{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

If there’s an upcoming event you want to attend but it’s sold out, try emailing the event host to sign up as a volunteer. Most likely you’ll attend the event for free and you’ll directly meet the event organizers – who probably rock!

I’ve been volunteering at Daniel Delaney’s #brisketlab, a pop-up style BBQ brisket club that is an underground hit. For the five hours that I volunteered at one event I got free drinks, ½ lb of brisket, and a voucher for free brisket at future event. Score!

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

As a social media strategist working with a variety of clients, the key to growing a successful business begins with integrating a company-wide social media strategy. Often times business owners are hesitant about using social media since they don’t quite understand the link between social media and the path to profitability. If you or someone you know isn’t investing the time, energy, and budget for social media within a business, you should read this article: bit.ly/MAPgPC.

The best advice I can give to any business owner is to be open-minded: find ways to integrate social media into daily business. Need help getting started with a powerful social media strategy? Book a free consultation with me: http://bit.ly/jV9EYj and ask about my DIY guides.

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

GET the web tool ifttt.com

An extreme time-saver that makes internet tasks happen automatically. 

FOLLOW @annfriedman

She’s the former GOOD exec editor who’s my new sassy lady biz spirit animal.

SUPPORT Docracy

Don’t let freelancers get screwed over.

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

Follow me on Instagram (@makeshiftalisha) and if you correctly name the Brooklyn neighborhood where this photo was taken you’ll be entered to win a prize!

Submit your guess here by SEPTEMBER 1st and one winner will be selected at random. You’ll have a choice of your prize such as awesome swag or free admission to an upcoming event with me.

Good luck!

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

There’s a meet-up group for everyone out there. I like branching out and finding meet-ups based on discussions happening online. Browse Tumblr, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter for events in your location according to relevant keywords (example: I love the  #beforebreakfast tag) to find your perfect group.

But if you can’t find a group to your liking, start one up yourself.

I recently started a chapter of #likemindbk, a coffee + conversation group with people who are creative, entrepreneurial, and friendly. Come join us at our next meeting on August 17, 2012 at 8:00am in Brooklyn.

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

Did you have a great connection with someone you met at an event or want to learn more about their projects? Invite them out for coffee! Get an extra perk if you buy them a drink and pick a place like Bedford Hill that gives you a stamp for every beverage purchase. Before you know it you’ll have a new friend, become savvy about a new project, and you’re closer to scoring your next free drink!

{this post is running in conjunction with my AUGUST inthebiz! newsletter which you can sign up for here}

Bummer! Summer is nearly over and I have to admit that I still have visions of spontaneous day trips to the beach dancing in my head. In the meantime, I’m staying focused on making the most impact during the work week. Read on for five tips that have helped me stay productive this summer and can help you do the same! I will be sharing 1 tip each week, so check back for the rest!

Tip #1: Make Your Contacts Count

I’ve been on a ton of outings that have led to exchanging business cards with really talented people. And this summer I’ve made it a priority to take the time to update my contact lists through Gmail, LinkedIn, and all other social networks so I can support new people I’ve met, find resources for upcoming work, and know who to pitch new ideas to. If you don’t already maintain a list of contacts you can keep things simple by creating a spreadsheet with a running list of people you meet and highlighting contacts on your priority list. Or better yet, use a program like Highrise to digitally organize your address book.

check back next week for Tip #2: Schedule A Coffee Chat!