Collaboration can look like a twitter 140-character promotion of a friend or colleague. Two entrepreneurs brainstorming an idea over coffee can be collaboration. A conference call between a group of like-minded people discovering what isn't working and looking at tools and resources to pair with the challenges that are faced. A focus group where people discuss a particular topic and set up goals for achievement. Collaboration can look like systems, structures, accountability and fun. Collaboration can give someone a smile.

Last year I participated in a online group called geocaching. Geocaching is a GPS based treasure hunt. This particular treasure hunt wasn't a hunt at all. A friend online was having trouble adjusting to the fact that he was turning 40. With the collaboration of his wife we set up something very special for him.

Using the GPS game we all met at the mall at exactly 12 pm on his birthday. Forty or so members showed up and sang happy birthday to him, then just disappeared into the crowd. His comments were beautiful and so grateful for our participation. Sometimes people just need to know they are important. This collaboration gave him a smile to ring in the beginning of his fortieth year.

Mostly what collaboration means to me is support, friendship, and brilliant ideas, brainstorming and utilizing people’s greatest skills to achieve creative genius to complete a goal.

Fireside Coffee Lodge 1223 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97202

Coffee House has snacks, coffee, tea, fruit smoothies, Free WI-FI. Enjoyable light atmosphere.

Space holds 30-50, no parking on premises, neighborhood parking across the street.

To reserve the space for private 1-2 hour meetings Saturday mornings @ 9 am Sunday afternoons @ 4 pm e-mail Karen@gotocoach.net.

You may call Karen Monteverdi at GreenMountain Enrichment and Empowerment Center 503.762.3118