Goran Paun, Creative Director at ArtVersion, was recently interviewed by Agatha Kubalski of the Chicago Small Business Strategies Examiner to share his perspective on OpenForum.com, a resourceful platform built by American Express to empower small businesses.
“This is not your typical forum,” said Paun. “It’s really a gathering of usable information that small business owners can apply, learn from, and engage with meaningfully. The value lies in the shared experiences and insights across industries.”
Originally launched in 2007 and recently re-launched with expanded features, Open Forum serves as a networking hub and educational resource. It offers expert advice, business trends, marketing tips, and a community-driven approach to problem-solving—all geared toward helping small businesses grow and thrive.
“The site is a tremendous tool,” Paun emphasized. “But like any social platform, the return comes from active participation. You have to reach out, engage, and contribute. It’s not something where you just create a profile and wait for things to happen.”
Although Open Forum was originally limited to American Express OPEN card holders, a strategic partnership with LinkedIn has extended access to professionals across the LinkedIn network, making the content and networking tools available to a much broader audience.
The conversation with Examiner explored the broader role of platforms like OpenForum.com in helping small businesses connect, collaborate, and learn from one another—something Paun says is critical in today’s entrepreneurial environment.
“Resources like this foster a sense of community among business owners,” he added, “and that kind of mutual support can drive real growth and innovation.”
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