Lara's Biz Talk conversations

Lara's Conversations

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  Dunbar's number at work

  Dunbar’s Number is the theory that one person can only manage up to 150 social relationships. In a recent article for Forbes, long-time friend and Biznik member TJ McCue discusses how this number might be relevant in an era of social media.

  Biznik’s tight-knit community as a perfect example of Dunbar’s Number at work. With a smaller network, you have the time to build real friendships and truly support each other. Thank you, TJ, for your great insights – and thank you for giving Biznik such an impressive a shout out!

  Posted Jan 29, 2013, in The Biznik Community | 2 replies
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  Are you doing Chase/Living Social Mission: Small Business? Shout out here!

  Are you participating in Chase & Living Social's, Mission: Small Business contest? They're awarding small businesses with a $250K grant. But each small business needs 250 votes to qualify.

  www.MissionSmallBusiness.com

  There is still time to create an application for yourself. You'll need 250 votes by Friday to qualify.

  If you're doing it tell us here so we can vote for you. We need your business name and city/state in order to find you in the directory. Voters must login with their Facebook account.

  Biznik's a small business too! Did you know that? I'll use the grant to hire another Community Manager and a development team for MyFive -- that referral-passing and tracking tool some of you have heard us talk about it. It's going to be cool, and benefit YOU, so please vote for Biznik too. :)

  Login with Facebook, enter Biznik (along with your other favorite small businesses) in the search field, and cast your vote BEFORE FRIDAY 6/29.

  Posted Jun 26, 2012, in Hot Topics & Controversy | 8 replies
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  Biznik now displays ads

  Earlier this month we began placing banner ads on Biznik's site and it's working for us.

  This will come as a surprise to paying members who remain logged-in to their Biznik accounts, because they are not visible to you.

  If you're paying for Biznik Basic, Biznik Pro or Biznik ProVIP and you're seeing ads, simply login and voila! the ads will disappear.

  A little background...

  Since the inception of Biznik in 2005, Biznik has been ad-free. With the exception of the occasional sponsorship or partnership-focused promotion, providing an ad-free experience was deliberate. This was both an aesthetic decision and a personal one. Personally, I love participating in ad-free environments.

  In February of this year we made some changes to Biznik. The most significant being the end to free membership. One of the benefits of paying the nominal fee for a Basic membership is a site free from moving banner ads.

  Biznik is a solid community of users who trust each other and those building and facilitating this community. We've worked hard to earn that trust and we feel very fortunate.

  As you well know, Biznik Articles are one of the leading ways to build a reputation as an expert in your field and increase SEO around the content you create. The content that makes up the Articles secion is curated, edited and promoted, the Biznik admin in lockstep with the member-authors.
  (Huge. Where else does that happen?)

  The community has come to rely on the articles for honest and smart business perspectives and advice -- as well as a place to ask questions and engage in discussion.

  Given the degree of social sharing that happens from the Biznik articles, there are a lot of new visitors coming to Biznik, and many of them create profiles.

  Advertising to free users of Biznik Lite, and non-logged in members provides us another revenue stream so we can continue to develop new tools and functionality for the community.

  We have learned a lot about advertising, and have a lot more to learn.

  The Biznik Team would love to hear your feedback, and your experience with advertising, either as a publisher or as a content creator.

  Posted Jun 25, 2012, in The Biznik Community | 10 replies
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  First order of business: NAME CHANGE! ("Biznikette," "Biz Chick," What say you?)

  Lynn, the creator of this group, chose a great name in "Power Chicks". But Power Chicks now living at the Power Chicks International site, we've got to call ourselves something else.

  I thought about "Biznikettes"...

  But I got this from a member:
  "Hey Lara - great that you're keeping the group and taking it over, BUT you've got to come up with a better name! "Power Chicks" packed a punch, was humorous and also serious at the same time... it indicated we meant business. Biznikettes, to me, sounds like so many of the terms that diminished women that I grew up with. From my perspective it is neither cute nor enticing, and I wouldn't want to be part of a group with that name no matter how much I like the people in it. I'll think about it and see if I come up with something, but in the meantime I'll remove myself. Just don't want to be known as a Biznikette, or for that matter an anythingette."

  So we've got to come up with something QUICK before we lose any more people! :)

  Posted Mar 22, 2012, in Power Chicks - Discussion | 1 reply
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  Introducing the Biz Chicks group -- formerly known as the Power Chicks group

  Welcome! This group was created by Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades in 2009. In the last three years it's grown to become the largest group on Biznik! (Way to go, Lynn!)

  Today we've made a change. Lynn has decided to move Power Chicks to it's own domain name and rather than deleting this group, I've decided to transfer myself into the role of group admin and change the name to the "Biz Chicks".

  I want to thank Lynn for her extraordinary contribution in founding this group on Biznik and wish her wild success with the continuation of Power Chicks out in the big wide world. I encourage you to continue networking with Lynn and other Power Chicks at powerchicksinternational.com.

  You know there's something to "chick power" when 2 of the top five groups in Biznik are dedicated to women. Next to the Powerchicks, the Networking in High Heals group, created by Diana Bourgeois in 2009, ranks as the 3rd most popular group on Biznik. Boys had their old boys networks. We've got women helping women.

  Which leads me to... Your choices.

  You can stay here (which requires you to do nothing) and remain a member of the new Biznikettes Group. There's some fantastic conversations in the forum, and a ton of women-centric support for you and your small business. Let's keep the energy going!

  Or, if you'd rather not stay, you can remove yourself from this group -- your call. To leave the group, simply login into Biznik, go to the group page, and click the link for 'Leave this Group' under the image in the left corner.

  From one powerful chick, awesome-entreprenesse and kickass business woman to another, keep up the great work! Don't forget to ask for help when you need it!

  Posted Mar 22, 2012, in Power Chicks - Discussion
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  Is it wrong to share which articles you've *read* with those who follow you?

  Last weekend a surprise awaited you in your email inbox -- a Network Activity digest with updates on the activity of those you follow on Biznik.

  50% of successful networking is being in the right place at the right time. Use your network activity digest to discover opportunities -- both online and offline -- to network with others you want to do business with!

  This is an integral part of the recent change to the Biznik Network from reciprocal-based "friend" connections to non-reciciprocal-based "follow" connections. When you find an author you like, follow them to learn of their new articles. When you meet someone in a forum, follow them and learn of their new comments.

  The digest includes discussions started by those you follow, and events that those you follow have RSVP'd for. It also included a list of articles read by those you follow. ("Read" is measured by clicking on the article while logged in.) This has since been removed. As the result of some user feedback, we changed this. The digest now lists articles discussed by those you follow -- meaning someone you follow left a comment.

  The user who had left the feedback made the argument that just because she had clicked on an article didn't mean she had read it, and she didn't want to be seen as endorsing content of articles just because she had clicked on them. I saw her point and the change was made.

  WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

  "Wrong" is a strong term. My question is, would your rather your followers not be informed of the articles you've read?

  The issue I have with only showing articles commented on by Bizniks I follow, is that becasue so few Bizniks actually leave comments, the list is 1/10th as long than if I was shown all articles read by those I follow.

  (Of course the new Network Activity digest was desiged to encourage more participation, such as article discussions, so this may change over time.)

  Posted Mar 13, 2012, in The Biznik Community | 18 replies
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  Changes to the Terms of Service

  On February 24, 2012 the Terms of Service were updated. This month, we retired the free membership in Biznik and introduced the Biznik Lite user level. These changes require a new Terms of Service.

  You can read Biznik’s Terms of Service at biznik.com/about/terms at any time.

  The primary change to the Terms was the word used to describe the user. Previously the user was referred to as a “member” throughout the Terms of Service. The user is now referred to as “user,” while a “member” is defined as someone who upgraded to a paid membership level.

  Terms of Membership are outlined in Section 11. Terms for the fees paid for membership are outlined in Section 14.2.

  We’re always open to feedback and comments are welcome at info(at)biznik.com.

  Learn more about the changes implemented today here.

  Posted Feb 12, 2012, in Biznik Site Development
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  Do you say no to a potential new client who's not a good fit, when you need the money?

  Recently a friend found herself mulling over this question. She's a consultant that provides services for small businesses. Her goal for 2012 was to stop taking on sole proprietors as clients, and start focusing on larger businesses that fit her specialty.

  Then, this week, a peer who'd worked with her on a previous job (for a sole proprietor), referred a new client to her -- another sole proprietor. She could use the money, so at what point does she stand her ground and say no?

  No matter what the experts say about not taking the clients that aren't a good fit, it's hard to turn down business when you need the money.

  They say that if you do take the jobs you don't want, you'll...

  A -- lock yourself in to work that produces resentment

  B -- strengthen the reputation that you work with a type of client you're moving away from

  And perhaps most importantly --
  C -- not be available if the right job comes along, b/c you'll be busy with this one.

  That being said -- is there a middle ground?

  Maybe if you...

  A -- bid a price that's high enough to overcome any resentment

  B -- take the job as a favor to the referer, but let them know that's the last one and update them on what you're really looking for

  C -- set a clear deadline for the job, so if the right job comes along, you could still take it with only a slight delay.

  What are your thoughts?

  Posted Jan 26, 2012, in Hot Topics & Controversy | 36 replies
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  Lara's Top Content for this week

  Here's some stuff I've read that caught my attention this week...

  Why Brands Need Friends -- Not Fans -- on Facebook via @Mashable

  "Until lately, (brands have) been comfortable measuring return on investment by the number of fans alone. Now they’re beginning to question the value of such a one-dimensional strategy." I question it too. How valuable is a network with 600 people in it? There's maybe 6 who could send you business right now. How do you keep them from getting lost in there?

  4 Brands That Use Instagram for Killer Social Media Marketing via @GoContently

  Instagram, a photo-sharing app for the iPhone, is less than a year old with 10 million users. I got sucked in last spring and quickly became addicted. Then I started watching how brands are using it. I like the 4 examples shared in in this article. This article inspired me to invite users to tag photos about their biz with #IndieBizUnite.

  The Entrepreneurial Generation via @NYTimes

  "Today’s ideal social form is not the commune or the movement or even the individual creator as such; it’s the small business. Every artistic or moral aspiration — music, food, good works, what have you — is expressed in those terms." I love it. My 19 year old step-daughter, who's a sophmore at U. of Montana, just messaged me on Facebook, "I think I want to start a business after graduation. What should I start thinking about now?" How cool is that?

  Posted Nov 29, 2011, in Hot Topics & Controversy | 8 replies
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  3 Bizniks can join me to see Seth Godin LIVE in Seattle on 6/24

  Do you want to be one of them?

  Seth Godin -- renowned marketer and author of 12 books including Linchpin and Tribes -- has included Seattle on his current roadshow. I have 3 tickets for 3 Bizniks who would like to attend the 3-hour presentation on Friday, June 24 between 9am & noon.

  Tickets for this event sold out within two days of the listing. (Maybe it was less. They sold out FAST.) And lots of people are clamoring to go.

  If you'd like one of my tickets, take the following steps:

  1. Leave a comment in this discussion letting me know you'd like to go.
  2. Upgrade to Biznik Pro or ProVIP (if you're not already one).
  3. Invite as many friends and business associates as you can to Biznik, and encourage them to upgrade by sponsoring their Pro membership.

  On Thursday, June 23 at 2pm, the three people with the most redeemed sponsorships (sponsorships that were not only given, but accepted and redeemed by the recipient) will be my guests next Friday.

  (I'm going to count the total number of redeemed sponsorships, not just the ones given over the next week. So if you've handed out some sponsorships in the past and your recipients have not taken advantage of them yet, now's a good time to follow up with them and encourage them to do so.)

  ABOUT THE EVENT

  From TicketLeap:

  A half-day seminar for anyone working hard to make a difference.

  For the first time ever, Godin brings his road trip to Seattle. Half a day in length, the first 45 minutes is a high-energy presentation, and the next three hours are your questions. This leads to a far reaching and challenging discussion of marketing, starting things, web interactions, art, piracy, privacy, permission, bosses, employees, change, the status quo and yes, Duncan Hines.

  Find a video about the Chicago event right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsjajYlotkA

  Posted Jun 17, 2011, in The Biznik Community | 14 replies
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  Add Facebook business page Like Box to your profile

  Did you know 63% of Bizniks have a Facebook Page for their business? That's a lot! So we've enabled Pro members to add a Facebook Like Box to their profile. ProVIP members enjoy even more visibility - their Like Box will also appear in the sidebar of the articles they publish.

  Translation:

  Others can 'like' your Facebook business Page directly from your Biznik profile or the articles you publish.

  Biznik Pro membership provides you with a professional profile. Your Facebook Like Box, along with your logo, a video, your blog stream, and links to your associations, contribute to a strong representation of your business. Show visitors to your profile that you're a Pro.

  The v.i.p. in ProVIP stands for Visibility and Increased Promotion. Inviting 'likes' to your Facebook Page directly from the articles you publish equals even more visibility and promotion for you and your business.

  Some people like you.

  Some people like your business.

  Sometimes, the people who like you and your business are the same people, and sometimes they are not. Think about the impact of that distinction on the business relationships you're forming inside Biznik.

  Facebook continues to adjust how businesses are represented on their site, and what tools business owners can use to reach the people who have 'liked' them. Despite these adjustments, it's evident that 'likes' equate to a larger audience for your business. Biznik is on board with helping you cultivate that audience from inside the community growing here.

  Posted May 27, 2011, in The Biznik Community | 11 replies
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  No Bah Humbugs this Season

  Being self employed has it's benefits... working from home in pajamas, working hours free from office politics, ability to spend more time executing your ideas than convincing a boss that they're good ones.

  Working alone can also be lonely. And the holiday office party is one of the many traditions you're likely to miss out on (for better or worse.) This December, when your friends with day jobs are heading to their office holiday party, where will you go?

  In 2006, Biznik HQ started a tradition in Seattle we called the Anti-Office Holiday party. This year we're passing the torch on to you, the community! Many Bizniks are hosting office open houses and small fundraisers. Let's get the word out!

  We encourage you to support and mingle with your fellow indie business folks at one of the many holiday parties happening in your neighborhood this month.

  Here's a starter list of events that have been circulated on Biznik. Post a link to your event in the comments below and tell us why we should attend. Better yet - publish it on Biznik. It will appear on your profile, and Bizniks can start meeting before the event. If it's business-related it might even get picked up for circulation on the main calendar.

  Near Seattle:
  Holiday Party: Etiquette & Style, Thursday 12/2.

  Gasworks Gallery's FREE Holiday Party and Studio Opening!, Friday 12/3.

  An hour north of Seattle in Mill Creek:
  Holiday Networking Mixer, Tuesday 12/21.

  Two hours north of Seattle in Bellingham,
  hosted by their Biznik Ambassador, Lori Richardson
  Annual Entrepreneur Holiday Party, Wednesday 12/8.

  New York:
  Winter Holiday Networking Gift Drive, Wednesday 12/8.

  Posted Nov 30, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 9 replies
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  Can GoogleSMB grant your wish?

  When I was a kid, I loved throwing pennies in the fountain. Lots of them - to make the wish stick, right? I would beg my mom for more pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, whatever she had, just to make another wish. I used to love to wish.

  This month, Google is playing mother by asking small businesses to Tell Us Your Biggest Wish for 2011.

  Though Google is known for search, from the description on the Google Small Business blog, it sounds like they want small business to think beyond wishing to be found. (Besides, you can use Biznik for that!)

  Will this work? If small businesses ask for ___, will Google deliver?

  Do you have something specific that you would wish for your business in 2011? Something that you would ask Google for?

  If so, share your wish here, then tell @GoogleSMB by tweeting about it using hashtag #Wish2011. (We make it easy for you, with a blue Twitter icon below!) Let's see if our rich uncle can make a little magic happen.

  Posted Nov 30, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 5 replies
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  Wa. state residents are eligible for free Microsoft e-Learning

  I just learned of a program for Washington state residents, that offers FREE access to thousands of Microsoft training classes online, regardless of your employment status.

  http://www.wa.gov/esd/e-learning/default.htm

  This was forwarded to me by a friend, so I'm afraid I can't answer any questions about it. For more information, check out your local Worksource.

  The site requires an application form be submitted, which would probably filter out non-Washington state residents. If you know of a similar program in your state, post it here in the comments.

  Posted Oct 05, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 8 replies
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  Meet fellow Biznik Mentors at the Seattle CRAVE Symposium All-Day Think Tank on 6/7

  Revamp. Recharge. Reinvent. Connect with peers. Build your bottom line. Learn from the experts. At the 2010 CRAVE Symposium Think Tank Extravaganza.

  TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND

  • Challenge and strengthen your own business model while you think-tank the featured businesses.
  • Learn how to surround yourself with the ideal team.
  • Get tips on how to boost your branding.
  • Fine tune your marketing strategy for optimal results.
  • Expand your knowledge of sales and finance.
  • Customize your think-tank sessions depending on your interests.
  • Meet vendors with services your business needs.
  • Learn from and network with your fellow savvy entreprenesses who each bring their own experience to the table.
  • Chow down on delicious refreshments.

  NUMBER 11...

  Biznik Cofounder, Lara Feltin, along with fellow Bizniks Karrie Kohlhaas, Molly Hoyne, Candice Caldwell, Bridget Perez, Maria Ross, Jennifer Donogh, Lori Richardson, Denise Marinacci are among the MENTORS coaching at the Symposium.

  To learn about the businesses you will be brainstorming and to buy your ticket, click here.

  ALL-DAY THINK TANK EXTRAVAGANZA

  WHEN: Mon, June 7th 9am-5pm

  WHERE: 415 Westlake, Seattle

  TICKETS: Tickets are $100 each, or $75 each when you purchase 2 or more

  Posted Jun 04, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 6 replies
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  If you liked Gladwell's 'BLINK' you'll love Brafman's 'CLICK'

  The Brafmans' CLICK is Gladwell's BLINK re-interpreted for solo-preneurs in a fresh, provocative way. Rom Brafman will be our guest at the 6/15 Biznik Innovators Event at the Seattle Hotel 1000. Hope to see you there!

  RSVP now.

  Posted Jun 03, 2010, in The Biznik Community
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  Biznik turns Five! How'd you reach the 5-year milestone?

  Biznik turns Five! The SBA reports that 50% of businesses fail in the first 5 years? Did you surpass the 5-year milestone? How'd you get there? Check out the blog post and share your tips.

  Posted May 28, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 10 replies
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  Will you attending John Jantsch's Duck Tape Marketing event in Seattle this week?

  John Jantsch, a marketing guru, digital technology coach, award winning social media publisher and author Duct Tape Marketing will be sharing the "7 Steps For Marketing Success" in Seattle on Thursday, April 29. These proven techniques are tailored for you the small business owner to build a lead generation system that is both affordable and effective for attracting new customers.

  You need to act fast!

  The event holds 150 but...

  There are only have 25 tickets reserved to give away to Bizniks for this event and we don’t want you to miss this opportunity. Your business will benefit with more leads and revenue as a result…

  Register for tickets at: www.dtmwashington.com and be sure to use Discount code: Biznik

  Then visit the event listing that local Duct Tape Marketing coach, Glenn Froehlich created on Biznik, so we can be sure to look for one another at the event.

  Karrie Kohlhaas and I along with four other Bizniks are attending. Are you?

  Posted Apr 26, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 6 replies
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  Meet us at the Edge Party TONIGHT 4/26 (after the Innovators event)

  Engage in the conversation with John Hagel & John Seely Brown at the Innovators event tonight, then join us at the Edge Party after party hosted by the two Johns, Brent Dance (Center for the Edge Fellow & Co-Founder of Fresh Consulting), Stephen Gillett (CIO of Starbucks), Matt McIlwain (Managing Director of Madrona Capital), and Barbara Evans, @Seattlewinegal (Social Media Wine Darling).

  The Edge Party starts at 8pm in the lobby lounge party room of Hotel 1000, will be catered and include champagne. Let us know you're coming by, RSVPing here or visit the Facebook Fan Page.

  Posted Apr 26, 2010, in The Biznik Community | 1 reply
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  If you can't attend, please pass the word...

  "I drove from Vancouver to attend the interview with one of the founders of Twitter. Totally worth it. Great wine, excellent people, BIG ideas. These events feed my entrepreneurial soul." -(Chanel Carlascio)

  "Elegant, interesting, and I had great conversations with people before and after the interview. A great time and a great Value! Keep 'em coming!"David Brilbrey)

  Please pass the word about the Seattle Biznik Innovators event tomorrow night.

  Ticket includes...
  • magnetic on-stage interview with Warren Etheredge
  • complimentary wine
  • free autographed copy of the book.

  RSVP here.

  Posted Apr 25, 2010, in The Biznik Community