners get placement on this website and in the I-R. World office and a free photograph of your dwelling c/m/t

For more information contact Ikon. resident inworld at “I-R.World HQ

Happy telling in your dwelling!!!

******************

JB: Selling rooms for 1L?  How can you hope to make much money that way?

IR:     I'm not interested in making money per se. If anything, I'm interested in breaking even. Though I'm absolutely not allergic to financial tips, support, or donations. lol

JB: If people rent or buy one of your lots, are they required to build a 1L room on it, or are they free to add their own houses? 

IR:     When people rent from us they are allowed to do with it and on it whatever they like. Mainland has an SL covenant (which is usually none when fully rented by i-r.world. We do have our own covenant for those that rent with us. 

JB: Where do you hope to go with this project?  Do you have plans for expansion? Do you envision entire regions of 1L rooms?

IR:     Obviously I look forward to expanding my business and there are already a few new ideas in the making that are not yet ready for publicity. One step at a time is my motto. All at its own time and place. 

In previous endeavors, I was eager and wanted too much at once which made the project fail. I've learned my lesson from that. 

So, there you have it folks.  To learn more about Ikon Room and this uniquely creative opportunity, check out the following amaaaaazing locations:  

• Website: https://i-r.world

• Inworld office: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shempo/150/129/1501

• Ikon Room Store: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/247151

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/893096065464626

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088901963370

Website:  Moor Noki: https://moornoki.com

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Spotlight on SmacemanSpiff Grau- Mixing Business and Pleasure with Humor

Second Life is a virtual melting pot of people from all walks of life. In this unique global community, everyone has a story to tell no matter if they are in the virtual world for business or pleasure. Through the years The SL Enquirer has interviewed countless avatars and toured thousands of locations to learn more about the people behind the creativity and their virtual lifestyles.. For many, the attraction to friends and partners is based on the similarities in their likes and needs. Real-life looks and personal detail seem to fall into the background. The best part is we all meet each other from the inside out. Individual personalities are more important than looks. Not to say an attractive avatar can be a plus for those who want to enhance the fantasy and role play side of the grid.  Meet SmacemanSpiff Grau, winner of The Spotlight Feature Drawing at Terry’s Place  Sunday Showcase. He is an 11 year veteran of Second Life who has seen and done a lot and embraces the community in business as well as leisure activities with a good sense of humor.  SLE met up with Smace to get a glimpse at how he views Second Life and what he does.

Interview with SmacemanSpiff “Smace” Grau

SLE: Hi Smace it’s a pleasure to meet you. How did you discover Second Life?

Smace: Hi! Thanks for the opportunity! Second Life, for me, was initially a way for me to escape. I was going through a rough patch in life and had heard of SL as an online world with the creation and social aspects. I figured it could be a good distraction for me. I didn’t know much more than that and had no idea what to expect, so I signed up to see what it was all about!

SLE: I bet it was an eye-opening initial experience!  I’ve come across a lot of creative names but yours stands because it looks like a misspelling of “Spaceman” but according to the trusty Urban Dictionary, Smace means having an unusually small face and an average-sized head like a Keebler Elf. I had a good laugh with that one.   What inspired your name? 

Smace: Ha!! Well, those elves make some really good cookies, especially the ones with the fudge stripes… but no, it did not come from the vertically challenged bakers. It was a typo from trying to register Spaceman Spiff, the alter ego of Calvin from the syndicated comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. I love that kid and his tiger. It ended up being a good mistake to add some originality to the name. Excuse me for a minute while I go measure my face to head ratio…

SLE: So I was right! LOL! Would you say Second Life is an extension of your real life or just a game? 

Smace: It is definitely an extension of my real life. Even my partner in SL is my partner in real life, sharing a desk and sitting 3 feet from me. The person I am in SL is pretty much the same as on the other side of the screen, minus a few grey hairs and with a better wardrobe.

SLE: That has to feel great to find someone who enjoys Second Life as much as you do and omg yes the wardrobe here makes my rl character jealous!  Someone once said Second Life is just a chatroom with sh*t to do. I have to agree.  What type of activities do you get involved in on the grid?

Smace: Music started out as a big draw for me, and still is. It is fun to hear new music and I do enjoy fun banter with people. I also love to see new sims that people are building, especially the ones that use custom-made or modified objects pieced together. I am amazed at the creativity and attention to detail. Also, shopping, because… shopping.  

SLE: Absolutely! After 16 years, the creativity in SL still amazes me. With over 11 years of virtual world experience under your belt, what events have stood out the most to you?

Smace: Well, there was that one day when I met my wife… that was kind of a big one… 

SLE: Aww that's sweet! So,  you have a small shop in-world that features some of your creations like migrating Canadian Geese, neon signs, go-karts, a rocket blaster, and even a Zamboni. I mean who wouldn’t want one of those? Just the name alone is pretty funny. I personally like the wood signs Lol. You also have a marketplace shop that features even more things. Can you share with our readers how you would describe your products and what inspires them?

Smace: I’m the type of person that likes to figure out how things work, which is also how a lot of things in my life end up broken. As far as inspiration, a lot of it comes from my wife who says "you know what would be fun" or "can you make me a...". The rest comes from me asking myself the same questions. I try to make things that are fun and interactive with a little bit of whimsy. Everything that I make and sell at Spiffy has made me smile at some point. I like to push all the buttons and see what they do, which is why I try to add all the buttons to my products. I’m not a professional creator by any means, but I really enjoy the building process and hope that I can make things that other people will enjoy, too. Every project introduces new challenges, which is kind of like a game to me. I’m not sure if I’m winning yet, but it sure is fun!

SLE: I still haven’t mastered placing pictures flush to my building walls and it drives my manager crazy, but I definitely can see how trying new things and nurturing your creativity can be exciting.  Aside from getting inspiration from your wife, Do you create custom products for customers?

Smace: I have not been asked for any custom products, but I’m always up for a challenge!

SLE: I always wanted a rolled-up newspaper with a beat-down animation in case I need to attack a griefer. Are you up for that challenge? Anyway,  I can tell you have a sense of humor. It’s almost a must in Second Life with all the weird and wonderful things it has to offer. Besides creating interesting products, what other things do you like to do in Second Life?

Smace: I like to play. Dressing up in costumes for parties, playing with toys, shooting snowballs, exploring new places, taking silly pictures, dancing all the dumb dances… I love using the space as a playground amplified by ridiculousness. Rando and I have built and been managing a farm on a homestead we call Walsh County. When you add go-karts, it’s endless laughter among the rows of wheat.

SLE:  lol, I’m trying to picture that. Too funny! Do you have any advice you would give a Noob just starting out in Second Life with no direction?

Smace: Whatever your reason for being here, roleplay, creating, meeting people, dating, exploring… remember that the characters you interact with have a real person behind the pixels. We all have a story and a life. Have fun. Make it your own Second Life, but not at the expense of others. 

SLE: That’s great advice.  Congratulations on winning the Spotlight Feature drawing at Terry’s Place. Thank you for taking some time out of your day. It was a pleasure to chat with you. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Smace: No, thank YOU for taking the time to do this! This has been great and I really appreciate it! I don’t have much else, other than to suggest looking up your name in the Urban Dictionary before agreeing to an interview with The SL Enquirer.

Additional Information:

Walsh County

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Campton/46/53/23

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rivuline/241/249/2001 

Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/212961 

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14680384@N24/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zDEqLyjbaXO_VBMeXuDzw?view_as=subscriber 

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IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO GENERATE A REAL-LIFE INCOME FROM SECOND LIFE LINDENS? - VєηυŞ (venus.amore) Reporting...

For years Second Life has been a very good conversation piece when it comes to making money online. The economy in Second Life has its own exchange to USD and allows the Residents to exchange Linden’s (the inworld name for money) or $Ls into real world currency. Linden Lab’s currency was even online before Bitcoin became a viable investment. Many people over the years have made money in this virtual world and many have not. What does it take to make a living out of Second Life? Who has done this? What types of products or services actually make money in Second Life?  Well from my research, continue reading because here is what I found out.

My research in Second Life delved into several areas. The culture is much different than the real-world buyer’s market. People do make an income. The question is, is it a viable income that allows you to quit your real job? That depends on who you are, your abilities, and how driven you are. A lot of my research led me to believe that it is really not all about money. There are some people so passionate about what they do, that money is not what drives them to do it.

It would be great to sit at home and work online. In our current world crisis, this is coming more and more prominent. People work more from home now than at any time in history. The culture is changing and making more possibilities online and in Second Life for lucrative opportunities. There are millions of people in Second Life. Some have become rather well-off due to their abilities and talents.  Sominel Edelman is doing rather well with his surround sim landscaping.

Full-time, supplemental income, or maybe something that can be a passion?  Venue owners, product vendors, and scripters alike have their opinion of what Second Life income is and I’d like to share some of their views in this article. Looking at larger vendors like Catwa, and Maitreya in recent years seem to be very lucrative in the recent changes for mesh. Still striving from the past, Ansche Chunge made international news by becoming the first millionaire to make a profit in Second Life. Stroker Serpentine was not far behind when he and his team brought adult content into Second Life during its first years of existence.

Aside from land and adult items, you have clothing, scripting, and venues that feed the economy in Second Life. Some of my dear friends in Second life have offered up their opinions and expertise on these matters. In the year 2003 Stroker Serpentine and his team brought adult pose balls in-world and in 2006 Fnordian Link started his scripter career, Lestat Reuven started Sissboom and the French Farm.  She brought us some really nice furniture and clothing on the grid and is still striving. In 2007, Sominel Edelman started to develop surrounding landscapes which are all over the grid today with beautiful scenes. 

In 2009, cherryblonde (chryblnd.scribe) started Idle Rogue, an entertainment venue with Live Musicians, Djs at first which evolved into one of the premier venues for the unique burlesque shows in Second Life. By 2011 a friend of mine Pixy Snook started designing many types of skins, tattoos, and makeup. Now we use appliers for different layers on the mesh and these items are popular to make each and every avatar unique. Pixy made a lot of money when she created a limited skin edition once but said that she has not been able to recreate that much hype since. 

So far Pixy Snook has made supplemental income with Second Life because of her busy Real Life.  Also in 2011, Origen Resident decided to bring parts of Hollywood in-world with his Venues. Hollywood Venues featuring places like the Chinese Theater and Hollywood Bowl were premiere entertainment spots featuring some of the most talented performers in Second Life through live music shows and burlesque. 

There are many reasons why people create in Second Life. Venue owners do not make too much money and end up spending a lot of money. You could supplement that by possibly renting out some of your land. But for those who love the arts, it’s a passion. As Origin states “Please don't undersell your value. And here is some great advice from Ted Turner that I always follow: Advertise, Advertise and Advertise. The only thing I would add to that is to advertise in places that you can show will bring you a return on investment. Do not throw your money just anywhere. There is lots of good free advertising on FB in SL groups.” As for products and services that people can buy and use in world, the people I choose in this article have been making money in Second Life since shortly after they landed in the world. They are still making L today. Because of the structure of how money is made in world, the patrons have the ability to exchange it for real-world dollars. 

In closing, those I mentioned above have found their calling in Second Life and are very successful. Others have run their SL career course and moved on. Yes, it is still possible to create a lucrative SL career in Second Life, but only if you put in the time and effort to succeed. There you have it. People may have what it takes to make a full-time income in Second Life, and many can make a part-time profit. It’s your Second Life; you decide what you bring into and out of it. I would like to thank all the contributors to this article!

Pictures supplied by: NicoleX Moonwall

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Quick Guide to Creating a Press Release for Promoting Charities, Events, Business & Services in Second Life

THE SL ENQUIRER- PROVIDING NEWS TO SL RESIDENTS SINCE 2005

Please note if you are a current advertiser with SL Enquirer, Press Releases are FREE for the duration of your AD Package.

If you never tried our services and wish to by all means YOU GET ONE COMPLIMENTARY Press Release POST ON US!

Additional Press Release posts are 300L payable to Lanai Jarrico, or you can purchase a monthly Ad Package for 1k a month and get FREE weekly press release posts for the duration of your ad! 

We also offer Spotlight Features for 3000k, it includes an article/ interview written by The SL Enquirer, a one-month ad banner/link on our site, and free weekly press release for the duration of your ad.  If you wish to continue advertising, it is only 1k per month, free press release posts included!

Contact Lanai for this special offer.

lanaijarrico@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How to submit a Press Release to the SL Enquirer:

A press release is a vital part of a marketing plan in Second life. It provides important information about events, products, and services as well as where the target audience can find what is being promoted. Also,  who to contact for additional information. 

Having a solid Press Release plan makes it easy to promote to a variety of media sources who can reach out to the masses on your behalf.  The SL Enquirer has put together a quick guide to help get you started on your way to virtual success.

You will need the following key components:

1. A catchy headline and or announcement

    Example: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Grand Opening of (event name) on (date & time)

2. Promotional Texture

    Your image must be 400x400 (jpg) (SLE Standard)

    Check with the media source you will be sending and make sure your texture falls within the right image size/file requirements.

3. What information do you need to have in your Press Release??

    The who, what, where, when about the event/service/product/location (this information should     be between  450 - 1000 words)

4. Links

    Landmarks, SLURL(s), Urls, social networks, and preferred contact info.

    Email a press release / slurls links and send the promo image as an attachment. to  lanaijarrico@gmail.com and orionbaral@gmail.com

REMEMBER THE MAIN PURPOSE OF A PRESS RELEASE IS TO INFORM AND ENTICE THE PUBLIC ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER AND HOW THEY CAN FIND / CONTACT YOU!

Charities in Second Life

Charity events and fundraiser Press releases are free to publish at least once per week per charity event. Submissions are due at least one week before the event for the best exposure.

QUESTIONS?

Email lanaijarrico@gmail.com to learn more about getting your free press release posted in The SL Enquirer

VISIT THE SL ENQUIRER MEDIA CENTER IN SECOND LIFE

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/234/33/23

This article and slurl was updated 6/17/2021 by Lanai Jarrico

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What are 5 keys components in a Successful SL Business- Katrina Karsin Reporting...

 

Operating a business in life is hard especially trying to find a backer who will believe in your ideas and give you enough money to get off the ground.  We all know big banks usually shy away from small business loans even if you have thoroughly researched and have put together a well-thought-out business plan.  So just how do Second Life businesses succeed, do you have to have started when Second Life originally began, or can you start a business today?   I have interviewed three successful businesses who are willing to share their 5 keys components in a Successful SL Business.

To give you an idea of different types of business I have interviewed Chop Zuey jewelry store designer/owner Belle Roussel, a land rental company called Corel Estates by Kristaki Hudson CEO, and a car dealership called TX by Tech Robonaught designer/owner. All of these businesses have been in Second Life for more than five years.

Chop Zuey is a well-recognized couture jewelry brand that opened October 2, 2009 Belle Roussel ‘s story is interesting.

Katrina Karsin:  Welcome Belle it is so very nice to meet you, we know you are busy, and we appreciate you taking the time to sit with us.  Let’s begin with how did Chop Zuey come to floriation? 

Belle Roussel:  Back in 2009, I used to own clubs in SL, big clubs that were very successful.  When we had to close my last club down suddenly due to real life problems that my business partner was having at the time, I was left with many unemployed dancers.  These were people that had been with me for years -- loyal, hardworking, people, many good friends -- and I felt terrible about it.  They had no warning that we were closing; none of us did.   So, I decided I was going to open some kind of business that I could share with them to help them make money.  At the time I had no experience with building, I mean seriously, I could just about rez a prim.  And I don't know how I got Jewellery into my head, but I got to work immediately, and in two weeks, I had about 5 or 6 collections of jewelry done.  Thus, the birth of Chop Zuey Couture Jewellery.  I made it a franchise and gave it out to all my loyal and wonderful dancers who wanted to be part of it.  Some of them are still with me today working and making money with Chop Zuey.  I have since opened the Affiliate Program up to anyone in SL, and today Chop Zuey has almost 200 Franchisers.  It’s been a great experience all around and Chop Zuey is truly a family.

Katrina Karsin:  What do you believe are the five key components in a successful SL business?

Belle Roussel:  1. Relationships 2. Relationships 3. Relationships 4. Relationships 5. Relationships.

Did I say relationships?  Yes, this is the single most important element in any successful business.

The relations you make with others not only build the success of your business but defines the quality and purpose of that success.  I am proud of the fact that I have clients, co-workers, and associates that have been with me since Day 1!  That’s over 11 years in SL!

Of course, a little skill, hard work, passion, persistence, and vision go a long way as well!

Katrina Karsin:  If your customers need help, how do they contact you and/or your staff for advice?

Belle Roussel:  I try to remain as accessible to my Clients as possible.  Notecards are always best.

My Wonderful Chop Zuey Manager is Ludmilla Umarov and she is always available to help in any way she is able.

Katrina Karsin: What kind of marketing do you use to gain traffic?  For example:  Do you pay for space in a magazine or newspaper?  Are you in any discount groups like Saturday Sale?

Belle Roussel:  I do some events.  They change monthly. 

Katrina Karsin: Where or who do you draw your inspiration from for your designs and are some pieces personal to you?  Can you share the story behind it with us? 

Belle Roussel:  Ooh, everything you see in the showroom is personal to me!  All of it.  For example, 'Unrequited', 'Swimming with the Fishes', 'White Lies' & 'Black Lies' are all from The Love & Other Drugs Collection.  As you can see, I like to create thematic collections and when it comes to love you're never going to get it straight from me - there will always be a twist, a little bitter twist to make it more real.  My inspiration for this collection was to explore the other aspects of love.  The parts that are not always so pretty.  Also, to have some fun with that while still reminding us of the pain that is hiding not-to-far-below the surface of that initial infatuation, which blinds us at the beginning of most love stories.   

To always be aware of the mixed and sometimes conflicting emotions involved when it comes to love, and to put those elements into a design is a challenge, to say the least.  "Unrequited" for example, to me it looks almost like an Exaltation of the Spirit in a Body - like rays of light bursting thru the head reaching toward the heavens...The Kundalini surging thru the body desperately trying to return to its Source.  But then, on the other hand, you can also see the loneliness of the piece. How you can be separated or cut off or caged from the object of your love - or as the title of the piece suggests - to not have your love returned at all. 

Katrina Karsin:  What's the most challenging aspect of making superior jewelry pieces?

Belle Roussel:  I'd have to say getting out of your head and trying to connect to something greater than we are as individuals. Call it Cosmic Consciousness, call it your Muse, call it God.  Whatever it is, you must understand that we don't do anything alone and we are all connected to some greater power.   And the secret is, this Great Power loves to create things!  So, if you figure out how to tap into that, then your inner resources become endless and magnified greatly!

Katrina Karsin:  What, in your opinion, makes your jewelry stand out? 

Belle Roussel:  Really though, I don't think anyone would deny that Chop Zuey is a Fun, Sexy, and Sophisticated label.  I mean Chop Zuey is just Cool.  There's no denying it but that's on the surface. I think there is something unique about the Chop Zuey Brand and it does stand out.  Maybe it's about the relate-ability of the product. People have said to me they experience an emotional connection to something when they see Chop Zuey Jewellery. 

What I think makes it stand out... or what I would wish for is, that when people wear Chop Zuey, it somehow makes them feel that they belong to a family that supports and helps each other in every way possible.  It's truly been the relationships I've made along the way that have made Chop Zuey the success it is today.

Katrina Karsin:  What are your plans for the future?

Belle Roussel:  I think the question is, what are SL's plans for the future.  It has changed so much over recent years.  The mesh revolution has brought in a new level of designer with different priorities, and this has totally changed the dynamic of how we interact in SL.  Meaning, SL used to be about building up your group, your family, your relationships.  Now, it seems to be very much about the 'self'.  I see a lot of people much more isolated in SL and not focusing on others and the people in their SL life or how they might be able to serve others.  This is sad to me and I hope it will change for the better. But for me, I will continue to do what I love, whether in First Life, Second Life, Third Life... wherever.  I just feel Blessed for today. 

CHOP ZUEY MARKETPLACE STORE:

 https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/49263

CHOP ZUEY FLICKR: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chopzuey

CHOP ZUEY ON FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/chopzueycouturejewellery/

Next, we sit down with Kristaki Hudson CEO of Coral Estates who has been serving the SL community for 14 years!

Katrina Karsin:  What are 5 keys components in a Successful SL Business?

Kristaki Hudson:  Being fair to the customers which are choosing Coral Estates for their Second Life. 

Good pricing to make the land affordable and reachable to all. I have my own tier payment atm database and website with a virtual private server which is a good secure part for customers and serious. Having dedicated and talented Second Life Staff who can speak multiple languages.

Being in Second Life all these years has its advantages and listening to my residents who trusted in Coral Estates is very important to me. I also love to take pictures of the islands that I visit to put back land on sale or to visit see if all is fine so we post their creations on Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr, and let’s not forget our great website called http://www.coralestates.net/gallery

Katrina Karsin:  If your customers need help how do they contact you and/or your staff for advice?

Kristaki Hudson:  We have staff that has been with us for a long time who reply to our customers the same day they request anything.  Like Leah Chardin who has been with us for years.

Katrina Karsin:  What do you do with your store to keep people coming back?

Kristaki Hudson:  I keep it clean, no dust...:) a good design and we have a great marina with boat slips around in our sailing islands and the landlords’ tricks to have good traffic always and to be well listed on Second Life.

Katrina Karsin:  What kind of marketing do you use to gain traffic? 

Kristaki Hudson:  I do pay classifieds its a good Second Life Tool to use or also Contacts clients and more options that give the viewer from Linden lab.

For example:  Do you pay for space in a magazine or newspaper?  Are you in any discount groups like Saturday Sale?  Are you in any special shopping events like Uber? Do you collaborate with other designers in SL? 

I do sponsor events sometimes and in some places in Second Life or magazine yes always happy to share lindens in other places to promote and exchange marketing with others!

Katrina Karsin:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Kristaki Hudson:  Yes, for sure, I invite everyone who seeks great private residential islands with waterways to visit us and to popup in our office and visit the marina. And of course, if you are looking for great talented staff with the best prices in lands in Second Life from coral estates you found the right place for your Second Life. We also won an award which is shown in office for the best estate in Second Life. So, let’s maybe find you in Coral Estates!

Kind Regards, Kristaki Hudson CEO CORAL ESTATES PRIVATE ISLANDS

Additional Information:

Group: Real Estates Rentals KH

Website: http://www.coralestates.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristaki.hudson/

Twitter: @KristakiH

Other: Flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/187569102@N07/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristakih/?hl=fr

Preferred Contact: Whatever way is best for our potential client!

SLURL:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coral%20Estates%20Islands/138/144/23

Online: Coral Estates <https://coralestates.net/welcome>

Coral Estates sailing islands: https://kristakihudson.wixsite.com/coralestatesislands

The next business owner we sat down with is ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught) of TX a car dealership that will help you build your own car and customize it to your specifications from the shell to driving it off the lot!

Katrina Karsin:  Hi Tech it is good to see you again today we are talking about what you believe to be the 5 key components of a successful SL business? 

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): Second Life is a long game, not a short one I work at it 7 days a week - 6 to 16 hrs a day depending.  You have to invest the time to get the return, people want to talk to a live person, not a message board.

Katrina Karsin: I imagine just like in rl, we all hate auto messages when we need something.

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): Exactly, I have had my builders build really nice cars but then they never stay online to demo them or answer questions, and ultimately, they end up going under because they don’t want to invest the time to network.

Katrina Karsin: Oh, so networking is key in SL?

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): Yes, build a quality product and take time to network and talk to real people.  

Katrina Karsin: How long on average does it take from making a shell to scripting to helping someone build?

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): A shell can take anywhere from 6 hours to 40 depends on the complexity of it - I can script one up fully in a few hours, teaching someone else we cover with notecards and instructional videos on all the primary parts and functions so, really all depends on the builder’s knowledge of basic building skills.

Katrina Karsin: I see so do you regularly send a person to places like Caledon to learn the basics of building in SL?

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): I would love to do that, unfortunately, no, we end up teaching the basics as we go a lot of times.

Katrina Karsin: Do you find most of your customers come from referrals?

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): Many do yes, unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of ad agencies in SL or promoters so, many customers come just saying they seen one of my cars somewhere or heard about the scripts and want to try them - we have Demos for all of that. So Pretty much anything you want to buy here your able to see and touch.

Katrina Karsin: Do you know of places in SL where people congregate and race each other?

ＴＥＣＨ (tech robonaught): Yes, the sim butted up to ours is the Gearhead Car Club sim, they congregate there almost daily to race or just drive the various tracks they have constructed. I guess I would just like to stress to new builders to just have patience and realize it’s going to take time, I want to see each and every one of them are successful and will do all I can to help them do so and I'll continue to improve and offer new products so they can keep making great stuff to sell.

Website:  TX Gear Site and Support

LM:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aleah/47/128/22

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/txgear/

There you have it five key components of running a successful Second Life business are very similar to real life!  You need to work and network, plot out your business goals and think outside the box at times.  Mainly realize it is a business and you need to be ready to invest your most precious commodity time.  Investing time, working long hours, and be willing to learn are all components of running a successful business!

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