Single Edition's "Live the Life You Love": A Singletude Review

Yesterday I attended the last evening of Single Edition's "Live the Life You Love" discussion panel series for single women at Saks Fifth Avenue. Single Edition founder Sherri Langburt, interviewed by Singletude last January, says that she hopes to sponsor further events, so here's a recap of what you can expect for next time:

The night kicked off with refreshments, and most guests took advantage of the time to circulate and mingle. It was a friendly, upbeat crowd and a great opportunity to meet and greet other women with similar interests. One or two single men even stopped by in hopes of making a love connection! Gradually, everyone migrated toward the main event space to claim a pen and notepad and a chair, most of which were filled by the time the presentation started.

The four panel experts of the night were Beth Schoenfeldt, founder of Collective-E, a web site and social networking organization for entrepreneurs; human resources consultant and career coach Alyson D'Anna; Karine Bakhoum, president of KB Network News, a food and hospitality industry PR and consulting firm; and Brad Berkowitz, author of The 21st Century Guide to Bachelorhood: Lessons Learned Over the Past 20 Years. My primary interest was in the career and business domain, so I was particularly curious to hear what Schoenfeldt and D'Anna had to say.

Schoenfeldt was the first to speak and related her experience building a business as a single woman, contrasting it with a later venture that she undertook as a married mother. One of the main points of her presentation was that singleness can be a huge advantage to small business owners, who can devote their undivided time, attention, and financial resources to what may become an all-consuming professional project. Shattering the myth that married entrepreneurs always have partners to fall back on, she reminded singles that not all spouses are supportive and that the additional risk of investing in a business alone can boost motivation in a way that a partner's comfortable salary can not. Schoenfeldt also promoted networking, especially with proven start-ups who might serve as mentors.

Next up was Bakhoum, who talked about cooking for one, emphasizing the importance of pampering yourself with simple yet special meals. Bakhoum recalled that when she was single, she found herself going all out for guests but reaching for the takeout menu for her own dinner. Eventually, she realized that she was entitled to healthy, delicious food and didn't need to wait for other people to give herself permission to enjoy it. Bakhoum shared some of her favorite cooking tips, advocating for the transformative power of seasonings and sauces and the judicious use of leftovers.

Getting back to business, career coach D'Anna focused on how singles can market themselves, advising workers to integrate self-promotion into their daily lives rather than scramble at the last minute when a raise is on the table or a job is in danger. Her strategy was not for the timid--she recommended chatting up senior execs at company events and the person next to you at private parties. Like Schoenfeldt, she presented singleness as a career advantage, suggesting that solo employees can more easily work a room or go back to school without the distraction of spouse and kids. Finally, D'Anna addressed the sensitive issues of dating and singlism in the workplace. Regarding office romance, she advised strict adherence to company policy, disclosure to immediate supervisors when a relationship is serious, and a professional demeanor should the love match sour. As for combating singlism, D'Anna encouraged singles with outside interests not to stew in silence but to speak up for themselves and their right to enjoy life untethered to a desk.

The last speaker was Berkowitz, who began by asking the audience for a show of hands if they were doing absolutely everything they could to meet men. Of course, not all of us are interested in dating, so he lost me at hello, but chances are many of the other single ladies were on his wavelength as he talked about utilizing every avenue to meet potential partners (hint: go where the men are, such as gyms and sports bars), decoding male interest signals, and holding out for love (or at least serious interest) before giving sex. This advice was nothing new, but maybe that's because Berkowitz didn't make a name for himself advising single women; his book is for single men. In fact, as far as I know, it's the only dating guide for single men. I haven't read it yet, but maybe some of you single guys out there will pick up a copy and give us your feedback.

Each presentation was followed by a Q&A, and although the audience was shy at first, the questions were flying fast and furious by the end of the night. The discussion wrapped up after about an hour and a half, at which time everyone was given a 15% discount card and turned loose on Saks for an after-hours shopping spree. Cosmetics consultants were also on hand with free samples, and a lot of women stuck around just to chat. I wouldn't have minded if the guest speakers had been allotted more time to expand on their topics with more concrete, step-by-step examples, but of course the audience was antsy for the rare opportunity to have Saks all to themselves.

As a parting gift, attendees literally got everything and a bag of chips! Each gift bag included a GO SMiLE tooth whitening kit, samples of Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Eye Creme and derma e Scar Gel, a bottle of Glaceau smartwater, a bag of popchips--for real!--and discount certificates for The Vitamin Shoppe and a local personal trainer.

But really the best aspect of the night--for me, at least--was that a bunch of single women with similar goals were gathered under the same roof. One of the lessons of the evening was that we need to keep in mind the importance of connections, and this was a perfect venue to get to know some like-minded people. I'm looking forward to another discussion series and would encourage you not to miss the next time around if you want to network with other singles, learn some tips and tricks for single living, and get some cool freebies.

Tomorrow, you may want to stop by Singletude again because in lieu of the usual big, meaty midweek post, we have two lighter "snacks," this one today and one tomorrow. Tomorrow's post will introduce you to some links that couldn't be included in "Singles in the News" last week but are nevertheless worthy of a special mention. Curious? See ya tomorrow!


If you were able to attend any of the "Live the Life You Love" events, what did you think of your experience? Do you know of any other singles-oriented discussion series that you would recommend? Do singles events like this appeal to you and, if not, what kinds of events for singles would you like to see (other than dating or matchmaking events)?


Fun Link of the Day




Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have an unpublished rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"! Singletude makes every effort to republish submissions in their original form but reserves the right to edit your submission for length and clarity.

Single Edition's "Live the Life You Love" Discussion Panel for Single Women

Single ladies in NYC, I have a treat for you! Single Edition, the sponsor of Singletude's awesome singles gift basket, which could be yours when you enter the Singletude giveaway contest, is partnering with online dating behemoth Spark Networks to host a three-night discussion series entitled "Live the Life You Love" at Saks Fifth Avenue.

You may remember from Singletude's interview with Single Edition founder Sherri Langburt that one of my favorite aspects of the site is its panel of experts, who regularly answer reader questions. Well, this is your chance to ply the experts with queries over cocktails...and meet some of your single sisters in the process. Single Edition's panel of trusted advisers will tackle Money, Home and Security on 9/15; Health, Mind and Body on 10/6; and Cooking, Career, Love and Entertaining on 11/3. And when the Q&A winds down, the evening is just revving up at Saks, which will be closed to the public with its personal shoppers and cosmetics consultants at your disposal!

Advance tickets are $25 or $45 for all three nights. I plan to attend at least one night, so if you live in New York or its environs, maybe I'll see you there!


Fun Link of the Day


Don't forget to enter the Singletude giveaway contest for your chance to win over $150 in prizes from SingleEdition.com!


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have a rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"!

Sherri Langburt of SingleEdition.com: A Singletude Interview

Well, I'm back from the Mexican Caribbean and want to thank everyone who wished me a bon voyage! I only lost a few of my appendages to sharks but have all the rest intact, so I'd say I'm ahead of the game. ;)

Today Singletude presents our very first interview, with Sherri Langburt, founder of the singles lifestyle site SingleEdition.com. (You can read my introductory comments on Single Edition here.) In the past year, Single Edition has emerged as one of the leading sources of information about all aspects of single living, and Sherri was kind enough to contribute her thoughts on undertaking such an influential web project, monitoring trends in the singles community, and living life to the utmost with or without a partner.



Singletude: SingleEdition.com, which you founded, is the first online singles lifestyle hub of its kind. What inspired you to embark on such a unique venture?

Sherri Langburt: A culmination of factors and realizations led me to launch SingleEdition.com. The assumptions of people with whom I worked and of the companies where I worked about my life and relationships when I was single and the lack of support available to the singles consumer segment were primary drivers. Then came the day when I received a "join with your spouse and save" promotion from a local gym. That was the minute the decision was made.


S: What was your biggest challenge in getting Single Edition off the ground? What are your goals for the site now? Any new additions that we can look forward to?

SL: Finding a reliable and suitable technology partner was a struggle at the start, but we are very fortunate to have found a company on which we can depend. Since we are a new brand, our main focus is customer satisfaction, and that all begins with our product offering. In addition to editorial programming, we plan to add a comprehensive membership program which will give singles the discounts they deserve as well as other lifestyle support offerings. From a functional perspective, we plan to add message boards, user-generated reviews for products and places and more interactive features in the year to come.


S: Although you're now married, you've said that you were single for nearly two decades. How do you think the experience of being single has changed in that time?

SL: Nothing is too personal for the public. Sex and the City propagated a society of single bloggers, novelists, and public speakers, which has in turn eliminated many of the traditional stigmas of single living and brought many issues to light. I also believe that people are just beginning to embrace their independence--it's akin to the start of a liberating new movement. People are more comfortable dining out alone and are excited about solo travel, which was hardly the case during my single years.


S: We've reached a historical milestone at which single-headed households account for slightly more than half the U.S. population. In your opinion, are more of these singles solo by choice or due to an unprecedented difficulty finding the right partner? What reasons for remaining unattached are you hearing in the singles community?

SL: Whether by choice or circumstance, my opinion is that more singles are learning how to live and love on their own. And, it's becoming more acceptable to stay single longer. We are witnessing first-time marriages happening among people in their forties, which gives many the inspiration (and time!) to pursue their passions. Personal accomplishments and friendship clusters have never been stronger, to which our readers can attest, which gives many the confidence and support to remain unattached.


S: One of the things I like about Single Edition is that it features Q&As with a panel of expert advisers, so you must hear a lot about the concerns of today's singles. What do you think is the most common or distressing problem that singles currently face, and how can we work toward a solution?

SL: I am so glad you enjoy our featured expert's series. Our advisers address each question personally and try to deliver feedback that is not always available to singles. Based on the queries we have received to date, meeting new people and finding social activities is the number one concern among singles. Of course, many of our readers have expressed interest in recipes for one, a topic on which we continue to focus, as well as independent travel ideas, trips and tips.


S: You encourage singles to get out and be active in order to meet like-minded people. What would you say is the best venue for singles to connect with each other?

SL: For me, dining out alone is by far the best way to meet new people. Dinner alone is a great thing. Over the years I have learned that people are drawn to those who have the courage to go out alone. There is something intriguing about the independent spirit that makes people curious or compassionate and ultimately leads to new conversations and connections. And restaurants are increasingly catering to singles, with communal tables and full service bar areas that promote socializing.


S: Single Edition has a really neat section called "Just for One" that showcases single-sized products. As you know, it can be quite a feat for singles to find affordable products and services in our couples-oriented world of bulk groceries and family gym memberships. What tips for frugal living would you give to budget-conscious singles?

SL: We have come such a long way since coupon cutting, with so many helpful online resources that help you save money. Apartment swapping is a great way to save and still enjoy time off, while bartering/selling platforms are a worthwhile tool for singles that are willing to trade or sell stuff. I also believe that generic brands can be a fine and affordable solution, especially when it comes to pharmaceuticals and food shopping.


S: What is your favorite book, magazine, movie, or other resource for or about singles?

SL: Many of the top culinary institutes offer courses specifically for singles that are fun and entertaining for cooking enthusiasts like myself. I must also confess that for me personally instant messaging technology has been a saving grace. We have become so accustomed to it as a means of communication, but it really makes it easier staying connected to family and friends.


S: As a successful web entrepreneur who got her start as a single, you must know firsthand that it can be daunting to launch a business by yourself. What advice do you have for other singles with dreams of self-employment or small business ownership?

SL: The most important lesson that I have learned is that there is always a "yes" after every "no." For every negative response there is always a person/company on the other end who simply did not "get it" or was not in a position to try to "get it." There is always another door to break down or window to crack--you just have to find the opening.


S: What did you enjoy most about being single? Are there any things you miss about the single life or wish you would've done while still on your own? What should all singles do at least once while they're not married?

SL: I am filled with wanderlust and simply loved taking trips to faraway and exotic places. Though I still travel, I have worked non-stop throughout my adult life and wish I would have taken some time off to travel the world and create the book I always wanted to write. Traveling alone to a foreign country is my recommended must-do before marriage.


Sherri Langburt is a lifestyle expert and founder of SingleEdition.com, which launched in December 2007 as a content-driven destination that embraces the culture of single living. Langburt has 14 years of new media and technology experience working for Fortune 100 firms such as Weight Watchers, Altria/Kraft, AIG, CSFB, and Nestle. She has been quoted and published in media outlets such as The New York Times, ReadersDigest, New York Magazine, Good Morning America Radio, MSN.com, and more.



If you or someone you know is doing something of interest to the singles community and would like to be interviewed by Singletude, please send in your suggestion!


Fun Link of the Day


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have a rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a Singletude Q&A or your rant or rave in a Singletude Sound-off!