I posted up a couple of thoughts on my facebook page yesterday to get a little conversation going and realized that I should share more of the story. Some are just for fun and things I am planning for myself, some are business related and fun in another way. The following are some loose descriptions of some of the thoughts that I’m working on.

Small Biz Panel

5 “experts” in marketing, HR, accounting, management/strategy and social media/tech. Meet once per month with a guest speaker presenting and each of the experts presenting a new idea in their niche. Time would be split to about 25% on presentation and 75% on Q&A. Cost somewhere around $200/month with a 6 month commitment. Limited to 20 members to keep it somewhat exclusive. The idea is to offer services that small businesses would benefit from at a price they could not get by hiring each of the experts individually. Creating a collaborative atmosphere and members to help each other. I would hope for this to become a reliable support group for the members, an idea incubator and a power referral group.

Check out the presentation!

Foodie event

Something like a combination of “The Taste of Reno” was in the first two years and Taste for Travel was in the last few years. Only the best restaurants in the area with chefs competing for a prize of some sort. Music playing all day, art on display with live art “performances” and plenty of wine and beer. Locally owned restaurants, local bands, local artists and as many local wineries and brewers as we have (plus some from out of the area simply because we do not have enough). Would be held outside, probably downtown in the late summer/early fall. Tickets somewhere around $50 per person with proceeds going to the local culinary programs in some fashion.
I have participated in many of these throughout my career and have seen the best and the worst ideas executed. I hope to take those experiences and make a bigger and better event.

Napa trip

Been thinking I may put together a group, maybe 20 or so, of Reno wine lovers and call up folks I know down in the valley to set up exclusive tours and tastings. Hopefully find a big house to rent for a night or two and I will cook up at least one big feast. Transportation in the valley would be a must, not sure if I would set up transportation down the valley or not. For those that have never been to Napa it would be a great way to get a behind the scenes look at wine making, and those that have been will get a different experience with the “in the biz” tastings and tours. Thinking about doing this either right before or after the crush later this year.

Those are the big three for now. Please share your thoughts on any of them via twitter, email, facebook or the comments below. Also let me know if you would be interested in getting involved with the execution of any of the ideas as I will be recruiting help as I move forward.

Enjoy the day!