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

Some days, it feels like the world is in overdrive, intent on running you over. You have a million things to do, not much time to do them, and your family is starting to forget what you look like. You’re getting overwhelmed with information noise, and it seems like there’s no real way to catch up on everything around you.

What if you had a clear handle on everything that had to be done (and what didn’t), along with a proven way to process all of that information overload?  While there isn’t an instant cure to magically make your days longer, there are things you can do to start adding extra minutes or even hours to your day.

Shawn Kinkade with Aspire Business Development will share with us some critical tips and ideas on how to be more productive in our hectic business lives.

Friday, July 29
The Westport Flea Market Bar and Grill

In case you missed it…
On Friday, June 24, around 55 freelancers joined us at Cascone’s Italian Restaurant for some great ideas for using QR (Quick Response) Codes and how they can enhance your marketing efforts. Everyone came away with good information.

It’s Brewtastic!

Get your brew on at the Freelance Exchange monthly happy hour. This time we’re making a stop at Barley’s Brewhaus in Overland Park. With 99 beers on tap to choose from and fellow FXers to keep you company, this happy hour is one you don’t want to miss. Non-members are welcome, too.

Join us:

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday July 13
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Barley’s Brewhaus – Overland Park
11924 W. 119th Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
913-663-4099

QR (Quick Response) Codes and other 2D barcode are turning direct mail and print media into truly interactive channels. Code recipients simply use a barcode reader app on their smartphones to launch highly personalized, dynamic content and to even complete purchases. With this technology, marketers can now track direct mail and print campaign responses, collect richer data sets, and boost ROI like never before.

In this luncheon, Kathryn McDaniels from ColorMark will cover:

• The benefits and limitations of 2D barcodes
• How QR codes, Microsoft Tags, and other technologies compare
• Which target markets are most receptive to this technology
• Best practices and strategies for blending QR Codes with direct mail

Also, bring your own questions for the Q&A session toward the end of the luncheon.

Friday, June 24
Johnny Cascone’s Italian Restaurant

In case you missed it…
On Friday, May 20, around 30 freelancers joined us at Manny’s Mexican Restaurant for some great tips on getting the most from their Freelance Exchange membership. Included was information about membership benefits, the new FX website, and available volunteer opportunities.

FX Happy Hour at The Cashew

Join us this Wednesday, June 8 for The Freelance Exchange of Kansas City June Happy Hour. Why attend? Here are five great reasons to show your face (and exchange a few business cards):

1. Get to know the awesome members of The Freelance Exchange.
2. Add some new contacts to your list for future projects.
3. Fine-tune your elevator speech.
4. A great excuse to get out of the office and be around other human beings. It gives you an excuse to wear something other than your work-at-home PJs.
5. There’s no better way to unwind than being among fellow freelancers with a tasty beverage in hand!

Bonus reason: If you’re not a member, it’s a great low-key opportunity to find out what The Freelance Exchange is all about!

See you there!

FX of KC Happy Hour
Wednesday June 8
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sangria and wine specials!

The Cashew
2000 Grand Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-221-5858