Business Networking the Biznik Way

Biznik cofounders Dan McComb and Lara Eve Feltin present an in-depth look at how to use Biznik's award-winner network to build better business relationships and promote your business.

The Biznik way of networking is a powerful combination of online social networking technology paired with face-to-face events. Learn from co-founders Lara Feltin and Dan McComb how to grow your business faster and become more profitable by using the tools at your disposal.

We'll walk you through the five main areas of the site, elaborate on the features as we designed them, and how to use them:

• Your Profile: self promotion & visibility on the site
• Events: hosting & attending
• Membership: using the directory & your Biznik network
• Biz Talk: online socializing & discussions
• Articles & Tips: writing, rating & commenting

This workshop will be focused on questions YOU bring to the table - so come prepared to ask a lot of them.

BONUS:
Dan begins this workshop with a 20-minute introduction on Marketing Your Business Using Social Media, which provides a brief background on trends in technology and marketing that make social networking and Web 2.0 media such a powerful approach for those running a small business. This overview shares some great tools that are available to you, that can complement your Biznik networking.

What members say about the event

Just when you think you have Biznik figured out, they add a few more nuggets. I recommend this to anyone who wants to get the most our of their membership. --Bob Dunn

I was already excited about Biznik and had been spreading the word, but now I'm even more amped up about it. This is an incredible resource you've created and I have no idea why a small business owner would be part of any other networking service (online or in person). You have them all beat, hands down. Thank you!" --Debbie Lacy

"This is a fantastic event! I am a pretty new member of Biznik, which is my first experience with a social networking organization. This event shined a light on the mystery for me. I not only felt welcomed but more importantly realized how I am part of a community...as a sole pratitioner things sometimes feel very isolating. This event helped me understand how Biznik is not only an amazing tool for business growth but more importantly provides me with a community! Great for the soul!" --Debra Synovec

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  Posted by Debbie Emge, Snohomish, Washington | Oct 01, 2008

  I'm so Bummmmmed I would love to attend this but I have a family conflict.

  It was great seeing you this weekend.
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  Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

  I'm sorry you will miss the event. If something should change, you know you are welcome. See you soon. C_line
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  Posted by Sally Dagna, Mill Creek, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

  Thank you, Debra for letting me know about this event! I'd missed seeing it. You are right -- it does look like a fantastic meeting and I look forward to attending.
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  Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

  Wow, that was the Biznik way, thank yo Debbie for passing the info to Sally. Sally I look forward to meeting you.
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  Posted by Ritama Haaga, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

  I just joined a few days ago and saw you were in B'ham two weeks ago - wahhhhh! Bliss recommended that I get on down to beautiful Everett for this one - looking forward to it!

  Anyone else from Bellingham want to go? Carpool!
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  Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Oct 06, 2008

  Thanks for making the trip down Ritama - I think you'll find it well worth your time.

  Biznik Business Networking
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  Posted by Debra Lane, Bothell, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thanks for a great bundle of information on all the attributes of Biznik! I've been part of several networking groups over the years and by far, this one is the best for fitting into my busy schedule.

  I've managed to figure out how to use this site quite a bit on my own, but the demonstration last night showed me things I had not yet utilized that will be very helpful, starting with my 'job' listing! Thanks again for a great event! Debra

  Chef to Go Meal delivery - dinner is just a click away
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  Posted by Terra Vita, Seattle, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Really great event because I REALLY learned all the ins and out of biznik. Clear, concise instructions plus the reasons and logic of biznik were revealed in a friendly atmosphere.

  I already love biznik and have several referrals and biznik "jobs" while using only a fraction of the potential power. Ready to unleash the current and promised updated conveniences and get down to more biz(nik).

  As a side note, Terracotta Red is a fabulous venue. When they open their upstairs meeting rooms, it will add one more place to gather in Snohomish County area.

  Red Lantern Journeys(www.redlanternjourneys.com) is going to cross market with Terracotta Red by presenting travel shows and dinners. This fortuitous pairing came directly through an earlier biznik event hosted by realtor, Caroline Strittmatter.

  Thanks, thanks and thanks again!
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  Posted by Sally Dagna, Mill Creek, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  I was very impressed at how much Biznik has going on and to learn how to much better utilize the website features. The information provided was excellent and it was great to meet the people who created Biznik.

  Between the noise in the kitchen and the real estate woman interrupting and carrying on private conversations in front of us, it was difficult to hear everything the speakers were saying, so if this same presentation is scheduled for another time and location up in the area, I would love to attend again and learn more. (Or, the same location once their meeting room is opened.)

  I am a member of eWomen, and a few months ago Zita urged all of us to join Biznik. I did join then and posted a brief profile, then got so busy that I didn't get back to keep going with it. A couple of months later we had a call from a man wanting his taxes done, and when I asked him where he heard of us he said he found us on Biznik. I was surprised, to say the least! I went back and worked on updating my profile and our company information, and now we have our second client who came to us because she found us on Biznik. At that point I decided that I'd better find out more about Biznik and make sure that everything I have posted up there is current.

  Needless to say, going to last night's event was perfect timing and I am excited about continuing to update and add information and look around at what other members are doing!
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  Posted by Kim Berger, Lynnwood, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thank you so much for a great event. I didn't realize all the in's and out's of Biznik and how they can help my business! Your presentation was so clear and 'un-geeky' for people like me who are a little tech-shy, so I appreciated the clear and concise way that it all works. I took lots of notes so I'm going to be telling others about this cool site and it's many benefits. Thank you again for hosting, and thank you Caroline for intruducing me to Biznik!
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  Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thank you for attending my event. It was a wonderful event. I was excited to further understand how to use the tags, book mark pages and some of the other benfits covered at the meeting. I came right home and did my edits.

  Sally, I see you are with e women. You will fit in their group perfectly!

  Thank you all for attending, lets try to keep the north end active. I look forward to attending your events.

  "The Real Estae Woman" Caroline Strittmatter
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  Posted by Edie Pierson, Snohomish, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thank you Dan, Lara & Caroline for hosting a great event. I learned alot about how Biznik works and it was great meeting everyone. It was a bit noisy of a venue for that type of learning event but thank you, Allisa, for allowing us to be there. I am sorry, Sally, that you felt the need to slam another Biznik member that may not have the same personality as you. We are all different and wouldn't life be boring if we were all the same. Caroline deserves an apology.
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  Posted by Ritama Haaga, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Worth the trip from Bellingham!

  I'll tell all the 'hamsters about it and encourage newbees to get to an intro evening - or we'll host another one up here and lure Lara and Dan back :-)

  Totally inspired and excited, will be encouraging everyone to join up and will be doing more myself in the way of events and posting and (gasp) even blogging....I like this because it's FUN.

  Thanks again.
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  Posted by Caroline Strittmatter , Snohomish, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Ritama, It was a pleasure meeting you. You are delightfu! I hope to come to a Bellingham event and see you again.

  Caroline Srrittmatter
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  Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Here's a link to my presentation (PDF, 6.4 MB), in case anyone wants to download them. There are three books at the end that are further reading for anyone who is interested in exploring the topic of social media marketing further.

  Biznik Business Networking
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  Posted by Ritama Haaga, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 07, 2008

  Thank you Caroline for a fine event!

  I enjoyed meeting you too and hope you can get to B'ham for an event. We are the "City of Subdued Excitement" y'know, how can you resist a tagline like that?

  I am thinking of hosting one myself as soon as I can figure out WHAT it will be about...so many choices.

  Come on up and I will buy you a swanky cocktail to drown your housing market sorrows in. Maybe a Mortgage Manhattan?

  Happily,

  Ritama

  PS. thanks Dan for the download - I appreciate the quality time and effort you and Lara are putting into making Biznik a viable and relevant tool.