So I just started, how do you network with your local community?

Hi Jamie

Welcome to Biznik. This is a great place to post your question, and know that Dan and I recently met with a great team of designers to develop a clear and concise answer to the question - I just joined Biznik. Now what?

Stay tuned.

One of the things that distinguishes us from other online business networking sites (aside from the attitude of our tagline!) is that we strongly encourage and facilitate people meeting face to face.

While the web site provides a lot of networking and community building tools, we've made it possible for ANY member to host an event relevant to an indie business audience.

These can be simple "happy hour" style networking events at a local cocktail lounge, or they can be an educational event where the host not only gets to promote their skill and service, but offers something educational and of value.

There are 335 members within 50 miles of New York - check out their profiles, and if any of them interest you, why not send a couple of them a message, ask them to meet you for coffee and then see if the 4-5 of you want to co-host a networking event for indies in your area.

Events are EASY to host - and do NOT require renting a venue or any out of pocket expenses.

I'm not that familiar with New York (shame, I know!) but in Seattle, we've got neighborhood pubs and cocktail lounges all over town. These places are generally quiet around 6pm on a Monday or Tuesday, and the bar managers are thrilled to have a couple dozen people in there hanging out talking to one another for a couple hours. No prior arrangement is necessary aside from letting them know we're showing up.

Everyone's responsible for their own bar tab, there's no need for appetizers or anything. As an event host you simply need to print out some nametags and a sign-in sheet (we send you PDFs), and record attendance on the web site the next day.

To get an idea of what kinds of events people like to throw, click on "Seattle" and take a look at the LONG list of upcoming events within 50 miles of Seattle. There's some little Happy Hour gatherings, some educational workshops, some discussions - it's quite diverse.

Something to remember about the Membership Directory and the order people are sorted.

The order members sort in the membership directory and Biznik search results is based on participation - which means the most active members are sorting at the top. This is time sensitive, so just because someone may have been extremely active in Biznik a year ago, if they haven't been online in a couple months, they will no longer be at the top.

Supporting Members of Biznik (paying $24/mo) are marked with a gold star and rank above Active Members of Biznik (paying $10/mo) who are marked with a silver star.

What does all this mean to you?

That you can see who's most active in Biznik in your area at a glance. There are ten paying members within 50 miles of New York, if someone's paying that says to me that they're interested in this community and would probably be extremely receptive to a message from you.

Biznik is an awesome community of real people who joined Biznik b/c they saw something that interested them - reach out to them - and work together to get a community started in your area.

Hope this was helpful!

Hi, Jamie, I am an acupuncturist in NYC and a new member of Biznik as well. I was interested in your question because I am also figuring out how to utilize this online community. Do you come into Manhattan? Maybe we can meet?

Hey Jamie! See you're networking already!! I'm a NYC photographer, I have yet to read your profile but I'll check it out now. Maybe I know someone who can use a man of your skills!

-Conrad

Hi there!

One way to network in a relaxed manner is to have conversations with people who look interesting where ever you go. The cafe, the supermarket, the park...

Just strike up friendly conversation, see if there is common ground, and look for ways you and your new potential friend and/or work buddy can help one another to reach for success.

Best of luck with your new venture.

-LaSara www.lasarafirefox.com

Hi everyone, I'm in the NYC area (Hoboken, actually) and I have an idea for a face-to-face that is already happening:

I am giving a free workshop called "Self Promotion Online and Off" at the NY Business Library on May 15 (5:30 PM) and you're welcome to attend and meet each other there. Here are the details (but be sure to arrive early as it tends to fill up.):

NY Library of Science, Industry and Business

Jamie... Ilise has the right idea. Get to know her and follow her lead. Better yet, buy one of her books. And then, encourage her to hold a Biznik event. She seems like such a nice person, I'm sure she'd respond positively.

If she doesn't, then you should start some off-line local events that will have a broad appeal to others like you that want to network with locals.

I host a variety of live events but one of my favorites is a recurring event that I co-host with another biznik (Cathy Goodwin) where we help teach others How to Toot Your Own Horn: Shameless Bragging for the Professional Networker.

In our sequel, Shameless Bragging for the Professional Networker, we teach networking tips for on-line and off-line self-promotion.

Activities like these help bring together a local community of like-minded indies. I've never experienced this before in Chamber of Commerce membership and Service Clubs. There's something about the mix of on-line and off-line that seems to work very well.

And, the bottom line is, it actually works. I get more referrals and leads from the Biznik crowd than any other association I have ever joined.

Welcome to Biznik, Jamie. You've taken the first step in the brave new world of business networking on and off line. Best wishes for success.

Hi Jamie, Looks like you are getting lots of responses to your question! I joined Biznik about a week ago. I'm thinking about going to Ilise's event. Maybe we will bump into each other there.

Karen Fitzgerald www.Fitzgeraldart.com

Hi Jamie & fellow New Yorkers!

I'm really glad to see that you are reaching out on here -- I was an event host in Seattle and moved out here last September. Many times I thought about hosting another event, but I got a little shy to do it all alone. It seems like there is more NY activity now!

The spring time is totally motivating, as well as your post! I would love to bring the Biznik vibe to the offline community here in NYC. Now seems like a great time to start.

I will plan on making it to Ilise's event (if there's still room!) and would love to take any suggestions on where to have our initial happy hour. Since it's so beautiful out lately, maybe a Biznik picnic at the park would be in order(?)

I find that happy hour in a mellow atmosphere with beverages and nibbles is a great way to put yourself out there. A positive and community-oriented attitude is key and Free is every indie's favorite word (unless you are renting out space and/or providing goods/services). Also, planning the event at least a couple weeks in advance gives just enough time to get the word on the street.

Thanks Lara for bringing this discussion to my attention! I can't wait to meet fellow New York artists and tech-geeks ;D

~Ingrid

Glad to see there is a lot of interest here in NYC. Just so you know, I've been talking with some other NYC Bizniks, and we're putting together an event. We've got a place picked out and have narrowed down the dates. I'm working with the venue to find one that works, which should be in the early half of May. I'll be sure to let everyone know when it's settled, which should be soon.

events are the key!

Great job, guys! Let me know if I can help out in any way.

So... the event I've been working on has been officially posted. May 12th, 7pm @ Think Coffee. For all the details, check it out here:

Biznik, this is NYC. NYC this is Biznik.

Hope to see you there!

I plan to be at Think Coffee on May 12th. I can't be there by 7, but will get there as early as possible.

See you all there, Cindy

Well tomorrow's the day for the event. Thanks everyone for their interest and encouragement. For those of you who will be there, see you tomorrow!

Hi, Carl,

Sorry I can't make it tonight. Business calls...I have to see late patients. Monday is a difficult night for me to leave early. Let me know how it went and I hope to make the next one.

Hi, Glad to see that there is some activity in NY and especially LI, i certainly would like to become more active in networking..please keep me in the loop :-)