Archive for the ‘Ladies Night’ Category

I know you’ve heard the same stuff that I’m about to repeat; You’ve  gotta network.. You’ve gotta network.. Honestly, it does get boring and then you stop listening and the message is lost.. Am I right?

A few of my main beefs about networking:

• It’s expensive
• It’s like a cell plan – you get locked into a contract term
• It’s always at 7 in the morning (I’m not even dressed at that point, you want me to be on my biz game?! HA!)
• Many of them are quite boring…

I have got to be very taken by the host of the meeting and be really engaged to consider the “contract” option.. I have recently been to one of those very networking meetings and would most definitely commit to such an organisation if the travel distance wasn’t so prohibitive for me.

I attended the Toronto Enterprising Mom’s Network meeting hosted by Tereza Kumric (The Chapter Director) – and had a great time!! There were plenty of great business women in attendance (The Yummy Mummy Club, Grace Announcements, Mabel’s Labels, Melissa Collesano Photography and so many more!!) We laughed, we ate, we shared stories and we were engaged! Erica Ehm of The Yummy Mummy Club spoke of how she became an Entrepreneur and regaled us with her trials and tribulations of being in business for yourself.

I also, a day later had the pleasure of attending another type of networking meeting – a dinner. This time, it was an invite only dinner (invitees were winners of a Yummy Mummy Club contest) I was extremely lucky that week (more about that streak of luck at a later time ) and snagged one of those invites.

We were treated to a Windows 7 party and were treated like royalty while we conversed with each other (about 20 women) in a wonderful restaurant, eating delicious food, drinking wonderful wine and just being, the club says, Yummy Mummys.

Again, we learned things – from the presenters and from each other (Wondermoms, WeeWelcome, SweetMama & More!). We laughed, we shared stories and we experienced a bit of each other’s lives – but the main point, we were engaged.

Very few “average” networking meetings can live up to these events and its because they’re stuck in the norm, maintaining the “usual” routine. It’s no longer about making business contacts, rather making personal contacts.. making friends.. relating to each other on a level that is much more than just “what service can I provide you”.

With that, I would like to introduce Foundation Studio’s very first networking event.

February 2nd, from 7 – 9pm, a bunch of great business women and men will be at The Lina Lounge in Schomberg to listen to Hilary McDonald give tips, tricks and advice on preparing for the upcoming tax season (Blegh!)

Our networking meetings are different because you never have to pay a membership fee, you are not obligated to come to all of our meetings, only the ones that interest you (we hope they all do!) and only the ones that fit with your schedule.

Our networking meetings have a start and an end, one topic, food, drink and plenty of Q&A, casual conversation and loads of networking!

Please consider joining us on February 2nd to participate in our meeting – I’d love to meet you and introduce you  to the team!

February’s Meeting – $10

Tax Preparation with Hilary McDonald, Accountant

Sponsored in part by:

Date: February 2nd, 2009 from 7pm-9pm

Location: Lina Lounge & Playroom, Highway 9 & Highway 27, Crossroads Plaza, Schomberg Ontario (Map Below)

Register Today so you don’t miss out!

$10/person

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A Very Special Thanks to Friends at The WomenPreneur and The Yummy Mummy Club for helping us spread the word!!

Howdy!! I hope you are having a good October so far!! It’s pretty crazy to think that September went by that quickly!

October is usually the time when tradeshows, expos and craft fairs start to gear up for their busy season (the holiday season!!).

I have been privvy to some good show times over my past few years in business – I have been a vendor in small craft shows, medium consumer shows and even a HUGE weekend show that boasted over 80,000 attendees!!

I have learned TONS along the way about booth setups, ease in preparation and take down, time management tricks (to keep you occupied during your “slow” times) and even small tidbits that you didn’t even think of… zip tie anyone?!?!

Throughout all the times I have been prepping for shows, one thing remained the same – my “Booth Kit”. My booth kit has been my savior over and over again and even yesterday – when I was at my first show of the season, I actually inspired a few other vendors to create their own booth kit too.. I was setup in about 15 minutes and when I was done, I was out in 5 minutes flat!

The Checklist is loaded with tons of things to pack in your kit (as seen in the pic here) and guarantees that you will never be left without anything for a successful tradeshow ever again!!

I have The Checklist stuffed inside a clear sheet protector, taped to the inside of the cover of a medium rubber tote. Once filled, I throw the lid back on the tote and stick it inside my suitcase on wheels (with extending handle). All my small stuff fits neatly into the tote and then my bigger stuff fits into the suitcase and I zipp’er up and I’m good to go!

Yesterday’s show was a fabulous event that we sponsored; Stilettos & Sneakers.

Produced by Talk of the Town Events, Stilettos & Sneakers was a day long event that showcased a plethora of services that benefit the women of my town (Georgina). The turnout was amazing as women lined up at the entrance doors waiting to get in! The first 300 women were treated to a pretty cool bag filled with tons of swag and treats from all the vendors at the show!

There were mini makeovers, manicures, massages and even people getting their haircut on site! A fashion show and mini yoga classes could be found at various times throughout the day helping to keep attendees at the show for longer periods of time.

Foundation Studio was there showcasing it’s newest product (which I will have up online later this week!) and received great feedback! We had a raffle item that was donated by Jolie Mack Designs – a gorgeous pair of “Baroque Down” earrings – Our winner will be contacted tomorrow (I haven’t even unpacked the booth kit yet!)

Jennifer Anderson, CEO (Community Event Organiser) & Owner of Talk of the Town Events thought of everything when it came to entertaining the attendees – I can’t wait for her next event!

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I encourage you to download my booth kit checklist and get yourself duly prepped for your next tradeshow. Then drop me a line and let me know what your tips, tricks & tools for tradeshow success are. I’d love to hear them so that I can share them with everyone else and make this tradeshow season a success for everyone!

Cheers to a productive week!
Ariane

Hey there!

WOW! What a great response to our Psychic Soiree on February 13th!! It almost sold out in minutes!!!

We have a few spots left, but we’ve also added a 2nd date to accommodate people that couldn’t come to the February date.

Friday, January 23rd is the second scheduled date and as per the first one, tickets are $40 and include a taped mini reading with Nancy Arruda of Universal Sky, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and plenty of laughter and conversation!!!

Tickets are available now and are going FAST – check out our events page to get yours today!!

We’ve had rave reviews about our Ladies Nights in the past – come check them out for yourselves and see how fun they are!!!

Bring a friend!!! Hope to see you there!!!
Ariane