NWEN Breakfast: 180solutions: Selling Lemonade When Everyone Calls it a Lemon November 18, 2005

Spyware. Pop-up adware. How does a company survive in an industry that has a very negative reputation? Meet 180solutions.

Learn how 180solutions has maneuvered through the firestorm and is winning the game while slowly changing market perceptions. Regardless of its reputation, this is a company that is thriving?sales increased 1,700% from 2001 to 2003. 180solutions was voted the best company to work for in Washington (Washington CEO 2005) and was ranked as one of the fastest growing companies both locally (Puget Sound Business Journal 2004) and nationally (Inc. 2004).

Every CEO needs to know how to thrive in difficult markets. 180solutions co-founders Keith Smith, CEO, and Daniel Todd, president, will talk about why they started a company in a questionable industry, how they got their bad reputation, and what they are doing to overcome negative industry and company perceptions. Can a single company really separate itself from an industry with problems?

You will leave this session with actionable knowledge that will prepare you to approach ?white hot? situations?what to do and what not to do. You?ll learn how to protect your business to overcome negative, external obstacles and the steps you need to take to change perceptions over time.

Smith and Todd co-founded 180solutions in 1999. Keith Smith is an industry veteran who has started three companies since the age of 22 He has a strong background in both technology development and financial services. He founded and sold Cyber Mortgage, an online mortgage company, and has held numerous management positions in the financial industry.

Daniel Todd is an Internet industry expert bringing management skills to the marketing and operations side of the firm. Prior to creating 180solutions, Todd was instrumental in the launch and success of LoanWorks, Inc., a venture that involved Smith.

Cost: $25 for pre-registered members, $40 for pre-registered nonmembers. Onsite registration available for an additional $5, as space permits.
Register online (http://www.nwen.org/calendar/regbreakfast.htm) or call (425) 746-1973.