Working out of a home office, I have experienced a sense of isolation, to a degree, but social media has helped to bridge the gap. Building an online business warrants transitioning relationships from "virtual" to "IRL" (in-real-life). Making a point of connecting on a personal level in today's tech society is an important element in building community.

I am proud to share with SDBM readers a networking group that my friend/colleague, Liz Philips, and I started: "San Diego In Real Life Connections" (Twitter). Formally known as "San Diego Girls' Night Out" (social media knew us by by "sdGNO", too), our members enjoyed VIP treatment at some of San Diego's most esteemed venues such as Croce's, The Pearl, Stone Brewery, Terra and The Bellefleur among others. We have benefited greatly from this unique type of community, as many of us had been very accustomed to primarily "interfacing" with each other online, and that can be pretty impersonal.

We began meeting up as moms with our kids, but decided (after one trial-lol) to primarily have kid-free gatherings. We aim to unite, support and grow a community of San Diego professionals interested in tech, local business, and new media by providing fun & professional opportunities to connect In Real Life!

We welcome new members, too - guys, gals, parents, singles - any interested adults! Our March IRL event will be at one of San Diego's newest open air taverns, Station Tavern, in the up-and-coming South Park neighborhood. Come join us for burgers, discounted drinks and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to take the kids, too (there is a large grassy, fenced-in area where they can play). Hope to see you there!