This would add an interesting twist to the networking concept as suggested by a GOL poll (GOLnet) - definitely worth looking into the idea - determining the level of the discussion as well as the length of sessions may be somewhat of a challenge but nothing GOLers can't handle :-)
Perco, Apr 15, 06 21:58

i would volunteer ( you heard it here first! ) to do an evening session on self-marketing and CV's in today's job market.
most hotels ( movenpick, warwick etc) will give you a conference room
if you guarantee that everyone buys a drink.
epicure, Apr 17, 06 12:48

Just a thought but perhaps we should avoid the use of the word "expert" as the term could give false impressions as to the level of the information being provided...while I am sure that the people volunteering to present certain topics have a certain level of knowledge due to their work / life experience, we should avoid creating a situation where persons in the audience take decisions based on information provided by, for example, someone from the world of finance. Don't forget, even the legal and accounting firm websites use the following disclaimer: "The information contained in this Site is for general guidance on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. Accordingly, the information on this Site is provided with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or other competent advisers."
Tasmin, Apr 19, 06 13:13

that disclaimer doesn't make the information less expert.....it only is there to protect the company from getting sued and being liable.
a real cop-out. you know why? because when the info given is successful, then "they" are responsible for the result. go figure!
epicure, Apr 19, 06 13:31

I myself would refrain from proclaiming myself an "expert" although I have a relatively high level of knowledge when it comes to on-line marketing and services...but hey, if there is a banker out there who is willing to freely provide investment advice as an "expert" and then maybe get a call from a lawyer looking to sue on behalf of his client who relied on said advice and then lost big...who am I to quibble?
Tasmin, Apr 19, 06 13:39

Doctors are said to be paid for keeping you in good health (ie: when nothing is wrong with you), and consequently, since they are responsible for your illnesses, treat you for free when you are sick - how interesting is that for an approach :) ?

Since there are lawyers in the group, they perhaps would like to comment on how loose a connection there is between (professional) responsibility and the fact of getting paid for advise...There was an infamous case in the US where a podologist was sued by the government for illegal practice when he assisted with injuries (on other parts of the body than feet) on an accident scene.. go figure ...
Perco, Apr 19, 06 14:36

there now exists the "Good Samaritan" laws which are intended to protect from blame those who choose to aid others who are injured or ill. They are intended to reduce bystander's hesitation to assist, for fear of being prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death.

I am not aware of the alleged lawsuit against the podologist for malpractice due to assistance given at the scene of an accident...and normally it would be the family of the injured person who would sue for the big bucks so maybe the malpractice lawsuit is for another reason??
Tasmin, Apr 19, 06 14:48

we are talking here aboiut a voluntarily service, that is totally "unprofessional" and does not require any payment, etc. We are talking about a favor, a loose chat about a subject - not a fully fledged course in selling, advertising, or investment banking - no liabilities, no nothing... just a chat and some advice. I don't think it's necessary to make such a big deal out of it.

I understand it might be different for a lawyer to give advice as a lawyer, but if you chat with a fried in the bar about a subject, do you let him sign a paper?

The Duck
elGuiri, Apr 23, 06 15:47

:-)

I also volunteer to give various seminars. I'm an instructor for selling seminars, people skills, negotiation, etc... and be happy to make a short version of some of the courses.

And I'm interested in anything that might be offered by others...

It's a great idea!!!

TheDuck elGuiri
elGuiri, Apr 23, 06 15:51

We take onboard the feedback on finding the right wording for this service (thanks).

Now let's pls stop the discussion on the wording, and get back to the topic - is the service of training by GoLers good or not?

Thanks.
Nir Ofek, Apr 24, 06 14:08

Guys - I removed some of the posts dealing with 'is this really an expert training with legal implications or not' from this thread, as the point was made clear and the discussion started going off topic.

The point was well taken - if we do go ahead with the GoL trainings, we'll need to make sure all participants understand they are getting free overviews with no legal implications.


Nir Ofek, Apr 24, 06 16:20

I think this is a fantastic idea. So many people with so much to offer in this town - an evening of stimulating conversation is always a good idea. One thing - not too formal I think.
butch, Apr 25, 06 18:33

I think the focus on the expertise of the individual can be better understood as the enthusiasm for a particular subject and therefore these could be seen not as a place for "Free Advice" but maybe to start a new interest. I am interested in Genology and always end up converting some friends in this pastime, and also as the resident IT expert in the family I'm also in a position to advise or solve problems associated with computers.
britabroad, Apr 26, 06 00:17

NDA?? Whats that?
elGuiri, Apr 26, 06 15:44

non disclosure agreement
epicure, Apr 26, 06 16:50

As you know I run the occasional sushi making workshop. But I know that our lovely GOL community has a professional sushi chef among our number. I fully intend to try to persuade him to run an advanced sushi making night!

There are so many skilled people in GOL who have so much to share; its a great idea Nir.

hugs

Kiriel
Kiriel, Apr 26, 06 17:03

exchanged confidential...and allows for the non-breaching party to file an injunction or otherwise sue for damages in the event of disclosure of its confidential information....
Tasmin, Apr 27, 06 11:51

We are an informal group, but from a legal perspective, a disclaimer is in order.

I know that outside the US, some might find this overkill, but frankly, (to use a U.S. expression) "better safe than sorry".
Jennifer, May 1, 06 17:15