🍔 Skip Awkward Networking. Join Me For a Burger (and a Business Win) Instead

Welcome to this issue of AVL BIZ Magazine—a weekly roundup of Asheville business events, marketing insights, and a dash of local flavor. My name’s Jason and I’m writing this (connect with me here).

Alright folks, is it just me or did the pollen decide to throw its own city-wide festival this week? My car's rocking a lovely shade of yellow-green, and I swear I saw a squirrel sneeze itself right off a telephone wire yesterday. 🐿️

While you're wiping down your own windshield for the tenth time, grab a coffee and let's dive into what's shaking in the AVL biz world. We've got ways to boost your business brainpower, tips to make your marketing sparkle brighter than a Patton Avenue Saturday night, some actual non-work fun, and a spotlight on some serious local talent.

Let's get to it!

On Deck

• 🍔 An Anti-Networking Lunch Worth Skipping Work For

• 🎭 40 Improv Teams Descend on Asheville (Prepare for Chaos)

• ⚡ A LinkedIn Trick That Actually Works (+ Other Marketing Quickies)

• 🎨 Spring Art Exhibit in the River Arts District You’ll Want to Catch

• 🎶 Your Live Music Cheat Sheet (Wilco AND Waxahatchee!)

Upcoming Events

🗓️ SCORE: Marketing Your Business – Saturday, May 3 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM @ A-B Tech, Enka. If your marketing plan is still “post and pray,” this free workshop will help you get real results. Learn practical tactics from folks who’ve been there and survived to tell the tale.

🗓️ Be the Best in Business – A Business Owner’s Opportunity Gathering – Tuesday, May 13 · 8:30–11:30 AM @ 21 Restaurant Ct. Network, skill-build, and maybe even find a new business bestie. Hosted by coach Bill Gilliland, this is your monthly dose of actionable strategies and caffeinated conversation. Guaranteed to come away with a killer strategy for your business.

🗓️ Women of Wellness – Thursday, May 15 · 6 - 8:30 PM @ HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm. Word on the street is Lindsay Levine from The Beauty Boost throws incredible events! While I won't be there myself, I've heard this is a fantastic opportunity for female entrepreneurs to connect and recharge.

🗓️ How to Transform Ordinary Customer Interactions Into Extraordinary Moments – Friday, May 16 · 9:00 AM–2:30 PM @ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Led by Unreasonable Hospitality Certified Coach Holly Fisher (Holly and I are unofficially starting a marketing fitness pros meetup 😂). This workshop promises to help you create a Customer Journey Advantage Map. Ideal for businesses wanting to boost customer loyalty and motivate their team!

🗓️ Asheville Fitness Sampler – Sunday, May 18 · Time Varies @ The Restoration Hotel. Another event by Lindsay Levine from The Beauty Boost! I heard this fitness sampler is an excellent way to discover new workouts and wellness practices in Asheville.

Hosting something cool?

📬 Hit reply and tell me what you think. Or share an event!

Marketing Quickies

I’m a marketer and educator at heart. Here I’ll share interesting links that you can apply to your business to get more leads, make your life easier, hire better, and grow your business.

• A new LinkedIn study finds posts with links get 13% more engagement-so go ahead, drop that link and let the algorithm work its magic. I don’t believe it but I’m going to test it out this week. Read the scoop.

• Want a marketing win this week? Define your target audience and optimize your website for SEO. These two steps are the fastest way to boost your visibility-no magic wand required. Check out these actionable tips.

Fun Stuff Around AVL

🔥 RAD Renaissance: A Celebration of Art, Resilience & Renewal – Saturday, May 10 · River Arts District

Live music, food, and the RAD Art Market return to celebrate the River Arts District’s comeback. Bring your creative energy (and maybe a paint-splattered shirt).

🔥 Mother’s Day Tea Party – Saturday, May 10 · 2:00–4:00 PM @ The Omni Grove Park Inn

Treat your mom (or yourself, no judgment) to an elegant tea party with live music, delectable treats, and artisanal activities. Pinkies up, Asheville!

🔥 Roll of the Dice: A Comedy Show of Chance – Saturday, May 10 · 9:00 PM @ Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Comedy, craft beer, and the thrill of the unknown-what could possibly go wrong? Perfect for unwinding after a week of “serious business”.

Bands on the Horizon (May 3–16)

• Shakey Graves – May 3 & 4 @ The Orange Peel

• Michael Franti & Spearhead – May 8 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

• BadBadNotGood – May 10 @ The Orange Peel

• Chris Thile & Asheville Symphony – May 10 @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

• Bendigo Fletcher – May 10 @ Grey Eagle

• Of Mice & Men – May 11 @ The Orange Peel

• Exodus – May 13 @ The Orange Peel

• Tedeschi Trucks Band – May 14 @ ExploreAsheville.com Arena

• Wilco & Waxahatchee – May 16 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

• The Crane Wives – May 16 @ The Orange Peel

That’s all for this week!

Go make something awesome happen this week, Asheville. I’ll see you next Thursday!

Email me here and tell me what you think, or let me know about an event you’re hosting.

Until next week,

-Jason

Jason De Los Santos
Pixelated Stories Digital Marketing
(828) 585-4293