IABC Calgary’s Company of One
Look for upcoming Company of One events in the
Events section.
How it all beganIn 1999 IABC Calgary members Jo Moss and Jane Hurley noticed that, like themselves, one in four members were self-employed. They approached the incoming board of directors with their idea of forming an informal monthly group of independent communicators. They got a green light to launch the group called Company of One that September.
Their vision was to share leads and resource information, among other interests shared by self-employed communicators. They also saw the opportunity to share workloads. Consultants, individually and as a community, would benefit if they knew more about one another and about each other’s business.
In 2001 Jane moved to Edmonton, leaving ongoing leadership for the group to Jo, with help from others. Jo led the group until 2002 when she joined IABC Calgary’s board.
Lorrie Gainor and Anne Georg took over the helm when Jo joined the Calgary board bringing with them a good blend of skills. Anne’s sociability make her an amiable host, while Lorrie steadfastness keeps a firm hand on Company of One’s administration.
Company of One does not charge a fee. Members come to the sessions when they can. Participation is open to all IABC members who work as independents. Non-members may attend two sessions and then must join IABC if they wish to continue coming to Company of One. These parameters were written in the original mandate. Attendance has peaked at 15. Steady attendance hovers around seven or eight people.
Moving around
Company of One first met at the Good Earth Café in the south of the city, then moved even further south to a hotel coffee shop. Because travel from one end of the city to the other could be onerous for some members, Company of One went to Marda Loop.
It wasn’t the right place and the group moved to Good Earth Café in Sunalta where it remained for over two years. With speakers scheduled, the café wasn’t the right venue anymore and Company of One held several sessions in a donated boardroom. Eventually, Company of One moved to a central northwest location at the Central Blends Café.
In September 2008, Company of One moved to its current home in Bridgeland at Heartland Café Bridges, 116 7A St N.E. (a couple of blocks east of Edmonton Trail)
Changing focus over time
The focus of the group has shifted from sessions where participants share their experiences to having discussion leaders to speak on various subjects. They have addressed topics such as insurance, contract negotiations, personal coaching, marketing and consulting rates.
Company of One illustrates how IABC Calgary is responsive to its members and gives them increasing value for their membership dollars.