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Share your passion

Get ideas as to how others are using ianu and share your passions.

BBQ with a view

Stefan und Melissa love creating unique moments.Was does one need to achieve this? A disposable grill and a beautiful sunset. And a few entertaining monkeys to join in the fun?

Grilling on the balcony is a thing of the past. Unless you never had a balcony to begin with.

Stefan sorts out the disposable grill and knows the perfect hidden location on a hill, with a bombastic skyline over the entire city. All that is missing are the crazy friends. Both of them invite a couple of friends. They are also open to including sympathetic invitations via ianu.

Initially, Stefan was only responsible for the disposable grill and garbage bags. In the meantime their grill parties have become so successful that they cater for wein, beer, meat, salads and even s’mores and their guests simply contribute to the costs.

Update: The concept has kicked off so well that Stefan is contemplating doing a course in becoming a professional disposable grill master.

Motto: Rockstar’n’Roll

Does everyone have a dark side? „Nope!“ Julian denies it. „It’s certainly an escape from the 60 hour Banker life.But don’t we all want the good things in life? Some are interested in sex, others in the party and some prefer tattoos and raw hard rock music” says Julian, with a laugh. „A real weekend rocker wants EVERYTHING!“

Rocker-Attitude, Spotify Playlist, Leather jacket, Stick on Tattoos and skin markers for those not brave enough to go under the needle – the recipe is simple. He already knows the perfect group of people, the rest can ask to join via ianu.

„It’s not about the perfect party! It’s about the lifestyle, the fun. It’s the perfect life!“ or so it’s been rumoured. „And what’s really cool is the walking together to the location. The gob-smacked stares from people along the way just turn me on!“

Julian doesn’t intend to make his next million with his motto-Parties (in the meantime he has a list of great themes). 8 Euros contribution fee, is what Julian needs to cover the expenses. Whatever is left over, gets invested. As a Banker he has enough experience in this field. (Remark from Julian: „Haha no no, not cocaine and strippers, I am actually referring to my real estate fund“)

Tip: Simply try it! If you’ve been contemplating something which you are burning to try out with friend, simply go ahead and do it. Keep it simple! Invite a few friends and see how things develop.

Worst Basketball Fun Tournament

Max has been thinking about doing this since forever! „silly when you have bought a new basketball and none of your friends want to play!“ says  Max with a grin while explaining the whereabouts. „There’s only one thing left to do: Call for a tournament!“

We would have never come up with this idea, especially since we as well as the others have no clue how to play.But it is exactly because of this reason that it was such a hit!

The first „Brutal Beginners Basketball Tournament“ debuted with 12 players. There was shoving, dribbling, shooting… and missed again! playing till the finals took the tournament in to the wee hours of the night. Refreshments in the form of beer and snacks were most welcomed and all it’s worth!

Max isn’t in it for the money, everyone brought their own snacks and drinks. He also had a cooler box on hand filled with cold beers which you could grab for a voluntary donation. „II’ve already walked off with Euros 30,- net, and once even  50,-. That’s going towards the next case of beers, or maybe even a second basketball“

Sunset Yoga in Park

What to do when you’ve been dreaming about your own yoga studio? You’ve been financing your yoga training with the income from side jobs? Yes! You’re gaining experience in a popular yoga studia in your area… No!  „Sorry we cannot hire you due to you lack of experience!“ is the response which Sophie gets from endless studios.

Sophie gathered her friends together: „Today I am offering a free yoga session in the Park!“

Three of her friends show up, but it is here that she first becomes acquainted with ianu. „That’s exactly what I could use right now!It wasn’t something that simply happened overnight, and in the beginning it was only my friends that joined. But friends bring friends, you know. In the meantime it’s even possible to arrange a spontaneous yoga class. There are at least 10 people in regular attendance“ For Sophie, this is the shortcut to having her own studio. In summer when the weather is good, she offers her classes in the park and sometimes even a small session in her very own living room.

Sophie is now on the look out for a bigger apartment so that she can accommodate a bigger group. It’s practically her very first private studio! Her income has even improved from „Karma points“ to a voluntary donation from EUR 5-10. „I’m earning as much as  100 Euros per session. In a good week I’m cashing in on 400-500 Euros in total andthe demand is constantly increasing“

Tip: Start with your friends! If you start out with just three of your good friend, that’s already perfect. You’re leaning with every group and the numbers will eventually improve with time

House Party for all

The coolest commune in the world! The most #intolerable neighbours in the city! Ben and Anna would love to send out invitations for every evening! Throwing regular parties does wonders for our budget.“

Instead of financing their parties with side jobs, they’ve turned throwing parties into their side job. Drinks and Snacks are catered for because their main aim is to get people together, laughing and getting to meet new people is always a blast. „Our parties have brought couples together. Call me Dating-Ann!“

Also interesting: „If we see a party that we are interested in, we get in contact with the organisers and ask if our group can get in for free or if we’ll get drinks on the house. Some even offer to pay us!“

Depending on the evening, we will ask our guests for a contribution of „EUR 7-15 and there is always something included, says Ann with a wink. „And with the money that’s left over we will be flying to Ibiza in three weeks. Maybe we will throw a little party while we are there.“

Muscle Beach Calisthenics Workout

Victor has been a hobby Workouter for many years, but since his move to a new city, he doesn’t have buddies with whom he would always train. „Training alone is great! It goes a lot faster! But I’ve noticed that I’m not putting my all into it. And I’m not laughing as much as I used to…“

Vic decided to start a workout group. With his experience he leads the group in a joint warm up session. During the training session he helps the others, giving tips and explaining what exercises can be done.

„Instead of paying a monthly subscription at the gym, I’m training more intense, I can share my knowledge and as a plus I get to meet a bunch of cool, motivated people.“

Victors group has grown into a small community in a short period of time, so much so that he would like to go to the level and start his own club.

Here are a few more tips which we’ve gathered from other:

  • Don’t stress about it: A cool photo and motivating text is great. But you should rather start with the motto: „Done is better than perfect!“ The app has photos which you can use and you can always edit later.
  • Start with you friends! You can send the group via whatsapp, check in personally and get them motivated.
  • Ask your friends: Who would they like to have join in? Who would find this fun? And remind them within good time, not to forget to invite these people.
  • Ask the participants! Get feedback as to whether they would like to join in again next time, if they would like to bring friends along, if they could share the group, what can be improved on and if they want to help out…
  • You’re the boss: You get to decide who joins in!
  • Greet the new participants: When getting a new request to join, it’s always nice to send a short greeting to the new participant via chat.
  • Motivation: Do you know the feeling of searching for an excuse shortly before the meeting time? You’re not alone. Why not right  a chat in the group about how excited you are, how awesome it will be and that you can’t wait -> The group will thank you later that you manage to convince them!

Pro Tips:

  • Take a cool photo (or get the others to take cool photos) and share it in the group the next day -> Your guest are certain to join in again next time!
  • Be silly: Everything is more fun with a bit of monkeying around and laughing till your belly aches. Don’t take things too seriously.
  • After-Event: Picknick? Drinks? If you’d like, hang around for a short while after and get to know everyone a bit better -> Enjoy life and build a community!
  • New participants can be introduced with a short integrated icebreaker in the beginning -> We all hate this sort of thing but it’s called an icebreaker for a reason!
  • Motivation! Why not write something in the chat a day before. -> This gives everyone something to look forward to  for the next day!

Income and taxes

If you’re asking your participants for a contribution towards the expenses (for food, drinks or equipment…) it’s as irrelevant to taxes as a voluntary contribution or tips.
If you are thinking of going professional and looking to earn a living this way then it is probably a good idea to contact a tax advisor: with tax write offs there is probably even more left for you!