any tips on creating a meetup group?

I've started and/or been involved in several networking groups, including meetups, and there are several things to consider.

First, is there really room for another internet marketing group in your area? If you're actually in LA proper, I'd guess there is. To assess the "competition," I would visit several of the existing groups. Attend a couple of meetings and talk to the leaders. You'll be able to see what kind of attendance they're getting and what internet marketing niches they're filling. If you find that all of the groups are talking about SEO, then you could find another focus. IOW, just get a good sense of the scene in your area before you solidify your plans. Even if we tell you here that we think doing a meetup about information products is a great idea, you have to scope out the realities of your market.

There is a cost to start a meetup group, although it's fairly minimal. When I did it, about 3 or 4 years ago, it was something like $20/quarter.

I don't know if you've found a meeting venue, but that's an important consideration. You need a space that will be quiet enough for discussion and, ideally, large enough for expansion as your group grows. Here in Seattle, our libraries provide free meeting rooms. The drawback with those is that you have to be out before 9pm, and the meetings must be free. Often, coffee houses or restaurants will let you meet. I'm sure you have Tullys down there. They have several meeting venues that host multiple meetups. If you want a private space, like a banquet room, you may have to pay a rental fee.

Do you plan to charge a fee for attendance? Maybe you're fine with absorbing the meetup costs and any rental fees. Otherwise, think about the minimum number of attendees you need and what you need to charge to recoup your costs. If you have any intention of actually making money from a meetup group, um, forget it. In general, the meetup mindset is about community and sharing, so this isn't really the way to go for a commercial endeavor. (At least it wasn't as of a few years ago. Things change, I know.)

What's your purpose in starting the group? Are you doing it purely as a service? Or do you see this as a commercial venture - maybe you're hoping to gain affiliates, or find jv partners? Whatever the case, be clear about your intentions before you start/promote the group.

You'll need to promote the group, just like anything else. Especially in an area like LA, where there are tons of sparkly options drawing people's time and attention. Announcements in craigslist and any local media can help.

Yeah, I do think it would be a good idea to have a partner. Even if you're very clear about your focus and agenda, it will relieve some of the pressure of having to be at every single meeting and do everything yourself. Meetups don't involve a ton of work, but the most successful ones are organized, with ongoing agendas, possibly speaking schedules, follow-up, forum maintenance, etc.

Notwithstanding all of the above, maybe meetup ISN'T the right way for you to go. I just noticed that you said you want to do this because you enjoy teaching internet marketing. Meetups often involve more discussion and sharing, as opposed to instruction, although it could work.

But have you thought about looking into teaching some classes through your local university extensions or Experimental College (whatever's available in your area). Heck, one of the junior colleges (at least that's what they were called when I lived in CA) might be interested. That way you could actually have a series of courses or levels. Basic, Advanced, Info Products, Article Marketing, SEO and on and on. And you could make a little money.

I'm not sure this is the kind of info you wanted - hope it helps a bit. Good luck!

@GrayAmbition - not sure why no one else responded to this post but that was some extremely helpful stuff you listed.

I was hoping to get ideas for hosting meetups locally and you definitely gave some to me.

What part of CA did you live?

I live in Silicon Valley - a bit of a weird place if you ask me, as everyone is all teched out nerdified and thinking about incubation, and funding....where are all the joe blows that just need help starting their own little business, lol?

Thanks again.

Regards

Los