How to Network the Biznik Way in Portland

Co-hosted by Biznik Co-founder Dan McComb.

The Biznik way of networking is a powerful combination of online social networking technology paired with face-to-face events. Co-founders Lara Feltin and Dan McComb will be in town from Seattle, and will share 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.

• Introductions start at 6.
• Workshop & questions til 8.
• Networking til 8:30.

Special THANK YOU
I'd like to thank two Portland Bizniks, Julie Duryea and Kathie Nelson for helping organize this event. Julie is the owner and co-founder of Souk, the co-working space where we'll be meeting. Kathie is a business strategist, speaker and coach with her firm called Connectworks.

Want to give coworking a try? Souk is offering a coupon for one free day of co-working to all event participants. Download the coupon here.

How's your network working? Check yourself with this complimentary download from Connectworks.

What members say about this 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. --Bobb 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

I attended the tutorial about how to plug into all the benefits of Biznik last nite. I highly recommend everyone go to this event in the future. The site is amazing and continues to get better with all the plans you have in the works. It was a good use of my time and I am going to send my mktg partner to the next one. --Bill Hoffer

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  Mark Strauss

  Risk Management & Insurance Broker

  Portland, Oregon
• 
  Nechama Katan

  Financial

  Portalnd, Oregon
• 
  Noah Brockman

  Business Consultant

  Portland, Oregon
• 
  Paul Bingman

  Internet programmer

  Portland, Oregon
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  Richard Miller

  graphic designer

  Portland, Oregon
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  Roberta MacLaren

  Marketing Mentor

  Gresham, Oregon
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  Susan Rich

  Business writer, editor

  Portland, Oregon
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  Tsuyo Shaw

  BodyTalk Practitioner, Life Cycle Consultant

  Portland, Oregon
• 
  Veronika Noize

  The Marketing Coach

  Vancouver, Washington

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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Mar 17, 2008

  Drat! We'll be out of town- visiting the folks back east for Passover.

  Have a great event!

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
• 
  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2008

  Looks like I will be able to be there. I don't see a location listed. Do you need help with that?

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Mar 18, 2008

  We'll be meeting at Julie Duryea's Souk - a co-working space in the Pearl District that offers hourly, daily and monthly work + meeting space for indie professionals as well as teams seeking cool off-site space.

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Kathie Nelson, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2008

  Happy to help get the word out! I just set up an event in Bend for this week. Hope to expand the network....

  Kathie Nelson - Business Strategy for Busy People
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  Posted by Roberta MacLaren, Gresham, Oregon | Apr 09, 2008

  I am thrilled to come to this event. I see many people I have met before and look forward to seeing again along with meeting and connecting with new and exciting indie type people.

  Julia, you are such a go getter with Souk, I will be attending another event there on 4/22! See you soon.
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  Posted by E.B. Ferdig, Portland, Oregon | Apr 14, 2008

  Hey! I re-checked my itinerary & I WILL be in town! Can't wait to see you, L! And looking fwd to meeting the rest of you!
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Apr 14, 2008

  My plans changed, too- I'll join the massed hordes gathering at Souk. Can we all fit inside? :)

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Apr 15, 2008

  Looks like Dan and I'll be making another trip south to host this event again!

  Looking forward to seeing all of you!

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Karin Edwards, Portland, Oregon | Apr 24, 2008

  Sorry, I won't be able to make it - I'm hosting a visiting Rolfer who is teaching a short workshop called "The New Rules of Posture" that night.

  The networking event looks like a lot of fun - I will be sorry to miss it! Can we do another one on the eastside sometime soon?
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | Apr 24, 2008

  We'll be doing another one, I'm sure. PDX Biznik is just getting legs, so no worries. :)

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Karin Edwards, Portland, Oregon | Apr 25, 2008

  Sounds great! I'll help spread the word when the time comes.
  PS. Someone told me recently that in Australia they say "no dramas" instead of "no worries." Linguistic trivia of the day.....
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  Posted by Susan Victor-Reed, Lake Oswego, Oregon | Apr 29, 2008

  I'm looking forward to meeting you all. Looks to be an interesting group with diverse businesses.... fun!!
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  Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | Apr 30, 2008

  Unfortunately I won't be able to make tonight's event.

  I was really looking forward to this, but I just got back from NYC and I'll be working around the clock as it is (the trip paid off).

  It looks like a pretty big group and a great event, so enjoy!
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  Posted by Sean Harry, Portland, Oregon | Apr 30, 2008

  Hi gang, I'm going to have to back out this evening. My granddaughter is moving to Virginia and I have the chance to spend a few more hours with her tonight.
  Sean Harry
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  Posted by Steven Neighorn, Portland, Oregon | Apr 30, 2008

  I too have to un-rsvp from this event, and it really pains me to do so, because I have been looking forward to this for weeks. My apologies, and I hope a similar event is planned for the future.
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  Posted by Bob Keyser, Hillsboro, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I need to raise money tonight for my business venture with Sean Harry. He gave me a deadline.
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  Posted by Adrienne Fritze, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I was so bummed to have missed the event - however a family emergency took precedent... I hope to see you all at the next event!

  A.

  Hey Artist! Your Dreams are Achievable – Ask Me How
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  It was a great event- I couldn't believe how much stuff the biznik website has in it- I've been active, and there were things that I had never seen or known about.

  I'd love to hear from those from folks who committed to hosting a local portland event. Put your name into the hat here, and the event you're thinking about hosting- just so we all get an idea of what's coming down the pike.

  And please ask if you need any support getting the events going.

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Great event! So much information and like Mark I thought I knew how to navigate the site fairly well but there were things I have been missing.

  Yes- I plan to host an event - possibly in early June. My plan is to market it to the wider community as well with the intention of bringing in more biznik members in Portland.

  My idea of a topic is around "business community" how can we as micro and small businesses in Portland work together more effectively and create a stronger network for everyone's benefit. This is based on the idea that small businesses can have a huge positive impact in our community and even more as a group than separately.

  I would love to hear comments on this idea. I will begin to explore dates etc but am looking at the first week of June, Kaya

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I am looking at June 5 early evening. I will get it officially posted soon.

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Juan David Velez, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I’ve always enjoyed meeting and connecting with new people, but I’ve never been a big fan of networking events – until now. This is my second Biznik event and both times I’ve been impressed by the people and the positive, relaxed and inviting atmosphere. I ,too, look forward to more of these events in the Portland area.
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hmmm... I'm wondering what effect rolfing or other body work could directly have on my business?... Hmmm, I'm pondering who could lead such an event?... Hmmm...

  Juan David- any idea who could do something like that?

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Elge Premeau, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hey Mark,

  I think we all learned that you OWN the Gandhi, Mandela, MLK + Marketing key phrases in Google! ;-]

  Based in part on what I heard from the group that they're looking for, this morning I'm going to map out an event on the basics of eMarketing. What areas (websites, newsletters, blogs, SEO, etc.) you need to consider what questions you need to answer to use them to your advantage. I'm putting out a tentative date of June 11th.

  If anyone is interested, let me know. I'll also put out a promotion when I have the copy for it worked up.

  Elge
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  Posted by Belinda Bixby, Milwaukie , Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I am so dissapointed that I couldn't get there! Sounds like it was great and as new member I was eager to learn my way around the program. Will there be another gathering like this one in the near futrue? Belinda
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Elgé- evidently I do own it. :) Here's the google search to prove it.

  I love what you're thinking of- and I'm looking forward to it.

  One of the events I'm thinking of doing is self-publishing books and infoproducts as a service business. We've sold over $150K in info products over the last couple of years, and there are a lot of do's, don't and deeper intentions that can help you as a small business in a big way.

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Tsuyo Shaw, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  I am so glad that I attended the last night's meeting. It was my first visit to any networking gathering, and I came home energized with renewed realization that I need help in marketing myself in public.

  So I will keep my eye on new postings on educational events in Marketing!

  Mark, any body work has influence on our consciousness, thus it will help us being focused on our business, etc. But I don't know what kind of educational event would fit in here at Biznik without giving an actual session. Can you give us more input?

  Tsuyo
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hi Tsuyo

  I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek, trying to get Juan David to host an event. :) Or you, for that matter.

  I bet you there are tons of things bodytalk can tell bizniks about how to make business decisions, etc, etc...

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
• 
  Posted by Tsuyo Shaw, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hi, Mark

  You are right, we as BodyTalker do have things to share with others on decision making, come to think of it.

  Can the event be informal and short like chat over coffee? I can share how to tune in to your body to make a better decision, etc.

  Tsuyo
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hi Tsuyo,

  You can do it however you like. :) You can choose the maximum number of attendees, you choose the location, the format, the time and length. Everything is in your hands.

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
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  Posted by Elge Premeau, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Kaya and I have been messaging about having an infomral event to talk about future events. Maybe people who are interested in hosting an event or being more active in the Portland community can meet for coffee or something like that. Let me know if you're interested and I'll try to coordinate something.

  Elge
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Sure, put it out there, and I'll show up if I can. Generally, late afternoon are going to be more likely for me than earlier in the day, when I tend to make appointments and do more productive work.

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
• 
  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Thanks Elge for putting this out.

  Yes- my idea was to host an event where I can facilitate an informal process where we can all learn more about what each person's contribution is to the greater whole. I am excited about this idea and will schedule it if I get some positive responses. It is my belief that there is a way for each person to bring themselves forward. We are all a part of a larger community so this would be about the "us" and how we all connect. Does this sound good? Kaya

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Bob Keyser, Hillsboro, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Kaya

  I would be very interested. What time of day are you thinking about?

  Bob
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  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Thanks Bob

  I think early evening would be the best for most people. I am looking at early June on a week night.

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Tsuyo Shaw, Portland, Oregon | May 01, 2008

  Hi Elge and Kaya,

  I am very interested! Please count me in and I will try to make every effort to come see you two.

  Tsuyo
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  Posted by Bob Keyser, Hillsboro, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  Kaya

  That sounds good. Let me know if I can help.

  bob
• 
  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  Thanks Bob and Tsuyo

  I appreciate your positive responses. I will certainly appreciate your help Bob. I'll let you know once it is clearer. Kaya

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  I'm a little less interested if it's early evening. I work during the day, and prefer to keep business-related stuff mostly during the workday. That's why I have my own business! :)

  Wondering if that works for folks?

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
• 
  Posted by Elge Premeau, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  I'd love to meet for coffee or lunch during the day.
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  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  Mark- I agree whole-heartedly, however I wonder if this is true for most folks. It would be good to get a read-out. So- who prefers day time and who prefers evenings?

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon
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  Posted by David Billings, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  Chiming in a little late, but this sounds really interesting, Kaya.

  Afternoons work best for me also.
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  Posted by Roberta MacLaren, Gresham, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  OK all, I've been watching and reading, and need a little more clarification.

  Is the conversation: 1) about a group of like minded individuals getting together to understand each persons business better?

  2) or coming together for planning a program/event through Biznik?

  3) or a combination of the above?

  I would certainly like to see a group (myself included) get together for both. Each providing what we do best and can bring value to other Biznik businesses. Then providing an educational event.

  It sounds already like there are several who are willing to work towards something like this. So I would like to suggest taking this off the blog - except for updates, so that we can communicate in a more direct fashion through personal email. And move forward with picking a date, time and place. Then add blog postings to see if others would like to jump on board.

  So with that in mind: 1) my email is: Roberta@ZebraGraphics.net

  2) availability is: 5/5, 5/6, 5/8 for lunch meeting.

  3) Place??? I don't know all the options in town that might be possible - so Kaya do you have a favorite location? I come from east Gresham but I am willing to drive - even west side if that is a better location for most.

  I am excited to see this come together. Please feel free to use my email freely. Roberta
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  Posted by Mark Silver, Portland, Oregon | May 02, 2008

  I like the idea of moving it forward, and I don't like the idea of adding to my email inbox. :)

  My suggestion, if you're willing Kaya, is to just name a date, time, and place, and who shows up will be who shows up.

  Plan the event, and those who can make it, we'll RSVP. I'm glad you're starting this. That's my two cents.

  Can working on your business nourish your heart?
• 
  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | May 03, 2008

  Great ideas, everyone. Kaya, your idea on hosting a discussion centered on how the collaboration of a network of small businesses can impact the larger community could be a large interest to the press, and benefit everyone involved. I can share it with Biznik's PR consultant.

  Elge, the basics of eMarketing sound especially relevant to Biznik members who tend to be tech-savvy enough to have joined the Biznik social network, but more interested in growing their small business than staying abreast of the latest trends in technology. Offering them tips on which eMarketing trends will be the best use of their time, would be awesome.

  Mark, I love the idea of offering an event on self-publishing. We hear a lot of requests for this one in the Seattle community too.

  Tsuyo, you mentioned that this was your first business networking event - welcome! Your comment that you could use help in marketing yourself in public is one that a lot of "seasoned" networkers share.

  Events can definitely be a small group of people meeting casually at a local coffee shop. Those are sometimes the BEST ONES because people really get to know one another personally.

  Here is an example of a member in Seattle, who organizes events that are limited to three people.

  For example, Tsuyo, you could organize a small number (say 4-6 people) who meet at a coffee shop and take turns practicing their 30 & 60 second introductions or "elevator speeches" on one another. I'm picturing this:

  • 4-8 people seated around a large table at a cafe or pub using the timer on someone's cell phone.
  • Each person answers the questions: "What do you do, what makes you different than others who do what you do, and what are you looking for?"
  • The table provides feedback on how clear the information was, and offers suggestions on ways the speaker could improve.
  • After each person has had a turn, go around the circle again and let everyone give their "elevator speech" one more try.

  (For those who don't know that term - an "elevator speech" is generally 30-60 seconds long, and is the amount of information about yourself that you could share with another person you were sharing an elevator ride with.)

  In conclusion, I agree with Mark - why not put a couple of these ideas for an event, in the Biznik calendar, and let people RSVP and show up. If you're interested in an event, but can't attend b/c of a scheduling conflict, make a comment about it, in the event discussion board. If enough people prefer a different day/time, the event host can always edit the when and where an event is being held.

  Great work, everyone! Let me know how I can support you.

  ::Lara

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | May 03, 2008

  Thanks Lara

  I am looking at venues and as soon as I get a confirmation I will put mine up on the events board. So stay tuned. Kaya

  Small business support, mentor, coach, Portland, Oregon