Mike Rohde, illustrator of the New York Times bestseller Rework and creator of sketchnotes, will be speaking at the August 20, 2010 Likemind meeting in Milwaukee. It’s held at our new location: Bucketworks, 706 5th St., just north of National Avenue. Here’s a map. There is no cost, but we will be accepting donations for the coffee that we’re serving.

The festivities begin at 7:00 AM sharp, with speakers typically starting at 7:20. Likemind provides an opportunity to socialize after the talks. The meeting breaks up (officially at least) at 9:00 AM. Here’s an excerpt from the Milwaukee Likemind blog about Mike’s talk. Mike writes:

In the process of developing sketchnotes and sharing them with the world, I’ve noticed an interesting community phenomenon emerging around the activity itself.

For many people, seeing my sketchnotes has spontaneously inspired and encouraged them sketchnote talks on their own. Most of these people I’ve never met or even had communications with, yet this sketchnoting activity seems fun, approachable and doable.

At first this was challenging to me. I worried that my unique technique would be lost with everyone else doing it. As it turns out, this has been the opposite — an expanding community of independent sketchnoters has enhanced my status in the community.

In the August Likemind, I’ll talk about my initial struggles, acceptance and deciding to encourage independent sketchnoters around the world. I’ll talk about the positive effects of sharing and encouragement and about SketchnoteArmy.com which was born to promote and encourage development of the sketchnoting community.

Are you of a Likemind?

Read what this article in the Journal-Sentinel says about Likemind, the international “un-networking” event:

Unlike other meet-ups, Likemind isn’t limited to industry-specific groups. It’s open to people from different fields.

At a recent [Likemind], about 30 participants discussed business, technology, art and culture over coffee and tea.

If you live in the Milwaukee area, and enjoy coffee — or are capable of faking it — you should consider attending Likemind. Milwaukee is one of over 50 cities worldwide that hold such events, including São Paulo, Mumbai, Shanghai and Malmo (Sweden).

Attendees comprise what some have called a city’s creative class.

Read What Others Say About Milwaukee Likemind

“This group is such a must attend! Great content ~ Great Speakers!”
– Toni Spott

“Yup… Likemind is one of my “must attends” now…1) it’s early so my brain works 2) good coffee 3) good presenters.”
– Greg Ryan

You’re Part of Our City’s Future

So what exactly is the “creative class?” Author Richard Florida’s site describes it as follows:

[They are] the 40 million Americans — over a third of our national workforce — who create for a living. This creative class is found in a variety of fields, from engineering to theater, biotech to education, architecture to small business. Their choices have already had a huge economic impact. In the future, they will determine how the workplace is organized, what companies will prosper or go bankrupt, and even which cities will thrive or wither.

Agenda

There is no agenda.

In fact, there is no formal structure and no cost, except for the cup of coffee or tea you’ll want to sip while you’re there. Participants exchange ideas, job tips and useful contacts in free-form groupings.

The quality of the sessions are directly proportional to their diversity.

Which means if you’re thinking of attending, you probably should.

When

It’s customarily the third Friday of every month, from 7 AM to 9:00.

Where

We’re now back in our original home, from 2008! At least, we’re back at BucketworksBut they’ve now moved to 706 5th St., right next to La Perla.
Looking for another location? Here’s the official Likemind directory: www.likemind.us. And here’s Jamey Shiels’ blog post on the event.