Name of event: Developing Effective Value Propositions and Positioning

Date and time: Feb. 27, 6-8:30 p.m.

Place: Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle, N-201, Bellevue

Web site: www.pmcnw.org

Event phone: 425-891-6272

Description: Is your company prepared to compete in a softening economy? Savvy product managers know that effective positioning and well-defined value propositions are key elements of success. At this Product Management Consortium session, two industry experts — Shannon Kavanaugh, founder and president of Go-To-Market Strategies, and Bruce Scheer, founder and Partner at FutureSight Consulting — will share best practices in these critical areas.

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Name of event: ASWA Seattle — Student Night

Date and time: Feb. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Place: Rainier Golf & Country Club, Des Moines Memorial Drive S., Seattle

Cost: $3-$27

Web site: http://aswaseattle.org/calendar.cfm

Event phone: 206-467-8645

Description: This meeting of the American Society of Women Accountants will feature a pre-dinner panel discussion on diverse career/life paths and a presentation by Sharon Daloz Parks of the Whidbey Institute on "The Fine Art of Mentoring Relationships."

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Name of event: Indie Business Night

Date and time: Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Place: The McLeod Residence, 2209 2nd Ave., Seattle

Cost: Free, online registration required in advance

Web site: http://biznik.com/events/2008/2/28/indie-business-night-at-mcleod-residence

Description: Join Seattle's indie business community for an evening of informal business networking.

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Name of event: Build Your Web Site — No Muss, No Fuss

Date and time: Feb. 29, 1-3 p.m.

Place: Seattle SCORE

Cost: $25

Web site: www.seattlescore.org

Event phone: 206-553-7320

Description: Need a Web site, but don't know how to begin? Speaker Robbin Block will teach you about tools to build a site fast without needing much technical expertise.

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Name of event: AIPMM CPM/CPMM Certification Exam

Date and time: Feb. 29; review, 8:30-noon; test, 1-4:30

Place: 15355 S.E. 30th Place, Bellevue

Cost: Fee for certification exam only, $395; exam plus half-day review session, $895.

Web site: www.pivotalpm.com

Event phone: 425-891-6272

Description: Earn internationally recognized AIPMM certification as a Certified Product Manager (CPM) or Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM). The exam focuses on strategies and skills considered to be the most critical across industries. The half-day review session is recommended for those taking the certification exam. For more information on CPM/CPMM certification, see www.aipmm.com. To register, contact info@pivotalpm.com.

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Name of event: Renton Chamber of Commerce February Networking Breakfast

Date and time: Feb. 29, 7:30 a.m.

Place: The Lodge at Eagle Rige

Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers

Web site: www.gorenton.com

Event phone: 425-266-4560

Description: Come meet master practitioner Maurice Brooks of the Brooks Institute of Hypnosis as he teaches a simple hypnotic technique to reduce workplace stress.

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Name of event: Northwest Minority Business Council's Summit Awards Gala

Date and time: Feb. 29, 6 p.m.

Place: Sheraton Seattle Hotel

Cost: $125 per ticket

Web site: www.nmbc.biz

Event phone: 206-575-7749

Description: The Council recognize leading corporations, government agencies and certified minority business enterprises who are creating business opportunities in the community.

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Name of event: Retirement Readiness Seminar

Date and time: March 1, 12:30-5 p.m.

Place: Avikai Spa, Issaquah

Cost: $45 for individuals; $75 per couple

Web site: www.finpath.com

Event phone: 425-316-9964

Description: This session covers the three pillars of an abundant retirement — happiness, prosperity, and health — and how to prepare for them. This event will offer hands-on, practical tips, advice, and resources so participants can create their own retirement road map.

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Name of event: Bring 'Em In! Promotional Marketing for Indie Businesses

Date and time: March 3, 6-8 p.m.

Place: Espresso Vivace Roasteria, 901 East Denny Way, Seattle

Cost: $20; online registration required in advance

Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2008/3/3/bring-em-in-promotional-marketing-for-indie-businesses

Description: Learn how to put together inexpensive promotional marketing events for your business.

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Name of event: Test Drive Microsoft Dynamics Accounting Software

Date and time: March 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Place: Congruent, 4205 148th Ave N.E., Suite 100, Bellevue

Cost: Free

Web site: http://www.congruentsoft.com/C10/Test%20Drive%20Microsoft%20Dynamics/default.aspx

Event phone: 425-460-0172

Description: Congruent presents this Microsoft Dynamics hands-on seminar. Take this opportunity to see Microsoft Dynamics ERP and get answers to your questions. At this event you'll be seated at an individual personal computer and guided by a certified instructor.

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Name of event: Washington Technology Industry Association: March Security SIG

Date and time: March 3, 6-8 p.m.

Place: Seattle University, Pigott Building, Room 107

Cost: Free to members, $20 to nonmembers

Web site: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/events/events_events_wsaevent_tab.asp?EventID=731&eventTabID=655

Event phone: 206-448-3033 ext. 111

Description: The focus of this session is developing effective policies and standards. The speaker is Barb Padagas, manager of information, privacy and IT security for Puget Sound Energy.

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Name of event: Bellevue Chamber Morning Buzz Networking Breakfast

Date and time: March 4, 7-9 a.m.

Place: The Bellevue Club Hotel

Cost: $25 members, $35 nonmembers

Web site: www.bellevuechamber.org

Event phone: 425-213-1205

Description: This results-oriented Eastside business breakfast is a structured networking event.

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Name of event: Business Growth and Marketing Workshop

Date and time: March 5, 7-9 p.m.

Place: City University, 150 120th Ave. N.E., Building F, Room 1029, Bellevue

Cost: First time guests are free; RSVP online

Web site: www.NoBSSeattle.com

Event phone: 425-458-1011

Description: Learn how to improve your income potential and build your customer list. Walk away with marketing ideas you can implement right away, and network with other business-minded professionals.

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Name of event: Starting a New Business

Date and time: March 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Place: SCORE, 2401 4th Ave., Suite 450, Seattle

Cost: $85, $75 for each additional attendee

Web site: www.seattlescore.org

Event phone: 206-553-7320

Description: Learn the basics of getting a business off the ground, including business structure, insurance, accounting and operations.

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Name of event: Green Home Design Overview

Date and time: March 6, 7-9 p.m.

Place: Studio 911, Seattle

Cost: $40

Web site: wintersundesign.com

Event phone: 206-525-3969 after 1:30 p.m.

Description: Ever wonder what makes a home green and how you can make yours more resource and energy efficient, less toxic and more comfortable, while reducing its impact on our p***t? We will cover structural and finish materials, and building systems that are strong, beautiful, cost effective, and environmentally sensitive.

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Name of event: Creating Value and Sustainability in Facility Management, 12th Annual IFMA Seattle Education Symposium

Date and time: March 6, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Place: Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood

Web site: www.ifmaseattle.org/events.shtml

Event phone: 253-265-3043

Description: Learn best practices and hear case studies in sustainable building, workplace productivity and money-saving opportunities. The event includes lunch and a mini-trade show featuring relevant products and services. Continuing education hours offered for CFMs, FMPs, BOC grads, and other professional designations.

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Name of event: eWomenNetwork "Accelerated Networking" luncheon

Date and time: March 7, 11:45a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Place: Holiday Inn, downtown Everett

Cost: Members $38, nonmembers $50; after March 4, $55

Web site: www.ewomennetwork.com

Event phone: 435-44-5063

Description: Paul Casey, a successful entrepreneur for 20 years, discusses running your own business. He'll discuss how to grow slow, so you can grow fast; what it is to be an entrepreneur; business-killing myths; and how to revisit your goals and expectations

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Name of event: Actionable Steps for Achieving Career Success

Date and time: March 8, 10 a.m.

Place: The University of Washington Womens Center, Seattle campus, Cunningham Hall.

Cost: $50, plus $15 for supplies

Web site: http://depts.washington.edu/womenctr/classes/registration.html

Description: Lisa Quast, author and founder of Career Woman, and the UW Women's Resource Center have paired up to offer this seminar. The four-hour brown bag seminar will teach attendees how to apply the business principle of strategic planning to themselves to create a personal strategic plan for achieving career success. Quast will engage the audience in an interactive presentation based on her book "Your Career, Your Way."

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Name of event: Games Speakers and Trainers Play

Date and time: March 8, 8:30 a.m.-noon

Place: Bellevue Coast Hotel, 625 116th Ave. N.E.

Web site: www.nsanorthwest.org

Event phone: 425-458-5771

Description: Ed Scannell, former National President of the National Speakers Association (NSA) presents this workshop at this Saturday meeting of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

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Name of event: Get 'em Off the Home Page: Top 10 Essentials

Date and time: March 11, 6:30-9 p.m.

Place: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way S.W., West Seattle

Cost: $18; online registration required in advance

Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2008/3/11/get-em-off-the-homepage-top-10-essentials

Description: Does your Web site get a lot of visitors who never get past the home page? At this workshop, we'll explore the reasons why this happens and what you can do to improve your results.

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Name of event: Major Gifts: Finding the Perfect Donors

Date and time: March 12, 1-3 p.m.

Place: Senior Services Lillian Rice Center

Cost: Free

Web site: http://sforce.benevon.com/intros/western.htm

Event phone: 206-428-2196

Description: Learn a system to identify and cultivate donors who love your mission, donors who will give for operations, capital and endowment. Find out how to grow your organization' visibility in the community and engage your board in the fundraising process without requiring that they ask for money. This entry-level workshop is designed for board members, executive directors, CEOs, and fund development professionals.

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Name of event: Building a Business Plan

Date and time: March 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Place: SCORE, 2401 4th Ave., Suite 450, Seattle

Cost: $85, $75 for each additional attendee

Web site: www.seattlescore.org

Event phone: 206-553-7320

Description: A well-written business plan is your blueprint for success. Understand marketing, operations, finance and cash flow.

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Name of event: IMC PacNW March Roundtable Breakfast

Date and time: March 12, 7-9 a.m.

Place: The Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. 6th St., Bellevue

Cost: Members, $30-$35; nonmembers, $40-$45. Make reservations online by March 7 to receive a discount; make all reservations and cancellations by March 11.

Web site: www.imcpacnw.org

Event phone: 206-367-8997

Description: The speaker at this breakfast hosted by the PNW Chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants is John McQuaig, CEO of McQuaig & Welk. He will discuss how to make more money as a consultant while enjoying happier clients.

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Name of event: Effective Strategic Planning ... One Day, One Page

Date and time: March 13, 9:30-5:30 p.m.

Place: Columbia Tower Club

Cost: $999

Web site: www.BusinessAndMarketingPlan.com

Event phone: 800-610-2904

Description: Create a one-page business and marketing plan. For business owners, independent professionals and executives.

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Name of event: Rental Housing Association's spring workshop and trade show

Date and time: March 13, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St. Tacoma

Cost: $40 before Feb. 29, $55 after

Web site: www.rha-ps.com

Event phone: 206-283-0816

Description: Session topics include: safety rules for showing a unit, the top mistakes rental property owners/managers can make, fair housing for owners, communication with tenants, telephone techniques and business etiquette, fair housing for leasing professionals, and getting more value with every maintenance dollar.

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Name of event: Washington Technology Industry March Networking Event

Date and time: March 13, 5-8 p.m.

Place: Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant

Cost: $20-$30

Web site: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/events/events_events_wsaevent.asp?id=0803NETWK

Event phone: 206.448.3033 X111

Description: Connect and grow with Washington's technology leaders and professionals at this St. Patrick's Day networking event.

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Name of event: Women's Business Exchange breakfast

Date and time: March 13, 7 a.m.

Place: Washington Athletic Club

Cost: Prepaid member, $25; prepaid nonmember, $32; walk-ins and those paying after noon on the Tuesday before the breakfast, $35

Web site: www.wbex.org

Description: Nicole Mertes will speak on "Snap Out of Creative Slumber and Wake Up Your Soul Powered Success!"

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Name of event: Bellevue Chamber's March business after hours

Date and time: March 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Place: Lexus of Bellevue

Cost: $12 members, $20 nonmembers

Web site: www.bellevuechamber.org

Event phone: 425-213-1205

Description: Make business connections at this after-work, networking focused event.

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Name of event: Publici-Tea half-day training event

Date and time: March 14

Place: 5101 Somerset Drive S.E., Bellevue

Cost: $297

Web site: www.publici-tea.com

Event phone: 425-641-5214

Description: Seattle-area business owners eager to learn the nuts and bolts of do-it-yourself publicity can attend the Publici-Tea half-day training events hosted by author Nancy S. Juetten, a work-in-the-trenches publicist and Puget Sound Business Journal columnist. Juetten also is the owner of Nancy S. Juetten Marketing, a boutique public relations and information products agency.

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Name of event: Women's conference

Date and time: March 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Place: Edmonds Community College, Triton Union 202, 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood

Cost: $65 ($55, register before March 1)

Web site: http://www.edcc.edu/equity

Event phone: 425-640-1538

Description: Presentations on topics such as health, social justice and business featuring feminist author Rebecca Walker and motivational speaker Debrena Jackson Gandy.

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Name of event: OfficeShui

Date and time: March 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Place: Old Spaghetti Factory, 2801 Elliott Ave., Seattle

Cost: $15 AWC members, $20 nonmembers, $10 students.

Web site: http://www.seattleawc.org /

Event phone: 206-654-2929

Description: This event, presented by the Association for Women in Communications, Seattle chapter, will look at how practical feng shui, personal style and goal setting help create a productive space that welcomes clients, eliminates distractions and provides positive energy. Price includes full lunch. Make reservations by March 17 at awcseattle@verizon.net or 206-654-2929.

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Name of event: The 3 Pricing Mistakes that Drive Business Away

Date and time: March 19, 6:30-9 p.m.

Place: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way S.W., West Seattle

Cost: $20; online registration required in advance

Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2008/3/19/the-3-pricing-mistakes-that-drive-business-away

Description: Are you struggling because clients and customers don't seem to want to pay what you want to charge? It's likely that you are making at least one of three pricing mistakes that drive business away.

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Name of event: Renton Chamber of Commerce State of the City Luncheon

Date and time: March 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Place: Holiday Inn

Cost: $35

Web site: www.gorenton.com

Event phone: 425-226-4560

Description: Denis Law, the mayor of Renton, will give an update on the state of the city.

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Name of event: Your Voice: The Most Important Tool in Your Business Toolkit

Date and time: March 19, noon-1 p.m.

Place: Rainier Square Conference Center, third floor, Fourth and Union, Seattle

Cost: Free

Web site: www.speakingmatters.net

Event phone: 206-216-4650

Description: Anna Bernstein, founder of Speaking Matters, presents a free interactive hour that will answer questions about voice improvement and include tips about taking your voice to its most professional level. E-mail anna@speakingmatters.net for more information.

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Name of event: Licensing Executive Society — Seattle Chapter Speaker Series

Date and time: March 19, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Place: Darby & Darby PC, 1191 2nd Ave., Suite 2000, Seattle

Cost: $15-$35Web site: http://www.usa-canada.les.org/chapters/seattle/upcoming.asp

Description: Dave Green, associate general counsel to Corbis, will speak on "Licensing Images of Einstein, Babies & Everything In-Between: Digital Media Licensing."

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Name of event: eWomenNetwork "Accelerated Networking" Luncheon

Date and time: March 20, 11:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Place: Maggiano's Little Italy

Cost: Members, $39.95; nonmembers $50; after March 18, $65

Web site: www.ewomennetwork.com

Event phone: 435-444-5063

Description: Speaker Carol Carini, founder and owner of Billabong Studios and Billabong-TV.com, will discuss how using video on the Internet to spread the word about your business can be a powerful tool when used correctly.

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Name of event: Sell Your Service Using the Web: A 5-Tiered Plan

Date and time: March 25, 6:30-9 p.m.

Place: Rainier Square Conference Center, 1215 Fourth Ave., Seattle

Cost: $18; online registration required in advance

Web site: https://biznik.com/events/2008/3/25/sell-your-service-using-the-web-a-5tiered-plan

Description: Learn how to build your business using the Web. Includes tips and tools to get you noticed, build your reputation and drive traffic to your site.

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Name of event: Women in Business Forum

Date and time: March 26, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Place: Meydenbauer Center

Cost: $95, member; $125, nonmember

Web site: www.bellevuechamber.org

Event phone: 425-213-1205

Description: This half-day forum features keynote speakers Mona Locke, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Puget Sound; and Bea Fields, president of the Bea Fields Co. This networking opportunity includes breakfast, lunch, exhibitor tables and breakout sessions.

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Name of event: How to Sell

Date and time: March 26, 12:30- 4 p.m.

Place: SCORE, 2401 4th Ave., Suite 450, Seattle

Cost: $45, $40 for each additional attendee

Web site: www.seattlescore.org

Event phone: 206-553-7320

Description: Develop a successful sales plan for your company. Use market research to react to customer needs and increase your existing client base through referrals.

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Name of event: Renton Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast

Date and time: March 28, 7:30 a.m.

Place: Holiday Inn, One South Grady Way, Renton

Cost: Members $15, nonmembers $20

Web site: www.gorenton.com

Event phone: 425-266-4560

Description: Get to know other business owners at this networking breakfast.

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Name of event: 2008 Washington State Technology Summit

Date and time: April 15, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Place: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue

Cost: $190/$220

Web site: www.watechcenter.org/?s=1405

Event phone: 206-685-1920

Description: Explore innovation for the next Washington with more than 400 technology leaders who are driving Washington state's industry development in clean technology, renewable energy, global health, and advanced materials and manufacturing.

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Name of event: LinuxFest Nortwest

Date and time: April 26-27

Place: Bellingham Technical College

Cost: Free

Web site: http://www.linuxfestnorthwest.org/

Description: LinuxFest Northwest provides a range of educational and networking opportunities for techies, business users, and novices — anyone who wants to know more about the advantages of open source software and its applications.