Today was exceptionally long. A full day at the desk then three events – one of which was unplanned.

Speaking of today’s events, yesterday’s development committee meeting for the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research (CICSR) was extremely successful. A couple new faces at the table which was great. Of note, Jason M. Hari, Chairman and CEO of Ethic Charities International Inc. was present and very helpful. Very well spoken, from Calgary as well (well, south of Calgary, more like Okotoks for those of you who know where that is) and a really nice guy to boot.

On the way home yesterday night, I had the chance to speak with a client I recently turfed. The crux of the issue and the relevation was that it wasn’t fun to do work with the client. In essence, I need to do my work smilingly. The client didn’t really collaborate well and wasn’t at a level where there was a cohesive strategy to move the business forward (outside of sell, sell, sell) so we offered them incentive to switch providers. One issue is that the client wants us to come back to the table. I guess it’s time to open up the book and let it all out. Let’s see what happens.

Tonight I went to the YEA peer mentorship launch at Skybar. Good to see so many familiar faces as well as some new faces. I didn’t stick around for long (I was pulled aside by a couple people whom I bumped into so my short visit was a bit longer than expected). From there, I was on my way to Bogart’s for the Wack to Bork Mingler. I got a call from Frances who invited me to join her at the Shangri-La launch event. It was quite nice, got to see all the regular suspects who are into high-end property as well as the overview of the new Shangri-La building which they are building on the corner of Thurlow and Alberni. Frances also let me know some good news, it seems that Brian Yip of Pacific Crab Company is interested in having us do an event for the Social Empire there in an upcoming month. Being a total fan of their food, loving their service, I’m more than glad to introduce the place to 1000 of the Empire’s subjects .  Keep your eyes peeled – Social Empire event at Pacific Crab Co coming soon.

So back on track, after the Shangri-La opening, I went to Bogart’s. Spoke to Ingrid and got to find out more about her business model. I recently asked her if she was interested in cross promotion. Earlier she gave me a very non-descript no and I wanted to find out why. Well, it turns out that her orientation is going more towards business and so naturally, she wanted to make sure that it wasn’t turning into a singles oriented event which I can respect. I also let her know about the Executive Zone which would be live soon.

After the Wack to Bork Mingler, I convinced Frances, who was on her way back to the office, to have dinner with me. We travelled to Inferno where she’s never been . We enjoyed Ghalib Rawji’s company as well as some sumptuous Tomato and Pesto Soup, Frances endulged in the Tuna Niçoise Salad, I enjoyed a double Buffalo burger which I wasn’t able to finish.

Ghalib spoke with us about finalizing the plans for the Urban Mixer event on the 6th. I also was able to meet his partner who has an IT background. He mentioned accounting packages and interestingly his needs were right in alignment with our hostedapp offering. We also spoke briefly about payroll providers – I always hear really negative things about ADP and Ceridian. Thus far, I am championing Forward Software‘s Payroll Guardian product. Probably something to do with the fact that they’re really nice people over there and they know their stuff!

Back on course with the previous thread (I must be tired), we’ll be popping in on the weekend (probably Saturday) to Inferno before Richie Rich to sample what they have on the menu and to go over drinks for the guests on the 6th of October. Also, FYI, Ghalib and his partner also own Savoy on Hastings and the Met in Gastown.

One last item before I close – it’s final, I’ll be heading to ETRE2004 in Cannes on the 8th of October. I’m really looking forward to it. Well attended by technology CEOs from around the world, I can’t wait to meet this really great group of people. I wonder how they’ll perceive the shift of my business into the social side of things.