Added some basics to HV

I sat down last night and figured out what functionalities I'd like on the site. I don't want HeroVenture.com to be a complete 'social networking' site. I think what I'm looking for here is a cross between Military.com ; Yellow Pages ; and Facebook.

Although, keep in mind that I'm looking to add these features:

-Business Directory

   -- This is where all members will be able to add their businesses and contact information for all to see. It will be categorized.

-Blogs

   -- I am going to let all members post their own business blogs. I know many people don't blog, but this will be a good resource for those that do.

-Forums

    -- Self explanitory!

-Articles database/submissions

    -- I will send out opportunities to all members to get article submissions on certain subjects. I anticipate this being slow at first, so I will have a preset number of articles ready to flow/seed.

-Profiles

    -- All members will be able to have their own profiles with their contact information, businesses, etc on their own little member's page. Keep in mind - this will be a remedial members page, nothing crazy like MySpace!

>>I am thinking of doing a 'friends' type of thing, but I don't know if I can have all these functionalities without doing some major overhauls. I'm prioritizing the features to keep the site functional while new things are added. I think friends lists will be one of the last.

Keep in mind also that this is to provide information to those that are looking for it -- not necessarily a huge social networking site. It will be professional, and only made for Mil/Police/Fire!

Jay

HeroVenture.com - Phase I

I've decided to begin a new business venture as one of my other businesses is in the process of being developed. I can't sit still while something is in development... My business partner and I have set everything in motion on our parts; we're currently awaiting the site development. So I've decided to begin another venture, which will be self-sustaining for the most part.

That venture is: HeroVenture.com

HeroVenture is going to be an online business community, developed specifically for public servants (Military, Fire, Police) to share business ideas, meet one another, and interact with their service brethren in a business networking community.

Currently, I am working on the web development phase of the business. Although the business will be based solely online, it requires 'real-life' development and management. A lot of times, people think that establishing a website and throwing something up on the internet suffices for a business. Wrong.

I've developed the business strategy, marketing concepts, and the normal facets for developing a successful business model for HeroVenture. The site will be based around forums, business directories, articles written by members and business owners, and some other interesting tools for public servants to network and gain valuable business knowledge.

I'm using Drupal to develop the site. I hired a start-up web developer to design the site, but even when I supplied him with every piece of information he'd need to build the site - he dropped the ball. I've learned that sometimes you just need to do it yourself to get the results you need -- even if that means taking your time to learn and understand a new CMS.