Meet 100-plus Power Chicks at a Single Event!

I haven't been able to make it to one of your events yet, Lynn, and plan to in the future. I like the idea of having the larger events 2 or 3 times a year rather than monthly.

Kudos to you Lynn, for thinking of a way to accommodate a larger group. I, too have not been able to make it to the smaller event. I would definitely attend a quarterly lunch event, perhaps even monthly.

I am past president of the Women's Professional Network here in Bellingham. WPN hosts monthly networking breakfasts for 40-70 women, with professional speakers and opportunities to network and promote your biz. It is a lot of work to pull it off every month. The amount of structure you decide upon will likely dictate the amount of work involved. You will need help for sure!

I would love something like that. Time is of course limited, so it would need to be at a good time. East side sometimes??

Thanks for doing this!

Yes! I would be interested :) Personally, I am more interested in events in Seattle.

Thanks for gathering up this female energy!

After reading the above comments and after seeing all the offers of assistance, I had the following for an idea (or a variation on it): I agree the $40 (especially on a regular basis) is too steep, maybe 2x a year or so. But what about those offering to help find a low cost venue in their neighborhoods (like a church social hall) and have an evening potluck, or gather a group to cook a meal in the kitchen for those who want to show up. If it's an evening event, then it can be more relaxed and social and potluck brings the cost way down.

Some thoughts that might allow the connecting without the higher costs, and create more events all over the city -- and then maybe a bigger event 1x a quarter or so at a central location.

Regardless of the details, Lynn, thanks for getting this ball rolling!

Libby Carr

Part of me wants to say yes and another part is a bit more hesitant. In theory networking with 100 plus women sounds great! My hesitation is how much networking will happen and how likely is it that it will be more of a social luncheon where you end up connecting with only one person? That being said maybe I need to brush up my own skills on how to make networking events work for me! That could be the real issue.

It sounds similar to what ewomen does. I was invited to a luncheon this week with them by a member *they are member only) but I was unable to attend. It would be interesting to know how much networking is happening at events like what you are planning to do.

I bet, handled well it could be a huge success! What are your plans for the event other than lunch of course?

I am also in the boat where $40 luncheons are not in the budget at this time. However, if the benefit of gaining clients through networking was there it might change who can make it and budget it. The key will be how to get the most out of the event for every one attending.

I'm in with the quarterly event, with smaller ones in between. I personally think that $40 for food, networking, learning and fun with the gals is a good value. But for a lower price, maybe we could 'sack lunch' to a venue? Then trade lunches? I make a mean chicken salad!

Lynn,

I agree with both Kristis that the design feels a bit like eWomen Network, not that there's anything wrong with that. With all the offers of help, I'm convinced that the final product will be the right look for Power Chicks.

I am in favor of an expanded event, and prefer once a quarter. However, I'll support whatever is decided.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the September event, and the opportunity to meet some fantastic women.

~ Patricia

I like the idea of quarterly for big events, and yes, I think the idea "sounds" a LOT like eWomen, though the final execution will probably not be. (And I agree that smaller in-between meetings are good!)

I like the idea of a bruncheon (morning but not some ungodly 6:45am thing) and/or eve events, yes, lunch is good too, but I agree we can do it more cost-effectively and still keep it "nice." Let me know if I can help, speak, help book speakers, event design, etc...

Kate

Hi Lynn,
I've attended E-Women Network, Womens' Business Exchange and Women Business Owners. They all have the format of formal networking at your table. Even though there are about 100 women present, I made valuable connections in my small groups thus, didn't feel it was too big of a group. I like that with E-Women we get into a second small group to double the exposure and connections. With this format, my attendance was always worth the $40-$50 fee.
I would appreciate not having to pay to join, in addition to the event fee. And, I like the potluck idea to keep the fee down.
However you do it, Lynn, I'll be there.
Thanks, Denise

I like the idea of meeting one to two times a year with the larger group, -what an amazing amount of energy we would generate!

However it all goes I would also be happy to help out!

I'm looking forward to the next event. I prefer the smaller events, but I'm game for either.