I like the idea of more structured networking events...I think you should have someone there who is skilled at and trained in facilitating connections between people. I haven't gone to that many events, because the one or two that I went to, it felt more like just a happy hour or party...and I really didn't feel like the people there were very inclusive...if I want to go to a party or happy hour, I can find those kinds of events elsewhere...I'm really looking for more professional networking opportunities where I can make meaningful connections for my business.

I'm looking forward to networking with this network far more than any other network in Atlanta that I can think of. So... many possibilities are what I'd like to get out of LRBN!

Meeting lots of cool people, making connections, getting some business ideas.

So far, I have recognized a few members and reconnected. I have referred a new member and Id like to talk about what I have to offer, perhaps a presentation on Attention at one of the meetings.

A network of people cooking good organic ingredient dishes.  Food clubs would rock.

It was really enjoyable and beneficial, but in the end it was tough for me to prioritize and make it to every meet up.  I have an odd work schedule, and regret not making it a bigger priority.  

I've made some great local contacts and hope to meet even more!

Great friends. jobs. inspiration. new ideas.

Met amazingly cool people, learned of other fun events (like Free Pie!), found out about awesome things in the city (like a farm in East Atlanta!), and attended some of the most incredible, creative events (like Alice in Wonderland).

I can't think of anything more that I'd like to get out of LRBN, except maybe additional opportunities to join forces and help people/small businesses/organizations in the city. 'Sticks & Stones' was a great example of what volunteer days should be like, but even the small sessions at Urban Cottage - where we had brainstorming discussions on how to grow and support local businesses - were beneficial, IMO.

I met some great people, and saw some folks I haven't seen in a long time.  Having just attended one event, that's about the extent of it.

i have met some really, really amazing people!  i would like to do more projects with @ LRBN.  or also, maybe LRBN could do some volunteering around changing themes.  for example, i really liked the Sticks and Stones event of Rogue Apron.  also, i would like to do a benefit dinner with LRBN for Georgia Flooded Farmers Relief Fund.  also, i would like to organize a free Introductory Art of Living Seminar for the members of LRBN.  i really feel there is a need in Atlanta professionals to find a way to easily and naturally get rid of their stress. 

To help strategically partner to create a network of businesses that work together well with my brand and other brands I am currently promoting.

I enjoyed the social media training. Love to learn new things. Also great to network so that I have a group of experts to call on when I need help with a certain aspect of my business. It's nice to have met them in person, so I feel more comfortable contacting them.

Also very helpful to have a nice group to help spread the word about your work. And to find people to partner with on projects. The supportive nature is my favorite thing!

I think discussing different biz topics at each meeting is a great idea. I enjoy being educated by experts in the group - like the social media workshop.

Might be cool to add a community aspect - like we volunteer for Girls, Inc and do a workshop for them to learn how they can become entrepreneurs.

I'd be happy to help plan community outreach or article discussions or facilitate an educational piece.

Oh, another thing that would be fun is maybe a year-end success stories roundup - where we all talk about what went well with our businesses this year. To inspire each other and get us ready for 2010!

It's been good for networking and thinking about my business in different ways from how my field views it.

I am just now developing my business model and getting ready to travel to gather more information.  I would love to pick the brains of others who could inspire me.  I would also love to see what creative things others are doing to see if they are offering something that I would like to be a part of (goods or services).  Wouldn't it be great, also, for members to be able to have an area on the webpage where we could put a 200-word (that's arbitrary) synopsis of what our business is all about (to get the word out), or to provide job opportunities to other members, and other such!  Yes, it would!  Thanks for asking for our ideas.....looking forward to the next meeting or get-together and hope to attend!

I've met some really great, authentic people that I just enjoy spending time with.  I like that it's not a pushy or sales-oriented network.  So, so refreshing.  And all Lauras rock! ;)

I do love casual meet-ups, but they can be a bit crowded and make it a bit harder to connect to people.  I love the idea of highlighting a different product or event or store at each meetings--a way to get to know what members have going on so we can be better ambassadors for them.

Keep up the good work!
I need to do more but i have LOVED looking at all the inspiring amazing woman on the network...it makes me very inspired!
What I have gotten from LRBN is inspiration. I love the concept!! It's like nothing else out there. I hope to attend events next year. I would like to network with creative people that are not in business suits and a stack of business cards in their hands.
I have expanded my community and met wonderful folks that have helped me in my start-up business, both directly and indirectly.

I would like to continue thinking about how I can help other start up businesses and gain information myself from the community.
Met some people and got a few ideas on social networking.  Still early to tell because I just joined.

networking. When you have a small co, it's nice to have a reason to get out and about
I enjoy the eclectic and un-corporate collection of people! I have found more colleagues than customers. I very strongly believe that the group needs to support each others business more. . . either through referrals, hosting an event, advertising a product, mentioning a service on a blog, providing feedback on a marketing approach, etc.

If you begin to charge for membership, I would expect the site to be kept up-to-date. Lately, many obsolete events have been taking center stage. It would be useful to have smaller interest groups for folks to join within the organization (foodies, designers, twitterers, about-to-launch, etc). Each could have its own area for posting info and asking questions of a more targeted group. Perhaps an actual forum structure would be easier to follow, and allow new members to find old answers.
Also, a brief e-newsletter would be helpful. List upcoming events and member business news or special offers. My impression is that people are too busy to maintain a presence on the actual site.
Good luck! Thanks!

I'd like to meet other women who are running their own non-traditional businesses, especially other women who are not afraid of technology, and other women who are community connectors and linkers.  I want to meet others who are living outside the box, and I want to do this in Atlanta and not online for a change.  I also want to learn from them and connect with what they are doing and see how we can help each other.

I enjoyed the networking/making contacts aspect. I would also like to learn more about what other women are doing to make their businesses work. What are members doing to market themselves? How are they setting their goals? How did they overcome setbacks etc...I think a lot of us are good at focusing on a core competency but don't know how to grow the "business" side of our businesses.

I have been inspired by meeting and hearing from other creative types (and those just finding out they are creative) about their businesses and dreams. I would like LRBN to have more things happening in general, maybe several events per month. When events are only infrequent, it is hard to always fit them into my schedule and stay connected with people. It would be great to somehow be able to search for members on the site, who have similar interests/businesses. More, more, more! LRBN is so cool!