Socrates Cafe, a fun way for all ages to learn. Come think with us.

Each week I facilitate 3 meetings of Socrates Cafe. For now, we are meeting online. They are free and open to everyone.

I organized and facilitated the first Socrates Cafe here in Denver over 20 years ago and I've been helping start new meetings ever since.

There are 3 Socrates Cafes I go to for my own benefit each week. I'm interested in them because 1) they are fun, and 2) they give me a chance to practice my critical thinking, my listening skills, and my ability to express myself.

Recent research shows Socrates Cafes are a good way for the generations to spend an hour together in a way that includes everyone, more and more nursing homes and rehab facilities are scheduling meetings for clients and encouraging clients to organize a session with family and friends.

If you'd like to know more about Socrates Cafes I suggest you attend one now while they are online. You might also find it helpful to read Chris Phillip's book "Socrates Cafe."

Here are the 3 meetings I'm usually leading right now each week here in Denver that are for now meeting online, click for more information and to rsvp:

Tuesdays, Denver Trinity Church
Fridays, LoDo Denver
Saturdays, University of Denver

Startup advice from 1st Christian:

"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it... the gate is narrow and the road is hard." Jesus quoted in the book of Matthew, Chapter 7, in beautiful meditation by UK Jesuits: https://t.co/paw5PkOtAP

— John Scott Wren (@JohnSWren) June 23, 2020

God, Country, Commerce.

This is why we are starting the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc to cooperate with local communities to help them do what 5280 Magazine says I've done here in Denver over the last 20 years, "John Wren... has infused Denver with an entrepreneurial spirit." I work to preserve the opportuity my father had to start a business for my grandkids.

More about this on Startup Show, today (Fri, 4-12) at 10 a.m. Denver time, noon Eastern, "Visit Group" on our Facebook Page www.Facebook.com/Small.Business.Chamber and join us right now to be able to see it, it's free and fast! John Wren.

SBCC Startup Method-- Practices of: Recover, Imagine, Think, Learn; to Start, Grow, Flourish. OODA Loop. BE A STARTUP AMBASSADOR FOR YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER.

What do you think?

Join us for Socrates Cafe, it's free and everyone is welcome.

We choose a topic, share our thoughts, ask each other questions, it's a lot of fun and I personally think it's a good way to practice listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

More info and optional rsvp (walk-ins are always welcome) at www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society check it out!

PLEASE share this with your social media friends. You never know who might really like to know about tonight's meeting. If they appreciate your sharing they will thank you and so will I if you'll let me know what you've done.

How may I help you?

John

John S. Wren, MBA+
Founder and President,
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
IDEA Cafes*Socrates Cafes*Franklin Circles
www.SmallBizChamber.org 

SBCC Startup Method-- the Practices of: Recover, Imagine, Think, Learn; to Start, Grow, Flourish. Socrates Cafe Society is another project of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Startup Show Mentions Today.

Below are items that were mentioned on today's Startup Show, which you can still see if you "Visit Group" on www.Facebook.com/Small.Business.Chamber and join us. I suggest you check it out first or these cryptic notes may not mean much to you.

The Startup Show is looking for sponsors, call me if you might be interested. (303)861-1447 For now I'm the only source of money for what we are doing, it's been a decades long labor of love. More about my alt-ego, the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc at www.SmallBizChamber.org

Also see www.Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber and www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society for more information about the free meetings here in Denver. 5280 Magazine has said they have "infused Denver with an entrepreneurial spirit," and I'd like to help you and your local chamber do the same thing.

A new group we are trying is the Speakers Corner Dialogue Group, it's each Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m., next week we hear from one of the statewide candidates, join us if you can! www.Meetup.com/Franklin-Circles where you'll also info about our two Faculty Club meetings.

This is the issue I mentioned on the startup show today as a way to meet new people. Check it out:

TAX PLAN ENDORSED BY MILTON FRIEDMAN: Progress and Poverty: Full and Fine Text of 1880 Edition (Illustrated) by Henry George.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BXJONIM/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_4ncWBbE84J3XS via @amazon

What is your foundation? Rock or sand?

I try to end and start the day listening to Pray as You Go (click here to hear it.)

This morning's meditation particularly powerful: "Can you share your deepest desire with God?"

I'm going to suggest the topic of "Foundations" at Socrates Cafe tonight at DU, next Tuesday at Trinity Church, and Friday at LoDo Panera. Join us? More info on our meetup site about all 3, or let us help you start a new one at a time and place that would work better for you. More info and optional rsvp on our Meetup site, check it out: www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society 

For more about the Small Business Chamber and the Startup Show click here.

PLEASE RE-TWEET AND SHARE you never know who wants to start in a new direction with their work and would really appreciate knowing about the free help we offer.

Also, please share it in a personal email to the board members of your local chamber of commerce and the publisher of your local community newspaper, we would be delighted to talk with you or them about how the Small Business Chamber of Commerce can help them start a new Socrates Cafe.

Call first for an appointment. A volunteer will return you call asap, usually by the start of the next business day, Monday- Friday except holidays. FOR MORE NOW SEE "Daring Might Things-- The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business." click here

John Wren
Founder, President, and CEO,
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc
Ask us how to start doing more Good Work.
1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210
www.SmallBizChamber.org 

All hat, no cattle...

The more we talk about business startup, the fewer new startups.

According to the Kaufman Foundation, who's talk about startup is a big part of the problem, the rate of startup is about half of what it was in 1980.

Why? Here's what I wrote in my little book about startup, click Daring Mighty Things:

The world needs your new business!

   

Want to start in a new direction?

Adults learn best by being the teacher. "See one. Do one. Teach one."

Socratic Startup Groups: 

Weekly 90-minute peer-led sessions. People with similar backgrounds starting in a new direction with their career.

Week 1:

You are OK now: Start where you are.

Week 2:

Heros: Lessons in living.

Week 3:

Higher Power: Spiritual living.

Week 4:

Proceeding: What’s next?

Agenda for each meeting:

Introductions/Where are you now? 

Reading from book group has selected. 

Discussion. 

Final words/What has changed?

Ask us for an invitation to a free information session, usually held on a Friday afternoon near you, or apply online now to be group facilitator or new student:

Wren College for 

Social Learning.

New groups forming now. 

www.WrenCollege.org 

(720)495-4949

A project of the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.  Denver, CO 80210 

Watch the Startup Show Noon Mountain Time each Friday.

We talk about startup each Friday. To be a guest on the show Tweet your 140-character startup story @IDEACafe then call to schedule a date. Call (303)861-1447 but only after you Tweet.

If you are a new listener check back here at noon each Friday for a link to the show via the Internet.

Life is too short for any of us to learn from just our own experience! Mark your calendar now for each Friday noon, I'll see you back here today or next Friday!

Now what?

Meeting here in Denver every Friday to help you get a quick start if you decide to run for office or help other good people get elected. Great way to help increase the informed participation in the 2018 elections, time to start is now! Join us this Friday or call me! John Wren (303)861-1447 or click here for more info, rsvp: http://Meetup.com/Caucus-Clubs

Starting a new career? A new project or campaign? Starting a new Business?

Join us here each Friday at noon Mountain Standard Time for the
Startup Show. Sponsored by the Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

IDEA Cafe Startup Workshops, other free groups to help you with the
practices of recovery, imagine, think, and learn; to start, grow, flourish.
More info at http://www.SmallBizChamber.org

Startup Show: Save the Caucus!

Below is the raw, unedited Startup Show from today's 10:30 a.m. webcast via Google+ Live Hangouts and YouTube live events. If I add some clips the edited version will be longer and it will have titles, etc. be a little slicker. But this is important info, I wanted to get it out asap.

Below you'll find the media release from yesterday talking about the launch of "Light a Candle for the Colorado Caucus."

Watch here again Sunday (2/28) at noon when we'll talk about the disastrous Amendment 99 that will kill our wonderful Colorado Caucus, then Monday, and Tuesday live right here on www.JohnWren.com or any time after the live webcast to watch the recording.

Here's today's show talking about what we are doing with Save the Caucus and why. If you want to know more, call me at (303)861-1447

Save the Caucus, a Colorado Political Committee, John Wren agent, 1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210 (303)861-1447

Socrates Cafe, join us!

We pick a topic, share our thoughts, ask each other questions.
Fridays and Saturdays, more info and optional RSVP at

More info and optional RSVP at http://Meetup.com/Colorado-Socrates-Cafe-Society

Dialog or dialectic?

I listened to "Plato, Socrates, and the Dialogues" by The Great Courses. Try #Audible and get it free:

https://www.audible.com/pdasin=B00DLM8PF6&source_code=AIPORWS04241590BD 

Have you listened? Let's discuss, ok? Call me at (303)861-1447 or if you're in Colorado join some Saturday evening for Socrates Cafe at University of Denver, more about it and parking map at http://Meetup.com/Colorado-Socrates-Cafe-Society 

Today! The Startup Show

Me and old college friend Karl Rove.

This morning and each Friday, right here at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time,

It's The Startup Show! 

Mark your calendar and come back here at 10 a.m. this morning, or watch here anytime after that via recording.

This week I'll talk about the new WrenCollege.org for Adult Self-Directed Learning and the faculty we are recruiting for it.

I also share with you about the new learning group patterned after Ben Franklin's original group that I'm forming now, why it will probably be the last one that I personally organize and facilitate, and why I'm buying dinner for everyone who comes to our first meeting.

Here's today's show:

Wren College?

Requesting a review copy of a new psychology book that looks like it might be a good catalyst for a new self-directed learning group I plan on forming, an idea.

A-ha!

Rather than holding myself out as Small Business Chamber of Commerce, why not form Wren College.

I don't think local chambers ever quite believe me when I say we want to cooperate with them, but they do that all the time with institutions of higher education.

One of my Facebook friends is one of the biggest critics in the country of colleges and universities, they've just become diploma mills, she writes.

I'm going to ask her about the idea, but what do you think?

We'd hold a weekly MOOC for people who want to start a new group, just like I do now. People could form their own group for free, as always, but if they want to be part of the faculty of Wren College, they first have to complete a course of study in adult self-directed learning. Same for students, could continue to be free, unless they want us to issue a certificate of completion documenting what had been learned.

What do you think?

Great write up about our speaker tomorrow (Friday, Nov 18) at the Small Business Chamber's Denver IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop in new online journal foucused on startup, see http://tekhne.co/2050/its-hard-out-here-for-a-biomed-entrepreneur/

I've just posted thoughts about entrepreneurship education from Socratic Arts, new Harvard Tech Meetup, idea for entrepreneur or startup poetry, and an upcoming TV show about the psychology behind why  Israel is such  a big source successful innovators, your comments very welcome at http://Facebook.com/Small.Business.Chamber

Would you volunteer to help start a monthly IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop for your local chamber of commerce? Let me know if you'd be interested after you check out http://www.SmallBizChamber.org and attend one of the Friday Denver IDEA Cafe sessions that I personally lead each week.

As you can see, I'm continuing to experiment with this blog, trying to find the most helpful way to communicate with you each week. Your feedback is always appreciated, even if the suggestions don't always lead to immediate change. Thanks for any thoughts you'd care to share here or via email to John@JohnWren.com

This is a media release I just sent out about the new, free, open
Franklin Circle. Let me know if you want a copy of the attachement
"What is a Franklin Circle." Here's the release:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2010

Contact: John Wren cell (720)495-4949

FREE SAMPLE OF A FRANKLIN CIRCLE EACH FRIDAY.
Powerful adult self-directed learning technique may have been Ben Franklin’s best invention, says John Wren.

DENVER— Franklin Circle Denver Open Group, each Friday, 4 p.m. at Panera Bread, 1330 Grant, Denver. Free. Optional RSVP at http://meetup.com/CommunityRoomCollege or contact John Wren at (303)861-1447 or John@JohnWren.com.

“Everyone who wants to learn more is invited to join us,” said entrepreneur and long-time community John Wren announcing the free, open Franklin Circle that now meets each Friday.

“Those attending are given enough information to start a new Franklin Circle or to use the format in another existing group such as a service club or chamber of commerce. If anyone wants to start a group for free for their friends and neighbors, I’ll help them for free. Or if they want to start a tuition-based group I’ll provide help beyond this open meeting for a fee that is based on the help they want from me,” said Wren.

In 1727, young Ben Franklin formed a group in Philadelphia for “the purpose of mutual improvement” as Franklin puts it in his famous Autobiography. In 1996, inspired by Franklin, activist John Wren formed the first Franklin Circle here in Denver, and he’s now actively working to spread the concept.

“I’ve conducted startup workshops and done consulting with small businesses for years,” said Wren. “This experience has convinced me there is a real need for these peer advisory groups for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative managers. The intention is to help people to start and grow their own business, and to help them become better citizens through active participation in local government and politics. In my opinion, the powerful format for these meetings may have been Ben Franklin’s best invention.”

Wren has studied adult education at Regis University and has had numerous teaching assignments, ranging from Arapahoe Community College and Casper Junior College to the American Management Association and Colorado Free University.

Each group is autonomous, and free help to start a new group is also available online at http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Franklin-Circle-Adult-Self-Directed-Learning-Group

For more information contact John Wren at John@JohnWren.com or (303)861-1447.

###
Attachment: What is a Franklin Circle?

John S. Wren, MBA http://www.JohnWren.com is the founder of the Denver Socrates Café, Denver IDEA Café and Franklin Circles. He is a business consultant and adult educator. He is the new Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Inventors Association http://rminventor.org. He is also conducting a free online Action Class in Practical Politics to help newcomers to Colorado politics to learn about the Colorado Caucuses http://www.COCaucus.org.

From The Los Angles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-podclass24nov24,0,5117576.story

By making hundreds of lectures from elite academic institutions available online for free, Apple is reinvigorating the minds of people who have been estranged from the world of ideas.

For several years universities have posted recorded lectures on their internal websites, giving students a chance to brush up on their classes or catch ones they missed.

But 28 colleges and universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and Yale, now post select courses without charge at iTunes.

Check out Dr. Amar Bhide’s “Hustle as Strategy” in which he makes the case for true entrepreneurship and against formal market research and strategic planning.

JOHN WREN NEWS & COMMENTARY
Vol. I Number 1
May 4, 2007

In this issue:
Goodbye Wally Schirra.
Big Changes with IDEA Cafe.
Next Franklin Circles forming.
Socrates Cafe next week.
CoCaCoP-- It's back! Reregister.
New Denver Republican Meetup.

Walter "Wally" Schirra Jr.died Thursday at the age of 84. He was the was the only astronaut to fly in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. Schirra, far left, the other Mercury Seven astronauts and an operations worker, in white, stand in a NASA control center at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Sept. 22, 1960. At the time of the photo, I was an 8th grader at the new Thomas Jefferson High School here in Denver. In about 1976 I met him at a party here in Denver.

The original astronauts were great heroes, especially to those of us who grew up with them. I had the good fortune to meet 2 of them personally, Wally and Jack Swigert who became an astronaut in April, 1966 and was a member of Apollo 13.

CoCaCoP-- We're back!
The Colorado Caucus Community of Practice is reforming after being dormant for over a year. Our purpose is to help people learn about our wonderful Colorado neighborhood caucus-assembly system for nominating to the primary ballot. The caucus is the first step in becoming a delegate to the national conventions that we'll be having in 2008, one right here in Denver. At our next meeting we'll hear a report from a student who has done research on our Colorado primary system. See the video "How would Ben Franklin Vote?" with Dennis Gallagher and RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/

Big Changes at IDEA Cafe
I've been leading IDEA Cafe meetings since 1996 or so. We met for years at the Koelbel Library in Littleton, and most recently at Panera Bread at 13th & Grant near the State Capitol here in Denver. At each meeting we invite people to share their startup experience and we brainstorm. Meetings are free and open to everyone who is starting something new, a project, campaign, business, or career. We became a meetup.com group a couple of years ago, and we now meet weekly. We are making some big changes in the meeting format. If you'd be willing to share your startup experience, or if you want a boost as you get started, join us! We just ask that you bring your brain for the brainstorming! For more information see http://ideacafe.meetup.com/1. RSVP "No" if you want to get an invitation to next weeks meeting with when & where we will be meeting.

Denver Franklin Circle Now Forming
Have you seen the Ben Franklin exhibit that is here in Denver until May 20? Don't miss it! It features Ben's original Franklin Circle, what he called The Junto. I've been forming groups of people with similar learning objectives since 1995 here in Denver, let me know if you'd like more information about the groups I'm now forming. One will focus on the arts, especially music and the theatre, and the other on entrepreneurship and small business. For the details, email me at JohnSWren@aol.com.

Socrates Cafe Next Thursday
Chris Phillips who wrote the book Socrates Cafe which inspired the start of the first group in Denver asked me to stand up recently at the talk he gave at Tattered Cover LoDo recently. (The only media coverage of the event was the student paper at Regis University.) The next meeting of our monthly group is next Thursday, RSVP at http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82, or join the group that meets each Friday, 6 p.m. at Panera Bread, 13th & Broadway here in Denver, no RSVP required.

The New Denver Republican Meetup
Some of us are making an effort to revive the GOP in Denver, even Democrats tell me it's bad for our Democratic-Republic to have one party rule like we now have in Denver. If you'd like to help, join us next Monday at the University of Denver Alumni House. RSVP "No" if you'd like an invitation to future meetings. http://republican.meetup.com/511.

Other News

I wish I'd read Mark DeMoss's Little Red Book of Wisdom years ago, it's great! One of Mark's suggestions is to read a chapter of Proverbs each morning. He and I have traded emails a couple of times, I hope to get him here to Denver as a speaker soon. (Let me know if you'd be interested in being one of the sponsors, sponsorship will include a personal meeting with Mark at a small luncheon or a reception after his talk.)

Thanks to my good friend Nathan Pollock who recently gave a talk to the Denver South Optimist Club on his adventures in medicine and philosophy. It was by far the best talk we've heard all year, and we've had some great ones!

I was recently elected to the Board of the Denver Lions Club.

We are looking for my replacement as manager of 1311 York Street Club. Email me if you'd like more information at JohnSWren@aol.com

I'm thinking of bundling all my learning groups, seminars, and online publications under the umbrella of Wren University. What do you think of the idea? Would it be too pretentious to put "College President" on my resume and business card?

Mary and I are experimenting with an online publication we are calling Denver When & Where. Please let us know if you have events we could help you promote.

Leaving York Street will give me more time for my consulting practice. I do business analysis, management services work, and training.

How may I help you?

de gustibus non est disputandum"

In matters of taste there is no disputing."

John S. Wren, MBA+

Grassroots Educator & Business Consultant.

Inspired action since 1979.

960 Grant Street, #727

Denver, CO 80203

(303)861-1447

http://www.johnwren.com/

JohnSWren@aol.com