workerdee

Thanks! The blog and gift concierge suggestions are interesting. Most of the technical people I know don't like spending their time looking into sparkly, girly things.

Hello, I have a little Etsy shop and was wondering how to get technical people’s attention. How do you find gifts for female family and friends (when they don’t already have something in mind)?

As for the shop itself, the photographs need improvement – I set up a small lighted space on my kitchen counter and am working on this. Shop: http://zebbles.etsy.com

One possible solution would be if you genuinely enjoy offering advice to startups, you could always look at it as a hobby. Honestly, I'm not sure someone with a conscience would be okay asking for help without at least offering something/anything (money, golf, beer, w/e). Everyone needs help at one point or another, and you may want to work or volunteer with people who value your contributions.

Hi daviross, would you mind disclosing what internet communities you pay for?

How would you sell Park & Eaton's services to yourself? I sometimes get most creative when thinking about myself as the customer, particularly because I personally do not like buying things.

It takes time to generate attention on social media without controversy or craziness. Hang in there.

You have a great logo (hooray for spaceships!). Your website is also clean (not too overwhelming) and easy to navigate. I would recommend first selecting a few small businesses that you would like to have as clients. Can they understand your website - your message? I ask this because there are some areas where the wording can be rephrased. Especially with small businesses, you won't just be selling to technical people, but you will be selling to busy people.

Examples are powerful. These don't needed to be displayed publicly, but have something ready (and interesting!) to show potential clients what you can do. I don't see a problem with your two interests: security and usability auditing. Some people may advise you to focus on one or the other, but this is IMHO.

If you are willing to write blog articles, would you consider writing and submitting articles to other sites, like the huffingtonpost.com or medium.com? You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find you online; it doesn't take much for a website to get lost.

Ultimately, to get your first clients, I'd recommend treating each one with a lot of personal attention, and showing them that you truly care about them and their businesses. When you initiate contact with them (try to get a meeting, invite them to lunch or coffee, offer a contest, etc.), present your services as accessible, valuable, and profitable - a direct way to help their bottom line (with metrics to back you up). Even without client history, you can do this by doing old-school research and by being as prepared as possible for misinterpretations and specific concerns. Good luck!

You will be OK. ~hugs~

You won't find peace with a job or a girlfriend or yourself if you are not ready. Even if you are trying things and they are not working - like exercise, therapy, volunteering, religion, hobby groups, etc. - keep trying. It will take time and you will have good and bad days, but you will find something that you connect with. You will find yourself in a good place before you know it. There are some great (free!) motivating resources online that may be helpful during dark times (health scares, medical bills, rejection, finance troubles, etc.).

For example, this TED Talk by Aimee Mullins: http://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_prosthetic_aesthetics...

Is this only for technical startups or in industries that you and Kevin specialize in?

Okay. Thanks for your insight.

Stay hungry, stay passionate, stay focused, be respectful. Life really is short. We all make mistakes. Forgive yourself, forgive other people. Work hard/smart enough so at the very least you aren't a burden on others, and at most, you can take care of others. We are all in this together. And learn how to code! :)

^^ This. Dogs are just love with legs. Some people rescue dogs; my dog rescued me.

SEEKING WORK: Remote, part-time from Houston

Dependable and easy to work with - I am trying to build my portfolio, and would be willing to offer some work free of charge before being hired.

Marketing (social media, print); Email Campaigns (MailChimp, ConstantContact); Website design and SEO; Organizational Support (task streamlining, communication follow-up)

Feel free to contact me at theworkerdee (at)gmail.com Thanks!

Thanks for your comment. Having your startup dissolve and splitting with your cofounder is rough. "Burning bridges" may not be the correct phrase - maybe "parting on bad terms?" I posted the question because, depending on the situation, it works out differently for people, and the effects aren't always immediate.