How would you describe this?

Since you gave them options to choose from, it limits the creative thought pattern. In the future don't offer options, let the creativity flow. I am very happy with Biznik and I don't care what they call me as long as they call me!

Dan, "Networking" is now cliché and has consequently lost its meaning and value. It seems that you would like to restore some soul to the text. You may want to speak plainly and not be too clever.

Well, I belong to a Women's Networking group and I wanted to introduce Biznik but the powers that be would not let me introduce it because of the the "Networking That Doesn't Suck" slogan. I was miffed at first, then acknowledged some of our senior members and I understood why they black balled my contribution. Our generation has been de sensitized to the word "suck" but some older less hip folks may find it harsh. I have been scolded at the group for some of my best jokes. I need sensitivity training or less wine.

The word, "networking" may be cliché but it fits so nicely with the name Biznik. (Here's a great version of the story of Biznik's name, as reported by Christopher Johnson, aka "the Name Inspector.") But one of the things I've always liked about the name, "Biznik" is that "biz" is diminutive for "business" and "nik" which reportedly means 'to have an affinity for' in Yiddish, also starts with an N and can refer to "networking."

"Business Networking that Doesn't Suck," is in your face and a tad adolescent. I have found that for many who relate to it, they not only relate to the phenomenon of being a part of the creative class and promoting a business or service that doesn't fit neatly into a 60-second elevator speech. They also relate to the experience of stepping alone into a room full of unknown business people and going home with a pocketful cards without having formed any meaningful relationships.

Because Biznik is a hybrid between real-time events and online networking, you can meet someone online, then build a relationship with them when you see them at a face-to-face event. Or you can meet someone at a real-time event, then find them on the website and build the relationship online. It works both ways.

Biznik business networking events don't suck because you don't have to walk into a room full of strangers. If you do a little homework online before the event, you can review who's planning to be there, pick out 4 or 5 people you'd like to talk to, and drop them a quick message letting them know you're looking forward to meeting them. And if you somehow failed to get their business card - no worries! You can find them on biznik.com the next day.

Susan's suggestion of using the word beyond serves a similar purpose - as in: "beyond business networking."

And there's one more thing I want to touch on and that's the idea that collaboration beats competition. Sure, competition in business can be fierce, but when you're self-employed and working alone, you'll get a lot further by finding others to collaborate with than by worrying how you're going to get ahead of the competition. "Collaboration beats competition" is one of Biznik's unofficial taglines.

Eylon has a good point about not needing one single phrase to do everything. A tagline should be catchy and fun, and "Business networking that doesn't suck" really fits the bill (though I agree that it's a little adolescent). But that's not a natural phrase to drop into a conversation. It's a good idea to think of apt, unassuming phrases for that--ones that sound like descriptions rather than pitches. Along those lines, I really like Rachel's suggestion: "small business community". Or, if you don't like the word "small", maybe "independent business community". Some people have pointed out that community is really what Biznik offers, online and off, and I agree.

I love " collaboration beats compitition " and "beyond business" is very true. I have met some really great people. I would never have had the opportunity to meet people like Joe Hage, Julie Veron, Allissa Hui, Terra Vita, Aaron Janus and countless others. It is beyond business, they may or may not ever do real estate with me but my life is richer with all of those people in it.

How about: Business Commons or Business Town Square

not noT nOT NOT "Business mall"

And I think we can all agree that "Business fleamarket," "Business yard sale," "Online business convention/exhibition and showroom" are not so much in the right direction either.

It's fun, it's practical, it's useful, and it's always THERE!

As I get ready to host my first event and hope to have Biznik members sharing their areas of expertise to bennefit all, I am reminded of what a good Chamber does.

Where most Chambers are geographically bound...perhaps this would be a Chamber Without Boundaries or a Chamber Without Walls.

I would actually lend the viewpoint that Biznik is barely about the term business networking at all.

It is actually about relationship networking, which is where Barry meets Dan, Dan meets Jane, and Jane's brother does business with Barry. It infers that business may be done several degrees away from members of Biznik.

From most of my inquiry and conversation with members of Biznik, there are far fewer direct business relationships found on Biznik than there are relationship referrals.

I don't know how many times I've written something on my event badge like "poet and white water warrior" that has NOTHING to do with what I do, but everything to do with who I am.

I would emphasize that somehow-

"The professional place to be personal"
"Redefining how friendly business can be"

In regards to keywords and terms, I'm going to leave that alone for now. I could brainstorm the strategic and tactical value of keywords all year long.

"Wow. When you tell it like it is. You get where you're supposed to be."

To quote a new Biznik member on the East Coast who left a voicemail, sharing how much he loves the tagline, 'Business Networking That Doesn't Suck.'

I've described Biznik to my friends as a "solo-preneur support network" - because it seems like this group is more about supporting each other than networking to generate new business. The support also comes in the form of learning opportunities, free advice, etc.

Dan,

I think most networks do not have an emphasis on relationships nor the SEO and literature features Biznik provides. So, I would say Biznik provides Business Relationship Network Optimization. It steps up the game on the competition. Its not just being on an "accumulation" networking list. It provides, Networking You Can See.

Meeting the people I've met through Biznik takes me back to 2000 when I read the book "Cultural Creatives." It's business, yes, but also describes how someone lives their lives.

I love the fact I can meet people locally, yet reach people in Australia (or wherever).

@Beth --"support" is a key word for me as well (both in what I've gotten and what I think people come for). To be so many associated "Support network" with something like AA. "Bizniks Anonymous" ;)