1099 is no longer being updated, but please enjoy our archives.

EVENTS for Free Agents Here are a few of the many events, seminars, conferences, and other meetings relevant to independent professionals that are happening in the near future. If you'd like your event listed, tell us about it. Search by region: Outside the U.S., Miscellaneous

East
	Graphic Artists Guild	Self-Promotion Online Mar. 27, 2001, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Trinity Place, New York City The Internet can be an effective tool for promoting your services, but how do you keep your stuff from getting lost in cyberspace? Well, Will Robinson, check out what Ilise Benun, author of Self-Promotion Online, has to say about marketing yourself via Web sites, digital portfolios, and spam-free email blasts. The fee is $40 ($20 for GAG members). Register online or call (212) 791-0330, ext. 103.
	New York State SBDC	Business Use of Home and Car Apr. 11, 2001, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. SBA Capital Business Resource Center, Albany, N.Y. How are your deductive-reasoning skills? You could argue from the general to the specific till you're blue in the face, but we're talking deductions of the Schedule C variety here. And the reasoning is all up to Uncle Sam. Attend this fine workshop and you'll be able to answer questions like: Can you write off your home office? Do you want to? The presenters will also give you all kinds of high-octane automobile write-off info. Admission is free, but you'll need to register by calling (518) 453-9567. Check the Web site for a list of other area SBDC seminars.
	Penn State Continuing Education	E-commerce: Internet Business Strategies Apr. 9, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. University Park, Pa. What exactly is e-commerce and how did it e-volve from regular commerce? This seminar defines e-commerce and looks at its past and future. You'll find out what the benefits are for IPs as you write a first-rate business plan and create content for your own Web site. The fee is $250. Print out the registration form or call (814) 863-5145. Ask about the advanced workshop on April 16.
	The Productivity Institute	Time Management & Personal Productivity Apr. 10 - 12, 2001 Marriott Residence Inn, Shelton, Conn. Funny, there were only 24 hours in a day when you worked for someone else. You have the same number of hours in a day now that you're solo, but where's the time going? Spend two-and-a-half days and take charge of the rest of them. Seminar leader Dr. Don Wetmore, author of Beat the Clock, will show you how to eliminate procrastination, control interruptions, handle paperwork, maximize meeting time with clients, and of course, how to prioritize everything. The presentation promises to be dynamic, witty, and filled with practical ideas. The fee is $495. Register online or call (800) 969-3773.
	Society of Professional Consultants (SPC)	Society of Professional Consultants (SPC) SPC is a Boston-based organization made up of independent business consultants from a variety of industries. Monthly evening meetings are usually the third Monday of the month (barring a holiday conflict). Meetings consist of a buffet dinner, time for networking, and a speech by a featured guest. Monthly Breakfast Of Champions morning meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month. These follow a moderated open-discussion format. All activities and information about SPC can be found on the SPC Web site.
North Central
	Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce	Power Networking Mar. 21, 2001, 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Fountain Square Theatre, Indianapolis, Ind. Networking: It's not just about TV anymore. In fact, it's all about business. Meet with fellow IPs and small-business people for this structured, bi-monthly networking breakfast, and make more contacts than you could find in a Lenscrafter store. Structured networking is not for the faint of heart; it's work, but it pays off in more work. The cost is $15 for Chamber members. Register online or call (317) 464-2255.
	Iowa Business Network	QuickBooks March 3 - 24, 2001, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - noon Southwestern Community College, Creston, Iowa What can QuickBooks do for you? A lot, after learn how to use it. This series of Saturday-morning sessions will have you reporting and charting like a pro. The fee is $55. See the Web site for details. Hawkeye State residents, call (800) 373-7232 to register. Reporting Sole Proprietor Income Mar. 20, 2001, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Kirkwood Community College, Marion, Iowa In 1789, Benjamin Franklin said, "But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except..." well, you know the two certainties he mentioned, one of which happens four times a year if you're an independent professional. For you IP newbies, here's a workshop about how to determine the taxes you owe and how to make those estimated tax payments. You will also learn when and how to file and what forms to use. The price is $10. To register, call (515) 292-6351. See the Web site for other workshops.
	Millikin Institute	Word 97 Advanced Mar. 28, 2001, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Decatur, Ill. A word processing program is just for typing letters, right? Wrong, Katherine Gibbs. You'd be amazed what your computer can do, once you learn the commands and features. For example, you can highlight sections of your text in color so that it looks like you used an actual Hi-Liter -- even when you print the page. Your reports and client proposals will be dazzling, yet oh-so professional. You can design your own forms for keeping track of expenses and client projects. And check this out: You can create, compare, and merge multiple versions of a document. Think of this as a crash course in developing your own in-house graphics department. The fee is $150. Click on "Calendar of Events" at the Web site to register, or call (217) 464 -8640.
	Wisconsin SBDC	Effective Decision-Making Strategies Apr. 18, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cleary Center, La Crosse, Wisc. Should you or shouldn't you? Depends on the topic, of course. The first step in effective decision-making is deciding to take this workshop. You will learn how to evaluate your decision-making process, how to choose between right vs. right decisions (aren't those just a killer?), and develop strategies for all the big, small, simple, important, easy, and difficult decisions you make every day in business. The fee is $129. See the Web site for more information, then call (608) 785-8783 to register.
Northwest
	Columbia Basin College SBDC	Take Control of Your Financial Retirement Apr. 3 - 24, 2001 (Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) Richland, Wash. Looking toward the future can be daunting, especially when you're balancing your checkbook at the end of the month. It's time to start planning your retirement now. What, an IP can retire? Why the hell not! Retirement has nothing to do with feeding the pigeons; it's about feeding yourself without depending on clients and billing and collecting. The fee for this workshop is $60. For registration info, see the Web site or call (509) 735-6222.
	Idaho SBDC	Intro to QuickBooks Pro Mar. 29 - Apr. 26, 2001 (Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho Use QuickBooks Pro in your home office and you'll feel like a professional accountant. This five-session series will teach you accounts payable, accounts receivable, tracking, and aging. Without the gray hairs. You'll also learn how to audit your files. The cost is $100. Register online or call (208) 733.9554, ext. 2450.
	Pint of Portland	Monthly Meeting Here's a chance for you to mix and mingle with Portland's rollicking marketing and design community. Note: this is a bit different from the other events on this page. As they say on their Web page: "No presentations, no guest speakers, and no free mouse pads." This group has hit upon a terrific networking strategy. It demands that everyone who shows up to the event buy a drink for another drinkless Pint of Portland person (you'll know these people because they all have nametags). Go to their Web site to find out about this month's meeting information.
South
	Kentucky Freelancers	The Tax Triangle Apr. 10, 2001, noon - 1:00 p.m. Lexington, Ky. It only sounds like the Bermuda Triangle! Follow the right Tax Triangle plan, and your money won't disappear from the face of the earth. Learn how IPs can balance investments among three types of investments: taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free. Guest super-speaker Dallas Seagraves will also present last-minute tax tips, just in time for the April 16 deadline. There is no charge for the meeting, except the price of your lunch (we suggest Ramen noodles). See the Web site for registration information, or call (859) 269-7352.
	Nashville Chamber of Commerce	Gaining the eBusiness Advantage Mar. 23, 2001, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Nashville, Tenn. How safe are your client files and billing spreadsheets? If they're on the same computer you use to access the Internet, you need a practical strategy for Internet security -- particularly if you're connected to a cable modem or DSL. This workshop will give you the wherewithal to avoid cyber-breaches in security. The cost is $40 ($25 for Chamber members). Register online or call (615) 743-3000.
	University of Louisville Center for Continuing and Professional Education	How to Generate Creative Solutions to Your Toughest Challenges Mar. 27, 2001, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Shelby Campus, Louisville, Ky. Done any thinking outside the box lately? What was the stupid box in the first place? Well, doing things the same old way -- that's the box. In this workshop you'll learn how to stretch your thinking boundaries to find innovative solutions to business problems, make smarter decisions, think more quickly and accurately, uncover opportunities you may have been missing, and stay on target. One of the day's topics is "From Idea to Action to Success." The $199 fee includes a workshop manual, lunch, parking, and nourishing and delicious refreshment breaks. Register online (course #17JBD) or call (502) 852-6456.
South Central
	Arkansas SBDC	First Steps in E-Commerce Mar. 21, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - noon or 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Little Rock, Ark. Been clocking miles on the information highway? If not, hit the pavement -- the real pavement -- and head to Little Rock, where you can get your own e-driver's license. Choose the morning or afternoon session to learn about Internet marketing, shopping cart software, and credit-card processing so you can bill your online clients. The $75 fee includes a 30-page workbook. Register on the Web or call (501) 324-9043.
	Association of Independent Information Professionals	AIIP Annual Network Conference Apr. 19 - 22, 2001 New Orleans, La. If information is your game, AIIP is the name. Webmasters and researchers, this includes you. In addition to lots of networking at this four-day conference, you'll learn about the "Invisible Web" -- all that information on the Internet that's invisible to search engines. Attend sessions on e-commerce, international contracts, legal issues of doing business online, creating your own IP branding, making your Web site easy for potential clients, and succeeding as an IP. The fee is $475 ($350 for AIIP members). See the Web site for agenda and registration information, or call (414) 766-0421.
	Rose State College SBDC	Small Business Loan Briefing Mar. 22, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Midwest City, Okla. If you're contemplating a small-business loan, find out what will make you a better candidate in the lender's eye. This workshop will fill you in on what lenders (including the SBA) are looking for in business-loan applications. The agenda includes information about business plans and watching a video on how to apply for a business loan. Admission is free, but registration is requested. See the Web site for details or call (405) 733-7348.
West
	Absolute Marketing International	Internet Marketing Strategy Days Apr. 10 - 12, 2001 Las Vegas, Nev. If you're serious about marketing your services on the Internet, here's an opportunity to get fresh information directly from the movers and shakers of cyberspace -- the people behind the search engines. Plus, it's a three-day conference in Vegas, for Pete's sake! Speakers are coming from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, Sweden, and the United States, representing small and large search engines and marketing sites. There will be a variety of seminars and workshops on using email as an effective marketing tool, submitting your site to search engines, and handling domain-name conflicts. Other topics include privacy laws, intellectual property issues, and the future of Internet marketing. The $1,195 fee includes one dinner and three lunches. See the Web site for the program schedule and registration information.
	Center for Business and Professional Development	Small Business Marketing Apr. 4, 2001, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Santa Fe Community College Center, Gainesville, Fla. In the big leagues, advertising makes up about 10 percent of a company's annual budget. Yeah, well, you have to spend money to make money. But who says you have to spend a bundle? Not the Center for Business and Professional Development -- that's for sure. Here's a quick overview on marketing, advertising, and public relations, then you'll learn how to position your business, target your market, establish a competitive edge, and design your promotional plan. Your first expenditure: a crisp picture of Andrew Jackson for the workshop fee. To register, call (352) 395-5896 (course #SFCC S-37). See the Web site for other workshops.
	Company of Friends	Coaching Westwood, CA, Jerry's Famous Deli 10925 Weyburn Ave. April 2, 7p.m. Heard of coaching, but have no idea what it means outside the softball circuit? The Company of Friends, a network of Fast Company readers, is sponsoring a panel discussion on personal and professional coaching. The panel will feature a mix of coaches and clients, including Paul Roth, founder of The Coaching Exchange, who has logged over 25,000 hours of coaching, and Linda Novack of Novack & Associates, who's advised and coached more execs and entrepreneurs than you can shake ten sticks at. For details, contact jri@phcllp.com or visit www.fastcompany.com/cof. For a deli menu, contact Jerry's.
	Gavilan College SBDC	Basic Bookkeeping for Small Business Mar. 21, 2001, 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Salinas, Calif. Do financial records haunt your dreams like grinning, skinless faces of Death? If so, you're not alone. Now you can get control of the bookkeeping end of your IP business, and it involves using the business end of a pencil. This workshop will show you everything you always wanted to know about the old tried-and-true, handwritten, double-entry bookkeeping system. The cost is $20. Register online or call (800) 847-0373.
	Maui Community College Office of Continuing Education & Training	Database Management Apr. 16,18,23,25, 2001, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Kihei, Hawaii Want to work smarter, not harder? Microsoft Access 2000 lets you store and retrieve all kinds of information relative to your business. Take this four-part workshop and you'll actually learn how to use the software to create databases and use tables, forms, queries, and reports. You'll be able to merge an Access table with a Word form letter and create mailing labels. Clients will never know you "personalized" them with just a click of a button. (Suckers!) See the Web site for more information, then call (808) 984-3231 to register. The fee is $189.
	North Bay Multimedia Association (NBMA)	Regular Meetings NBMA meets the third Thursday of the month at Autodesk Atrium, 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, Calif., 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Meetings are free for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, see the Web site, call the Hotline at (415) 721-1780, or contact Cheryl Downing at (408) 257-1049.
	San José State University Professional Development	Negotiating Effectively March 6 - Apr. 24, 2001, Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Lundy Avenue Center, San José, Calif. In personal relationships it's known as "compromise"; in business, we call it "negotiation." We're talking the art of achieving a win/win situation. In these weekly seminars, you'll learn how to develop step-by-step negotiation tactics and strategies: skills that can save you time and money, preserve client connections, and keep the Advil in the medicine cabinet. The price is $360 for eight sessions. Register online (course number 13 CTGE 464E 31) or call 408-985-SJSU.
	Winning Investing	How to Invest Apr. 17 - May 22, 2001 (Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) Santa Cruz, Calif. If you don't know your assets from a hole in the ground, sign up for this six-pack of workshops. Your retirement depends on investments, you know. Beginning and experienced investors alike will learn something new from financial columnist Harry Domash. He'll show you how to analyze mutual funds and stock charts; you'll also learn about value, momentum, and growth stock investing. The $150 fee includes a copy of Harry's The Everything Online Investing Book. Register online or call (831) 685-1932.
	Wyoming SBDC	Record Keeping for the Small Business Apr. 19, 2001, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Casper, Wyo. Check stubs, receipts, file folders, copies, invoices... where does the paperwork end? Get on top of it all with this workshop. Learn what you need to keep, what can get tossed (and when), and how to set up your "company books" for monthly, quarterly, and year-end summaries. See the Web site for a complete list of seminars, then call (800) 348-5207 to register.
Outside the U.S.
	ABG Professional Information	Understanding Accounts & Budgets Apr. 3 - 4, 2001, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. London, England Here's a two-day workshop for non-financial IPs who need to understand what the bloody hell the accountants are talking about. This is a straightforward series of explanations and translations of Accountspeak, and the presenters assume you don't comprende. By the end of the second day, you will be able to handle a cocktail conversation with bean counters the world over. You'll also know how to read a balance sheet, understand a cash flow statement, and write your own budget (and use it to control expenditures). The workshop will use videos, exercises, and discussion sessions. The fee is £880. Register online or phone 0800 783 5000.
	Virgin Islands Women's Business Center	Expand Your Business Globally Through Trade and Technology Apr. 19 - 21, 2001 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Ready to take your independent operation around the world in 80 days (or sooner)? Head to St. Thomas for this three-day conference packed with international business information. Session topics include trade agreements in the Caribbean region and abroad, business law governing e-business, federal procurement opportunities, cultural approaches to business operations in world markets, and global investment strategies. The fee is $185. See the Web site for registration and agenda information or call (340) 773-4995.
Miscellaneous
	Association of Internet Professionals (AIP)	Chapter Meetings BOSTON meets third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the MIT campus in Cambridge. To find the exact room, visit their Web site. Meetings are free. Contact Dave Wechsler for more information. CHICAGO meets third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.(CST) at Xpedior, 1 North Franklin, 15th floor, Chicago, Ill. Members free, non-members $10. For more information email Chris Rollyson. LONG ISLAND meets second Wednesday (September through June), 7:30 p.m., at the Great Room of Briarcliff College, Bethpage Campus, 1055 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY. Meetings are free. To learn more, call (516) 434-9393. ORANGE, CALIFORNIA meets second Wednesday of each month at 2401 N. Glassell St., Orange, Calif., 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Meetings are held in Volt Technical Services' Executive Boardroom. Members free, non-members $10. Call (626) 923-6037 or email Ken Halbeck. NEW YORK CITY meets last Thursday of the month (though the next meeting is November 18). Meetings are hosted by IBM's Web Integrator Initiative at their NYC Headquarters, 590 Madison Ave (at 57th), 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members free, $10 for non-members. For information, contact Oren Levin, Member Relations. PRINCETON meets second Wednesday of the month at Sarnoff Corporation, Route 1 at Fisher Place, Princeton, NJ, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Meetings are free. To learn more, call Josie Ottman at (609) 924-8864 or send an email. SAN FRANCISCO meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Transmission Theater (11th and Folsom Streets) in San Francisco. Meetings are free. The topic of the November meeting will be "Online Entertainment." December's event will be a mixer instead of the usual monthly meeting. Their organizational Web site lists the complete details. SILICON VALLEY meets second Wednesday of the month at Cypress Semiconductor, 3939 North First Street, Building 3, North San Jose, Calif., 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Meetings are free. For more information, call (650) 369-8381 or log on to their Web site. For more information about the AIP, try their Web site.
	Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA)	Chapter Meetings NYC METRO meets last Monday of month (except holiday weeks) at Pete's Tavern, 129 East 18th St./Irving Place, New York City. Members and first time attendees $30, non-members $45. Call (212) 271-1978 for more information. GREATER BOSTON meets fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., monthly (except July, August, and December) at 200 Fifth Ave., Oracle Building, Waltham, Mass. Members $15, non-members $20. Call (617) 621-7023 for more information. CHICAGO meets second Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (except July and August). Members $30, non-members $40 ($5 discount for pre-registration). Call (800) 779-8911 for more information. KANSAS CITY meets the 4th Tuesday each month, unless there is a holiday conflict. Locations vary. For more information see their Web site or call 816-741-8089. LOS ANGELES meets second Thursday of month, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Sportsman's Lodge, 12825 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, Calif. Meetings not always held monthly. Call (213) 872-1811 for verification. Members $30, non-members $35 ($5 discount for pre-registration). SILICON VALLEY meets fourth Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., Hobee's Pruneyard, 1875 S. Bascom, Campbell, Calif. Members $20, non-members $25. Call 831/439-0870 x2 for more information. For other regional chapters, visit the ICCA Web site.
	Webgrrls International	Chapter Meetings COLUMBUS, OHIO meets first Tuesday of each month, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Smart Solutions Inc., 6260 Huntley Road, Columbus, Ohio. Meetings are free. To learn more, call them at (614) 847-7368 or send an email. But before you attend, read their Web page. LONDON, ENGLAND meets every third Wednesday of the month at Cyberia Internet Cafe, 39 Whitfield Street, London W1, 7:30 p.m. Meetings are free. For more information email them or consult their Web page. PHILADELPHIA has monthly online meetings, weeknights at 8:00 p.m., and occasional face-to-face meetings (note: no meetings will be held this November or December). Check their Web site for an updated list of events and meeting places. SILICON VALLEY meets monthly at Apple Campus, Town Hall Auditorium, 4 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif., 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Meetings are free. Their Web site will provide you with all the information you need, or you can contact Cheryl Downing at (408) 257-1049 or via email.