The conference was filled with everything you need to know to grow your business and I couldn’t believe that it was free, thanks to UPS and Entrepreneur Magazine. The food and happy hour cocktails (Mojitos) were awesome, thanks! lol Sorry I divert, but this event provided entrepreneurs with the opportunity to get the kind of business-building advice needed in a constant changing market. Jay Conrad Levinson (author of Guerrilla Marketing), kicked off the event as the keynote speaker providing details of low cost marketing strategies for growing your business utilizing web 2.0 tactics. This was the first time meeting Jay Levinson and it was slightly ironic because by chance this was the first book, as it relates to marketing that I purchased since being announced as the VP of Marketing for BidWilly. Many of the marketing concepts listed in his book are unconventional strategies and resourceful. If you’re interested in finding ways to market your business and building your brand…I highly recommend tapping into this resource and buy the book. Shortly after Jay Levinson’s keynote speech, we spoke with Eric Rucker (Advertising Director of Entrepreneur.com) and he was an amazing guy. Thanks for conversing and nice photo. You made our blog:)

Many entrepreneurs in attendance minds were thirsty for fresh ideas, hands on tools, powerful insights and strategies that can work in todays challenging marketplace. We found the agenda for the conference to be very valuable in gaining the support of fellow entrepreneurs. As a matter of fact, we found this event to be humbling. We never imagined that nearly hundreds in attendance would be intrigued by a new start up company that made its way to scene only 8 months ago. We felt honored and our BidWilly brand was recognized by entrepreneurs from every corner of the United States. Many of them knowing of us already prior to the conference. This alone confirmed we have the capability of reaching the world.

Solomon and I were thrilled to receive an enormous amount of adulation that made the conference very engaging and “eye opening”. We found ourselves speaking to people that were waiting for minutes to discuss BidWilly, but in return we were also interested in hearing from our fellow entrepreneurs. I was even told that we had one of the most intriguing business ventures at the conference and by far one of the most effective brands out of nearly a thousand in attendance. It seems we’re doing something right. Its always great to be well received.

This was an event filled with inspiration and networking opportunities. It was very well worth it for us to attend. I’m glad that Solomon and I was able to get a boost of excitement at the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat game. Better yet, I was probably more excited than Solomon because the Cavs pulled off the win…lol.  I think we’re going to have to take Eric Rucker on his offer to play golf out in Los Angeles soon;) I just think we’ll have to practice a bit first. No longer watching Tiger Woods for pointers. lol Meanwhile, we’re pursuing our commitment of creating more jobs and reducing consumer costs with our network of entrepreneurs and community leaders. More to come…Black Enterprise Conference in Atlanta is next up and scheduled for May 16-19. Hope to see you all there!

Please feel free to post any comments,

-Al Williams, BidWilly VP of Marketing

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We will continue to drive our vision by creating more jobs for the entrepreneurial community.

During a recent Townhall held by CNBC BidWilly’s President addressed the panel with:

“Hi, I’m the president of a group called BidWilly.com which has developed an online marketplace that connects consumers with other average Americans ready to compete for their service needs through bidding. Giving the state of our economy where many are looking for ways to save and others not being able to find jobs, how do you feel about having such a marketplace and your thoughts on the impact it could have on the marketplace as a whole?”

The question was one which was well received by the panel and has helped move BidWilly forward towards its national movement.

About

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., March 17, 2009- America has found itself in a sea of pink slips. Since the recession began, the U.S. has lost over four million jobs and watched unemployment rise to a 25 year high at 8.1%. What started as a credit crisis turned into a housing crisis and trickled down into an unemployment crisis. The silver lining amidst all the doom and gloom? There are some jobs out there - you just need to know where to look.

In an effort to help Americans during this emergency, CNBC presents a Town Hall event, “Where Are the Jobs?” moderated by CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla and Erin Burnett before a live studio audience, on Wednesday, March 18th At 10 PM ET.

This special CNBC Town Hall answers the question: where are the jobs? Program hosts Quintanilla and Burnett work with CNBC reporters and expert guests Jeff Taylor, founder monster.com and CEO of eons.com, Dr. Doug Hirschhorn, peak performance coach and CEO of Edge Consulting, Jim Citrin Senior Director, executive recruiting firm Spencer Stuart, and others to reveal where to look for jobs in this recession including who’s hiring, why they’re hiring and how to land these jobs.

Through discussion with CNBC reporters/industry experts, field pieces, interaction with the in-studio audience/viewers around the country and questions posted to Facebook, this special will give viewers the contextual and tactical tools they need to survive the unemployment crisis

Rock Your Business, Incorporated introduces “The Next Big Thing” contest, where one grand prize winner in EACH Showcase city will win a private working dinner with season one Apprentice winner Bill Rancic! Each Grand Prize winner will also receive a business building igniting package to help launch their Next Big Thing Idea including:

* Limo ride and Fine dining at Del Frisco’s with Bill Rancic where he will consult with you about your idea
* A follow up conference call with Bill
* A Gold Sponsorship at the Next Rock Your Business Showcase of their choice
* A Consultation with Dicks and Nanton – the Business Growth Attorneys
* A copy of the book, “Celebrity Branding You” by Dicks and Nanton
* A Consultation with Rock Your Business founder, Steven Placey
* And more with a business launching Grand Prize package worth over $25,000.

About
Rock Your Business, Inc. has been producing high-energy, high ROI Business Expos, Events and Mastermind Groups in Florida Since 2003. Their unique events have helped thousands of Professionals, Owners, and Entrepreneurs to create millions in new sales, and thousands of new partnerships and contacts.

Rock Your Business, Inc. founder Steven Placey states, “You KNOW when you’ve been a part of an event or Expo that we produce…It’s and EXPERIENCE. You will leave with your database full of new contacts, you head surging with new ideas for growth, and the motivation to rip the world in two!”

“You have to MOVE people, make them feel emotions that can help them to improve themselves and their families…” Rock Your Business is an attitude: “People will tell you can’t be successful, or your service will not work. We’ll help you kick down those barriers, thumb your nose at them, pump you up, and guide you to the success YOU deserve.” - Steven Placey

About the Competition

n these tough times, we’re doing our best to increase your odds of raising financing for your business. First and foremost, you’ve got to have a great pitch for your business, ready to be unleashed on prospective investors on the spur of the moment. That’s why we’ve created the 2009 StartupNation Elevator Pitch Contest in which you learn how to give a great pitch, you gain exposure for your business, and, if selected as a winner, you get an opportunity to present your business to real investors.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, “Elevator Pitch” refers to that moment when you find yourself on an elevator and your dream investor happens to step in with you. It’s your chance of a lifetime to deliver an undeniable pitch over the course of a 1-2 minute ride. Will you be able to get the investor tempted  to invest in your business or not?

Thank you for supporting the growth of our city.

In this photo from Left to Right: Raymond Gilley, President/CEO of Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission; Gary C. Sain, President & CEO Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Bruce Mount, Vice-Mayor of Eatonville; Solomon Williams, President of BidWilly, Inc.; Paul Stevens(not shown), President of National Circle of Friends

As we’ve learned over the past two years, change comes by getting average Americans involved. This is now more true than ever. With your help we can create a new marketplace where everyone can bid on the services you need done. This includes anything from lawn care to business services. However, it will require 100% of your support. Here are a few ways you can help this week:

• Invite as many friends as possible to join our facebook group. Non-facebook users may be directed here to register.
• Change your facebook status to read - “YourNameHere is helping to create jobs. Join me at http://facebook.BidWilly.com”.

Don’t wait. Start Inviting Now!
Win a $50 gas card!!! - If you are participating in National Awareness Week, please let us know. We will be distributing free gas cards to our top participants.

Thank you in advance,
The BidWilly Group