Mark your calendar for December 17th, 9AM at the Westport Country Playhouse. Tracy Boyce, a master practitioner of Feng Shui, will give us some advice on taking a Feng Shui approach to organizing our business. She will also offer some Feng Shui tips for enjoying the holidays! Tracy can be found on the web at www.tracyboycefengshui.com.
“Organizing Your Business the Feng Shui Way” – Dec. 17th
19 11 2009Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: business networking, Feng Shui, networking meeting, Westport Country Playhouse
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
Good Tax Planning Advice for 2009 and 2010
19 11 2009FINE members got some good tax advice from John Pearson, CPA at the November meeting. John summed up his talk by saying, “Its possible we are headed to a generation of paying higher taxes. Its time to begin to prepare for that time now, by taking advantage of your business and using all the planning opportunities possible. Remember, there’s no problem in paying your fair share of taxes…but no use in leaving a tip.”
If you would like to get in touch with John who is a Financial Planner, Financial Services Representative with the Barnum Financial Group, his number is 203-658-1951 and email jpearson1@metlife.com .
We were happy to see some faces we had not see for awhile, including one of the founders of FINE 16 years ago. The networking was more active than ever, with the last few people leaving at around 11:30.
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Tags: business networking, networking meeting, tax, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport CT
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
Nov. 19th Meeting – “Year-End Tax-Smart Strategies for Business Owners and Solopreneurs”
4 11 2009At the November 19th meeting of FINE Business Networking, John Pearson, CPA, will discuss tax-smart strategies for business owners and solopreneurs. The meeting takes place at the Westport Country Playhouse from 9 to 11AM.
Are you using your business the way you should to help you create family wealth, or is it just creating a job? Do you feel like you’re paying too many taxes compared to large corporations? Is your business helping you pay for all the medical bills your insurance doesn’t cover? Have you ever considered how your children’s college bills could be a business expense? What plans are you making with your retirement dollars for the possibility of higher taxes in the future?
Some options have calendar-year-end deadlines, so planning for next year’s tax return begins now. If you want to discuss some of the answers to these questions, please plan to attend.
With over 20 years in the financial services business, John Pearson brings his clients a wealth of relevant financial experience. Through his association with the Barnum Financial Group, an office of MetLife®, John has extended his practice to better fit the changing needs of his clients. John’s knowledge, along with his strong commitment to creating financial well-being for his clients, makes him the best resource for all of his clients’ financial planning needs.
The doors open at 9AM with the opportunity to network, followed by a welcome at 9:15 and each attendee giving their “30 second elevator pitch” as an introduction. This is followed by the presentation and then additional time to network. The meeting concludes by 11AM.
FINE is a networking group for small business owners, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, consultants and those in transition from the corporate world who are considering going out on their own. FINE provides a forum to meet people, exchange ideas and grow your business. Meetings are held in either the Westport Library or Westport Country Playhouse and are open to the public. A small donation (five dollars) is requested to cover expenses. For more information, contact Ed Fitzgerald, via email at ed.fitzgerald@coldwellbankermoves.com, go to finenetworking.wordpress.com, or call 203-227-8424.
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Tags: business networking, networking meeting, tax, Westport Country Playhouse
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
A Lot of Interest in Branding
19 10 2009We had a full house at the Playhouse for Tracie Valentino’s talk about Branding.
The questions and discussion was lively, especially when she talked about branding your presence on social networking and gave Twitter as the example. 
If you missed the meeting, check out www.TracieDesigns.net or follow Tracie on Twitter @TracieDesigns.
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Tags: business networking, Twitter, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport CT
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
The Passing of Jim Awad
17 10 2009I found out yesterday that Jim Awad had passed away. Jim was one of the founding members of FINE.
I never did get to know Jim well. In recent years he came to meetings, would be there for the introductions, say hello and then leave shortly after. I would wonder why. I now see in reading his obituary that he was a member of the Westport Y’s Men. They meet at the same time as FINE.
It was always good to see him. I appreciate the fact that he would take the time to stop by and say hello.
Sam Wexler, another of the originals, had this to say about Jim. “Jim did a lot of volunteer work and was always helping people find opportunities with other people. I remember he was always talking about Save The Children. Good guy!”
Jim’s obituary can be found at http://www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2/comments/james_h_awad_79/#more
We will miss you Jim. Thanks for getting FINE going 16 years ago so we can all benefit from being part of it today.
Ed.
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Categories : Uncategorized
Branding at the Next FINE Networking Meeting – Oct. 15 – Westport Playhouse
23 09 2009Our next meeting is October 15, 9AM, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Our speaker is Tracie Valentino, of TracieDesigns, www.traciedesigns.net. She will talk about ”Branding your Business”. Here’s a bit about what she will say - ”A powerful brand does wonders for business—even in this economy. What does your brand say about your business? In this discussion, learn how to brand yourself across a variety of mediums, including social networking.”
I think branding is somewhat of a mystery to people. We know the big companies do it, but maybe don’t understand what it can do for all os us that are out there on our own. I know I can benefit from knowing more about it.
With the advent of social media on the Web, it’s more important than ever to get the right message across. How are you branding your business? What does your brand say about you?
According to Tracie, a brand is not a logo, unless it is on a cow. :-) However, a logo is very much part of a brand. As is a business card, advertising, packaging, even something as insignificant as an email signature. A brand is the perception that all of these things, and more, give an audience about your company.
Tracie has been in graphic design for over 12 years. Her tasteful designs and strong work ethic have always been well-received by clients, resulting in a majority of her business coming from word-of-mouth. Her branding work has been recognized by the Connecticut Art Directors Club, as well as Graphic Design: USA magazine, a leading publication among the creative community. Tracie can be found at www.TracieDesigns.net.
Hope to see you there.
Ed.
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Tags: Branding, business, business networking, Fairfield County, networking, Westport, Westport Country Playhouse
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
Career Transition Support Group in Westport
8 09 2009Cindy Cornell, a leadership & executive coach who attended the last meeting, told us about a Career Transition Support Group that meets at the Saugatuck Church in Westport. She followed up by emailing these details. Since we welcome people in transition to attend the FINE meetings, as a way of evaluating their options of going into business for themselves, we do post information about meetings or groups that we hear about that may be of value to them.
“In response to a great and growing need for support in finding new employment in this difficult economy, we are pleased to welcome both members of Saugatuck as well as our friends from the community to the Career Transition Support Group, which meets each Monday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 am in the Fellowship Room at Saugatuck Church (entrance at the rear right of the building, up the stairs and to the right).
The group exists to:
- Share suggested designs and structure for effective search strategies;
- Provide opportunities for networking and share leads;
- Facilitate sharing of job search best practices among group members; and
- Provide emotional support and encouragement during both the job search and transition to new employment.
The group is co-facilitated Frank Basler, a management and organizational development consultant, and Cindy Cornell, a leadership & executive coach and adjunct member of the faculty at NYU. For more information, please contact Frank at 345-5652 or baslerasoc@aol.com or Cindy at 470-1324 or cindy@hoshingroup.com.”
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Tags: business networking, career, career transition, executive coach, job, Westport CT
Categories : Other local networking and support organizations
FINE Business Networking 16th Anniversary Meeting
31 08 2009FINE Business Networking will be celebrating its 16th Anniversary on Thursday, September 17th, 9AM to 11AM at the Westport Library.
The topic of the program is “Going Green to Grow Your Business and Your Bottom Line” and the agenda is as follows:
9:00 to 9:15 Networking
9:15 to 9:30 Attendee Introductions
9:30 to 10:30 Program
Panel of Speakers;
Nat Gifford, President, Earthmint, specializes in providing complete geothermal heating and air conditioning solutions.
Adam Ney, Assistant Director of Public Affairs of CBIA and Managing Director, AuctorVerno, a leading on-line resource for green business and green building activities.
Marc Halpert, Greinvoice, online invoice processing to eliminate paper.
10:30 to 11:00 Networking
Speaker bios
Nat Gifford, President, Earthmint
EarthMint (www.earthmint.com) was established in 2007 to address the growing issues of increasing dependency on foreign oil, increasing energy costs and the alarming trends regarding global warming. The company specializes in providing complete geothermal heating and air conditioning solutions and installations for residential applications. We are passionate about alternative energy and the environment.
Adam K. Ney -
As Assistant Director of Public Affairs of CBIA, Adam helps to drive the associations grass-roots legislative activities in energy, environment, corporate responsibility and transportation. He also develops and coordinates the association’s internal and external green initiatives.
Adam is managing director of AuctorVerno (AV) and launched www.buildingctgreen.com in 2006. The site is the state’s leading on-line resource for green business and green building activities. Here you’ll find green business and green building news stories, a green jobs directory and much more.
Marc Halpert, Greinvoice
Representing multiple nationwide electronic payments processors, we show businesses and non-profit organizations the many ways to leverage the new payment technologies, speed cash flow and reduce expenses. Our services are tailored to the client’s need, easy to use and result in bottom-line savings.
FINE is a networking group for small business owners, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, consultants and those in transition from the corporate world who are considering going out on their own. Now in its 16th year, FINE provides a forum to meet people, exchange ideas and grow your business. Meetings are held in either the Westport Library or Westport Country Playhouse. Meetings are open to the public and a small donation (five dollars) is requested to cover expenses. For more information, contact Ed Fitzgerald, via email at ed.fitzgerald@coldwellbankermoves.com, go to finenetworking.wordpress.com, or call 203-227-8424.
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Tags: business, business networking, CT, Energy, environment, geothermal, green, green building, green business, networking, Westport CT, Westport Library
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
A Summer Success at FINE Business Networking
25 08 2009Between 25 and 30 networking enthusiasts turned out for our August meeting. And we were concerned that no one would show for our summer meetings!
Many were first timers which we were happy to see.
There was active networking both before and after the meeting, in fact I had to gently ask people to leave the room so the Playhouse staff could get ready for the next event.
No doubt the turnout was due in large part to the unique topic, “Volunteer Vacations”, and our enthusiastic and energetic speaker, Sheryl Kayne.
Here’s what Sheryl had to say after the meeting:
“Hi Ed — Thanks so much for inviting me to speak with FINE today — it was very FINE indeed! I loved all of the different people I met and talked to — it was just terrific. ……. Your big September meeting sounds fabulous and I wanted to let everyone know that one week later, September 23, 2009, I’ll be speaking at the Fairfield Public Library (downtown main branch) at 7 p.m. I’d love to see some FINE members,friends, and family again! Best, Sheryl - www.ImmersionTraveler.com - ImmersionTravel@aol.com“
September 17th details will be posted soon. What I can say now is that it will be at the Westport Library, not the Playhouse, it is our Anniversary meeting and the theme is “Green”. 
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Tags: business networking, Immersion Travel, networking meeting, Sheryl Kayne, Volunteer vacations, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Library
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
“Yes you can afford a great vacation: A Volunteer Vacation!”
5 08 2009Our next meeting is on August 20th, 9AM, in the Smilow Room at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Weston resident, Sheryl Kayne, will talk about her newest book Volunteer Vacations Across America (June 2009 Countryman Press) where she profiles more than 200 volunteer vacations, for families, singles, couples, groups and special needs.
In tight economic times, volunteer vacations are a wonderful alternative to more expensive, traditional vacations. Volunteer vacations enable you to follow your passion, and experience new challenges. Don’t just visit, get involved and give back!
Sheryl’s vacations cover five categories: people, communities, wildlife, the environment, and national treasures. In her book, each one has a detailed listing providing pertinent information about the experience, requirements, and expectations. Personal stories from volunteers offer additional insight and inspiration.
She will talk about discovering little-known programs in unusual locations, and people and projects that really need your help.
Examples of vacations include:
• Assist in providing vision and dental care to people living in remote areas
• Reintroduce puffins into their natural habitat in the Gulf of Maine
• Offer instruction on fly-fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors
• Clear hiking trails or help with horticultural tasks on Catalina Island in California
• Educate tourists on whale watching tours
• Learn organic farming on a working farm
• Restore historical buildings and landmarks
• Rescue and rehabilitate loggerhead turtles and learn to surf in North Carolina
Sheryl is a writer, adventurer, performer, educator, and public speaker. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed “Immersion Travel USA: The Best and Most Meaningful Volunteering, Living, and Learning Excursions” and of two children’s books; creator of five syndicated columns; and contributor to national and international publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, Working Mother, Shape, Parents, American Profile, The Writer, Chicago Suburban Woman, Connecticut Magazine, Writer’s Digest, Hadassah, Woman’s Day, The Washington Post, L.A. Times, and Marie Claire. www.immersiontraveler.com
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Tags: business networking, Immersion Travel, networking meeting, Sheryl Kayne, Volunteer vacations, Westport, Westport Country Playhouse
Categories : Past Topics and Meetings
