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)

Video of the event

I have been trying to upload the video of the event to youtube but have not been having much luck.

I keep trying and trying and it keeps timing out.... gggrrrrrr

So sit tight as I am hoping to get it up by the end of the week.

The first event

It went down a storm and everyone arrived on time with lots of thoughts to share and big smiles.  The only down side was that we ran out of time.  


Everyone who bought a ticket arrived - a 100% turnout - thank you.


A massive thank you again to the speakers - Heather Moore, Vicki Sleet, Alex Fraser and Karen Dudley.  There clear passion for what they do I think shone out to everyone in the room.  It was incredibly inspiring and informative.  


I am going to aim to hold these every 2 months and try to streamline the discussion points a little but still have a cross section of speakers - eg:  Blogger/business analyst/designer/foodie etc as I like the different perspectives which apply across all businesses.


The ideas for the next one are flooding in thick and fast so please keep them coming.  Please do comment below with ideas and other business owners who you would love to hear talk.


Some ideas for future talks:  

More talk around World Design Capital 2014 and bringing us all together to make this city truly exceptional.  How do we create a culture of generosity around sharing our great city?

A PR workshop 

- Vicki is on it.  I will circulate the details via the mailing list.

A talk focusing just on PR and marketing

- hopefully Vicki agrees to sit in on this one too. I'd love to get a magazine editor, a brand strategist and a social media guru on board for this.

Pricing and Value of a product as well competition and how do we deal with others who are selling there goods for to little?

- I know there is lots to talk about here.  From the time you put in creating it to the mark ups and commissions.

Retail and Shop owners 

- I would love a panel of shop owners to talk about running  shop, differentiation, relationships with their suppliers and all that good stuff.

Click click - add your thoughts below

Video

Two Delightful students from AFDA film school have agreed to film the discussion so that others can see it to.  I'll be loading up the link to this site and circulating by email.

The first event is happening

The first event Sold out - clearly you are all keen to talk business and especially with our inspiring business owners who kindly agreed to come and have a chat.


Who will be sharing their experiences:  

Heather Moore (Skinnylaminx), Karen Dudley (The Kitchen), Alex Fraser (Invenfin) & Vicki Sleet (iwantthat)

Date:  25 July 2012

Time:  5:30 for 6pm till 8pm

Address:  Abi and Scarlett Event Space, 36 Bay Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town

Enjoy an interesting chat, delicious food from The Kitchen & a glass of wine kindly sponsored by Cloof Wine Estate.


Tickets are R75 and need to be booked online please.  Tickets are limited to 50 seats.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT SOLD OUT AND THE WAIT-LIST IS CLOSED.  THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.  ADMISSION IS BY TICKET ONLY.