Boise's Weekly Networking Events "According to Allison"

New Blog up & running

2010-02-27T05:43:00.001-08:00

Hi all - My new blog is up and running at www.allisonahburn.com or Blue Bamboo Project Services www.bluebamboops.com (both URLs work) and the networking events for week of March 1st are there!

I hope you will follow me there for weekly networking events. This blog will not be updated anymore.

Cheers!
Allison

My blog is moving

2010-02-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know that this blog will be moving in the next 1-2 weeks to my company blog: Blue Bamboo Project Services at http://www.bluebamboops.com/ or www.allisonashburn.com

You will be able to follow me there as I'll still continue to post networking events, but may have 1-2 week downtime between now & then. Thank you for your patience. Happy Networking!

Cheers!
Allison

Networking Events Week of Feb 15th

2010-02-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Februrary 16th

KBOI Business Breakfast
7:30am - 8:45am at NNU's Brandt Center in Nampa
RSVP to breakfast@kboi.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=293290658493&index=1

IBWN Boise Chapter Luncheon
11:00am - 1:00pm at the Owyhee Plaza -- Downtown Boise - $15
RSVP Required: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=292163478104&ref=ts

Wednesday, February 17th

February Success Luncheon
11:30am - 1:00pm at the Owyhee Plaza -- Downtown Boise - Free to IBL Members/$25 otherwise
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=287812061851&index=1

Urban Lunch
Noon - 1:00pm at the Watercooler in Boise
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=469371190500&index=1

Thursday, February 18th

"A New Outlook" Sales Workshop by Open Lines Training
9:00 - 11:30am at University of Phoenix - $69
http://openlinestraining.com/Flyer.pdf

Jelly Boise!
1:00 - 4:00pm at Stevens-Henager College (3rd Fl Room 305) - FREE
Food will be provided by Bajio Mexian Grill! Be sure to bring your laptop and anything else you need to get your work done! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=469371190500&index=1#!/event.php?eid=278479898372&ref=ts

Networking Events - Week of Feb 8th

2010-02-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 9th

Boise Beer & Blog
Every Tuesday at 5:00pm at the Falcon Tavern in Boise
Come geek out and talk tech gadgets and blogs....http://boise.beerandblog.com/

Wednesday, February 10th

Nampa Lunch & Leads
11:30 - 1:00pm at Darby's at the Market Downtown Nampa (112 13th Ave South)
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=278144341198&index=1

Thursday, February 11th

IBWN Luncheon
11:00am - 1:00pm at Northern Lights Cinema Grille -- Karcher Mall, Nampa
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=463306910373&index=1

Kickstand
5:30 - 7:00pm at the WaterCooler (1401 W. Idaho Boise)
http://www.kickstand.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=71178

Beat the Winter Blues - Business Building Workshop

2010-02-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Beat the winter business blues!

Come to a informative business building workshop put on by Open Lines Training on Feb. 12th at University of Phoenix 9am - 11:30am. Becky McKinstry will share her tips & tricks as having 20+ years experience as a sales consultant. With registration, you'll receive a workbook take-away, may win a door prize and will receive a one-on-one follow up session with Becky!

For more info visit the Current Workshops page at www.openlinestraining.com

If you can't make Feb 12th, there is another session on Thursday, Feb 18th!

Week of February 1st

2010-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 2nd

Dave Lakhani's Influence Seminar
1:00pm - Call in featuring Kevin Hogan and Dave Lakhani in a fast-paced informational and intriguing Teleseminar.
Access Telephone #: 1 218 936 7999
Access Code: 3228285

Tuesday, February 2nd

Vibes-BB
7:30 - 8:30am at Flatbread Community Oven in Meridian - FREE
Come at 7am if you'd like to eat breakfast, otherwise book club starts at 7:30. Vibes Breakfast & Books features three books this month:
*Think & Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
*Referral of a Lifetime - Tim Templeton
*In the Trenches - Do or Die Lessons for the Business Battlefield - Craig Zuber (local author)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270045493626&ref=mf

Wednesday, February 3rd

BYP Luncheon
11:30 - 1:00pm at Boise Metro Chamber Offices ($10 Members/$25 Non-Members)
http://www.boiseyp.org/blog/

Girls in Tech - Mentoring Night
5:45 - 7:00pm at Meridian Technical Charter School (3800 North Locust Grove Road) - FREE
We'll be talking about mentorship opportunities to help make a difference in the Treasure Valley. Newcomers welcome!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270045493626&ref=mf#/pages/Girls-in-Tech-Boise/132027187871?ref=ts

Epilipsy Idaho Fundraiser/Sherman's B-day Bash
5:30 - 9:00pm at The Lobby - $10 minimum donation
Sherman is throwing a party to benefit Epilepsy Idaho (http://www.epilepsyidaho.org). If you make a donation of $10 or more to Epilepsy Idaho that evening, I will treat you to free barbecue (skillfully prepared by Great Western Barbecue Co.) and free beer/soft drinks (skillfully poured by the guys at The Lobby).
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270045493626&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=281633627648&ref=ts

Thursday, February 4th

Jelly Boise! (casual coworking)
10:00am - 1:00pm at the WaterCooler (1401 W. Idaho St., Boise) - FREE
For telecommuters & freelancers who'd like to work alongside others for a few hours! Bring your laptop and whatever else you need to get your work done. RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=251582552849&ref=mf

Cake Break
11:00 - 2:00pm at Boise Centre - FREE / Have a cake and ice cream break on the Boise Centre as they celebrate 20 years! http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=304970606170&ref=ts

WCA Fundraiser & Tweet Up
4:00 - 7:30pm at Moon's Kitchen in Boise - $5 minimum donation
Meet your Facebook & Twitter friends in real life and enjoy soup from some of the best chefs in the valley! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270045493626&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=254931713188&ref=ts

Friday, Feburary 5th

Lunch for Literacy/ Fundraiser
11:00 - 1:30pm at Boise Centre http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=266701076691&index=1

Advertise on this site?

2010-01-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

If there are any businesses that would like to advertise on this site, let me know! It will be turning into a website soon!

Boise Events Week of Jan 25th

2010-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's already the last week in January? The year is flying by. Have you done the networking in the New Year you promised yourself you'd start doing? Below are opportunities for you to get involved this week! Did you know the world is run by the people that just show up?

Tuesday, January 26th

Boise Ice Breakers
6:00 -9:00pm at the Seybold Scientific offices ((1533 N. Cormorant Place, Boise) - $10 for great networking and catered food!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Boise-Ice-Breakers/68949924102?ref=ts

Market Revival2
4:00-8:00pm at the Modern Hotel DT Boise - FREE
Business owners and agency professionals are invited to check out the latest work of Boise's most talented web and graphic designers, writers, photographers, strategy and branding specialists and more. Here you'll find everything you need for professional marketing results, no matter what your budget.
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=250033483492&ref=ts

Wednesday, January 27th

Idaho Busniess & Technology Expo
12:00 noon on Wednesday - 5:00pm on Thursday at Boise Center on the Grove
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/event.php?eid=269059572623&ref=ts

Tech Boise
5:30 - 7:00pm at the WaterCooler (14th & Idaho, Boise) - FREE
Jana Briggs, CEO and Co-founder of Yaro (and self-proclaimed social media junkie), along with Karl Meinhardt, Yaro Board Member, will take us through Yaro's journey - from pitch to development and beyond - and let us in on where they now stand.
http://techboise.com/january-27-startup-weekend-grads-yaro-chat-with-techboise

Thursday, January 28th

IBWN - Boise Chapter Luncheon
11:00 - 1:00pm at the Owyhee Plaza DT Boise - $15
Bring a friend and experience the fastest growing women's network in the valley.
Sydney Warner, Member Services/Dispute Resolution Services with the Better Business Bureau, will talk about Trustworthy Business. Members be sure to bring your badges and avoid the lines. You MUST RSVP for this one and will be charged for the meal if you no show.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts&gid=85123481452#/event.php?eid=244261414721&index=1

Boise Business After Hours Trade Show
5:00 - 7:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Eagle
No RSVP needed. Free to Chamber Members/$10 for Non-Members (pay at door). http://www.boisechamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/wcevents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=3510

Suggestions for the site? Do you find this information valuable? Do you check this each week?
Drop me a line in the comments to share how it's valuable, why you like it, what you'd like to see differently. Thanks!
~ Allison

Boise Business - Week of January 18th

2010-01-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

As you are networking and mingling with new and familiar faces this week, be mindful of how you can help others. If we have others' best interests at heart, our little corner of the world is a much happier place. Oh, and there are some giveaways at the two Ground Floor events on Wednesday! Don't miss out!

Tuesday, January 19th

670 KBOI/NNU Business Breakfast
7:30-8:45am at the DoubleTree Riverside Hotel (2900 Chinden Blvd, Boise)
Topic: Overview of Iraq from perspective of mobilized Idaho soldiers
This event is by invitation only. Get your invitation by emailing breakfast@kboi.com
Learn more: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=283051725409&index=1

Wednesdy, January 20th

Jelly Boise!
11:00 - 3:30pm at The Ground Floor Grand Opening Celebration (136. E. Idaho, Meridian)
This event is for telecommuters and freelancers to join together for a day to meet, share ideas, & inspire one another! It's FREE and lunch will be generously provided by Flatbread Community Oven. Don't forget your laptop! Check it out....FIVE FREE one-month memberships to The Ground Floor will be given away!
PLEASE RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=224098184016&ref=ts

The Ground Floor powered by VengaWorks™ Launch Party
4:00 - 7:00pm at The Ground Floor (136 E. Idaho, Meridian) - FREE
The first 10 guests at the Launch Party will receive a month’s free membership!
The Ground Floor is a project of the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC), the urban renewal agency for Downtown. The new flexible workspace is in a historic building at and offers emerging businesses an economical way to take their work to the next level. Learn more: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=264372905954&ref=ts

Urban Lunch
12:00 - 1:00pm at the WaterCooler (1401 West Idaho St, Boise)
Topic: Boise's Comprehensive Plan with Tricia Nilsson, Boise City Planning And Development Services. Lunch is provided by Jenny's Lunch Line if you've RSVP'd, but I don't know much it costs. Or bring a brown bag lunch and just listen in!
Learn more: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=239508832485&index=1

IBL After Hours
4:00 - 7:00pm at Koko Fit Club (1626 S. Wells Meridian, ID in the Gramercy Business Park) - FREE. Learn More: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=250018689287&index=1

Thursday, January 21st

Meridian Business After Hours
5:30 - 7:00pm at Redline Recreational Toys (535 N Locust Grove #170, Meridian) - FREE
This is a member networking event. The sponsor promotes their business in various ways, providing refreshments and door prizes. Learn more: http://www.meridianchamber.org/networking_events.asp

Boise Web Technologies Group Meetup
6:00 - 7:30pm at the US Bank Building downtown Boise - FREE
Topic: Panel discussion with Yaro; Jana Briggs, Brian Bothwell & Greg Harley
Must RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/boisewebtechs/calendar/12107485/

Friday, January 22nd

Barbacoa Employee Fundraiser
5:00 - 11:00pm at China Blue in Boise - $20 and silent auction all to raise money for the employees left without a job after the Barbacoa fire.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/event.php?eid=245230631058&ref=nf

Happy Networking!

Business Events Week of Jan 11th

2010-01-09T11:07:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, Jan 12th

Boise Beer and Blog
Every Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Falcon Tavern in Boise – networking for bloggers and creative types during the happy hour.
http://boise.beerandblog.com/

Wednesday, Jan 13th

In The Trenches Book Lauch Party!
Past or present military people or anyone wanting new business skills will not want to miss this! Local author & speaker Craig Zuber is launching his new book In The Trenches. There will be a public party at PowerHouse Event Center from 6:00 – 8:30pm. This is going global and you have a chance to be a part of the first spark right here in Boise! Four speakers, free food and for every book sold, one book is given to active military personnel.
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=219315199384&ref=mf

Thursday, Jan 14th

Kickstand
5:30 to 7:00 pm at the WaterCooler in Boise. $10 for guests.
Kickstand is a thriving community of local innovators. This month they’ll be having a business book review with a stellar panel of local business owners. Panel includes:
Stephen Nipper - Patent Attorney
Bill Meade - Intellectual Property Consultant
Jeff Reynolds - Co-Owner of Rizen Creative (moderator)
Brandon Wright - UltraClean Owner & Meridian Breakfast and Books Club Creator
Rochelle Delong - Consilio Owner
Visit http://www.kickstandidaho.com/ for details.

Eight Things Government Can Do To Help Small Business

2010-01-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, Idaho's Congressman, Walt Minnick, spoke to a group of entrepeneurs and small business owners at VengaWorks today. The topic of conversation got heated, and at times off-topic, but I wanted to share a few take-aways. I admit, I'm not typically interested in discussing politics, but what he had to say about small business makes me very interested as it applies to all of us!

8 Things Gov't Can do to Help Small Business Grow & Keep us Globally Competitive (via Congressman Walt Minnick, paraphrased by Allison Ashburn)

1. Balance the budget.
We can't cut taxes because we've run up so much debt. We've dug ourselves a big hole by borrowing from our children, grandchildren & China. The Congressman suggested that government could help in this by cutting unnecessary programs and be selective about new programs.

2. Upgrade quality of & access to education.
Government needs to create new ways of delivering education and we need to invest in our kids!
3. Provide certainty to the issue of climate change & regulations.
The climate change issue will increasingly affect business owners and consumers. The government needs to provide certainty on what the regulations are so that innovators can innovate and consumers can make choices.

4. Reduce international trade barriers.
Government needs to resisit the temptation to be protectionists.

5. Retain incentives to help entrepenuers.
Tax credits, etc

6. Embrace new view of immigration reform.
Government needs to resist the temptation to build a wall around America. We absolutely shouldn't reward people for violating America's laws, but instead, we should think of immigration from a different viewpoint. How about allowing America access to global talent markets so we can remain competitive...We need to find a better way to allow our businesses to attract high skilled talent from across the globe.

7. Spend money on private sector research on a local level.
The private sectors is the key to innovation!

8. Provide access to capital.
We need to provide captial not just through banks but also through early stage venture capital.

A few other things Walt Minnick mentioned about the state of our ecomomy are:
He feels that unless the market takes another dip, we are heading out of the recession but "recovery will be long and slow due to financing" & that we'll experience a "high unemployment atmosphere for the foreseeable future."

In addition, the Congressman reiterated what a lot of businesses are experiencing first hand--"since the banking system is not functioning in it's ability to lend, it hinders small businesses ability to expand or operate." However we'll experience a "low interest rate environment for a while, unless the government continues to mismanage it's affairs."

As I said, I normally don't ever feel compelled to talk politics, but these subjects affect everyone in our local market. If you missed the event, I hope you enjoyed a very brief summary of what was covered and I hope you experience business success in 2010!!!

Week of Jan 4th

2010-01-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
What are your business resolutions this year? Interested in building a network of associates throughout the Treasure Valley? Interested in getting out to networking events more often but don't know about them until it's too late? Want to attend an event that's goal is to make a difference in our community?

That is why I started the "According to Allison" blog--to keep you informed of networking events you may not otherwise hear about, and to have them in one central location. I do hope that you find this useful in your endeavors. And if you do, I'd love to hear how it's useful for you!
Feel free to send me your networking events and I'll post them!

Monday, January 4th

Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Walt Minnick
11:30 - 1:00pm at VengaWorks (943 W. Overland Rd, Meridian) - FREE
Join the Entrepreneurs Forum Discussion for your chance to be heard! The Congressman is seeking an audience with small to medium-sized business leaders to hear of the issues and challenges confronting Idaho’s entrepreneurial community.
Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to info@vengaworks.com

This will be a great opportunity to help shape the future of Idaho! http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=215033001189&ref=ts

Tuesday, January 5th

Vibes Breakfast & Books
7:00 - 8:30am at Flatbread community oven in Meridian
7:00am for Breakfast ($7.50) or 7:30am for book club ($1 donation for coffee)
Featured Books: Good to Great & How to Sell When Nobody's Buying by local author Dave Lakhani. Come see Dave in person!
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=256272966404&ref=mf

Wednesday, January 6th

Girls In Tech
5:45 to 7:00 pm at the WaterCooler – this month features Stephanie Wicks and her radio show "That’s Women’s Work". - FREE
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Girls-in-Tech-Boise/132027187871?ref=ts

Happy New Year & Happy Networking!

The Value of Project Management

2009-12-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

Various surveys and studies have found that implementing project management in organizations and projects delivers value, such as:

- Improvements of 50% during project execution
- Improvements of 36% on client satisfaction
- Improvements of 30% on employee’s satisfaction
(Survey by Crawford & Pennypacker – PMI)

Hiring a project manager may also help organizations:

- Free up time needed to focus on new business development or employee's current job descriptions.
- Save money on overhead that would be spent on a full time employee.
- Allow you to cost-effectively reap the benefits of someone specializing in an area that may not be within your professional realm of expertise.

What business owner wouldn't want more time, less money spent on overhead, and an increase in client satisfaction!?

Boise Events Week of Dec 7th - 11th

2009-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll. I have been gathering ntwking & fun Boise events since June but haven't received much feedback on this site in the "comments". Is anyone out there reading this? Do you feel this is a valuable tool for you? I'd sure love your feedback as to if you'd like me to continue gathering events for you!?

Tuesday, December 8th

Boise Ice Breakers
6-9pm at The Modern Hotel & Bar - $10 well spent on food & networking
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Boise-Ice-Breakers/68949924102?v=wall

Wednesday, December 9th

Girls in Tech
5:45 - 7:15 Fishbowl Roundtable Event at the Watercooler - FREE
http://www.girlsintechboise.com/Events.aspx

Thursday December 10th

IBWN (Idaho Business Women's Network)
11:15 - 1:00pm - December luncheon at Northern Lights Cinema Grille - $8.50 Northern Lights is located inside Karcher Mall. Park around back by the old Macy's and enter through the Mall Entrance and the door is right inside on the left. Lunch is going to be chicken cordon bleu, mixed steamed veggies, and brownie sundae. Last month they had 150 women attend.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=85123481452#/event.php?eid=193798028251&index=1

Kickstand
5:30 - 7:30 at the Discover Center of Idaho - $5 for non-members
Join Kickstand for their annual end of year celebration to mix, mingle and inspire as they work to support and showcase innovation throughout Idaho. This event features Education Director Woody Sobey. http://www.kickstand.org/Event_Calendar.htm

Boise Young Professionals Happy Hour
5:30 – 7:30 pm at Bad Irish downtown Boise. FREE, but bring a can of food for the Idaho Food Bank. http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=213973172672&ref=ts

Remember, it's all about relationships...Happy Networking!
- Allison

Networking Events Week of Nov 30th

2009-11-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1st

Vibes-Breakfast & Books
7:30 - 8:30am at Flatbread Community Oven in Merdian
Discussing The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg
$1 for coffee, $10 for breakfast. RSVP for Bfast here: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=209625663652&ref=mf

Rock & Fries with BoiseLife
6:00 - 9:00pm at the Boise Fry Co. (off Broadway)
BoiseLife has a goal of opening a volunteer center to serve our community and we need your help to get there! Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of Boise's best Burgers, Fries, Beer, as well as music provided by one of our best rock bands Low-Fi. It doesn't get more local than this. You'll be supporting Boise's nonprofit, restaurant, and music communities all in one evening!
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=327612185580&index=1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2nd

BYP Luncheon
11:30am-1:00pm at the Boise Metro Chamber Offices.
Need to pre-register at boiseyp.org/events

Tech Boise: "Tech Kids Christmas"

5:30pm-7:30pm, at the Watercooler in Boise.

There will be things to occupy your hands and minds – plus free pizza!! There will be Show and Tell: We want to know what YOURfavorite gift is for the Tech Kid in your life. “LED Throwies!”, Show & Tell, Toy Drive

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I hope you feel blessed with loved ones, health and happiness!
- Allison

Boise Networking Events - Week of Nov 16th

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

A fun week in the Boise Valley! Check out all the exciting events below!

Tuesday, November 17th

KBOI Business Breakfast
7:30-8:45am DoubleTree Hotel Boise-Riverside (2900 Chinden Blvd).
Guest Speaker:Bill Whitacre-Incoming CEO of J.R. Simplot Company. This event is by invitation only. Get your invitation by emailing breakfast@kboi.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=177302392343&index=1

Meridian Business & Professional Connection
5:30 - 7:00pm at Port of Subs (2310 E. Overland Rd, Meridian) - FREE
Toni Smith of D.L. Evans Bank is discussing SBA Loans.

Wednesday, November 18th

Ultra Clean Smoke Out!
11:00 - 2:00pm at Ultra Clean in Meridian - $5
This week, the food will be an amazing Taco Bar from Taco Time! Did you know Taco Time makes ALL of their ingredients/sauces FRESH!? It's not as "fast food" as we think! Justin Foster of Tricycle is the speaker from 11 - 11:30. November will also be the kick off month for our new VIP Program! VIP's and industry partners receive free admission otherwise it's only $5 to get in. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182837534472#/event.php?eid=192747235241&ref=mf

Entrepreneurship...From Soup to Nuts
5:30 - 7:30pm at the WaterCooler - FREE
Join Kickstand, Boise Young Professionals and the Idaho Small Business Development Center at a FREE event to showcase young entrepreneurs in our community. They are going to share their story of starting their businesses and the challenges that go with entrepreneurship.
http://ow.ly/CKYu

Thursday, November 19th

Jelly Boise!
9:00am - 2:00pm at The Fixx Coffee House (10th St btwn Bannock & Idaho, Boise)
Casual co-working at it's best! Bring your laptop and whatever you need to get your work done. Join us for a fun day of collaboration & coffee. http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=182837534472&ref=ts

Brewforia's 1st Tweet-Up!
4:30 - 6:00pm at Brewforia! (435 N. Milwaukee) - FREE
Come celebrate in Rick's success of his new brick & mortar store!
Immediately following the TweetUp, Brewforia will be holding their 1st on-site Beer Tasting Dinner (DOGFISH DINNER -not free).RSVP for dinner event: http://bit.ly/2DrghL
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=190695764424&ref=nf

Boise Events - Week of Nov 9th

2009-11-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is an exciting week in the Treasure Valley! Lots of great activities and opportunities to network with dynamic business folks.

Tuesday, November 10th

Meridian Business Days
7:30 am - 2pm at Meridian City Hall - FREE
Feel the power of workshops, networking, and FREE food from local restaurants.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=191838028477&ref=ts

Thursday, November 12th

Ignite Boise
Ticket Holders get in at 6:00 pm. General Admission at 6:30 pm. Show starts at 7PM.
Admission is always FREE. This is one of the most interesting events in Boise!
http://igniteboise.com/

Friday, November 13th

BYP Happy Hour
5:30 - 7:30pm at The Lobby
Come out to one of Boise's newest bars The Lobby (formally the location of Lush). Come see how they have changed this great hotspot. Now SMOKE FREE!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=187398739574&ref=ts

Hope to see you out and about! Happy Networking!

Networking Events - Week of Oct 19th

2009-10-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, Oct 20th

KBOI Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00AM - FREE
NNU's Helstrom Business Center Harter Lecture Hall
804 East Dewey, Nampa, Idaho
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=56718334131&ref=ts

Wednesday, Oct 21st

UltraClean Smoke Out!
11:00am - 2:00pm @ UltraClean (Meridian) - FREE
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=150684083830&index=1

Girls In Tech
5:45 - 7:00pm @ The WaterCooler (Boise) - FREE
Networking & Q&A with an HP IT Manager
RSVP Here: http://gitboiseoct09.eventbrite.com/

Friday, Oct 23rd

Get Your IGNITE BOISE Tickets!!
Pre-sale on tickets (FREE) at http://igniteboise.com/

Networking Events - Week of Oct 12th

2009-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 12th

Boise Rec Fest Happy Hour
5:00 - 7:30pm at the Modern Hotel Bar (1314 W. Grove St., Boise)
Suggested donation is $10 at the door. It is a Fundraiser after all!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=146477160987&index=1

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

LEED Gold Certification Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm at VengaWorks (943 W Overland Rd., Meridian)
VengaWorks™ has earned LEED NC* (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council and would like to invite you to help us celebrate. The event will host many of our partners who aided in the integrated design and construction process, and give the public the opportunity to take tours and hear from designers and thought leaders on the future of Green Building. Come see Meridian’s newest, high performance workplace. Green door prizes and drinks, too.

Thursday, October 15th

Jelly Boise!
9:00am - 1:30pm (drop-in) at the Watercooler (1401 W. Idaho, Boise)
Casual coworking at it's best. Bring your laptop and hang out with some cool peeps!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Jelly-Boise/119717690957?ref=ts (click on the "Events" tab) to learn more.

That's Extraordinary!
11:30am - 12:45pm at Country Inn & Suites (3355 E. Pine Ave, Meridian) - $15.00
Did you know your productivity is directly related to your stress level? Come learn how!
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=286367705440&index=1

Boise Tweetup
4:30 - 7:00 pm at Berryhill's (121 N 9th Street, Boise)
Come meet your FaceBook and Twitter friends in person!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=173650972795

Happy Networking!
-Allison

Top 10 Benefits of Project Management

2009-09-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

The benefits of project management contain all the elements of what is a truly symbiotic relationship between manager, client and worker bee. In fact, it’s this very application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques that ultimately will meet or exceed a stakeholder's needs and/or expectations on any given project.

Better efficiency in delivering services: Project management provides a “roadmap” that is easily followed and leads to project completion. Once you know where to avoid the bumps and pots holes it stands to reason that you’re going to be working smarter and not harder and longer.
Improved/increased/enhanced customer satisfaction: Whenever you get a project done on time and under budget, the client walks away happy. And a happy client is one you’ll see again. Smart project management provides the tools that enable this client/manager relationship to continue.
Enhanced effectiveness in delivering services: The same project management strategies that allowed you to successfully complete one project will serve you many times over.
Improved growth and development within your team: Positive results not only command respect but more often than not inspire your team to continue to look for ways to perform more efficiently.
Greater standing and competitive edge: This is not only a good benefit of project management within the workplace but outside of it as well; word travels fast and there is nothing like superior performance to secure your place in the marketplace.
Opportunities to expand your services: A by-product of greater standing. Great performance leads to more opportunities to succeed.
Better Flexibility: Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of project management is that it allows for flexibility. Sure project management allows you to map out the strategy you want to take see your project completed. But the beauty of such organization is that if you discover a smarter direction to take, you can take it. For many small-to-midsize companies, this alone is worth the price of admission.
Increased Risk Assessment: When all the players are lined up and your strategy is in place potential risks will jump out and slap you in the face. And that’s the way it should be. Project management provides a red flag at the right time: before you start working on project completion.
Increase in Quality: Goes hand-in-hand with enhanced effectiveness
Increase in Quantity: Often the result of better efficiency, a simple reminder regarding the benefits of project management.

By implementing fundamental project management strategies, you will narrow your focus, reach desired goals and achieve said goals with specific time and cost parameters.

(Taken from Gary's post on http://www.brighthub.com/)

In the News: Jelly Get's Some Ink!!

2009-09-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

Check out the Boise Weekly Article mentioning Jelly Boise!

High-Tech in Low-Key Boise: http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/high-tech-low-key/Content?oid=1159698

I think you can, I think you can....

2009-09-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

MOTIVATION
I would like to think that everyone has intrinsic motivation and works hard just to better themselves and the company they work for. But, (sigh), that is not always the case! So, as a project manager, how do you motivate team members?

There are four factors that encourage a person to be motivated to acheive a goal:

Desirability: The value of achieving the goal
Feasibility: The possibility that you can achieve the goal
Progress: Your accomplishments as you work to reach your goal
Reward: Payoff when you reach your goal

If you're running a project that meets people's needs in these four areas, you strenghten the likelihood of folks committing to the success of the project.

As added incentive, be sure to discover & communicate the potential benefits that each team member, and the company as a whole, will enjoy as a result of reaching the goal such as:

Acquiring new skills/knowledge, expand business contacts, enhance resume and future career potential
Improved products/services, increased sales, improved productivity

If you have tips that you have used to help motivate your team, please share them with us here!

(via Stanley E. Portney...Project Mgmt Professional, PMP)

5 Phases of a Project

2009-09-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

A project doesn't consist of merely carrying out a defined set of tasks. But what kind of planning really goes into a project, you ask? There are 5 basic steps every project can follow. These 5 steps are the starting point for mapping the outline of a project.

Conceive: Come up with an idea
Define: Develop the scope
Start: Gather a team
Perform: Begin the actual project work
Close: Wrap-up the project

Don't try to cheat your way through a project by taking short cuts. Without following these defined steps, you may end up missing some critical project details that will ensure the success or your project and/or provide you with helpful information on future projects!

Networking Events - Week of August 24th

2009-08-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 25th

Eagle End of Summer Tweet uP
4:30 - 7:30pm @ Rachel K's Bistro - FREE
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=118303061733

Meridian Business & Professional Connection

5:30 – 7:00pm @ Good Thyme Grill & Catering (750 S. Progress Ave #170, Meridian)
FREE

Thursday, August

BYP 101
7:30 - 9:00am @ Boise Chamber Offices ( 250 S. 5th St. Boise, Lower Level Conf Room)
Free (Non-member guests are allowed entrance to one BYP 101 event per year)
http://www.boiseyp.org/events/

Boise Business After Hours & Tabletop Tradeshow
4:00 - 7:00pm @ Oxford Suites (1426 S. Entertainment Blvd, Boise)
http://www.boisechamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/wcevents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=3168

Friday, August 28th

Beer & Blog
5:00 - 6:30 at the Front Door (downtown Boise)
I haven't been to this one yet and I can't make it on Friday, but it's on my list of events to hit soon!

Happy & Prosperous Networking!

Weekly Networking Events - August 17th

2009-08-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday - August 18th

Get Famous! - FREE
5:00pm - 8:00pm at Insight Global (1045 Ancona Way, Eagle)
Join the Boise Business Co-Op and sponsors in a night of lights cameras action and of course great food, a live band, and business to business networking. This is your chance to have a commercial filmed about your business.....for Free! Click here for more info:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=122740133248

Wednesday - August 19th

Coffee with the Meridian Mayor - FREE
8:00 – 9:30 am at Gino’s Italian Ristorante (3015 W. McMillan, near the intersection of McMillan and Ten Mile Roads in Meridian).

This open-house style gathering provides people who live or work in Meridian a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd and other city leaders in a casual, friendly, relaxed environment. Attendees are welcome to ask questions, discuss neighborhood issues, and pick up information about upcoming community events. No reservations necessary. Direct questions to Shelly Houston at 489-0531.

Ultra Clean Smoke Out
11:00 Am Speaker
11:30 - 1:30 Lunch & Networking
This is one of my favorites. It's free lunch at Ultra Clean in Meridian. 400 - 500 people show up!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=111877621389&ref=ts

Thursday, August 20th

Jelly Boise
8am - 12pm in the Idea Studio at The Watercooler - FREE
Lunch at Mazzah (17th & State) to follow for interested parties
View details HERE --> http://techboise.com/are-you-ready-to-jelly-boise
JELLY is currently going on in 100 cities around the world. It's like going to work to see all your cool peeps, but WITHOUT the office politics!

Also look for JELLY to be featured in next week's Boise Weekly article discussing Boise's Grassroots Tech Movement!

Are you ready to JELLY Boise?!

2009-08-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

IT'S HAPPENING! We're having our first JELLY in Boise next week!

View details HERE --> http://techboise.com/are-you-ready-to-jelly-boise

August 20th in the Idea Studio at The Watercooler
8am - 12pm
Lunch at Mazzah (17th & State) to follow for interested parties

JELLY is currently going on in 100 cities around the world. It's like going to work to see all your cool peeps, but WITHOUT the office politics!

Also look for JELLY to be featured in next week's Boise Weekly article discussing Boise's Grassroots Tech Movement!

Networking Events Week of August 10th

2009-08-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple events I know of happening this week in Boise!

Tuesday, August 11th

Boise Ice Breakers
6:00 - 9:00pm at Bungalow in Hyde Park (1520 N 13th St) = $10
Put on by the awesome crew at Seybold Scientific!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112031798876

Thursday, August 13th

Idaho Business Women's Network (IBWN) - women only
11:30 - 1:00pm at Dave's Grille (1411 Shilo Drive, Nampa) = $7.50
Speaker is Lori Volz owner of Metamorphic Massage Therapy. The lunch is 1/2 chicken salad with drink and dessert.
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=IRVAPQNDWPRGIWKGXFKT&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei2

Kickstand - Open Mic Social Night!
5:30 – 7:00 at The Watercooler Idea Studio at 14th & Idaho
August is a "social" event and there is no set program. Instead, we will set the PA system up and make it available for "open mic". There will be a sign-up sheet for those who want 5 minutes to pitch an idea, celebrate a success, or tell a good story! (it must be legal and ethical!)

Networking Events Week of 8/3/09

2009-08-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Not very many networking events this week but there is one new one, Boise Meet and Greet, that I'm looking forward to. Should be a very artistic crowd! Too bad all of these events are going on at the same time. Happy Networking!

Thursday - August 6th

Boise Meet & Greet
6:00 - 9:00pm at the VIP ELECTRO LOUNGE (100 S. 6th Street) - FREE
Put on by Yellow Box Studios...Photographers, Models, Stylists, Business Professionals and Friends welcome!
Details: Doors open at 6pm with a guest check in. Be sure to RSVP so we can get you on the guest list. There will be a bar open to purchase drinks & finger food provided by YEN CHING.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=113399411329&ref=ts

First Thursday Tweet Up
5:00 - 11:00pm at the The Owyhee Plaza Hotel (1109 Main St.) - FREE
Meet your twitter & facebook friends poolside! *Ben Burdick will be playing from 5pm - 8pm and the Rebecca Scott Band from 8pm -11:00pm*
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=130043401334&ref=ts

Thursday Night Live at the Waterfront
5:00-9:00pm at the Waterfront Lakeharbor (State Street) - FREE
Come enjoy live, local music and some of our favorite local vendors, including Kanak Attack. This setting is amazing right on the lake in the middle of Boise! The event is family oriented.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=73449194329&ref=ts

Jelly!

2009-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Do you telecommute? Do you miss friends and idea exchanges at the office but not miss office politics? Set up a Jelly!

Watch a video about jelly and find out more here: http://workatjelly.com/

Jelly's are currently going on in 20 cites around the world. We should start one in Boise!
Whatta ya think?

Networking Tips

2009-07-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

So many of us go to networking events and HOPE we meet someone who just happens to want to do business with us! Either that or we talk with a friend the entire night and leave without meeting new people. Below are a few tips to add structure to your networking and to increase your success:

1. Before going to an event, decide who you want to meet.
What industry does this ideal person work in? What is your ideal client? Know that in advance and network with that in mind. Seek those individuals out.

2. Provide leads to others! Be interested in others!
Don't just "throw up" your spiel on others (i.e. give your card, tell what you do, push your business on them). Ask others about themselves! What do they do, who is their ideal client? Here are some ice breaker questions to try: "What do you do for fun?" or "What is the most exciting part of your job?" or "How would you describe your ideal client?" Your goal here is to build a business relationship with this person and you can't do that if you don't know anything about them, their interests or their business.

3. Nail your 10 Second Commercial. I mean it. No more than 10 seconds. I don't want to hear you drone on about yourself for an hour.
Make a list of the features and benefits of your company. Turn that into a 10 second commercial. An example given tonight by Brandon Wright, owner of Ultra Clean was: "We are a group of caring and compassionate people who help others after a fire or a flood." (Hope I got that right Brandon!) This statement leaves you wanting more information. The request for more information will open a dialogue, which is how you begin to build a relationship. If it doesn't open a conversation, at least you leave thinking Brandon is caring & compassionate, right?!

4. Relationship Building
Pick 10 individuals you'd like to associate with. Maybe they are in your same industry. Maybe they are well known in the community and you respect them and the referrals they can provide. Start with 10 people. Meet them. Continue to build your relationship with them. Find out about what interests them. Be sure to follow up regularly with these individuals (a thank you note after a meeting, etc.).

5. Follow Up
Make a note on a person's business card about what they do or something that interested you about them. Use that as a way to remember who you met at the event and to follow up with the leads you may have obtained. Honestly, I always carry a mini-sharpie and a small notepad in my purse too!

And remember.....always, always send a thank you card for referrals! Be sure to return the favor and refer others as well.
---
Networking is FUN! I can honestly say it has enriched my life and opened up doors I didn't even know were there! There are so many brilliant and AMAZING people here in the Treasure Valley. You'll never meet them if you don't reach out with a genuine interest in getting to know more about them and simply saying hello! I believe that if you add a smidge of structure to your networking efforts, you will be a huge success!

Do you have networking tips you'd like to share? If so, please comment below. I'd love to hear from you!

Tips are from business consultant Becky McKinstry of Open Lines Training who spoke at Meridian Business & Professional Connection 7/28/09 (but paraphrased into my own words). Check out Becky's website and business consulting services here: http://openlinestraining.com/

Boise Networking Events Week of July 27th

2009-07-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the dog days of summer and for those of us stuck in the city, there are some great opportunities to network this coming week!

Monday - July 27th
Chicks Only Tweetup, 9AM, Sorry guys!
Big City Coffee Downtown - FREE
Put on by @JenHarris09

Tuesday - July 28th
Meridian Business & Professional Connection (previously Meridian Business Assoc.) FREE
5:30 - 7:00 PM at the Courtyard Marriott (1789 S. Eagle Rd Meridian)
Becky McKinstry will talk about "How to Network Effectively" (first 1/2 hr ntwking, speaker, more ntwking)

Wednesday - July 29th
Tech Boise
5:30 - 7:00 PM at the WaterCooler (1401 W Idaho) - FREE
There will be a Freecycle table-bring your unwanted/gently used business books and other equipment/items you think someone might have a use for them.
http://www.techboise.com/idea-market-at-techboise-wednesday

6 Degrees of Collaboration - $25 (10% to nonprofit)
6:00-8:30 PM, Sandler Training Building, 3040 Elder Street (off Vista by airport)
Personal Networking Forum with speakers & roundtable discussions: http://www.idahowomensjournal.com/ (MEN are welcomed!!)

Thursday - July 30th
Music on the Waterfront - FREE
Free local concert and networking every Thursday night from 6:30 - 9:30 PM
3050 N. Lake Harbor off of State St (West of Collister)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=104924088070&ref=ts

Boise Networking Events - Week of July 13th

2009-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is a big week in Boise with lots of my favorite networking events. Here is a list of a few!

Tuesday, July 14th
11:30 AM
Idaho Business Womens Network (IBWN) Luncheon
http://www.ibwn.biz/
Dave's Grill in Nampa - Cost $5 - $7 (or free if you don't eat)

6:00 PM
Boise Ice Breakers
Poolside -- DoubleTree at Parkcenter: Cost $10
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=105984433672&ref=nf

Wednesday, July 15th
11:30 - 2:00PM (this month get there at 11am to hear speaker)
Ultra Clean Smokeout!
This is one of my favorites. It's free lunch at Ultra Clean in Meridian. 400 - 500 people show up!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=117011886720&ref=ts

Thursday, July 16th
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Thursday Nights Live at the Waterfront Lakeharbor: Cost FREE
Come enjoy live, local music and food. This setting is amazing right on the lake in the middle of Boise! The event is free and family oriented.
http://www.boisebusinesscoop.org/calendar.html

6:00 - 10:00 PM
Ignite Boise at the Egyptian Theatre: Cost FREE
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=63474856713&ref=ts

These are some really cool events in which you have an opportunity to engage with Boise business minds at their best. Hope to see you there!

Friday's Quote of the Day

2009-07-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

"A project is complete when it starts working for you, rather than you working for it."

Scott Allen

Quote of the Day!

2009-07-09T22:13:00.001-07:00

I believe that at the heart of every large project is a small project trying to get out.

Social Media Event Planning

2009-07-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

If there is one thing I've learned from my time spent on social media, most specifically Facebook, its that it allows people to be very non-committal!

Don't get me wrong, social media is a wonderful tool for getting the word out. But its much easier for someone to click "Attending" online than to actually show up at an event. A lot of times people say they're attending so it looks like they are busier and more socially involved than they actually are!

When you plan an event on Facebook and see that you have 100 people attending, don't count on it! Shave that number down to 1/4 of what it is and you'll have a more accurate event head count.

Benefits of a Project Manager

2009-06-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Having a project manager helps small business owners and CEOs with the following:

1. It enables you to have more time to reach new clients.
2. It enables you to have more time to focus on your current clients.
3. It enables owners and CEOs to focus their time on the BIG picture of their company without getting buried in project details.
4. It can increase your profit margin. A project manager will cost less per billable hour than you.
5. Project managers can take care of details you don't want to deal with!

If you're a business owner, have used a project manager and have a success story, I'd love to hear from you!

If you're a project manager and have helped a client with any of the above, I'd love to hear your success story too!

The purpose of this blog site

2009-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting my site. This is my first blog post!

The goal of this blog is to talk about the rockin' Boise business culture (I LOVE BOISE!) and to discuss sales/marketing project management.

I hope to include project management tips and benefits along with a sprinkling of sales and networking tips as well!