What, you ask, is a resource party? We’ll get there, friends. We’ll get there. (If you’re impatient, Amy has a great post on my resource party at Alt Summit).
A few caveats:
1. I did not invent The Resource Party. I simply adapted it from this awesome book I’ve told you about before. The Renaissance Soul. Buy it. (link directs to my affiliate store) Also, we did something drastically similar at Mighty Summit last summer. It was awesome.
2. The Resource Party should be done with a circle of friends you trust. There is a difference between sharing resources and asking for contacts. I hate the word contacts, by the way. Because they’re people. Stop calling them contacts.
OK, now that we got that out of the way, hereby are The Rules to a Successful Resource Party:
1. Invite 10-15 of your closest pals to your house for wine and cheese. Wine isn’t necessary, but suggested. Cheese is necessary.
2. Pass out an index card and pen for every gal present and seat your guests in a circle.
3. Each guest is asked to write a small list of three items they’d like help accomplishing. It could be (a) brainstorming a new business / marketing idea, (b) conquering a massive stack of laundry, or (c) finding the perfect foundation for your skin tone. Whatever.
4. One by one, each guest is asked to read their first item aloud. No one is allowed to speak but the person reading their card. This is important for maintaining structure and keeping a resource party from lasting 87 hours.
5. Here’s where it gets fun. If another guest can help the person reading their item with said item, that guest raises their hand. The reader of the item then makes a note that, for example, Martha can help her choose the perfect foundation.
6. The exercise continues until everyone present at the circle has read one item.
7. Break time! Go get another glass of wine and find the person who has offered to help you with your item. Exchange info, make a plan and sit back down in your chair for round two — the second item on your list.
8. Rinse, repeat and help each other.
Did that make sense? I failed Technical Writing 101.
Anyway, its a rousing good time. BUT, I can’t stress this enough:
A resource party shouldn’t be abused. It’s not created so you can shortcut through life and simply swap “contacts.” It’s designed to get in the habit of helping deserving creatives that struggle with some of the things you don’t struggle with. It’s designed to build each other up — to support, encourage, inspire and yes, be resourceful. We all have something to give, and we’re all totally awesome.
Go forth and resource party. Report back, and then maybe help me find the perfect foundation, OK?
Erin– You are a gem. Thanks for sharing! I’ve been dreaming ever since I got home about doing this with my group of friends… can’t wait! I’ll let you know how it goes. xo
oh yes — please do share! good luck!
yes, thanks for sharing! i was so sad i missed it at alt (i really should have stayed at the hotel…) so now i’ll have to do my own! and let’s repeat next year. :)
Smart idea! I’m going to check out that book.
let’s do it, brittany!
and yes, this is the BEST book. you guys will love it.
YOU R amazing. My love for you runs so deep. And I love the idea of using it to HELP people { we love to do this} xoxoox YOU HAD HELPED EVERYONE in the circle by the end. xoxoxo
hmmm..I love this. Thanks for sharing! My old college buddies and I are going to try an email version ; )
What a great idea! I often forget that I don’t have to figure out how to do everything myself! duh!
EXACTLY!
I absolutely love this idea. I might have to share this with a local friend of mine and see what we can get going!
Honestly, I think this is flippin’ awesome.
I am hosting an oscar party for some girlfriends, and now I think this excersize might need to be incorporated. L-O-V-E. Because I think people (myself included) get self-conscious asking for help, or ‘networking.’ It doesn’t feel natural, and it’s a little awkward. The motive behind this is up front. Love it.
I am in love with this idea! And I totally agree with the word ‘contacts’… I can’t even work in sales because I feel like I would use/abuse my friends too much. Also, can’t believe I’ve never heard of The Renaissance Soul…I am ordering it tonight! That book is for me {says the girl who spent 6months in law school and is now an interiors/graphic designer}. thank you!!
amazing. i LOVE this. (darn can’t help. i don’t use foundation just concealer.)
I was bummed that I missed this. But after reading what you wrote about it, I’m extra bummed. Sounds like the most awesome thing ever. Next year, right?
I’m all over this! Trying to work out when to host one…immediately I’m thinking.
BRILLIANT! How can we find answers if we never ask? Most people are so willing and genuinely excited to share their knowledge and resources, it’s a win-win. Can’t wait to throw one!
yay! thanks, emma — so glad you love the idea!
happy resource partying, friends!
How wonderful! We have a similar thing in my neck of the woods called Big Dream Gathering. I have attended one and it is wonderful. If you’re interested, their website is http://www.bigdreamgathering.com/.
Today in catching up in my blog reading, I saw this book mentioned on your blog and by the When I Grow Up Coach. Noted and purchased!
I am totally brainstorming people I could invite to my own resource party now, too!
YESSSSSSS! Michelle actually recommended it to me, ha! Its suuuch a perfect read for me.
so simple and so genius.
this is so inspiring erin. thank you so much…
j.
Nice post, this is really similar to the idea behind timebanking – getting people to meet each other and find ways to connect and help each other out. I help run a timebank in the Boston area that connects neighbors that can help each other out with who knows what, and the time you spend helping other people is what you can spend to get help. Both helping and getting help can be really fun, especially when there’s wine and cheese.
What a S U P E R idea – time to get the neighborhood ladies together. A good excuse to make a cake too, a cheesecake, since it sounds like this party works best with cheese. As for foundation I swear by Bare Minerals. One minute, ruddy/uneven/blotchy mess. Next minute clear, even, beautiful skin. It’s like magic.
thanks guys (and thanks for the tip, sue!)
Great idea! I hope to host one soon. I also just started reading The Renaissance Soul and I am loving it so far.
Thanks!
ooooh you’re so welcome, anne. it is HANDS DOWN the best biz book i’ve read for my kind. ha.
brilliant idea. thinking about hosting. a little girl power makes for a lot of a good thing. yay. i’ll be checking in to report back + also to see if there are additional hints for its success! thanks, erin.
oh yay — good luck, allyn!
Sending this to my friends right now. Thank you for sharing!