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

http://www.cafeparadisoza.com/

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/

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.