March 16 2017 the Entrepreneur Social Club at historic venue NOVA 535 then further into Downtown St. Pete aka DTSP for dinner at Oyster Bar

Entrepreneurial Magic

It’s another beautiful Thursday night, March 16, 2017, here in lovely downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, what we locals call DTSP. We’re gathering at our gorgeous, historic HQ, St. Pete’s 5-Star wedding and event venue NOVA 535. Where our weekly ritual has taken place since 2009, when the Entrepreneur Social Club, aka ESC, was founded. And Trademarked. So if you are considering creating a social club for Entrepreneurs, be original and find your own name. Dorks!! (Side rant.) Anywho, here we gather to laugh and cry, to share our successes and failures. Plus we enjoy some cocktails from our lovely master bartender Vanessa, and get in some good ol’ fashion networking. When the timing is just right, we enjoy some Entrepreneurial Magic.

March 16 2017 the Entrepreneur Social Club at historic venue NOVA 535 then further into Downtown St. Pete aka DTSP for dinner at Oyster Bar

We discussed learning on the job with rising star magician Cory Van Valin, who recently completed a 2 week tour. Cory  learned a lot DURING the show; like how to reset between his shows. Also he was soaking up knowledge from Ariann Black illusionist.  Cory was called to be part of his http://thealakazam.com show, congrats!!

Since some weeks NOVA is booked for weddings and corporate events – paying the mortgage and all that, we got creative and discussed going off site one night to http://unscriptedtheatre.com.  Everyone agreed, so yes we’ll do it!

Andy Fernandez founder of Finlytech.com is working on automating qualification process for SBA lenders, then delving into commercial and real estate loans later this year.  Andy mentions “We need help with pricing.”  Chris Jenkins suggest a Metered Model.  Also Google the “Rise of the API Economy“. Chris mentions when you’re designing and building your website, keep this in mind. “What reaction would you want them to have if you were to: blindfold someone, put the phone in their hand, and say: What do we do (website) and what do you want ME to do?”

Pictured above is Amber Koch, a first timer visiting from Michigan. She is sitting next to her partner Rohen Shah aka MCSkule.com. They have created skule.org where they create math (yup educational) rap songs, making learning fun. They ask, “How do we motivate kids? Especially elementary kids… We made a song about the electoral college, and it went viral.”  We spoke about the Hamilton Play, and how surprisingly successful it has become. Jamie Dorescuch mentions Crash Course on PBS and Idea Channel. Maybe they should create a contest for schools and the winning school you visit them and create a video.  Of course they are trying to get celebs to help. Bravo to Amber and Rohen!

Below left to right is newcomer Brianna Kirby, Roger Curlin of Club Savor, the meal deal that is becoming a local sensation, check it out! Next is Mark of Shoot to Thrill Media, our fav magic man Cory Van Valin and finally Michael Esser, Photos by Esser.

Valerie Gomes is looking to expand her teambase here locally, next to our pal Tony LaPorta.

Usually after we give our 20 second pitches, go over the club rules: NO Religion NO Politics NO Liars NO Bullies NO Thieves and NO Racists (did we miss anything?) and pass around our business cards, we choose a place for dinner.

  

Pictured below, on right, fourth from front, is Mr. Super Helpful Jeff Sassano. Then moving towards us is Mr InvestInPinellas.com founder David Schmeuck, newcomer Joshua Seth and finally up front on the right is our magic man, Magician Cory Van Valin.

March 16 2017, the Entrepreneur Social Club, aka ESC, enjoys Entrepreneurial Magic at historic venue NOVA 535. Then the ESC ventures further into Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP, for another delicious dinner at Oyster Bar restaurant.

Yea just a quick preview of the awesomeness of The Oyster Bar DTSP. Their ribeye, and of course their fresh oysters, are 5 Star! OK, back to our meeting!

Above, pictured far right are Gina Tracy of ImaginRootLLC and Mr. Cool Tony Michaelides. Below is one of our most favorite couples Kym Jenkins of The Flavor Crate and CTO of Symphony Media Chris Jenkins.

Below left to right is Harvard Journalist on Call Keith Long, ???, business consultant extraordinaire  Nick Mazeika, Brian “BuyMeACarUSA” O’Connor, Jamie Doerschuck, ??? and Andy Fernandez of Finlytech.

March 16 2017, the Entrepreneur Social Club, aka ESC, enjoys Entrepreneurial Magic at historic venue NOVA 535. Then the ESC ventures further into Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP, for another delicious dinner at Oyster Bar restaurant.

Nick Mazeika reminds us to have a sharp pitch. Know your customer. Then get in front on them. What is motivating your customers? Fear? Desire? Daniel Nyiri suggests use the Blue Ocean Strategy. Andy Fernandez says our goal is to become a trusted advisor.

Keyaries Davis , center rear black hair and white polo shirt, is here to help support Local Small Businesses.

Jeff Sassano, center bottom in zip up sweatshirt, and Jason Hodgen area selling products to help students via helpful hydration.

Brianna Kirby offers to help people invest their money. Catch people before they need insurance.

March 16 2017, the Entrepreneur Social Club, aka ESC, enjoys Entrepreneurial Magic at historic venue NOVA 535. Then the ESC ventures further into Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP, for another delicious dinner at Oyster Bar restaurant.

Wants and Needs:

Chris Jenkins  is seeking contract UX Designers

Daniel Nyiri is searching for Orlando Employee’s for personal trading

Dinner at Oyster Bar was fun and delicious as always.

249 Central Avenue, Downtown Saint Petersburg, FL  (727)-897-9728

 

Sharing some of Oyster Bar’s most delicious offerings with newcomer Joshua Seth,  is Haslam’s Bookstore co-owner and my Bogie High School pal, Ray Hinst.  JoshuaSeth.com is a Voice Actor on many Cartoons, plus a corporate entertainer.  He wrote a book on mental focus . He’s with us tonight to practice his speaking, plus pitching his new book Finding Focus in a Busy World. ESC recommends connecting with Topher and Jodi of the KPI program.

The love fest below is Kym, and our longtime favorite members Miky Gray and Sheri Kendrick, both delightful humans and excellent photographers!

Bottom right is Carl Knaak of Around the Leaf Consulting, an award winning social media strategist.

  

On my way home, the Uber driver’s super cute little dog jumped into my lap. How sweet!

March 16 2017, the Entrepreneur Social Club, aka ESC, enjoys Entrepreneurial Magic at historic venue NOVA 535. Then the ESC ventures further into Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP, for another delicious dinner at Oyster Bar restaurant.

Join us any / every Thursday for the always fun AND productive Entrepreneur Social Club. Check out where our meeting locations will be.

Below are ALL the photos from March 16, 2017…enjoy and share away!

 

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