Entrepreneurship

Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, promoting a life of purpose and daily fulfillment. What is your Ikigai? **ATTENDANCE POLICY:** To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community. **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) **CONNECT:** Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [[ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)]

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Sometimes the difference between earning 1x… and earning 5x, 10x, or more… isn’t spending more money. It’s knowing where to look before you buy. One quick check. One extra step. One decision most people never make…and never even realize they’re missing. It’s time for: **Most Buyers Miss Out: How to Find Earning Multipliers You Didn’t Know Existed** JGOOT Lounge Earning Multipliers Expert Kira will be live with us, along with Savewise Founder Avneesh, to break down how this actually works, why most people miss it, and how to start catching these opportunities every time you make a purchase. This isn’t about changing your spending. And it’s not about adding complexity. It’s about: Seeing all your options. Stacking the right opportunities. And making sure you’re getting the most out of purchases you’re already making. Kira and Avneesh will walk through: • Why most buyers miss out on earning multipliers (and don’t even realize it) • How different earning options exist for the same exact purchase • What to look for before you click “buy” • How to consistently average 3x, 5x, 10x or more on everyday spending • A simple way to find the best earning option in seconds This is the kind of session that changes how you think about every purchase. Because once you see how much you could be earning… you won’t look at spending the same way again. Whether you’re new to points or already deep into the game, this will give you a faster, simpler way to earn more without doing more. And once you have it, you’ll wonder how much you’ve been leaving on the table this whole time. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-development-affairs-and-ngos-virtual-hour-tickets-148671196551). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign Breakout Rooms for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective rooms accordingly. All are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular experience, you would like to exchange. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. NOTES : 1. Sign up on Eventbrite for FREE . 2. When you purchase a FREE ticket, you will be emailed the Event ID and Password, on the day of the event. 4. As we try to make it a live event, you can't turn off your camera. 5. We have limited spots and RSVP at your earliest convenience. 6. Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB - Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic). **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE TICKET LINK**. IT RULES.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-development-affairs-and-ngos-virtual-hour-tickets-148671196551). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign Breakout Rooms for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective rooms accordingly. All are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular experience, you would like to exchange. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. NOTES : 1. Sign up on Eventbrite for FREE . 2. When you purchase a FREE ticket, you will be emailed the Event ID and Password, on the day of the event. 4. As we try to make it a live event, you can't turn off your camera. 5. We have limited spots and RSVP at your earliest convenience. 6. Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB - Alcoholic/Non-Alcoholic). **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE TICKET LINK**. IT RULES.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/australia-9-days-highlights-cairns-barrier-reef-sydney-tickets-499023441547](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/australia-9-days-highlights-cairns-barrier-reef-sydney-tickets-499023441547)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. ABOUT THE EVENT Marvel on these 9 days of adventure to explore the highlights of Australia’s east coast from Cairns to Sydney. Explore the beautiful Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest which gives you the chance to learn more about the fascinating history, culture, and nature of the region. Snorkel and scuba into Great Barrier Reef, the best spots at one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Explore the stunning sprawl of the Blue Mountains and the tour can not be complete without visiting Sydney, the capital city to soak up the vibrant culture and laidback lifestyle. **Inclusions** **Ticket Price Includes :** **Airport pickup and transfers** **7 Breakfasts** **2 lunch** **1 Dinner** **8 nights of hotel accommodation** **One way flight (Cairns- Sydney)** **Transportation in A/C bus / Van (shared)** **Excursions and activities as per the itinerary** **Tour leader** **Ticket Price Excludes :** **International Flights** **Meals (other than those mentioned above)** **Personal Expenses** **Tips and gratuities** **Transfers other than those mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost)** **Travel insurance / Visa** **Highlights** **Visited Places:** Cairns Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Great Barrier Reef Bondi Beach Sydney Blue Mountains Kiama South Coast **Travel Experience:** • Cairns city • Sydney Harbour Cruise • Daintree Rainforests • Snorkel / Scuba in The Great Barrier Reef • Blue Mountains tour • Cuddle up to Koalas • Hand-feed baby Kangaroos Reasons To Book This Trip 1\. Affordable Adventure – Traveling with a like\-minded group is not only fun but also it’s cost\-effective instead of traveling solo\. 2\. Forget About The Planning – We take care of permits\, transportation\, and logistics\, so all you have to do is show up\. 3\. Make New Friends – On every trip you will meet new people\, it’s a good opportunity to make friends for your life while enjoying the group event\. 4\. Group Leader – Event organizer will be there every step of the way\, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible\. 5\. Unforgettable Memories – All events are designed keeping in mind to have an unforgettable memory of your lifetime\. ***Notes*** ***Tour Start*** ***CAIRNS*** ***Tour End*** ***SYDNEY*** ***Destination*** ***AUSTRALIA*** ***Flights*** ***Arrival: Day01 before 3pm*** ***Return: Day9 anytime after 12pm*** ***FLY IN Airport: Cairns Airport (CNS)*** ***FLY OUT Airport: Sydney Airport (SYD)*** ***Meeting Point*** ***The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01.*** ***More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp*** **Itinerary** **Day01 : CAIRNS** Description: Welcome to Cairns, Australia. On arrival get transferred to the hotel. Today is a free day to explore the Cairns city. Cairns considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined with bars and restaurants, has a swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches. Activities Included: Airport transfer Free day to explore the city Accommodation: Hotel – Cairns City Centre or similar . . . . . . . **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE A TICKET. IT RULES.** Travel insurance : WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE TO GET A TRAVEL INSURANCE.

**Have you ever had a cheering section in your life?** As a former comedian, it's tough getting up on that stage. You tell a joke, hope and pray that it lands, and if it doesn't, you stand there in a state of total oblivion. Like a job interview with a humorless hiring manager. You all live in the DMV. You've experienced this. **So...what would it be like if we showed up and *were* the cheering section for every comedian, no matter how funny or unfunny the jokes were?** Friends, this is as much a fun outing as it is a social experiment: **What would it be like if we made a pact to cheer wildly and laugh at every joke by every comedian the whole night?** We're going to completely take over the energy of the room and make it a place of celebration, support and enthusiasm. This will be the best open-mic any of these comedians have ever experienced. And it'll be a complete surprise to all of them. We'll meet at 6 downstairs to get to know the others in our group, then migrate up around 6:30 to grab some tables and settle in for the show that begins at 7. If you're ready to show some love and have some laughs, then join us on April 6th and let the good times roll.

Tally Ho Toastmasters meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Monday each month. Our friendly club offers great opportunities to improve communication and leadership skills while providing excellent evaluations by the members. Learn more on our website at http://tallyho.toastmastersclubs.org/. Please, do not get discouraged by the number of members signed up on this MeetUp. Most of our active members do not use MeetUp to RSVP. We usually have around 10-15 members attending our meetings. Come check it out yourself!

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets-1912156614909?aff=oddtdtcreator) **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - [+971504724873](http://wa.me/971504724873) ( WhatsApp Only)

**Our business is about identifying motivated sellers (and buyers) and offering solutions to their problems.** The more solutions you can offer, the more deals you will get. This month we are discussing creative ways to structure deals that will be the perfect solution for certain circumstances. Seller financing, subject-to and lease options are powerful solutions, which will only become more popular as interest rates rise. Come discuss how these deals are structured and find your next deal, lender, partnership and inspiration in a room full of other active investors. See you there! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Guest speaker** **Joe Hurm** is a short-term rental operator and investor with over half a decade of experience. After making (and learning from) plenty of mistakes early on, he’s learned how to make his money work for him through smarter investing and strategic lending. Now he’s helping others do the same - showing everyday investors how to leverage tools like SDIRAs and private lending to grow and protect their wealth. **Nayia Pierrakos: Entrepreneur, Investor & Mentor** Born in Greece, Nayia moved to the U.S. in 1988 and began her real estate journey at 23 with her first investment property. She has since built multiple businesses across retail, recruiting, consulting, and real estate. As the founder of Wealth Thru Real Estate, she teaches creative deal structuring, seller financing, and wealth-building strategies. Her FLEXX Model has generated $1.8M+ in 24 months, and she has completed over $50M in real estate transactions. A sought-after speaker and mentor, Nayia has helped thousands nationwide and is on a mission to mentor 1,000 entrepreneurs to financial freedom. Above all, she’s a proud mom of three, driven by legacy and impact. **“Success isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a life that truly matters.”**

Attend our Opening Day for Team Network’s Fairfax Area Believers. A joint venture with Bridgepoint Connections. ### **New Networking Group Launch Meeting** ## We are the Fairfax Area Believers A Faith-Based, Exclusive Category Networking Group ### **JOIN US TO EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITY** **This Event is In-Person** # **Tuesday, April 7th, 11:45-1:30 pm** ### **Pay $30 at the Door -** (Required) Gratuity is Included Registration In Advance is Required The networking lunch event will take place at Houlihan's located at the Crown Plaza Dulles Hotel, Hendon, VA ### When you arrive, you will choose from a list of three entree's, soft-drinks, dessert DETAILS & REGISTRATION: **[https://bit.ly/4rZ02YO](https://bit.ly/4rZ02YO)** ### **ARE YOU GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO? WE WANT TO MEET YOU!!** We are the Fairfax Area Believers Team Network. We are an exclusive category networking group who want to develop business networking relationship with similar faith in God, with similar beliefs and spiritual values. If you have questions or run into any issues please email us at [info@teamnetwork.com](mail to: info@teamnetwork.com)

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

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

Pitch your idea, get feedback, give feedback, meet with a mentor and most importantly, take action. Come to the meetup with a specific issue you are stuck with. **10:30 am Introductions:** 2-minute pitches tell us who you are? What you're working on? and what you need help with? **11:00 am Problem Solving:** Let's figure out how we can help, and what action you can take today to move forward. **12:00 pm** Open Networking: Keep the discussion going and connect with other attendees. Bring yourself, notebooks, laptops and anything else you need to pitch your idea and get work done. Interested in joining the Studio? [APPLY NOW](https://unstucklabs.com)

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)