How to Network the Biznik Way

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

Parking on Capitol Hill

Office Nomads is on Capitol Hill, not the easiest neighborhood to park in - except for the Seattle Central Community College parking garage that is literally across the street from Office Nomads and costs only $4/night. Entrance is one block East on Harvard Ave. Take the stairs at the back of the garage to get onto Boylston without having to walk around the block.

About the venue
Are you the latest freelancer, off-site worker or independent pro who's realized working at home by yourself isn't all it's cracked up to be?

Everyone thinks working from home is going to be perfect...that is, until they actually have to do it...

Now there's another choice - you can experience all the comfort, the community, and the other benefits that come with having your own office, with none of the bad.

Founders, Jacob Sayles and Susan Evans invite you to take a tour of Office Nomads starting at 6pm on the night of this event.

• 
  Posted by Robert Jones, Bellevue, Washington | Sep 22, 2008

  I am very excited about this big event! Glad I could get in on it. See you then!

  I can do anything
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

  Yikes. This event filled up fast. I think the 30 slots were taken within a week of me posting this. I'm speaking with the folks at Office Nomads about using a larger part of their space, and opening the RSVP number up to 50. Stay tuned...

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Sep 29, 2008

  It turns out that Office Nomads in not comfortable with us increasing the size of this event b/c it could encroach on the work space of their members. I totally get that and respect it. So we're going to have to keep this one at 30.

  Considering there's typically a 30-40% no-show rate for this event, let's just hope that those who have RSVP'd who are unable to attend, cancel their RSVP far enough in advance to let some others take their spot.

  Dan and I are looking for a new space for the November Seattle-based "Biznik Way" event that can accommodate more people. Stay tuned...

  ::Lara

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
• 
  Posted by TONY NIE, everett, Washington | Sep 30, 2008

  Hi, if you have more space available, please let me in. Thanks, Tony
• 
  Posted by Toni Best, Kirkland, Washington | Oct 08, 2008

  Sadly, I cannot make it after all. Looking forward to next time.
• 
  Posted by Leslie Holmes, Seattle, Washington | Oct 08, 2008

  So happy to see that a spot became available! I'm looking forward to this event. :-)
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  Posted by Kirsten Mohan, Seattle, Washington | Oct 11, 2008

  Hoping to come if someone can't make it. Looks like a great event!

  ~Kirsten

  Seattle Real Estate Agent and Marketing Specialist
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Oct 15, 2008

  I've just put the November (11/17) "Biznik Way" event in the calendar. Register now!

  http://biznik.com/events/networking-the-biznik-way-0

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
• 
  Posted by Kirsten Mohan, Seattle, Washington | Oct 15, 2008

  Hooray, I'm in! Looking forward to seeing everyone there and getting some insider tips about this fantastic site!

  ~Kirsten

  Seattle Real Estate Agent and Marketing Specialist
• 
  Posted by Leslie Holmes, Seattle, Washington | Oct 21, 2008

  Bummed I can't make it to this -- it's one of those weeks. I've signed up for the November workshop, though, and am looking forward to it! :-)
• 
  Posted by Valentina Vitols, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  Unfortunately, last minute complications. Hope to see you all in the next one. Have a great time today!
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  Posted by Valerie Farris, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  What a fabulous event! Although I've been active on Biznik for some time now, I learned a lot - despite having to leave a bit early. Thanks, Dan & Lara, for giving us such a thorough guide to how to use the site! The glimpses of upcoming additions to Biznik's features were fun, too. :)

  Best,

  Valerie

  Seattle Small Business Lawyer
• 
  Posted by Dan Smith, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  This was the perfect first biznik event. Thanks Robert Landis for making me come! I had no idea this great small business tool was out there. The orientation to using the website was invaluable, especially because I do not work in any of the cyber-rich fields. The personal tutoring from the creators will catalyze my growth in biznik.

  Any feedback about what the perfect second event might be?

  Dan Smith
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  Posted by Kirsten Mohan, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  Gah! So sad I missed such a fantastic event! Hope everyone had a great time, and I'm so glad to see folks getting out and taking advantage of the fantastic events this site offers. Thanks Dan and Lara for bringing something so positive to the indie business community!

  Dan (Smith) - Check out Lisa's Mastermind sessions. They're a fantastic way to network and get a bunch of fabulous resources from other business owners. :)

  http://biznik.com/events/create-your-week-mastermind-monday-8

  ~Kirsten

  Seattle Real Estate Agent and Marketing Specialist
• 
  Posted by Laurie Lonsdorf, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  Lara & Dan,

  This event really offered the nuts & bolts I needed to start making the most of Biznik. I wish I had attended in March when I first joined!

  I've been so reluctant to jump into the whole blogging thing (I know, its sounds kind of crazy for a writer to not want to write!), but there's always been a fear factor holding me back, worried that I'll get negative comments. But you've convinced me this is a safe and friendly environment, and I will take to heart what you said about participation = marketing. So I'm ready to jump in. Thanks for the push!

  And to Dan Smith's question above, as a great second event, I can recommend "Capitol Hill Freak -- Networking Happy Hour" happening on Thursday.

  Laurie Lonsdorf
• 
  Posted by Dan Smith, Seattle, Washington | Oct 22, 2008

  Wow!...so much help so fast. I guess this thing sort of...works!

  I'm signed up for the Master Mind and will check out Capitol Hill Happy Hour. Thanks for the support Kirsten and Laurie!

  Dan
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  Posted by Dr. Jake Felice, Seattle and Mercer Island, Washington | 4 weeks ago

  This was a terrific marketing event as I understand so much better trends in social networking, search engine optimization, and how Biznik makes me and my message more visible. A google search for my name now brings up my Biznik page as #1. This is amazing to me and I highly recommend this event to anyone who is new to Biznik and wanting to increase their internet based referrals!
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  Posted by Patricia Kling, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

  Lara and Dan, I applaud your genius for creating this company and business community. I feel confident that I will be able to fill the gaps in developing my business with the help of the talent collected here.

  This workshop revealed so much and I look forward to the new updates coming next week and next month.

  Thanks again, Patricia
• 
  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

  Thanks for the warm compliments, everyone. So glad you all feel the event (and Biznik!) is so beneficial.

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by john edwin, california, California | a minute ago

  You can learn about how to use social media to help your business, brush up on basic business stuff, and network ’till you get work. There’s also a party on Thursday night. Last year’s party featured, among other things, good food in really interesting non-food-like shapes. --------------------------- john edwin SEO