Mar 20, 2009 10:23 am US/Eastern
Young Entrepreneur Takes On The Business World
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Andy Leff, 27, designed the site 7mainstreet.com from his Philadelphia loft.
CBS
A young entrepreneur in Philadelphia is taking on the business world, by providing a specialized networking tool on line. Technology reporter Stephanie Abrams paid a visit to 7mainstreet.com.
At 27 years old, CEO Andy Leff designed the site from his Philadelphia loft. "We're not your typical social network," Leff explains. "We like to think of ourselves as a comprehensive business directory. We've combined a whole bunch of different aspects social networking and ecommerce into our site."
Leff works with some of his technologically savvy friends and his 25 year old brother Mitchell. "Why not help out the family, that's what we're here for," said Mitchell.
In the relaxed atmosphere in the modern loft they enjoy on Market Street, there is serious work to do. 7mainstreet.com's director includes 16 million businesses, of which more than three-thousand in thirty states have signed up for their specialized services. That includes a full page for each business with pictures, location maps, and an on-line marketplace for their product.
Finnegan's Wake in Northern Liberties was one of the first local businesses to sign up. The owner, Mike Driscoll, says having 7Mainstreet build his page was well worth the 600 dollar one time fee. Since the site is so interconnected he views it as a form of advertising and a service to his customers. Driscoll says it's a great benefit to him that they handle the merchandise sales and information updates. "Thank god we're still doing well in this economy," said Driscoll. "Every day we wake up, role up our sleeves, and go back to work and the less I have to worry about these sorts of things the more I can concentrate on our customers."
After only 6 active months for the website, the brains behind it haven't made enough money to meet costs. Still Andy, who's a self proclaimed risk taker, believes that he can beat this difficult economy. "Every business is looking for ways to get their name out there," says Leff. "We offer such an inexpensive and low risk alternative for businesses that the slow economy's actually not hurting us!"
As long as businesses keep buying in, these Philly boys are maintaining their excitement, hoping to hit this internet venture out of the ballpark. "One day I want to own the Phillies," exclaimed Mitchell Leff. "So, hopefully we can parlay this into something like that!"
VISIT:
www.7mainstreet.com
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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