Biznik Blog

Barbara Crummins may not know this, but she’s the person who proved to me that business networking really works. She’s a graphic designer, and I’m a web developer. But I used to be a photographer, which means I figured, hey, I can dance that graphic design dance, no problem. I know how to use Photoshop! And I did OK, actually, for a couple years, trying to do it all. Why should I farm it out when I can do it all myself? But business networking is about focusing on what you do best, and referring the rest. Giving it to somebody who actually does it much faster, and much better. In return, that person refers work to you that she could probably muddle through, too, only you’re really the person who should be doing it.

Barbara and I had a really good thing going this way. Until a couple of months ago, when she came down with an upset stomach. It was bad enough that, thinking she had food poisoning, she ended up in the emergency room. And what they found there was a total shocker: she had colin cancer.

Unfortunately, like a lot of self-employed professionals, she wasn’t able to purchase health insurance that fully covered her. So some of her friends are getting together to throw her a party to raise money for her portion of the bills, which are piling up faster than you can say “America’s medical system sucks for independent professionals.” (We’re actually doing something to make that at least a little better – watch this blog for more info about Biznik group benefits for independent professionals next week.) But let’s get up to speed on all this directly from Barbara…

It’s been less than a year since you and I and a handful of other people set down for breakfast at the Salmon Bay Cafe and The Biz Group was born. Since then you and I shared a lot of business together, The Biz Group became Biznik, and very recently, you discovered, totally unexpectedly, that you have cancer. It seems surreal to me, and I can only imagine what it feels like for you. How are you doing?

Well, under the circumstances, pretty well. It is a trip to find this out with no prior symptoms.

How serious is what you’ve been diagnosed with?

Quite serious– stage 4, which is on the scale of 1-5 (5 being kiss it goodbye!)
BUT I have faith!

What kind of approach are you taking to fight this?

I’m using traditional chemo, due to the advanced stage it’s in, but also supplementing with acupuncture, herbs, supplements and lots of LOVE from my friends and community.

Are you still working, and if so, what type of clients are you looking for?

Yes, part time. I do have to pay all those pesky bills still! I want clients that are not in a big panic or rush, but have reasonable deadlines. They seem to be manifesting so that is a good thing. I work about three hours a day, and a few more on my good days.

Do you have medical insurance? How much of the cost is it covering, and how much are you out of pocket?

Yes, thank god! I am responsible for 30 percent and they pick up 70 percent (after a large deductible!) And someone please, revamp our medical system soon. It’s obscene what they charge.

What type of help can we give you?

Lots of love, visits are great, get me out of the house on walks… and occasionally, some work!

Hope you’re ready to do some dancing with me on April 28! Where’s the party, who’s performing, and who’s throwing it?

My friends John and Suki are putting on an awesome benefit for me at a warehouse in Georgetown. Here’s the address:

Georgetown Speakeasy (door not marked, but address is)
5623 Airport Way Seattle, WA
Between Lucille and Corson/Michigan
8pm – 1am

The Supersones, a Cuban band, are playing. Also there will be two DJs to play funk, R&B, salsa. Possibly even an appearance by a samba band, too.

Anyone wanting to donate any services we can sell there, let me know. I know Eric Wilson is gifting a few personal training sessions, and Dan McComb has more than stepped up. Tiberio Simone is making his yummy chocolates… can’t wait! So, come out and dance, and have fun. You guys are the best!

Thanks for all the support and friendship at a really rough time.

I’m donating $300 worth of web development time to the cause. Anyone else who’d like to donate a service for this event, drop me a line to dan@biznik.com, and we’ll make it happen for Barbara.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 14th, 2006 at 6:45 am and is filed under News. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.