how to throw a kickin’ resource party.

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?

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