Last week was an amazing confluence of inspiration and education...here's what happened for The Link!

Janet Lee Johnson (http://www.janetleejohnson.com/; twitter: @janetleejohnson) was our featured speaker this month, discussing the topic of "Social Media". We all need to become savvy to this new approach to marketing as well as connecting! Every business needs to add some aspect of social media to their marketing strategy!! The Link has started to Twitter and Blog to get the word out about what we do and why we do it!

25% of the 75 attendees sent evaluations...reflecting a very interested group!! The comments reminded me of the story of Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears...some thought it was "too light", some "too heavy" but most thought it was "just right"! Here are some comments...

Went right home and linked myself in!
Good speaker, interesting topic.
I loved the evening. Janet's presentation was engaging and informative and without question increased my knowledge base. Additionally, it was a pleasure to share ideas with this group of interesting and talented women.

Janet Lee Johnson's presentation was great, as were the questions and her responses to them. Social media is a hot topic and I thought she did a great job of covering it, especially considering the amount of material and the diversity of audience experience.
I felt less material and more live hands-on on-screen would have been helpful for this audience. People wanted to know what is it like and what's involved, and showing can help a lot with that.
I really enjoyed Janet's presentation - filled with great information and very timely for me. Based on her recommendation, I set up my Twitter account this morning!
This was a great event, it was my first to attend and I am looking forward to coming to the next one! I enjoyed the topic, Janet is an excellent presenter.

Janet was warm, knowledgeable, professional. Great choice and well prepared. Being a heavy social media user/coach myself, I might have structured the content differently for such a newbie audience - or specifically held different beginner/pro sessions. Rather hard to be everything to everyone - a wide gamut represented.

I couldn’t stop yawning. This was much too much information all at once and the level was not catered to anyone brand new to the social media/website game! I thought this was going to be a bit more baby-steps...
I was hoping for more meat, rather than an overview.

There was a bit of a problem with the volume in the adjacent room with Bingo night. We will definitely choose a different location for Tuesday night events!

Don't miss Doug Mendenhall's seminar on May 29 on "Risk Takers vs. Risk Talkers". Click Here for more info!

Had a great meeting with Sandy McDonough and Pam Knowles of the Portland Business Alliance (http://www.portlandalliance.com/). These 2 ladies are leading the charge in the Portland business community and we are exploring ways to create a synergy with The Link. Pam is running for school board and would bring her legal expertise and business savvy to our ailing school system. Sandy has been a mentor for A Seat at the Table and a member of The Link's community for many years. Great Girls!

On the Non Profit front...
A special thank you to Patrick Stickle and the staff at The Oregonian for supporting all girls by sponsoring Girls Inc.'s (http://www.girlsincnworegon.org/) Women of Honor. The ad ran on May 17th listing all of the women that were honored through donations commemorating women that have made a difference in our lives...The Oregonian rocks!

Also spent time at The Casey supporting OHSU Women's Center for Health, another favorite of The Link! Plan to attend the Nordstrom Designer Preview benefit on July 9! Always a blast!!! Click here to learn more!

It's been awhile since you heard from us so let me get you up to speed...

In April, we had some amazing events...

On April 13 we had our members only dinner at Paragon. 18 amazing women came together for great conversation and wonderful food! It was a tight fit in their private dining area but we had a lovely evening! We have realized that with a group that large, we need to split the updates and requests & offers into 2 groups of 9-10. Gourmet Productions in LO will be the location in May...don't miss their amazing risotto!

On April 22, B. Douglas Bouland, the world's master connector, coordinated a night at Bedford Brown in NW Portland. BB opened their doors to us with grace and style! 40 women and men enjoyed grapefruit martinis and incredible nibbles from Gourmet Productions. The Prosciutto Biscuit Sandwiches were TO DIE FOR! Portland Parks Foundation was our featured non profit on Earth Day...how appropriate huh?
Here are some comments from those who attended the evening of "linking" and learning about home decor:
Ø The setting, the people, the openness of the individuals of the group, the product were all very inspiring.
Ø Totally informative, enjoyable evening in a wonderful atmosphere!
Ø Lots of fun! Thanks
Ø I really liked this event. It was low key and it was great to hang out in such a beautiful space.
Ø It was fun to see B&B and the guys and staff are lovely. ...the place is fantastic....:-) Truly a hidden jewel!
Ø This was a fun way to see (and smell) some great home ideas. Easy mingling and beautiful things!

In early April, I stepped in as the Executive Director at Girls Inc. of NW Oregon. Girls Inc inspires girls 8-18 to be strong, smart and bold by providing research based curriculum and events to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, and relational aggression. The Link has supported Girls Inc. since 2004 and I had been a member of the board from 2005-2008. Many members of The Link have attended their events such as Power of the Purse and Heart of a Woman. 2 members of The Link currently hold board seats. I am honored to work with an amazing staff and board who are passionate about "the girls". You can now say that we are in the business of supporting girls of all ages to reach their full potential!

We have great events in May...DO NOT MISS the May 12th event on Social Media! I just signed up to Twitter! What am I getting myself into???? Follow me at http://twitter.com/ctort.

Doug Mendenhall's seminar on "Risk Takers vs Risk Talkers" is amazing!!!!! Take Friday, May 29 as a "support self" day and eliminate your fear of failure!

Happy Spring to all!