How to Grow Your Business

Penn West has a fast growing startup ecosystem, and entrepreneurs here are lucky to have so many resources available to help them in their journey. At this in-person event, we will gather entrepreneurs and investors to discuss beyond the buzz words and the AI hype - Discover Real AI Business Use Cases!. This event is all about learning what is possible today and available for business use. Real cases, immediate solutions offered. **❯ Guest Speakers include:** * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Arash Sahebe, PhD (Founder & President Sahebe Alliance Enterprises (SAE)) * Gokhan Erdogdu (CEO, CloudOffix) **❯ What You'll Learn:** * Local Solutions to get use for your business * Organizations to help launch and grow your startup * Little-known resources that benefit your industry * Beyond the Myth and Hype, discuss real cases ### **❯ About the Ecosystem Organizations:** * CloudOffix : www.cloudoffix.com Building a scalable foundation for Business AI by bringing disconnected apps and siloed data into one unified operational core that enables secure, real-time AI execution. * AI Collective : www.aicollective.org Building the human layer for the AI era – uniting people in forums worldwide to navigate the rapid acceleration of technological progress. **❯ HOST of the Event:** Sahebe Financial Sevices: www.sahebe.com Business advisory solutions help reduce costs, business risk and increase overall performance. Financial literacy campaign flagship partner and leader Sahebe is guiding the community to a more productive and less risky business methodology. **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/392693/meetup](https://fi.co/e/392693/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet in the grass in front of the cathedral, break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. How it works: Draw a card and ask a question. Listen. Don't coach or give advice without permission. Try to ask follow-up questions when people share. You can spend 1 minute on a question or 1 hour, just go with the flow. **If you show up late, please don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Bring a blanket or chair if you don't want to sit in the grass. *** Rules*** 1. Don't debate politics 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first

The BNI Capital Business Alliance is a business and professional networking organization for all industry leaders. We are one of the top BNI groups in the region, focused on building business relationships and friendships that lead to growing each others business. We meet every Wednesday morning to build relationships, showcase our services, and meet new people! We welcome all visitors who are looking to expand their referral networks and grow their business. There is no fee for visiting our lite fare breakfast meeting and if your business category is open in our chapter you can learn more about how to become a member and join us every week! We are very active outside of our Wednesday morning meetings as well! We host member-only events regularly and are always out and about networking at other events. Due to COVID-19 circumstances our meetings are currently being held virtually through a Virtual Zoom Meeting from 7:30 - 9:00 am. A link to the meeting will be sent to you once you register as Attending on Meetup. We can't wait to meet you! Be prepared to tell us all about your business!

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

BY INVITATION ONLY. Email brian@jollesinsurance.com and let me know what profession you are in. If your professional category is filled within our chapter, we can refer you to another Maryland LeTip chapter. Guests, who represent business categories not already filled in our chapter, are welcome to attend up to 2 meetings. Email me and let me know your occupation so we can determine if your category is available: brian@JollesInsurance.com LeTip works. Imagine having a salesforce of 40 members (and growing) who understand your business, recognize opportunities for you and prioritize helping you grow your business! Our motto is "GIVE, GET, GROW, REPEAT". Perspective members go through an inspection process and are voted on after attending two meetings and getting to know our members. Yes, we are exclusive, but your category may be open. If so, and if you are a full-time professional dedicated to providing quality products and services, our LeTip members are interested in meeting you! We meet on Wednesday mornings from 7:01am to 8:31am at Historic Oakland Manor in Ellicott City, Maryland. If attending, bring 50 business cards and be prepared to give your 30 second commercial. We pass over 1200 tips a year (qualified business leads) between our members. Over 23 years----40 members and growing----LeTip works! www.LeTipHC.co (http://www.LeTipHC.com)m (check website for category availability) Brian@jollesinsurance.com

The reason behind this group is knowing each other, work together mindfully and spread the idea of mindful leadership. We have professional and social events. We organize seminars to educate and inform us, we network on Happy Hours, we dine out, we dance the night away and so on. ***GRAB A BOOZE OR A BITE AND YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will give out name tags and you write your name and your industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD (Hard/Soft Copy). Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([[info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com)]([mailto:info@merevents.com](http://mailto:info@merevents.com/))). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** This is a joint meetup with my other meetups. You will get an opportunity to hang out with many insanely awesome socialites. ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** \- Come one\, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member\. \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

The percentage of people reporting no close friends increased 5-fold between 1990 and 2021.. I feel it. Most everyone I talk to does too. And yet — no one talks about it. That's about to change. Maybe you've felt it too. The sense that everyone around you seems to have their people already figured out. That friendships are somehow supposed to happen on their own, but they just... don't. That you're already out there meeting people, and still something is missing... As a loneliness and connection researcher, I can say that it's NOT just you--it's an epidemic. And at this event, it becomes a conversation. Join us for an evening on finding and cultivating real connection. 💙 This is a part-social, part-educational event! You'll hear a 15-minute talk and take part in guided, small-group discussions — the kind where you actually learn something *and* meet someone worth knowing. **You'll walk away with:** * A clearer understanding of how proximity and intention drive connection more than almost anything else * Real stories from real people, shared in a room that makes it safe to be honest * Actionable steps you can use this week toward building the relationships you actually want "The experiences that make us feel the most alone, and even isolated, are often the most universal experiences." -Brené Brown Suggested age: 20s-40s **\~Loose Plan\~** Intro ⁘ 5m Absurd Icebreaker ⁘ 5m Hear my Personal Story ⁘ 5m Journaling ⁘ 5m Hear Main Talk ⁘ 15m Q+A ⁘ 10m Small Group discussion ⁘ 10m Journaling (optional) ⁘ 5m Small Group sharing ⁘ 20m Takeaways (optional) ⁘ 5m Social hour/feedback ⁘ 5m - end **Why?** • Washington D.C. named "Loneliest city in America" when measured by the percentage of single-person households (48.6%) • Addressing mental health stigma and promoting open dialogue about loneliness are essential steps towards fostering inclusive communities and supportive environments (Kehinde 2024) **Getting there, parking, etc** • Metro: Get off at East Falls church on orange line + 20m walk • Car: Street parking and two free lots **About the organizer - Michael Lin, PhD, MS** Michael Lin earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University, where he studied how information spreads through social systems. After moving to San Francisco, and feeling a loneliness he hadn’t expected, he began exploring a deeper, more personal question: How do we connect better with others? Since 2023, Michael has been sharing what he’s learned on his YouTube channel, breaking down human connection and offering practical ways to build more meaningful relationships. Today, he speaks on these topics, helping others move from isolation toward genuine connection. If you’re interested in having him speak at your event or organization, please reach out! YouTube: Complex Objects [https://www.youtube.com/@complexobjects](https://www.youtube.com/@complexobjects) Instagram: @**thesocialcircle** @complex_objects [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com): The-Social-Circle [https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-nihgttao/events/](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-nihgttao/events/)

collaborative community for ServiceNow specialists and IT professionals to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. This group focuses on real-world use cases, best practices in ITSM, emerging technologies, and career development. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, join us to exchange ideas, improve communication skills, and build meaningful industry relationships.

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets-1972272305558?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - [+971504724873](http://wa.me/971504724873) ( WhatsApp Only)

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Business Oriented Toastmasters (BOTM) is an exceptionally strong Toastmasters club in Rockville, MD. Our club has earned President's Distinguished Club status for the last thirteen years in a row. We are dedicated to helping each of our members achieve their personal public speaking and leadership goals in a friendly, supportive environment. We pride ourselves on having organized, professional meetings with strong evaluations, while having fun at the same time. Guests are always welcome and no notice is necessary. Just show up and plan to have fun. See how BOTM can help you achieve your goals. We are a diverse club with both seasoned and new Toastmasters, and all ethnic and professional backgrounds. For more information, please visit our website at botm.toastmastersclubs.org or contact us at contact-2279@toastmastersclubs.org Meeting locations: 1st Wednesday of every month in person at Faith United Methodist Church, 6810 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 3rd Wednesday of every month via Zoom

**\*\*\* NOTE change of library space - We're meeting at Tysons Pimmit Library in Falls Church VA for this meeting \*\*\*** *theme:* **Freud's Five Fantasy Structures & Lacanian Structures \| DIY Classical Psychoanalysis** This is a lesser known but I think can be highly practical, especially with codependents who tend towards fantasy. The 5 Fantasies: * **Castration in the Real** Why are we different? * **Primal Scene** Where did I come from? * **Beating Fantasy** Where does guilt come from? * **Seduction Fantasy** Where does desire come from? * **Symbolic Murder** Where does the law come from? *Making psychoanalysis accessible to the masses!* Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish Light snacks, water & hot tea provided. Tysons-Pimmit Library is on Leesburg Pike (Route 7) in Falls Church, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **Conference room** is down 1st left hallway, on right side right after the bathrooms.

Come connect with founders across the DC startup community at our monthly Startup Grind DC Founders Dinner. This month, we’re spotlighting Agency founders—but all founders are welcome to join us for complimentary appetizers and great conversation. Quick heads-up: Your ticket includes event access and appetizers. Entrées and drinks will be on individual tabs. We’re also looking for sponsors who want to support the DC founder community. Whether that’s hosting the event, covering food, or contributing financially, sponsors get the opportunity to connect directly with founders, receive shoutouts in our promotions, speak at events, and reach our 10,000+ pre-seed to Series A founders across the DMV. Agenda --- Hosted By Mia Orantes, Chapter Director I'm a dynamic speaker, angel investor, serial entrepreneur, the host of the celebrated Founders Only podcast, and the CEO & founder of the award-winning agency that automates online growth and profitability engines, Creative Analytics. As a lifelong entrepreneur, I am devoted to serving founders by showing them the road map for rapid online growth and helping them navigate that journey. A native Washingtonian, I hold several designations, including a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, an MBA & MS in Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management, and an in-progress certificate in Digital Transformation & AI from Cornell University. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Partner Creative Analytics (https://creativeanalyticsdc.com/) Creative Analytics is a B2B growth marketing agency that leverages data-driven strategies and creative design to optimize digital performance and boost conversions for innovative brands. Specializing in SaaS, tech, and professional services, their services include conversion rate optimization, HubSpot implementation, content marketing, and web development. The agency combines deep expertise in CRO and product messaging with automation, helping clients scale faster with less time and effort. --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-washington-dc-presents-may-2026-founders-dinner/.

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Free monthly networking for Columbus business owners. Real conversations, real connections, no forced formats. Space is limited. RSVP now. Good marketing starts with good relationships. That is what this event is built around. Networking Night is a free monthly event for local business owners in Columbus who want to build real connections with other serious operators in their market. No structured rotations. No forced elevator pitches. Just a room full of local business owners who are worth knowing, in a space that makes it easy to have an actual conversation. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!