Finding the key partners to work with can make or break your venture. After thousands of conversations with aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s one of the most common obstacles and risks holding folks back from pursuing their idea. So – we asked some of the smartest, most resourceful entrepreneurs in the community to share their lessons and insights to help inspire and educate the next great set of entrepreneurs.

Ashley Stone

One thing I have definitely grown to appreciate in my line of work is networking. Vendors help each other out! You cannot do it on your own! Building a strong team to not only seamlessly work together during events but also promote each other when one gets a new client is priceless. I used to think I had to do this on my own… but this is one way of working smarter not harder. What is that saying? Teamwork makes the dream work. Read more>>

Bonnie Van Cedarfield

I am incredibly passionate about working with and supporting other small local businesses! I believe in community over competition and enjoy being able to work with others. I am naturally nervous about reaching out to strangers; however, I find I once I do, I really enjoy cultivating the relationships I make! I usually reach out to businesses or venues that I would be interested in offering as a photo location or I feel would offer my clients something exciting and elevate their experience when working with me! Read more>>

Sara Alepin

In 2011, I was teaching high school Photography with a “summer job” as a photographer and was injured at work. Sadly, the injury prevented me from returning to the classroom. The most obvious move was to go full-time as a photographer. But, I knew I was going to need other photographers on my team, given my injury. I also knew I wanted other photographers I could refer clients out to when I knew I couldn’t physically handle the job. Read more>>

Cory Adams.

Sourcing out the right partners in business can be very tough. For furniture, it has evolved with the advancement of technology and that is something that we all must adjust to. At the same time it can hinder the overall quality of the products and services that our industry provides the end customer. Some things should not be bought from a photo and have more value that what the general public today perceives it to have. Read more>>