A Small Web After All
Nathaniel Stevens
Natpal.com
www.natpal.com
Philadelphia
Founded: 2004
Age: 22
Nathaniel Stevens, a Wharton undergrad, is working to utilize search portals like Yahoo!, Google, MSN, and Superpages, to allow local businesses to connect with local consumers.
His company, Natpal.com, has a motto: "Just cause the Web is worldwide doesn't mean your client isn't next door." Companies pay the small Internet-based search-engine advertiser on a "per conversion" basis, based on how many phone calls and e-mails they receive from Stevens' efforts.
Stevens says many small companies, like hair salons and dentists, don't have the time or resources to do effective cyberspace advertising. He plans to build Natpal.com into a nationwide operation, but before he can go for a big round of seed funding, he's working to demonstrate his technique's effectiveness locally.
Lesson learned:
"To get people on board, you have to believe in your idea and have the desire to really do it. Use any resources you can find to make it happen. Take previous experiences, find what you like, and then use that experience to help others."
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