Justin's comments

This article doesn't mention the 'cost' involved in moving away from family, friends and community. What may be desirable in our youth (I lived in Europe and the Middle East in my 20's...and it was great) may lose some of its allure in later stages. Or it may not...

Damn it all!! I'd love to be there, but am in Ashland OR that week. Next time. (...and I love my Prius!)

You've chosen a GREAT spot to chow & chat. I'll be in California then, but I (almost) wish I won't be!

What an incredible array of opinions. And here's my (brief) input:

First, thanks to Dan and Lara... not only for your hard work but especially for being flexible in incorporating all of our input.

Second, I agree with those who said that the new profiles seem more like a My Space-like page or high school yearbook than a professional link to my business. But now that we have the freedom to create or delete some of these elements, I'm both content and excited about our new look.

What a great idea. Whether or not it comes to fruition tells me a lot about you ... info I wouldn't receive if we were trying to yell above the din at a typical event.

I definitely am an introvert, but have managed to live, work, and love in a world enriched by extroverts. My girlfriend is a blazing extrovert, which brings on all sorts of challenges. But that's another thread...

I think an Event 'aimed' at introverts would translate into an environment with less external stimulation which can sometimes flood introverts. Perhaps this would mean an environment which is not so public & noisy, and fewer people, i.e. less than 20? And the label would be important too, i.e. instead of it being aimed at 'introverts' perhaps the theme would be a 'low-key' approach to building and experiencing relationships. Or some other languaging.

I just re-read what I wrote and smiled. I'm really not into such rigid definitions! Really I'm not! In any case, I'd love to come and see who shows up.

If anyone who had written a compliment for my Biznik profile approached me wishing to rescind their kind words, I'd delete their testimonial. And I believe that anyone for whom I gave a compliment would honor my wishes to rescind as well. The challenge, of course, can be the awkwardness in communicating this sort of request. But that conversation might even lead to a positive renewal of that professional relationship. Or not...

Successful marketing is made up of many, many small steps. By not going for the heroic home-run strategy, you're committing to inviting everyone you meet to sample your talents. And handing out business cards is one of many ways to start the ball rolling. Sure, you may have to cultivate a thick skin in response to being ignored, but that's a small price to pay for your success. Also, I've found we're living in a mystery. I've long ago given up trying to control or predict outcomes, i.e. we never know which seeds will bear fruit. So I think it's a great idea to devote some of your energy to this approach even though it may be just one of many strategies. And I agree with everyone who reminded you that it's the presence of the person holding the card which brings results, not the card by itself.

Frank,

It's true that many Advisors have minimum portfolios before they'll take on a new client. But there are many that don't. When the time comes for you to work with a professional (and perhaps give up a bit of control), you'll find the perfect match. Until then, I hope you enjoy your hobby!

What motivates you to manage your portfolio yourself? Believing that you can't afford hiring a professional? Or perhaps you think you need to be in control (nothing wrong with that). But if I need a website designed, I go to a professional. Same with going to an attorney for legal needs, a naturopath for health reasons and an architect to redesign my space. Of course I'm biased, being a financial advisor -- What do you gain by not finding the best professional for whatever your needs are and letting him/her do their work? There's many great financial advisors and planners who are competent and reasonable. If you'd like the names of some in the Bay Area, call me and I'd be happy to give you some referrals.
...And they'll all be committed to socially responsible investing, since incorporating your values into your investments may appeal to you. And yes, the returns over the long term are competitive with investments that reflect profit from weapons, tobacco, polluters, etc. SRI can have far-reaching ramifications -- not only the shareholder advocacy all the SRI mutual funds offer but also the experience of actually walking your talk (if you happen to be politically and socially active).

Thanks, Lara, for organizing this event/game. A lot of fun, and live performing music to boot!

Here's an idea for a creative revision: mark off 2 hours for the game. Everyone starts off by being 20 years old, and every 20 minutes, we age 10 years. That would bring the element of Time into the financial equation, i.e. the ability to take risks would (should) diminish as one gets closer to 'retirement' age.

Justin

In my professional relationships, I question whether the sharing of my personal life serves my clients, or is it seving my own desire to be noticed, stroked, etc.?

Because I'm a financial advisor focusing on socially responsible investing, there's a mutual understanding that our political values aren't left on a backburner. Plenty of discussion about social & political issues. But I rarely share details or elements of my personal life (unless it would, in that moment, support a client's process). For the most part, though, the details of my sexual, emotional and/or spiritual life wouldn't serve my client in any way. Most of my clients are just that: clients, and not friends or intimates (with whom I share plenty!).