What do you think of a Biznik Pacific NW Amtrak Train Tour?

So, the cat's out of the bag and everyone's talking about the Biznik Amtrak event? You want in? Let us know what you think. We'd LOVE to have you on board (pun very intended)!

Written Mar 18, 2009, read 295 times since then.

Well, this isn't exactly an article, but it's kind of long to go in a discussion post

Sales Strategist and Auctioneer Lori Richardson of Bellingham, Washington and I have been rolling around in our minds the idea of hosting a Pacific NW train tour event for Bizniks and we want YOU to be a part of the fun.

The date we are looking at is the last weekend in June (the weekend following Father's Day). The basic idea would be Bellingham Bizniks traveling by train to Portland on 6/27, staying overnight here in Portland, and returning on Amtrak the next afternoon.

(The cost for a ticket from Bellingham to Portland is $30.)

We envision at least 3 separate "official" events:

6/27 - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm: Train Trip from Bellingham to Portland
Bellingham Bizniks would leave Bellingham and along the train route pick up other Bizniks in other cities, including Mt. Vernon, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma -- even Vancouver, WA! -- to name a few.
6/27 -- Time TBD: Some sort of Portland Evening Event
Any ideas? Dinner? Dessert someplace? This is one of the specific areas where we'd love your input. This potentially could be a large group of folks, depending on the response across the Pacific NW Biznik community.
6/28 -- Time TBD: Breakfast someplace or Coffee Event.
I'm thinking Stumptown Coffee downtown or if a large amount of people decide to stay at the hostel on 18th and Glisan, World Cup Coffeehouse right across the street might be good.

The train back to Seattle/Bellingham leaves at 2:50, though I believe there are later trains to Seattle.

I'm thinking that I would like to go up to Bellingham and join the gang coming down. If there is sufficient interest here in Portland (and we may just create the event anyway in case anyone wants to take us up on the offer), we will create a 4th "official" event, which would really be the first leg of the Pacific NW Train Tour event.

In that case, we can create an event in Bellingham, as well, picking up other Bizniks along the way to Bellingham as well.

Lori and I are discussing what type of activities we might create for the actual train ride.

We will be posting these several separate events so that people can choose to attend any or all of the events, as they wish. Of course, people who'd rather drive can do that or whatever they wish.

Everyone would be responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses, though we will provide options for that, too.

(For example, the hostel in NW Portland is very nice, has cooking and laundry facilities, and the washrooms are essentially private (as opposed to communal) -- though shared -- and cost less than $30 a night.

If there are sufficient numbers who will stay there, we can even have a fabulous reception right there at the hostel, as they have a separate common area with kitchen that groups can use [it's in the section called the Group Lodging Center], provided there is advanced notice and enough people in the same party staying there.)

So, what do you think? Please post your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that we're courting the favor of the Biznik founders, Dan & Lara, who have expressed interest in video-ing (is that a word) the event.

Pretty cool, huh?

Tshombe is a Spiritual Business Coach who specializes in helping independent sales professionals release themselves from struggle and to easily attract only their perfect clients.

Find him online at www.TheMagneticEntrepreneur.com.

Learn more about the author, Tshombe Brown.

Comment on this article

Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2009

Tshombe

What an absolutely creative idea. I love it. I may be tied up that whole weekend. If not, I am happy to get involved in some way. Keep me posted. Kaya

Business coaching services, Portland, Oregon
Posted by Teresa Boze, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2009

Not where my biz dollars are going in a depression-level 11% unemployment economy...

I need networking and constant bleeding edge training and information to stay relevant to any client with a budget and a future.
Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Mar 18, 2009

Hi Kaya, It would be great to have you join us. Relationship networking can take many forms, and this is another fun way to do it.

Totally valid, Teresa. I think everyone should evaluate networking events, social events, and educational events in accord with their strategic objectives for their business.

I'm not sure what unemployment has to do with whether anyone attends one or more of the events, since most of us are (at least primarily) self-employed.

If money is the issue, most of the events will cost very little. Even if you were to train the train from Bellingham to Portland, the cost $30 each way.

This is not a training event -- though some Biznik events are that -- but it is a networking one. Or, I should say, it is a series of networking events to which anyone is welcome to attend as many or as few (or none!) as they choose.

Sales Success Tele-Interview Series 2009
Posted by Cheryl Dixon, Sandy, Oregon | Mar 19, 2009

I think this event would be a blast! Trains are energy, and energy produces an action. I am very interested in joining any "think tank" meeting about creating an interesting line up of fun and networking for this event. Summer is a great time for getting a "move on it"! Cheryl Dixon

Cheryl Dixon, Welcome Connections
Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

Cheryl, great to read your comment. Yes, for the folks already in Oregon, well, you can just show up to the events that Tshombe will coordinate in Portland and meet some very interesting folks from other places.

I was on Vashon Island last night and gained two new clients as a result of my speaking at a Biznik event which someone else organized and invited me to.

Maybe we should call this the "Think Big" Business Building Train to Portland!

Corporate sales coach, author, fundraising auctioneer
Posted by Chris Bonner, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

I really like this idea. I will definitely see if I can make this work for me. I usually use the train when I need to commute to the Seattle area, and I enjoy it. It would be a lot more fun as a group though!
Posted by Jeanne McGee, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

I think this is a great idea and has so many potentials for networking, learning and growth...unfortunatly I will be working in Laguna Beach California that week-end...

But I think meeting up with biznikers in Portland could open lots of opportunities...so an event that includes Portland bizniks would have the most possiblities for business growth... if it goes over good, you'll have to plan another trip in the fall!

Have loads of fun...wish I could go!
Posted by Maggie Lohkemper, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 21, 2009

Tshombe and Lori, This sounds like a great idea. I may be able to make it, don't know for sure yet.

But since Seattle is closer for all of us who live in Bellingham, wouldn't it be more conducive to network with biznikers there? With the economic downturn and Seattle being a bigger city than Portland it would seem that the possibilities are higher there. Just a thought.
Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Mar 22, 2009

Reaallllly fun concept. The point is the journey...not 'getting there'!
Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Mar 29, 2009

It's great to see the interest in this event! I hope you Cheryl, Chris, and Susan are able to arrange in your schedules to join us. We're giving lots of notice, so people can schedule in advance.

We're definitely going to include Seattle in the event, Maggie, so I hope you will be able to join us, too.

We'll miss you, Jeanne, but hopefully you'll connect with some Biznik-ers down in Cali during the time you're there.

Sales Success Tele-Interview Series 2009
Posted by Pete DiSantis, CMC, Renton, Washington | Apr 14, 2009

Phenomenal!!

I would like to join you in Seattle and do a MasterMind thing either on board or off? board?

Anyway, Count me in.
Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Apr 14, 2009

Pete so glad you'll be there. Thanks for speaking on the phone this morning. You're penciled in!

Sales Success Tele-Interview Series 2009
Posted by Lisa Hanna, Portland, Oregon | Apr 17, 2009

Hi,

I think this sounds like a trainload of fun! I too would be further intrigued by a Master Mind offering. A client/friend of mine owns Bastas Trattoria on NW 21st @ Flanders - Marco 503-274-1572 for info (please mention I referred you)...nice separate meeting room that might work into your plan.