Thursday, January 22, 2009

PIcket Fence in 2009!

It’s time for our first Picket Fence of 2009! And a few changes to ring in the new year.

We are trying out a new venue as the Restaurant (wonderful as it was) tended to be a bit heavy on the pocket.

Inscape Design College has generously offered the use of their premises for our next meeting. The idea is to bring your own wine/beer/juice and a small plate of snacks/pack of chips/bowl of fruit/sandwiches, etc. We will supply coffee and water.

In light of the recent global financial and environmental turbulence, it will be a good idea to see what we can do in our businesses to combat the negative downslide and find alternative
routes to new markets, more clients and ultimately grow our businesses. Keep this in mind when you come to the meeting.

Another goal is to try and get an accountant to come chat to us. We all have so many questions with regards to tax, SARS etc. So if you know one that is willing to share information please invite him/her along. This could be an opportunity for the accountant to grow his own business as well. Please remember all suggestions for new members must please come to me first.

Agenda

18h00-18h30:- Arrive, meet new picketers, laugh, bandy about and get ready for business.

18h30: Introducing Picket Fence to the newcomers.

18h45: We go around the table and each person has the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business or project. This is just a quick intro and can take from 2-4 minutes.
An opportunity to hand out your business cards, pamphlets and other promotional material. New members to Picket Fence may choose to sit this one out for the first time.
However we do encourage you to do a short intro as we are generally a very approachable bunch.

19h30: We go around the table and discuss business by business the biggest challenges it’s facing in the current climate. Spending around 15 minutes per business, we brainstorm creative and practical solutions for each participating member.


At around 20h30 we pull the corks from the wine and the table is open for a general discussion. This is also an opportunity to chat one on one with other members whose business caught your attention during the evening and to raise concerns and issues that you feel we should all know about.
What to bring: drinks, snack, notepad, your fabulous thinking cap, great ideas and your own promotional material.

Where:
Inscape Design College
162 Sir Lowry rd
Buchanan Square
302 The Armoury
Woodstock

When: Thursday 29th January, 18h00 for 18h30.

There is safe parking inside the grounds but you have to RSVP as we need to reserve the spaces.
See you all there.

Astrid

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

PROFILE OF RIA BOSMAN

Photo : The Breathtaking Elgin Grabouw Country Club.

Ria Bosman Presents...

Astrid put it well in her article “I do wear various hats”
My Name is Ria Bosman trading under SIMUNYE. “We are one”
Although “Jill of various trades” I believe & trust that I deliver the best possible service in whatever I do & take a lot of pride in customer care & relationships. I build my success on service par excellence, integrity & fairness to all regardless of status, race or sex.

The 3 different divisions I have are:
DIRECTOR OF SIMUNYE PERSONNEL – doing placements of all Corporate staff at the BEST placement fees in CT (guaranteed)
DIRECTOR OF SIMUNYE DOMESTICS – doing placements of all Domestics eg. Housekeepers/ Childminders & AU PAIRS. Frailcarers, Gardeners, Cleaners etc – again, at the BEST placement fees in CT
P.R.O /CONSULTANT for ELGIN GRABOUW COUNTRY CLUB. The most magnificent place “a hidden pearl in an oyster” The club offers unlimited options. Besides its indescribable views with the lake & mountains, It is THÉ PLACE for any type of event, function, party, wedding, exhibition, open air show, sport / water events, fashion shows, film shoots, hiking trails, 4 X4 events & Quad Bike Trails & most important a country atmosphere to chill out & enjoy the wonderful hospitality .

FOR ASSISTANCE OR MORE INFO ON ANY OF THE ABOVE,
CONTACT RIA BOSMAN ON:
021 556 4981 OR 087 805 9183 (O/H)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Profile of Picket Fencers


Wiedaad and Ria getting to know each other.
Wiedaad (left) is a fashion designer and Ria wears a variety of hats including generating publicity for the breathtaking Elgin Country Club. But soon more to follow on Ria...
Wiedaad's fashion label, Wi-We, has just launched a crochet bikini (left) that Wiedaad will send to Design Indaba - Keeping our fingers crossed for her!
Profile of Wi-We Designs
Since the launch in 2006, the label has steadily increased it’s clientele and point of sale, while still staying true to it’s signature look.
Focus lies on fit and fabrication, with a wide selection of beautiful fabrics, raw silks, brocades. All my production is local.
It caters for the stylist, and the result is mysteriously familiar yet refreshingly distinct, occupying the space between history and imagination.
Wi-We brings beautiful garments at affordable prices.
Visit http://wi-we.blogspot.com/ -Or http://www.wi-we.co.za/

Photo: STARK Photography
Model: Delray
Sea Point Pool with Lion's head as backdrop

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Party at Rocking the Daisies

We partied our hearts out at the Rocking the Daisies Music Festival in Darling. Double Click on photo to have it enlarged!


1. We were carted like sheep on a trucks from the parking area to our camping - luckily we have a communal sense of humour.




2. Moments later we hit the Reggae tent - beers and smiles are flowing as we soak up the awesome vibe.






3. Dogs were not allowed - She could care less - chilling with her best friend.









4. Party hats are on!










5. GoldFish rocking 10 000 people on Saturday Night. Brilliant!





6. Sunday morning chilling out on a crystal clear lake.

8. Much later Sunday afternoon and Wiedaad is still raging in the Techno Tent. Get in the car Wiedaad!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Hot Art by Nina.


One of our artistic Picket Fencers, Nina van Schalkwyk, creates beautiful wooden portraits of The Big Five which are now for sale.
For more details contact Nina

Monday, September 22, 2008

Picket Fence Meeting 2 October

The next Picket Fence meeting will be 2 October. The venue and time still to be confirmed.

See you all there!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Picket Fence Meeting - 4 September 08

Tonight's meeting will be held at the same wonderful venue as before - Cafe Paradiso!

Check out some of the Picket Fencers' websites and weblogs on the right hand side of this weblog.
Let me know if you want to add yours!

See you all there!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Photos of Picket Fencers


A bevvy of beauties! Left to right, Donovan and Nina, Ashley, Murdock, Proby, Juan and Mornay

Shiny Happy Mornay.
Gorgeous: The gentle but industrious Nina with her handsome and creative beau Donovan.-



















Ash and Proby.

Somewhat later in the evening - same crowd but we managed to lure the owner of the Restaurant into our picture.


Peace man!

Friday, July 18, 2008

PICKET FENCE: Meeting Thursday 31 July

Our Meeting will be at Paradiso
110 Kloof Street, Gardens.
18h30 for 19h00 -showing up on time in Cape Town already puts you ahead of the pack.
Paradiso is a peaceful space with a tranquil ambience and a very positive vibe - we like that.
There's no entry fee - drinks and snacks for each person's account.
Bring a great attitude, creative ideas and an open mind.
"80 percent of success is just showing up" — Woody Allen.
Read the posts What is PICKET FENCE, and the about me profile for more info on what we do at PICKET FENCE.
See you there
Cheers!
Astrid

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Profiles - Picket Fencers

Every month we share the profles of 4 of our Picket Fencers
July 2008

1. Astrid Stark
Writer/Photographer, Cape Town

I am a freelance writer for a variety of national and local newspapers and magazines. I specialise in entertainment, event and environmental writing. I do love a good hard-nosed investigative story from time to time to keep my mind sharp.

My photography portfolio includes: product; personality profiles, advertising and landscapes.

My ambition is to establish myself in a particular speciality as photographer - earning me a respectable income that will afford me the time to write my novels.

My current challenges are finding my market and getting my profile as photographer/writer to out there.

www.capetownbites.blogspot.com
astridstark1@gmail.com



2. Murdock Macdonald
Permagard SA
Business owner, Cape Town

I introduced a new technology recognised internationally to South Africa approximately three years ago.

My company Permagard SA is involved in the aviation, marine and automotive industries.

Although Permagard has centres in 24 countries worldwide, Permagard SA is still in its infancy and its success is entirely up to me (a Canadian) in a foreign land.

I recently secured a large contract with Aeronexus a maintenance company for the airline industry - primarily 1time air. As a relatively new company in South Africa I realise the importance of networking and market positioning.

My goal is to better appreciate how my business can proceed and progress in the current environment in South Africa.

sa@permagard-products.com
www.permagard.com.au

3. Juan Eden Davy
Business owner, Cape Town
Wildsplash Signs

I own a graphic design and signage company in Cape Town.

My company, Wildsplash Signs began operations in March 2004

I have well established and regular clientele.

My challenges lie within time management, staffing, cash flow and marketing.

Wildsplash Signs creates the whole business package: from logo design, business cards, letterheads, vehicle and shop signage, and lightboxes to licence plates and stickers.

Speak to me about: your company's branding, logos and associated signage. I also have experience and advice on staffing, budgets, labour issuses and self-promotion.

www.wildsplashsigns.blogspot.com
wildsplash@gmail.com



4. Nina van Schalkwyk
Fine Artist/Graphic Designer, Cape Town



I work as a graphic designer and sometimes signwriter at the greatest signage company in Sea Point namely Wildsplash Signs.I love my job which consists of dealing with customers, managing our office and lots the designing of signs and graphics.

I am also an artist at heart who loves seeing my canvas come to life.My work mainly consists of still lifes and abstracts with the occasional animal featured in woodburning(pyrography).I love exploring textures and colours on medium to big sized canvas.

My primary goal is to become a selling artist and to have my own successful company dealing with art and design.I would also like help teach people skills so as to help them succeed in life.I am currently working on a painting service offering murals of different kinds to the public for a fee.My main concern is marketing and networking so as to broaden my clientele.

ninavanart@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.animeonmywall.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

WHAT IS PICKET FENCE?

The Concept:

Once a month entrepeneurs get together at an informal venue (read: funky little restaurant with lots of wine and creative ideas). Everyone gets an opportunity to introduce themselves, their company, obstables and dreams. The group then gets busy finding creative and practical solutions and ideas to forward each individual's concern.

You walk away newly inspired and creatively charged with a handful of connections to set you on your way.

Who qualifies?

Anybody with their own company/emerging company, or big-dream-about-to-become-a company.

Rules: Bring an open and creative mind.
Give, and take, constructive criticism.
Use this oppportunity for self-actualisation.



Example: I did a photoshoot with a group of young female ENGINEERS. None of them are models- the shoot proved otherwise. Perhaps one of them will go on to be a top model. Perhaps I will go on to be a top fashion photographer. Shooting these unusual suspects may just catapult me into a brave new world ...

Through this photo shoot I landed an article in a national newspaper, found a great studio, made invaluable contacts and finalised the creation of PICKET FENCE.


Embrace every opportunity.