Christian's Biz Talk posts

Transitioning to id Magazine

Hello everyone - I've been a Bizniker for quite sometime, and I really have gained a tremendous amount from hosting events and attending them. I've met so many wonderful people.

I'm writing this today, because I have a new business that I am concentrating a good portion of my energy into - since I am unable to send a message to my entire network, I thought I'd take Dan's advice and switch my account over to this venture.

I have now officially launched id Magazine, Oregon's First LGBTIQ Magazine. An ambitious task, but a very rewarding one in the near and long term future for me. (It is pronounced "eye-dee" as in identification. We couldn't use "i.d." because it is already taken by International Design magazine.)

For those who don't know: LGBTIQ is an acronym for the Gay and Lesbian community, but Gay and Lesbian does not cover the entire community. The acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, In-Transition (from one sex to another) and Queer (which is a good word for some, but hurtful to others.)

id takes care of all of that, because in our world, everyone views their own identity uniquely to them, a label or box that society wants them to fit into doesn't work.

You can see the magazine and website here and do please take a look. I wanted to let all of you know, so that if you are in my network, and you don't wish to be affiliated with this venture, you have the opportunity to let me know and I will happily understand.

I thought it only fair to all of you, my Biznik family, to forewarn you and give you this opportunity. I will be switching it over in 24-48 hours. Thank you all for your support, connections and I am proud to advertise we use Biznik to network!

Using Technology to Fundraise for Non-Profits

I'm curious about 2 things - 1. Do you volunteer for a Non-Profit as part of your business calendar, and 2. Which methods do you use to help fundraise? Is there a tech element or is the old fashioned way better? Success stories?

Twitterfeed and Social Actions have a Mashup, that allows you to Twitter about your causes. In their words, "By signing up here, you can automatically share ways to take action from 24 social action platforms for the cause you care most about - like climate change or poverty."

I've been Tweeting about donations to Q Center- a community center's new home. I have volunteered my time on their web and print graphic design needs. With this, I created a button that people can put on their web site or blog, an idea that has proved very useful and interactive.

Anyone else donate time and/or use technology to further their cause?

Portland Biznikians - Try our Brown Bag 3

David Billings created or started our new group, Brown Bag Biznik: Lunch in Laurelhurst - and we have continued the group because it was so successful.

We're on our third meeting, and I hope those of you Portland can join us! Click here for details.

Here's a good question I'd like help with - What kind of topics do all indies have in common, and can use assistance and support in, other than marketing, visibility and self-promotion?

Dropping Use of "Competition" - Yes or No?

I have been wanting to post this discussion topic for a while, and seeing Kaya Singer's post reminded me.

I have become more and more aware of people here on Biznik, and in SECP that view competition in a way that I had never really thought about. "There's no such thing," is the intention that has presented itself to me for several months.

How do you make that shift, to seeing no one as competition? I'm curious as to your views on this, as I continue to shift my own way of thinking.

Can we or do we have option to invite others to discussion?

I started a thread yesterday, and this morning, I thought of 2 Biznikians I thought would be great to invite to the discussion, because it involves their business.

I e-mailed them with the link to the thread. Do we have an option to do this on the Biznik site? Am I just not seeing it?

If we don't - I think it'd be a great to offer it.

I see we have Digg and Stumble etc. but this is more direct and personal.

Branding & Marketing - Create new names for them?

I had lunch/coffee with Jeff Fisher (a fellow Biznikian) yesterday and we discussed the current terms for what we do and what they mean, and how the terms/words alone have been damaged by some bad apples. Jeff and I are in the Brand camp, not marketing so I can't speak for those in that field.

Have the words Branding and Marketing run their course? Should we create new words for them?

It is well known in our industry that they both have some negative equity in them when people mention them. Why? I'd like to know your point of view.

Re-Introducing Whiplash Design

Hello everyone! I wanted to re-introduce myself, because, well, I simply didn't dive into the pool whole-heartedly - Now I have and pleased to be seeing your smiling faces everyday!

I'm planning on moving my membership to Supporting Member and hosting some BizNik events in the near future.

Keep up the good work and i look forward to meeting all of you, if possible.

System for Multiple Site Online Networking

I have been rolling this thought around in my head for many weeks, and still have nothing. We have Biznik, which is great and I think I am doing well so far. However, there are other networking sites I'd like to try as well.

Does anyone have a system for networking on multiple networking sites? I feel like I can handle one or two, but beyond that I'm at a loss as to how to manage more. And - How do you manage your time when doing so?

Accelerate Your Website Whip Hand Workshop

Hello Fellow Indies! I am facilitating a workshop called, "Accelerate Your Website Whip Hand." I have tailored it to small business owners who maintain their web site on their own; whether due to slim budgets or other aspects.

The topics covered include: Basics to Pro HTML (brushing up on HTML and accelerating your knowledge), Optimizing Graphics for speed and structure, Mastering Page Layout covering Grids, Navigation and Use of space, CSS - How to use them and why it is wise to separate structure and style, SEO (Search Engine Optimization,) and how RSS feeds can enhance your productivity and accelerate your SEO.

Full details found here…

October 15th from 9am-1pm at CubeSpace in Portland, Oregon

You can e-mail me anytime for discussion or questions and I appreciate your time!

Whiplash Pleased to be Here!

hello everyone - thought I'd do a proper intro. I look forward to speaking with you and rockin' with your bad indie selves!

Now - who is all about passive income? I know I am and would love to chat with you about your adventures.