Thursday, April 16, 2009

Building a Website: Travis Keenan Tiffin April 16, 2009-6 to 9 pm

Guests and members of AHB gathered at the SMILE Station in Sellwood with much fanfare. The evening began with networking, informal introductions among the crowd and preparation of the food buffet.

The evening's meal offered toothsome delight for our Lebanese guests as well as Middle Eastern fare education for those unfamiliar with the savory cuisine. Selections of Beef and Lamb Shwarma, tempting Falafel, hot from the oven homemade pita, Tabouleh, garlicy humus and an assortment of tempting sauces (Toomeh, Tahini and Taziki) filled dinners eyes and plates with delight. The evening's menu design and execution was by AHB resident 'occasional chef' Zoe Johnson. Rounding out the groaning buffet guests helped themselves to honey and rose splashed Baklava (Zoe and Mark Ripkey prepared the sweet treat) perfect for ending a delightful meal.

Following the meal as guests tucked into dessert, an update was provided on the AHB Booth at the Sellwood Moreland Farmers Market . Our first Booth at the Farmer's Market will be May 13th from 3:30-7:30 pm. With the evening's business wrapped up, formal introductions were conducted around the room with elevator speeches highlighting the months accomplishments.

Satiated by the meal and greetings, Travis Keenan Tiffin opened the educational component of the meeting. His presentation: Building a Website: Ways to Get It Done and Save Some Dough! offered multiple tips (click the link for the complete program content Travis presented) on creating a site diagram, realistic search engine optimization and content managment systems.

During his presentation, Travis offered WordPress as an example of blogging software to expedite Website initial design on a shoestring. Offering insight from the point of view of a graphic designer, he gave an overview of re-skinning a blog interface as a customization tool. Many of his tips were helpful from the aspect of home business owners seeking a professional looking do-it-yourself web presence.

Judging from the conversations and connections made as the SMILE station was tidied up for the evening, the meeting was an informative success. Education along with warm fellowship are what make AHB THE place for Home Business owners to stretch their social and collaborative muscle. Insight and offerings of advice add to the mix at AHB's monthly meetings.

Timely content and wisdom are evidenced in the planning of guest speakers at AHB. May's presentation will feature Neal Lubow :"How are “Home Businesspeople” dealing with this recession?" Neal will be faciliating a panel discussion. AHB meetings include a buffet supper. Cost: $10 at the door. RSVPs requested for meal planning which can be made via phone or through the contact us page at the AHB website.
 Visit us on Thursday evening, May 21st, 6-9 pm at SMILE Station to meet other Home Business owners and participate in a lively panel discussion.
Posted by

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

A Resource For Owners of Home-Based Businesses in Portland Oregon

The purpose of AHB is to assist home-based businesses by: providing business and technical information that is current and practical; promoting professional standards and image; providing an advocacy; providing appropriate group services; providing a forum for socializing and networking

Purpose -- Principles -- Vision. The Association is founded for the purpose of fostering communication, camaraderie, and unity among its members. Members should be fair, ethical and cooperative in all business transactions and relations with other members. The Association honors the sanctity of individual initiative and seeks to unite this indivisible power -- with a sense of humor, a sense of mission, and some hard work -- for all.
RSVP’s requested for meal planning. For information and to reserve call Eric at 503/232-2326.

You don’t need to have a home business to attend our monthly business association meeting! First-time visitors pay the members’ rate of $10 for the meal and evening.

AHB meetings are held third Thursdays, 6-9pm, at the SMILE Station. 8210 SE 13th Ave. The SMILE building is in the Sellwood neighborhood, on 13th Street, 1 block South of Tacoma (Sellwood Bridge St). Corner of 13th and Tenino Avenue.