That's a nice idea.
Before the meeting choose place and time that all affiliates (or most of them) find suitable.The atmosphere should be relaxed and friendly.Take care that place where you chose to be meeting have enough place/seats for all,that music (if there's any) isn't too loud (so that you have to shout to each other) and that chosen place is not overcrowded (so that each time someone is interrupting you).
At the beginning of the meeting,if you are the initiator,check if everyone's there.Introduce yourself and let the rest introduce themselves.If you find it more comfortable,you can read (to all) from the list who is present (so that others can see who is who).Say what you thought that you can do/talk/discuss of,and let others add if they have their own ideas.
Some of the ideas that you could do:
- discuss different topics:daily actions/problems,advertising,marketing,sponsoring,Tripleclicks (products,games,auctions,W3),news from SFI,banking (credit cards,fees...),etc.
- different experiences (with S-builder,auctions,sponsoring...),successful or unsuccessful
- plans/ideas/suggestions for improvement of all
If others find uncomfortable to start,then you start discussion.You can get many ideas from SFI Forum here.
Say "I have problems with..." or "I have discovered great way for.." or "I solved that problem like this...".Once you start it,things will go their way,so don't worry.But be aware that discussion may take many twist and turns.
Note that someone has to act like a "moderator".Which means to keep some kind of "order" among you.Otherwise,at some point you may find it like all are talking at the same time,with a higher tone (like all chickens are clucking at the same time).Try to avoid that.That doesn't mean that everyone has to "ask for a word",but try to put discussion in some "normal" way.
Also,pay attention if someone is trying to say something,but others don't let him/her do it (or he/she is too shy to interrupt while others are speak,and never catch his/her turn).Or to others,who have to say ALWAYS their opinion before anyone else do it.You have to put those things in balance.
Have some "time limit".That means that meeting/gathering should last hour or two,maximum 3 hours.In the end thank everyone who took part in it and express hope that you will all meet again (and eventually that it will be "traditional").Some of the present persons may have need to exchange contacts (phone numbers,FB names,etc.).
In the very end - if you're meeting in a café or some similar place - don't forget to pay the bill! :)
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