Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

Introducing a Saison

This is one of my favorite styles of beer. Saison is French for “season”. Typically brewed for the fall season, however I’ve enjoyed this well into winter probably because of it’s added characteristics. It’s not just simple and clean like a Hefeweizen. There is variation within this style that keeps it interesting. There is a citrusy fruitiness in the nose, it may have a moderate hop aroma and some spices. Typically bottles conditioned. That means just pour gently as to not incorporate air into the bottle and stir up the yeast at the bottom. I particularly enjoy the high carbonation because the flavor profile and the added bubbles. Makes me feel like I’m drinking champagne. That’s what I love the most. A beautiful beer that I can enjoy like champagne. Can it get any better?

It pairs well with a variety of foods from bar-be-cue (yes) to hot peppery dishes. It is great on the deck with cheeses, grapes, and conversation. Enjoy!

Can be found at our friends at Monon Food Company in Broad Ripple.

Drink What You Like…..Not What Others Say You Should Like

Ladies, beer is an individual experience. Each of us have our own preference for what we like and dislike. I  often have people telling me what I should be drinking and what is best. Frankly, I don’t care, when it comes to relaxing and wanting something I enjoy I am going to pick the ones I like, such as Victory’s Golden Monkey, Flat12′s Upside Down Blond, or a nice Upland Nut Hugger.

I am fearless when it comes to trying out new beers, I love chasing the one that I have never had (and there are many). It does not take me long to know what I like and what I don’t like but every beer is worth the try.  If all you have ever had is a Miller Lite, allow yourself the opportunity to experiment, find a couple of local beers to try.  Don’t judge the beer on the first try, have it again, it may be that second time that the beautiful flavors come through. If you have tried it twice and you don’t like it, move on.

I have a friend who only drinks one Lite beer. When I asked him why he said, “I like the taste” my response was,”You don’t really like beer do you?”  The next time I saw him, he admitted that indeed he did not really like beer that much, it was just cheap.  It’s ok we do not all like the same things, I only drink wine because it’s what’s being served at that time. Since our conversation, he has ventured out to try a couple locals that he enjoyed.

Live adventurously, give some of the other great local beers and not so local craft beers a shot, you never know you might find some gold in those bottles and who doesn’t love gold.

 

My First Beer Bloggers Conference

I have every good intention with this blog but life and the other blogs sometime take up all of my time.  Unfortunately this little blog gets left behind in pursuit of my life.  As a way of reconnecting to my passion of teaching women and others about beer and my love for the varied and lovely taste of beer I decided to attend The Beer Bloggers Conference.

I had to choose between the National Speakers Association Conference or the Beer Bloggers Conference, I am happy that I chose Beer Bloggers, I could not have made a better decision.  I am learning, reconnecting and remembering why I decided to do this blog in the first place!  I enjoy beer, I enjoy introducing others who want to enjoy beer at a different level.  Not just the pub crawls and sucking a beer from the brown bottles, but the woman who wants to be educated about what is a good beer. How do you serve it, where do you get it, what food goes with it and how brewers can connect more effectively to the women who are in their market.

Networking and connecting with others who have the same interest that I do is another passion.  I teach people and business all over the world the importance of networking and connecting. This has been my opportunity to do just that!

If you are a blogger, a beer lover, or someone who just likes to connect then you want to find conferences on your topic and connect with that community.  Regardless of what you love there is a community out there for you to connect to!

Thanks to Beer Bloggers Conference for putting on a great conference and educating me so that I will be a better blogger, lover of beer, and educator!

 

 

5 Tips for Networking and Drinking Beer

 

Men have been networking over beer for hundreds of year, today more and more women are connecting over good beer.  Following is an article written by a good friend, Greg Magnusson, @indianapolisvet on twitter and you can learn more about him at Leo’s Pet Care.  Part two of this article can be found at hazelmwalker.com

I enjoy a beer once in a while, and sometimes, beer is served at networking events. Depending on how you handle this, beer can be a wonderful, terrible device. Beer can be a good icebreaker for some people, during some social functions, but it’s important to not make a fool of yourself.

In my humble opinion, one is networking with beer:

  •  All beer-drinking folks have a designated driver (safety first!)
  • You make sure the person you’re networking with is also holding a beer. (duh!) Believe it or not, not everyone likes talking about beer.
  • You ask that person what beer you should drink at the event, demonstrating your willingness to take advice.
  • You ask that person what beer they prefer outside of the event, demonstrating your willingness to learn about their personal preferences.
  • Holding a beer suggests you’re both “off duty” to an extent. If the other party has loosened his tie and is halfway through a good beer, it may be safe to assume a certain level of cautious informality, but be prepared to follow in this regard, not lead.

The only inhibition you aim to lose is the one stopping you from smiling and laughing. If networking with beer makes you relaxed and more open, you’re doing it right.