These excerpts are taken from message threads at our online forums. To browse — or, better yet, join in the conversation yourself — visit www.jlconline.com and click on Forums. — The Editors Starting a New Business •Posted by Brad: I am just going out on my own doing remodeling. I have run into a problem when I go on sales calls: When people ask me for references on past jobs, I don't have many yet. How can I avoid sounding like I am not experienced? •Followup posted by Todd: It may be that you are going after the wrong type of job (too expensive or complicated), or are somehow raising doubts