The BusinessMakers Overtime - Week of January 6, 2010: Starting New with the New Year

Episode 024 originally broadcast on January 06, 2010

Twitter is starting off the new year with some extra money in their pockets. While digital media, consumer data, online ads and mobile apps top the headlines. Esther takes a trip to Dallas where she interviews Tom Patterson, founder of Tommy John and creator of Second Skin, the undershirt that will not bunch up. Plus it is the return of Funky Small Businesses where Esther and Katie talk about the small businesses that are making waves.

A Banner Year Approaches!

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld dissect the week’s business news and kick off the year with all the hot new business initiatives. Twitter is making money and is on the brink of something big. We have notable predictions for digital media and trends that could surprise you on the topics of consumer data, online ads, mobile sites and advertising apps. And cupcakes are highly trendy nostalgia. (“There’s a cupcake bubble coming. Everyone to my house!”)

Take Control of Your Clothes

Tom Patterson hated the way his undershirts fit and changing the brand he used didn’t help, so he took matters into his own hands. He bought fabric, had some shirts made and sent them to his friends… who all asked for more shirts. Soon after, when Tom became unemployed, he made the jump into establishing his own line of underwear apparel. Esther Steinfeld is in Dallas interviewing the founder of Tommy John, maker of the Second Skin Collection. Tom believes anyone can start their own business if they’re willing to ask questions—just do it! (“This is not Spanx for Men!”)

New Websites You Want to See

Katie and Esther discuss the funky small businesses that are making waves in today’s economy. Shidonni.com makes plush toys out of your child’s drawing. Personera.com interfaces with Facebook to let users print their online realm (birthdays and photos) into a personal calendar. Blurb.com lets users create and order photo books; also great for bloggers who want to sell their digital stories. And let’s talk about New Year resolutions for business. (“It’s funky; I’m into it.”)