Reminder about what it's all about

This was carefully crafted by Keri Muller and Heather Moore.

Heather, thank you for all your help with this.  Check out Heather's site skinnylaminx for gorgeousness

So, when are we going to do it again?

So, when are we going to do it again? 
This seems to be the question on everyone's mind...

I am planning the next one for the end of September.  This mailing list will be informed first and sent the link to book tickets.

A few recommendations have been made which I like the sound of 

1. Start the event at 18:15 so that the talking is all wrapped up by 19:45 (latest)
2. We don't really need snacks - they are nice to have if we have a food orientated speaker but it might be nice to spend that bit of cash on something else or donate it to a charity.  Or put it in a pot to sponsor a school child.
3. Streamline the discussion topic so that it is more specific and doesn't cover so much ground.  
4. Email Keri questions before the time so that these can be worked into the discussion
5. Allow more time for questions as we didn't to get to quite a few people
6. Put the speakers on a slightly raised platform so that everyone can see them
7. Attendee stickers with the name and business name

** do you have more feedback - please tell me **

There has also been much feedback regarding more seats.  I would like to keep the event small so that the event retains a more personal feeling and encourages discussion/questions/statements from the floor.  We will have to cap it at 50 as the venue also does not have more space.

Currently the following 2 topics seem to be HOTT for the next event...

• Shop talk  - a panel of shop owners and maybe a buyer from a major retail chain
• PR (not marketing) - how it works, press releases, what do journo's want?

What do you all think?

Please do remember, these events are for passionate business owners who went out there and did it themselves. So don't forget to bring your questions, thoughts and general willingness to interact as the owner of a self started business.

The Video... I can't seem to get this to load up to youtube despite my fast adsl... so if you would like a copy do let me know and we can make a plan.  As it was our first time doing this we landed up running out of disc space so only got about 40 minutes of the actual talk and 10 minutes of that is me wittering on about housekeeping... aargghhhh.  The good news is the sound was great and we can hear everyone talking clearly.

As always, feel free to forward this on to other business owners who you think might be interested in joining us.

Update

The video...
For some reason I can't get it to load up - it might be the length as I do have good, fast (ish) internet.  Any advice would be most welcome.
Hum ho

Next event
It's definitely happening at the end of September.  Options are either a PR/Marketing discussion OR a chat with Shop Owners.  I am currently leaning towards Shop Owners but will keep you updated.

AND DON'T FORGET PEOPLE...

Onward and Upward

 (my new motto after a rather disheartening experience... but now I know)