We heard an amazing presentation by Peter Vogopoulos, with an opening story that felt very familiar to many of us: an entrepreneur whose business began to slowly creep into his life, leading him to an emotional and intellectual break down. In other words, yet another victim of the Entrepreneurial Trap. If only this poor soul had met Mr. Vogopoulos beforehand…

Peter explained the three parts that make up an entrepreneur:
1. the technician (a “doer”)
2. the manager (who runs everything)
3. the entrepreneur (the visionary)

According to our speaker, most business owners make the same mistake: too much of part 1, just enough of part 2, and not enough of part 3. There are several causes for this error, a prominent one being entrepreneurs who are not willing to let go, thus denying themselves the freedom they were looking for when they decided to launch their own business. The solution brought forth by Peter is very simple, and all it requires to begin working, is a shift in perspective. To be successful, entrepreneurs should remember their position as founders, and remain a sort of omniscient part of their enterprise. This is a crucial point, or rather line, separating those who, in Peter’s words, have a business, from those who own their jobs. In order to escape The Trap, every entrepreneur must decide which side of the line he or she wants to be on.

Some books recommended by Peter for further reading were:
Eat That Frog, by Brian Tracy
Duct Tape Marketing, by John Jantsch

Looking forward to seeing you next month!

Over forty people came out to hear Mr. Marvin Garellek’s presentation on The Art of Sales and Negotiation. Marvin offered the crowd great tips, through an entertaining recount of his own experiences. He outlined essential techniques, stressing the importance of going for it fearlessly – as he did when he approached an industry giant from the depth of his basement office-, and going all the way to show your potential clients that you run a unique and solid business –for instance, trying out your client’s product, while or before offering your company’s services. We also heard three outstanding one minute presentations by members chosen through a random draw.

Edge is looking forward to seeing you again at the next event: The Entrepreneurial Trap.

Fred Blauer and Associates Inc.
14589 - 6 Aumais
Pierrefonds, Montreal, QC H9H 4X3
fred@fblauer.com
Telephone: +1 514 667 1555
Mobile Phone: + 1 514 895 6178
http://fblauer.com

E-mail: info@formitech.ca
Telephone: 514-664-3535

Last Tuesday I walked towards the 6th Edge event thinking about this concept, and its obvious application to business. It is the materialization of the well known network idea. That which brings me to Tavern this fine evening. Upon arriving I remembered that unfortunately, our speaker was sick and had to cancel his presentation. Patrick, we wish you well! We were all looking forward to your wise words, so we hope to see you feeling better, very soon! In spite of the set back, it turned out to be a constructive 6-9. I was pleased to see some familiar faces, and happy to shake some new hands. Networking went on in the usual up beat fashion, and I was able to watch new relationships develop all around.

I took a moment to step back and take some mental notes that may help us improve future events. As I did so, I side-tracked and came to recognize how much Edge has pushed me forward over the past few months. No, this is no cliché! I was never one to bring shiny apples for my teacher’s desk. The truth is that over the six events which have passed, more than contacts, I have come to meet new friends. The idea pulled me back to the exchange I described on my first paragraph, and it dawned on me that this is what contemporary business is all about. It is not simply networking. It is about creating an infinite net, which will protect and propel me, my business; others and their businesses. Making contacts means making friends and making friends means making contacts. All of the above means business, and business means much more that I can summarizes in one blog. So I stepped back onto the networking floor, and began to knit again.

post by Gisela D. Sleizer

Since Edge’s first networking event, we’ve come to notice that the increasing interest in our group stems from the need for entrepreneurs to create communities of like-minded, ambitious individuals around them: individuals who thrive on bringing solutions to needs that arise around them and who are willing to take the necessary risks to implement their projects in order to develop our society and economy.

Gandhi may not be considered today as a business-minded entrepreneur. However, we think that he knew a thing or two about overcoming challenges in one’s attempt to implement a vision of the world. He definitely carried an entrepreneurial spirit, when he said, “Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.”

We want to be with you throughout these stages.

As mentioned at the launch, Edge Networking came into being in order to help entrepreneurs find their Midas’ touch, their competitive edge in today’s local and global marketplace. We hope that our website will become a platform for constructive exchanges that will encourage all of our members reach their goals.

Thank you to all who attended the launch, and all our previous events. Thank you also to all other groups who have partnered up with us, and to local businesses like Taverne Crescent, Newtown and Deli Planet who have given us a space to host dynamic activities!

EDGE Networking’s Organizing Committee

NU Frontier is centered around the mascot Nexus who is the link between industrial age and the information age. Andrew’s most recent focus has been centered on training the Zoomer population (50+) on the use of computers.