'Meetups' give entrepreneurs a new way to network
Vancouver group has 900-plus membersFiona Anderson, Vancouver Sun
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
While most people think of British Columbia as the land of outdoor enthusiasts, one look at local "meetup" groups shows it's also the land of entrepreneurs.
Meetup.com is an online social network that lets anyone pick their favourite topic and ask others to join in and meet up. Groups are as diverse as the Richmond lefties local politics meetup, the Vancouver Dr. Who group and stay-at-home moms.
Not surprisingly, the hiking meetup group is Vancouver's largest, not necessarily welcome news to people who like solitary walks in the mountains. But the Vancouver Entrepreneur Meetup Group, with more than 900 members, is right on the hikers' heels, and with networking, the more the merrier. Last week, more than 60 local business owners raised glasses of wine, exchanged business cards and mingled at this month's entrepreneur meetup. Most were hoping to make contacts that would bring in customers. But many were there just to meet like-minded souls.
Ralph Gottfried has a home design and renovations business. He's at the meetup to meet interesting people. Many of his friends have "regular jobs . . . [and] don't see the hassles you have," Gottfried said. "They see only that you're home and you don't work. But you work more than most people." So it's nice to meet similar people with similar problems, he said.
On the other side of the spectrum was Roland Mah, owner of Mah Enterprises who was definitely hoping to drum up business. In half an hour he had already handed out quite a few cards. Mah teaches people how to sell online. "If they are interested in progressing in life and moving forward, that's where I come in," Mah pitched.
But the main purpose for the group, according to organizer Minna Van, is peer support."I'm an entrepreneur myself and I know what it's like when you're working long hours and you are desperately looking for an outlet when you're stressing out," Van said. It's especially good to have people outside the business, and sometimes even from other industries, to talk to, she said.
The group is meant to be like the Vancouver Board of Trade but cheaper and more informal, Van said. There are no speakers, and people are asked to bring wine and cheese. Van and her company, The Network Hub -- which provides office support, space and financing for small companies -- donate the locale.
In a room bustling with people of all ages, some in business attire, others more casual, and almost everyone holding a glass of wine, it looks more like a cocktail party than a business function. Except there are no wallflowers. No one is shy about introducing themselves and handing out their card.
Donna Mackniak loves talking about her business -- teaching English in the workplace -- and loves hearing about other people's successes. "I find it very inspiring and very encouraging and I love to hear what people are doing with their business," Mackniak said. And while she doesn't expect to meet potential clients hopefully she can get recommendations on a good bookkeeper or hear about a successful marketing strategy, she said. "It's more about inspiration and ideas and talking to people who live a similar lifestyle," Mackniak said.
And the networking doesn't end after the last drinks are poured. Online members can e-mail each other or post "shouts" asking questions, or providing advice.
There are also other business-related groups, like the global business opportunities meetup and millionaires in training.
Shannon Robert Walker and his wife Cassandra have got more than just advice through their meetup contacts. They were also able to find people to finance their animated television series Power Force -- a children's education series that teaches the wonders of the world in an action-packed non-violent way.
"We really encourage people to come to these kinds of groups and meet like-minded people who really believe they can get somewhere," Walker said. "That's what we did -- we got somewhere."
