Bringing Something New to a City-Live Networking

[Debbie49]

Hello all, this is my second time going to a live networking- our Chamber of Commerce. You get 2 mins. to speak-the first time I went I did get referrals, and made contact. People have never heard of Ourgv in my city-so I am bringing something new. The training has really been helpful. I was so glad to have the knowledge I did have- and could use the non-and for profit name recognition that used our services-This peaked interest. I learned a lot, and found out about a lot of networking groups in my city. But the Chamber is where I must start at, It is funny because I am doing this with a broken knee, so that is an icebreaker when they see my brace. One man took interest and we stayed in touch, I am so glad I thought that since I signed in with the chamber I would be notified of when they met- never assume that is not how it works at least not here. But this one man told me about today. It starts at 7:30 a.m. I knew me and this man were to meet after the chamber meeting. I didn't get home until after 12:00. Now this was good and bad. Good because he has been all our the ourgv site, we shot the bull and come to find out this one church that I truly believe will sign up- the Pastor is like a dad to the man I was meeting with today, plus the Pastor knows me so this just gives more credibility to Ourgv. You see, by introducing something new I knew I need validation of a company that no one has heard of. Today was that day! The chamber was collecting for the Ronald McDonald house, bingo! Here was my validation because I had said on my first time going they used our services etc.. To make a long story short, the man leading the Chamber meeting today goes to this church with over 1,000 members, gave me the information and told me to call. Then he told me " see that's a referral." I met several people who are interested in hearing more. I took a different approach today in presenting-remember you only get 2 mins. to speak- I had printed out what I would have sent them in an email which contained my information and ourgv's information this really helped me. The sponsor of the meeting today after he gave what he done he also told us about marketing your business and wanted to hear ideas. I raised my hand and told him about the toolbar, when it was over he wants to hear more information so I will be following up with him. So all is not lose. My goal is to get the name " Ourgv" out there, have my face connected with it , and I know it will pay off. The advanced training, going over the website really helped me because I was asked some questions that if I had not been in training would not have been able to answer. So I didn't sign anyone today but I still believe I had a successful day given the task at hand. This afternoon I have to call the manager of an organization to get my foot in the door, this is because of the Chamber, the woman I met told me what to say and everything. Now do not think that I wasn't pitched, but that was fine because of the contact and the people connected with the one pitching me. It will only be a matter of time when my city will know about ourgv. I am thankful for the training, and the ability to go out even with a broken knee. Also in closing what I noticed and was commented on, I had noticed that everyone was casual, I went both times a little more dressy, today I was commented on how I looked. So I learned from that, that if you are bringing something new, yeah you have to be above the rest in everything, but they are not even noticing but encouraging me because I do not have my 2 mins. down yet but I get the point across. Personality , smiling, not being shy to start a conversation and just being yourself goes a long way when bringing something new. Thats all for now got to go make me an appointment. If anyone has any suggestions on bringing something new to a city holla back.

[Debbi Nauber]

Great job!!!