But I don't fit the BizEvent mold!?!?

I have enjoyed the range of events always available via Biznik and the wide range of members hosting these. And I've loved the couple events I have hosted ~ all Happy Hour/Meet-and-Greet events. And where I wholeheartedly believe in getting indies together to chat, support, get to know one another ~ I WANT MORE!

As our business continues to grow, we see the immense value of the service we provide to busy professionals and families. Yet, we don't really fit the "host an event" mold that Biznik events other than a simply social gathering.

My question is ~ how do we non-consultants or financial advisers provide meaningful informative events without simply fudging the rules? I love happy hour as much as the next person, yet I want to share the wisdom from our business expertise, as well.

I am trying to present this topic without a shameless plug for what our sessions would cover ~ yet if someone asks, I'll be happy to offer some examples of what we teach/present at other groups (Retirement Homes, Real Estate Offices, Community centers, etc.).

Assisted Transitions ~ personalized move management

6 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Elizabeth Lee, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2008

Annie: Great question. I have been struggling with this myself. I have bandied around the idea of a business roundtable of sorts but that comes out of my head as so boring and then I just end up hosting another happy hour event which is always fun.

Brad Davis and I have very briefly discussed doing something together for people in the industry (real estate and organizing) to discuss what we know and what we could learn from one another.

Any suggestion you have about what we can do that is not martini and cocktail peanut related would be awesome.

Elizabeth...organizing you and your stuff
Posted by Arthur Torelli, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2008

The power group is the best way. Chris Gemmill does that with financial people. He sets up his events at a smaller venue and limits the number of participants so people get to know each other. Check out what he does. His next event should be on the 29th of July. Art T.

Helping you get money.
Posted by Annie Jacobsen, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2008

Thanks you two.

Maybe Art's point is it ~ rather than a focus topic or huge happy hour, it is a small happy hour or lunch for whatever conversation organically evolves. Seasonal topics could be suggested, or even a "bring your latest success or frustration" as a start point for the conversation.

This makes it fun to consider venues, as well. Some easy spots to meet are simply not conducive to conversation with more than 3 or 4 people.

And . . . I want to be clear I have nothing but appreciation for martinis and peanuts!

Assisted Transitions ~ personalized move management
Posted by Valerie Farris, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2008

Love peanuts, not so much the martinis...but bring me a good cosmo and I'm there!

Annie - I would like to know what types of topics you'd address, and why you don't think your offerings would fit the mold of Biznik events. I thought at Biznik event could be whatever you wanted it to be, as long as it is not at a private home, allows for some networking time, and provides information of value to small business owners. Fill me in!

Seattle Small Business Lawyer
Posted by Annie Jacobsen, Seattle, Washington | Jul 19, 2008

Thanks for asking Valerie!

We have several sessions we present for busy professionals and families who need to move, or especially for those tasked with moving their elder parents.

I also just had an idea for a great tie in with a non-profit I support that I'm going to work on then will share once I get the okay from the other person . . . I'll let you know and see what you think!

Assisted Transitions ~ personalized move management
Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Jul 19, 2008

Annie, I'd be willing to co-host a paid event with you as long as you wear your hat to it.

We'd make it specific to people in your field and talk about ways to market the category and raise awareness of the services you collectively offer.

If time permits, we can talk about specific situations to work through.

P.S. Get back on your blog, Girl! You haven't written anything since April. It doesn't have to be fancy, just current. Your audience is starved for content!

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