Working From The Basement

After working from the basement for over five years, and we really do mean the basement (as in no sunlight- and we have joked that elves really create these great cards we sell), this site immediately intrigued us. We could share all the wonderful reasons that we continue to work from the basement, but Mike & Diana have already done that for us.

What we’d really like to talk about is why it’s important to GET OUT OF THE BASEMENT, if not everyday, at least a few times a week. We are fortunate that our QC runs around on four legs and really has a NEED to go outside, so lunch breaks always include a walk outdoors and a chance to check out the ever-changing New England weather.

Admit it, it’s embarrassing when you are in a group and everyone’s talking about some major weather event and you completely missed it. Aside from it improving your mental health (not to mention your attitude when you greet the rest of your household at the end of the workday), it can help promote your business when you get out.  Getting out into your local community and meeting other area independent business owners is really effective networking. All of the online social media sites are great ways to expand your business circle, but they cannot replace the relationships created by knowing people personally.

People do business with people they know and trust.  By leaving the basement, you can maintain and build your real, in-person relationships.  Maybe you’re working in the basement to avoid face-to-face with the human race, but shopping in your neighborhood will put a real-life personality to your business name and after repeated visits to a local restaurant or hardware store, etc. you might feel comfortable exchanging business cards which could lead to referrals. Even though the person you meet may NEVER need your services, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell them what you do. When someone they know asks them if they know anyone who designs invitations, we hope they will think of us first, because they have gotten to know us and feel comfortable giving out our name. We recommend while you are supporting the local economy by spending your dollars in your locally owned businesses, take a few minutes to chat with the owner/manager and make a connection- you never know where it may lead.

The contributors: Jean Dunning and Karen Gumkowski are co-owners of JK Designs, Distinctive Cards that Connect, established in 2004.

JK Designs creates original mixed media greeting cards, invitations, announcements and gift tags in their Cromwell, CT studio. The line includes corporate greetings for all occasions, geared specifically to help businesses connect with their customers. Jean and Karen’s attention to detail is evidenced in the unique embellishments that decorate each card. They enjoy helping people celebrate life’s moments through their greeting cards.  Each handcrafted card is designed and produced in their Cromwell studio.

 Meeting new faces in the business community is an integral part of their out-of-the-basement social networking. They are members of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce(Creative Juice Steering Committee, Micro Business Council, Middlesex Businesswomen’s Alliance), Board of Directors of MERG,( Micro Enterprise Resource Group),CCWF (Central Connecticut Women’s Forum) and a BNI substitute.

For more information and to see a listing of the retail locations carrying their line, see: JK Designs or contact them @ info@cardsbyjkdesigns.com or (860)635-1451. You can also follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

WFTB – JK Designs, Jean Dunning and Karen Gumkowski