Building Business While Raising a Glass

How to move from sharing drinks to promoting your business at FX events.

We all know that Freelance Exchange events are a great reason to get out of your freelance office, see some industry peers, and maybe share the most recent highs and lows of your business. But, there’s more to these events than just socializing with friends.

Did you realize that Freelance Exchange events can help you build your business?

Join us at The Granfalloon Restaurant & Bar before the February Happy Hour begins to get more details on using The Freelance Exchange as a business-building tool. We’ll cover:

• Why networking your business with other freelancers is beneficial to you, and some tips to make it easier.
• Why the ICE Awards and Portfolio Showcase events matter to your business, and how to get involved.
• How to get the most out of attending the monthly luncheons.
• How to find freelancers you want to work with or add to your referral network.

Come early, learn some valuable tips, then stay for the Happy Hour and put them to good use!

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday, February 8

The Granfalloon Restaurant & Bar

Branches closing, postage changes… what’s a business to do?

Worried what the upcoming changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) will mean for you and your clients? Looking for a more cost-effective way to send direct mail for your clients? Wondering how to make your home office more productive using USPS small business services?

With the new year upon us and new postage rates taking effect, it’s time to evaluate how we use the USPS and find ways to maximize this tool to benefit our clients and our own businesses.

Join us at Lucky Brewgrille where DoJuan Hobson, Business Development Specialist with the USPS will discuss these recent changes and offer detailed information, including handouts, to help you work smarter in 2012.

Friday, January 27
Lucky Brewgrille

In case you missed it…

On Friday, November 18th, we had a packed house at Cupini’s for a great meal and defense of “Tangible Marketing” otherwise known as print collateral. One surprising fact we learned – the 18-24 year old market prefers to receive something they can touch and feel. There were also great samples along with networking opportunities before and after the presentation.

Kick back at The Foundry

Join us in Westport for our first happy hour of the New Year! We’ll be hanging out in the upstairs loft at The Foundry, an urban-cool beer bar. Kick back with one of McCoy’s handcrafted ales, a chic cocktail, or a tasty “beer bite” off the happy hour menu. Got some new business resolutions to share? The monthly happy hour is a great way to get your business in the spotlight, so talk yourself up – and don’t forget to bring business cards!

Both members and non-members are welcome.

FX Happy Hour
Thursday, January 12
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The Foundry
424 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO

With everyone caught up in the brilliance of the digital age and the glamorous social media world, we often forget about print and its long history in marketing. During our digital affair, print has steadfastly stood in the background, and now it is making a solid comeback as a cost-effective, tangible marketing medium.

On November 18, we will hear from two industry aficionados on what is recharging the printing world. Clifton Alexander of REACTOR Design Studio and Carol Hoffman from Appleton Paper will explain the how and why behind print’s resurgence and show ways that print can be a truly effective channel for your marketing message.

Friday, November 18
Cupini’s

In case you missed it…

On Friday, October 28, Lisa Qualls from Fresh ID spoke about using integrated social media channels to grow revenue, including a few case studies of this in action for John Deere and Sporting KC.

When it comes to reaching customers and delivering your message, the decision is no longer whether to use direct mail or e-mail or print ads or radio – the decision now is how much of your resources will you allocate to each and how they can work hand-in-hand. Whether your customer prefers to hear from you in the form of a catalog, an e-mail, on Facebook, or all of the above, you will grow the relationship and gain business revenue by touching them with all of these methods. It’s just a matter of finding the right ratio.

Lisa Qualls with Fresh ID will give some tips on working the two-way conversation and share some of her case studies and their results with us.

Friday, October 28
The Westport Flea Market Bar and Grill

In case you missed it…

On Friday, September 30, around 35 freelancers joined us at Cascone’s Italian Restaurant where Cami Travis-Groves delivered multiple pearls of wisdom to help everyone get out of the inevitable creative rut.

Be a Mix Master

Whether you like it shaken, stirred, or on the rocks, the bartenders at Johnny’s Tavern can make it happen. But when it comes to working your professional network – that’s all up to you. Join fellow freelancers at The Freelance Exchange of Kansas City Happy Hour on October 12 to sharpen your networking skills while enjoying some laidback conversation and cocktails.

Know someone interested in joining the Freelance Exchange? Bring them along! Our monthly Happy Hours are a great way to learn more about the organization in a casual environment.

Both FX members and non-members are welcome to attend.

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday October 12
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Johnny’s Tavern
6765 W. 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66209
(913) 451-4542
MAP

Are you in a groove? Creative juices flowing, ideas rolling right along? Great! But is that groove becoming a rut? As a freelancer, you have to keep the creativity alive and make sure your projects don’t become predictable, stale, or boring. When that happens, the ruts just get bigger until you end up in a deeper trench that is even harder to overcome.

Don’t wait to get stuck in the rut! Join us at Johnny Cascone’s Italian Restaurant where graphic designer, story teller, and good juju-spreader, Cami Travis-Groves will relate stories of quantum physics, caterpillars, and cilantro that can help you get out and stay out of any creative rut.

Friday, September 30
Cascone’s Italian Restaurant

In case you missed it…
On Friday, August 26, around 35 freelancers joined us at Lucky Brewgrille for a great meal and data analytic tips from Jessica Best with emfluence, including how to determine who you best clients really are and how to find more just like them. There was a great Q&A session along with networking opportunities before and after the presentation.

Join Us for a Pint!

We’re halfway to St. Patty’s Day, so let’s celebrate! Share your lucky charms with fellow freelancers at the next FX of KC Happy Hour. Join us on Wednesday, September 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at O’Dowd’s Little Dublin on the Country Club Plaza.

Head up to the rooftop patio for some casual networking and open conversation, and if the luck of the Irish is with us, the weather will be nice!

Both FX members and non-members are welcome to attend.

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday September 14
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

O’Dowd’s Little Dublin
4742 Pennsylvania
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-561-2700
http://plaza.odowdslittledublin.com

A free parking garage is located on Pennsylvania, directly across from O’Dowd’s.

Don’t let the term “data analytics” make your eyes glaze over!

Data analytics is more than just a numbers game. It can be used to improve results and help measure project benchmarks. It can help you create stronger client relationships and grow your business, turning a single project into repeating work. It offers accountability and the opportunity to be a true partner to your client – no matter what your area of expertise.

If you’re confused by the idea of data analytics and how it applies to your role as a freelancer, join us at Lucky Brewgrille for a wonderful meal and get the details from Jessica Best, Marketing Manager with emfluence™. She will share her knowledge as a strategic consultant and subject matter expert in e-mail marketing and social media marketing for various business and marketing associations, nonprofits, and many emfluence clients.

Friday, August 26
Lucky Brewgrille

In case you missed it…
On July 29, 34 freelancers joined us at the Westport Flea Market for some excellent tips and tricks from Shawn Kinkade to regularly get the most productivity out of any workday. The luncheon delivered a great discussion and with some solid networking with fellow freelancers afterwards.

Get Your Grape On

Whether it’s a Californian Pinot Grigio, a Spanish Tempranillo or a glass of French bubbly that calls your name, you’ll find it on the list at Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen.

Join us on Wednesday August 10 to indulge in your favorite varietals – either by taste, glass or bottle – and converse with fellow freelancers in this Crossroads hot spot.

Make sure to come early to take advantage of Tannin’s BOGO happy hour special – everything is buy one, get one free until 6 p.m.

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday August 10
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen
1526 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO
816.842.2660
www.tanninwinebar.com