March 6th - Buffalo Wild Wings

I'm starting to think that those bankers who are throwing lavish parties with our tax money may have a point. In times of economic uncertainty, the last thing people want to do is stay at home simmering in their own special stew of discontent. They want to party or at least forget about their worries for a moment. They also seek to find answers in others. When one attracts people (say prospective customers) to a party and gets a few drinks in them, those people will spend money. They'll feel good. They'll eat a little. They allow themselves to fantasize about happy times and nice surprises.... Oh goodness, let me shut up before I anger one or more of my beloved readers...

All I know is that last night Buffalo Wild Wings on Horizon Ridge and Horizon out in Henderson was offering three hours of free Miller Lite and Tyku Vodka and giving away VIP passes to The Miller Lite March Hoops Viewing Party at The Palms on March 21st (courtesy of Spyonvegas.com). Buffalo Wild Wings already offers 60 cent boneless wings on Thursdays, so attendance for me and my fellow Imagine girls, Megan and Melissa (happy now?), was a no brainer. This notion also rang true with several other locals because the place was packed. In combination with a live broadcast remote from local radio station, Xtreme 107.5, the wing joint was a verifiable hit.

What's the relevance here? If you own a restaurant, beer or pub, there is no reason for you to be losing business. In fact, any business with a physical location and/or showroom can keep hope alive. With a little creativity and a reasonable investment you can attract, retain and raise customers even in our lovely recession. Why? Because folks want to be out, about and around other people and they want to do so while drinking. Now, I'm in no way encouraging alcoholism but, truth be told, enjoying a libation or two is the American way. In fact, according to the MADD 2001 annual report, the bill for a celebration party for the 55 drafters of the US Constitution was for 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, 8 bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of port, 8 bottles of hard cider, 12 beers and seven bowls of alcohol punch large enough that "ducks could swim in them."

If you're in Las Vegas, contact your local liquor distributor and see if there are any opportunities available for them to sponsor an event at your establishment. Contact your local radio station and see what kind of remote deals they're offering so they can do some advertising on your behalf. Hop online and start working your network of friends and associates. (If you're not on Facebook, Twitter, and/or MySpace, what the hell?) Once you're party is in full swing, you'd better be taking pictures like photography is going out of style and then using those pictures to further promote your business as a hot community destination. Why do I feel like I should be selling this information? Perhaps it's because you can find the same kind of consulting wisdom at Imagine Marketing of Nevada where I happen to work during the day. (As if you didn't know that would be coming. It's what I do, Baby!)

Anywho, hosting a party means building relationships. In a relaxed setting, you get to know what makes your friends, coworkers and potential business partners tick. You share hot buttons, hopes and dreams. You find that you have more in common than you previously thought. You find inspiration and a lasting human connection. You find life.

I need to get back to my day job. Please tune in this weekend for more musings and reasons to blackmail me. Tonight, I'll be attending the Leadership Alumni Reception at 5pm, going to PT's Ladies' Night (ladies drink free!!!) at 7pm and then back to Tao for open bar from 9-11. Saturday, you'll find me at the St. Baldrick's fundraiser (benefitting children with cancer) watching my coworker's head get shaved.

Toodles!

February 26th - Top 40 Under 40 @ Blue Martini

Sweet Jesus, I'm so glad I'm not sick anymore. Due to some alien virus, I missed two parties last week along with several other opportunities to traipse around town. Nevertheless, those sick days made the events of today all the more sweeter. Life is beautiful and this day tasted a bit like perfection. This morning, I woke up, feeling brand new, I jumped up...worked out, did my sprint, went to a job that I love, worked with people I thoroughly enjoy spending my day with, got my hair "did" on lunch, spoke to my sweet Georgia lover on the phone, took part in the planning of a wonderful community-building event called the Nevada Women's Day of Service and then I went out! Hallelujah!

Sure, I've been to Blue Martini scores of times (see January 16th ). It's always so crowded, I swear the Fire Marshall is on the take. However, Blue Martini is a must do for all local business people and is definitely a suggested destination for any regular visitors to our fine valley. Tonight, in particular, was a young business person must. Anyone under the age of forty who didn't make it truly missed out on a networking bonanza.

In Business Las Vegas (IBLV) is a local business publication distributed weekly by Greenspun Media Group. Each year, IBLV hosts a series of events recognizing the go-getters of the Las Vegas. The parties are typically thrown in the finest of nightlife locations with complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. One of the most popular events is the Top 40 Under 40 which honors forty young professionals under the age of forty specializing in kicking ass and taking names in business. As if I wasn't going to be there. OutPast30 Lady rolled in there five deep. Shots out to my peeps at Imagine Marketing. Congrats to Top 40 Under 40 honoree and OutPast30 reader, Rebecca Fay. Big ups to Tom Fay, Director of Henderson Libraries. (Folks, Tom reads my blog too.)

To anyone who thinks that professionals are too elite to hang with, think again. While waiting at the bar, I overheard a group of four discussing how proud they were to repeatedly mispronounce words like "quesadilla" and "fajita." I overheard the distinctly high-pitched giggle of acute intoxication. I witnessed professionals piling their plates sky high with shish kabobs and shrimp as if they were at a casino buffet. And finally, after the ceremonies were over and a quartet called Fat Strat hit the stage to cover Beatles tunes with their electronic string instruments, I saw the mass exodus of professionals who were no longer interested in drinking Patron ...especially if it wasn't free.

Business networking is good times with a room full of people from all backgrounds just trying to get their piece of the pie and have a cool time doing it. It's not stuffy, condescending banter. It's real people just exhaling and trying to make sense of this crazy capitalist machine we live in in the company of fellow cogs. I had a wonderful night. My only complaint was when Titties McGee behind the bar refused to acknowledge the fact that I needed another drink. I had to resort to wacky waving infatalable arm flailing in order to get some service.

Singles ladies, I just want to tell you something. Don't listen to Beyonce. No disrespect to my fellow bootyshaker but she's always talking about enticing men in some nightclub. Whatever. Get yourself to these networking events. Just look at the picture to the left. This a fine example of the smorgasbord of gainfully employed men who are very available, are steady on the grind and do enjoy the company of business-minded women. Yes, OutPast30 Lady's pimp hand is strong, however no pimp bones are necessary to make the acquaintance of one of these gents. If you've got business on the brain, then be about it. Bring plenty of business cards and keep your eyes open. Smile, shake hands and tell him your name. Take his business card. You don't have to think of anything intelligent to say because he can't hear you anyway. Before you know it, you've made a hot and sexy new friend. Furthermore, you have his number AND an excuse to call him.

Single men, ditto. Hell, ALL single people, ditto. There's someone for everyone. Go ahead. Handle your business.

Disclaimer: Sweet Georgia Lover Man, OutPast30 Lady did not hit on, attempt to hit on or even contemplate hitting on any individuals of the opposite sex, same sex and/or questionable sex. OutPast30 Lady is not responsible for the undeniable attraction that any individual may have for her, nor is she responsible for any visions, fantasies, or wishful thinking with regard to her overall deliciousness.