Judy Browne - Meetup Organizer of the Week - July 30, 2008

This week we're visiting the Mile High City to level with a women who embodies Aretha's powerful lyric, "The Sisters are doin' it for themselves!" 

Within a few short months her informative "Workshop for Women" presentations have empowered many women (and truth be told, a few guys) with a working knowledge of the tool box -- and has really taken off in the Denver area.

I'm proud to introduce you to our Meetup Organizer of the Week, Judy Browne and her Meetup, Do-It-Yourself - Denver.

Thanks, Judy!



Please explain the concept behind Workshop for Women.

At Workshop for Women we teach fun, hands-on classes in basic home improvement skills especially designed for women. The environment in meant to appeal to women by offering small class sizes with a safe and comfortable work area. The name of the corresponding Meetup is Do-It-Yourself Denver.

Is this group your own idea or part of a larger network?

My Meetup group Do-It-Yourself Denver was my own idea and it met one of my goals as a small business owner to create a place for both women and men who are interested in taking on home improvement projects, share ideas, give advice and offer help to each other.

How has your involvement with Meetup enhanced your facilitation of the group?

Meetup saves me so much time on follow-up, organization and having a common online site for my members to get information. Over half of my members found the group by searching the Meetup website.

Is the group strictly for women or can men join in?

The group is for both men and women, although our membership right now is mostly female. We'd love to have a few more guys join the group.

Do you have a favorite "Meetup Moment" you could share with us?

I think it was how quickly the membership grew and the feedback after my first meeting. I was so excited to learn that my group filled a need and the format was successful.

As a successful Organizer, what three tips would you give to a new or struggling person trying to get their Meetup off the ground?

1. Location, location, location! It should be easily accessible and consistent.

2. Provide a good value to the members. I have a speaker at each meeting about a relevant topic. I surveyed the members for topic ideas and then found someone to fill that role. This has been a wonderful networking opportunity for me and my business.
 
3. Be consistent with time, location and format so that members know what to expect.

What are your hopes for the future of Workshop for Women and Do-it-Yourself Denver?

My hopes for my business are for it to continue to grow and reach more people. My hopes for the Meetup group are the same. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and offering a place for them to meet and support each other.