I was at the Nightclub Aura, in Pleasanton, CA last night for the East Bay Business Times' Book of Lists party, a yearly publication of those movin' and shakin' in the East Bay business community.

The event was well attended with a group of over 400. Lots of food and drink. My only complaint – turn down the music, we're trying to network here!

I turned the tables on Stephanie Secrest, photo editor with the EB Business Times. The EBBT had about a gazillion employees on hand to keep the crowd from throwing on some Donna Summers and retro-ing to a disco groove.

I talked a bit with Michael Fitzhugh who covers technology for the EBBT and Marie-Anne Hogarth who covers the legal side of stories happening in our East Bay communities.

I accomplished one of my goals for the evening when I met Jessica Saunders who covers real estate for the EBBT. With my new interest in helping the Realtors Marketing Association of San Ramon / Danville, I am making some effort to meet as many of the media contacts as I can who cover real estate in the area. Jessica tried to escape my camera to no avail.

I had a great chat with Judy Biviano Lloyd, V.P. Business Development, Altamont Solutions on blogging and how it could benefit her efforts at Altamont. 

It seems that blogging was my topic of choice for the night as many business people still don't get how it can benefit their business efforts.

I spoke with Mary Dunne from RINA about blogging.

Jim Caldwell is starting a new charitable foundation in the area to address some of  the education issues in our society.

Tim Morse from the BizXchange explained how their business helps other businesses to barter excess goods and services to improve bottom lines.

Jason Marr, a regular at our Realtors Marketing Association meetings was there representing 939-Signs and James Crosby enlightened me about Bubble Media. 

Most Interesting Conversation of the Night goes to Susan Christy of Christy Consulting. We seem to share some common curiosities in the nature of human beings. Susan tells me she is writing a book. I see on her site that the EBBT recognizes her as one of the top 15 consulting firms in the area. I caught her empty handed, so she snatched my club soda to look like a natural party girl. 

All-in-all a good time and I think a couple of great business relationships will arise out of it.

Thank You to the East Bay Business Times and Nightclub Aura.