No, A “JELLY” is not the stuff inside a doughnut!

By: Cheryl Jaycox, Co-founder of The HIVE@44

                                             So, what is a “JELLY”?

  Numerous times in the last few months, whenever I was with a group of people. Whether they were business associates, friends, or family (yes, I aggravate, I mean poll family too!). I would excitedly explain coworking, actually I couldn’t shut up about it.  I would ask them a variety of questions, trying to get a feel of what was needed for our business community. I was also intent on discovering what was necessary to provide for a startup company, to help them hit the floor running. Explaining coworking and the benefits has been, and will continue to be an educational process. Most people don't understand how important this can be for all stages of their business.

     In the midst of my enthusiastic proclamations, the most blank faces and furrowed brows came when I proudly announced, “I am going to host a Jelly every other week.”.   A vast number of  inquiries followed, “A what?” “Do what?” “A Jelly bean?” or a “huh?’. But the most amusing was,” Isn’t that the stuff inside a doughnut?”.

    No, a “JELLY” is not the stuff inside a doughnut! A “JELLY” is a very casual coworking event. People from all business spheres and their personal acquaintances get out of their homes, away from the normal business environment and come together with other like-minded individuals. A “Jelly” is a mixture of work, chat, the comparing of ideas, and the passing on of relevant advice. A “Jelly” can also facilitate the birth of a new project or collaboration. A “Jelly” can concentrate on one particular subject such as, “Best practices for the marketing of your business”. You can also discuss a plethora of other subjects, from recipes to business contracts. It is an excellent time to socialize with many different people, in various stages of life.

     “Jelly” attendees bring food and drink, brown paper bag it, or order out at a local community restaurant or pizza place. Some show off their talents in the kitchen with a potluck. Just about anything goes at a “Jelly”.

     There are virtually “No Rules” at a “JELLY”. Many times, they take on a life of their own. It depends upon the subjects being discussed and the people in attendance. Although, a “Jelly” is not the place to promote your products or services. Plenty of networking events provide for advertising your business. It is a great way to make business contacts on a more personal level. A “Jelly” is the place where YOU promote YOU. A “Jelly”  is an event where everybody engages with each other through human contact and interaction. This is a place to build real relationships that can later be turned into new business opportunities.

            I encourage everyone to come and try a “JELLY” Night. I strongly believe in the power of coworking and a” Jelly”! It allows new business owners, independents, freelancers and home-based professionals to get out of the house, pick up advice, and new ideas. You have the occasion to learn something unique and inspiring. 

         I also believe that, by this being a business/social brainstorming event. It can be a perfect time to invite your friends, family, and spouses who are not normally subjected to networking and working in an independent environment. They can join us and get a better understanding of what startups, small business owners and freelancers can do when we all come together to learn or share information, we can all succeed at our business and increase our profits.

Where cool, creative and interesting people do their thing…..

So find a “Jelly”, have some fun, meet some new people, and build some lasting relationships!

It’s “JELLY” Time!