Tag Archives: event

Business Networking Ideas You Can Use

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Face-to-face networking is slowly making a come-back and that includes the Small Business Expo. This is a popular event that takes place in first and second tier cities around the country. The event does a nice job of presenting exhibitor opportunities, educational sessions and most importantly a chance to network.

One of the typical features of the expo is their speed networking sessions where business people can quickly learn a little about one another and then decide whether to follow-up to interact more.

During the lock-down  SBE did a good job of keeping their events going with online sessions. I attended a number of them and made several good new contacts.

Here is a video from SBE founder & CEO, Zachary Lezberg, sharing useful and insightful networking ideas.

PR Pros Meet Blogger / Influencers

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Vanessa Abron put on another very informative program, this time exploring the interaction between PR Agencies and bloggers /influencers. 

The program featured a number of industry professional who represented either Public Relations firms or were themselves bloggers or influencers.

In segments described by Abron as “fireside chats” sets of two (one PR and one blogger) examined their point-of-view on topics related to how agencies and influencers work together to promote brands who are looking for new communications channels that can reach specific target markets.

Guest Speakers Included:

  • Andrea Metcalf (Blogger – AndreaMetcalf.com)
  • Daisy Garcia (Public Relations Pro – Flowers Communications)
  • Evan Marshall (Blogger/Social Media Strategist – HighFashionLiving.com/Burrell)
  • Morgan Shelton (Public Relations Pro – Edelman)
  • Natalie Craig (Blogger – NatalieInTheCity.com)
Moderator:

  • Vanessa Abron (Public Relations Pro – Agency Abron)

PR pros are of course looking for influencers, typically bloggers or social media “celebrities” who have a trusted following. The purpose is to get the influencer to mention or otherwise promote a related brand. The placement can be paid, in exchange for product, or it can be just because the influencer wants to talk about the product because it is of interest to her or her audience.

Even though there may be some kind of compensation it is important that the placement be authentic.

It was noted that most of the time agencies are looking for big numbers in order to really push their brand but occasionally they will entertain the use of a micro-influencer if that person has a very specific niche.

There may be little or no monetary remuneration for micro-influencers. However a micro-influencer may get “value” if the brand shares the post with their own followers or fans. This can introduce the influencer to perhaps millions of new people who might in turn follow them thus helping them build their sphere of influence. In industry parlance – – increase their UMV or  unique monthly visitors.

Vanessa always does a top notch job on her events. This one was held at “We Work” on Illinois and Clark Streets. She offered pulled pork sliders, salad and some very yummy mini-cupcakes. There was wine and the venue provided their signature beer on tap.

We Work has a number of locations around Chicago. Avery Redlitz gave me and my buddy Tommy Love a thorough tour of the facility.  They provide a number of affordable and flexible workspace solutions including solo offices, two person offices, multi-person shared offices as well as several conference rooms and flexible drop-in work spaces for the occasional users or those on-the-go.

Of course we also had a chance to do some networking and swap a few business cards before and after the event. I was happy to meet a few new people and get reaquainted with a few people I had met previously.

Be sure to find events that will improve your business knowledge and expand your own sphere of influence. Whether you are a blogger or not you do wield some degree of influence within your network. Consider how you can leverage that influence to your own advantage or to the advantage of your clients or customers for the benefit of all of the players.

Talk about those things that truly interest you and that will benefit your readers, that’s what is meant by being authentic.

Learn more about Vanessa Abron Agency and her PR on  Shoestring Budget. See more pictures at #bloggersmeetprpros.

 

Who I met at Life Creative / Thinkubator Chicago Event February 2017

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This week I attended a very interesting and inspiring open house and networking event at Life Creative on Chicago’s near west side. I really had no idea what I had agreed to attend so I was very impressed when I came into the main area which is probably about 20,000 square feet of open space, with a number of interesting gathering environments.  The space is billed as a 70,000 square foot creative campus. Besides being a flexible event space it is a resource center for event planners and creative producers such as photographers and videographers who need access to props, furnishings, backgrounds and other decorative assets via a monthly membership plan. I was delighted to bump into my old friend Bob Shaffer who is the onsite floral designer. I knew Bob when he owned his own floral shop on Armitage Avenue and his kids studied piano with my wife Julie.  Several months ago I ran into him at the new nature center near Western and Peterson. He told me then about this cool creative space where he was working but I had no idea how cool it was until this visit.

If I understand it correctly this particular event was a collaborative venture between Life Creative and Thinkubator. There is a relationship between the two which I do not fully understand at this time but suffice it to say that there is a meaningful synthesis which I hope to learn more about. I am not sure where I learned about the event but I registered online via Eventbrite and was surprised to get a quick follow up welcome email from the Thinkubator host Gerald Haman. Gerald was mention several times over the evening by multiple people as a kind of genius and someone worth knowing. So I’m looking forward to it. We did speak briefly and he was very informative and personable.

After grabbing a glass of wine from the open bar I immediately spotted JD Gershbein, who I have met superficially face-to-face a few times over the years, but have come to “know” much better via LinkedIn where we both gather on a daily basis.  JD is a “Thought Leadership Coach” and LinkedIn guru providing profile writing and other LinkedIn related services.  If anyone wants to know anything about LinkedIn and how to get value from it, JD is the go-to-guy. He was accompanied by his branding designer Debra Kocis of envisionimpact.com who’s work speaks for itself because JD happens to be one of the best branded business people I know – -so if Debra has anything to do with his success I would not hesitate to recommend her.  JD’s brand is largely focused on his distinctive personal persona which includes a shaved head, big smile, distinctive round glasses and crisp shirt and tie.  The glasses are obviously a play on his company name “Owlish Communications.”  J.D. reinforces his brand through artfully done social media memes that share pertinent business information arranged around his face, which is his brand image.  I had a great time hanging out with these two. No surprise to encounter them at an event emphasizing creativity.

I had a brief chat with the CFO of Life Creative who after learning that I produce video, quickly walked me over and introduced me to Laura Kelly, Executive Producer for RevDigital who is apparently the video arm of the Life Creative/Thinkubator alliance. I was intrigued to learn more about their presence on Comcast Channel 392. I understand from Laura that it is a regional channel covering Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin (I believe) on which they are promoting paid placement. In other words you can buy air time. They will be broadcasting coverage of this event on March 1st at 8PM. I will set my DVR for sure.

The inspiration for attending this event was partially part of my quest to increase my sphere of influence and expand my network by meeting more people. I am 25 days into a challenge to meet 100 new people in 100 Days. I am joined by 18 other people who have signed on to share the journey with me, one of whom, John Jones, small business accounting expert was also in attendance.  I also had a chance to visit with  Andrea Nierhoff, anti-aging specialist and hair designer who I know from my buddy Bernie Small’s Logan Square networking group. Andrea introduced me to retired CPD officer Craig Roberts who was on hand to investigate details related to a police/firefighter fundraiser he is involved in putting together.

The passed hors d’oeuvres were delicious and while hanging around one of the food locations I had a nice conversation with “creative thinkologist” (my term not his) James Feldman. His business card/brochure explains “What 3D Thinking Can Do for Your Brain.”  I have to say that just a few minutes with him got me thinking, so I would say he’s on to something.  I also enjoyed speaking with fellow marketeer John Benandi and look forward to continuing our discussion sometime soon at the Nil Tap on west Foster Avenue.

I ended up the evening much where I began, interacting with Debra and JD joined by Bohdan Gernaga of tymedesign who apparently does beautiful interiors and architectural design as evidenced by the few smartphone photos he shared with us.

Maybe it was the two glasses of excellent red wine and excellent tuna sushi, but I had a really good experience and was really inspired by the space and the people I got to spend time with. It takes a bit of doing for each of us to step out of our comfort zone, show up someplace and just start talking with random people. But when I was a kid, some “dime stores” would sell a paper bag with unknown contents for a dime or quarter. You had no idea what you might get, but every now and then it was a small treasure. That’s what makes it fun.

Shoestring PR Chicago | Vanessa Abron Workshop

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Thanks to Vanessa Abron for presenting and conducting a first class event last night. Her workshop provided information on how to create a public relations campaign on a shoestring budget that attracted about 30 or more entrepreneurs, musicians and freelance service providers. Vanessa describes herself as a “media relations maven” and provided some insight into why it is important to build relationships with media writers and producers, and how she has personally uses her relationships to benefit her clients.

After a short definition of public relations Vanessa gave a description of how advertising and PR differ, which is primarily paid placement versus nonpaid placement. She was quick to point out that PR is not without its own costs which may include professional help such as she provides, as well as costs related to the execution of your campaign like communications materials, imprinted swag, and other products and services. A shoestring budget PR campaign might include social media, special events, personal appearances, as well as traditional media like newspaper, radio and TV.

After the overview, we broke into groups and worked on a provided case study. I was on the Green Team who was tasked to come up with a social media campaign for our fictional Hip-Hop Performer client. Since I personally provide web video production services, I was happy to see that my team felt video – – specifically Youtube – – should be a key component of the social media campaign effort. One member was quick to point out that when using video on Facebook it is essential to upload the video to the FB platform to get further penetration then you would by simply supplying a Youtube link. A good tip. Video from our Hip Hop client might include performance clips but could also be behind the scenes videos with the performer and other personal connection clips. Another element included encouraging fans to pose with the performer at events and share the photos with their friends. After each group reported their ideas, Vanessa asked us to note how each of the categories crossover and support each other to create a full PR campaign.

The event was held at “WeWork” 20 West Kinzie which is a very cool shared office complex with a nice view of the city from the kitchenette gathering area on the 17th floor, complete with cold beer on tap. Vanessa arranged to have delicious salad-in-a-jar and cheescake in-a-cup for snacks and photographer Ven Sherrod was on hand to take head shots which could be purchased for a nominal fee.

This was more of a workshop then a networking event so I did not have a chance to get business cards or contact info from many of the people I met including a very nice woman who is a fine artist currently working at ComEd. There was a guy who was engaged in some sort of student internship program which I wanted to learn more about. Had a nice chat with Kat Rothstein from Digital Pollen Collective who provides  an array of creative services

In my Green group was a nattily dressed real estate musician, another musician who I met in the elevator on the way up and massage therapist, Marcia Cutright, whose cheerful personality makes you feel better just by meeting her. Before the program I chatted with Trudi Gentry an account exec with iHeart Media, and my friend and UX expert Susan Barahia. In the elevator on the way out I met visual artist Joshua Taylor and barber, Brian Coleman of Gold Coast Barbershop at 100 E. Walton.

I want to give a final shoutout to Sandrel “Sanicole” Young who was on hand to video the event. She is also the writer and director of short film, “Side Effects” that can currently be seen on Comcast On-Demand.

Vanessa Abron has demonstrated through this event that she can deliver, when it comes to putting together a classy event on a shoestring budget. She also managed to assemble an interesting group of talented individuals. Visit VanessaAbron.com to learn more about her follow-up workshops and other services.

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Featured Networking Profile: Tommy Love – TLo Strategies

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Tommy Love TLO strategies ChicagoTommy Love is an enthusiastic Chicago entrepreneur who has reinvented himself after retiring from a successful 20+ year career in the automotive industry. Tommy is focused on using his life’s experience and thirst for knowledge into a series of strategies that improve the lives of his clients through better health, educational business opportunities, and finding more joy in their life. TLo Strategies has three points of contact that include Health, Events and Media Strategies.

TLo Health Strategies is centered around a 13 week program designed to improve wellness and metabolic age through a step-by-step weight management program that utilizes premium-quality natural health products produced under the Nature’s Sunshine Brand.

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TLo Event Strategies produces and supports music events; music business events; and weight loss, health and nutritional events presented at the Roots Room and at other venues around Chicago.

TLo Media Strategies provides audio recording and media support for musicians, musical venues and faith based communities.

Tommy is a Charter Member of the Business Card to Business Networking Group and has served as co-host, MC and audio technician as needed. We encourage you to visit the TLo Strategies website or meet Tommy in person at one of our upcoming meetings.

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Online Networking Event

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You’re Invited !!!

 

 

   

Call it a happy hour or coffee break if you prefer 

but this is a chance to rest from your mundane

chores and meet a few new people.

 

 This is a real time,

online networking event 

where you can actually talk with actual people.

Since you are doing it from your own location 

 

 

 you will need to provide your own beverage and snacks. 

but we will provide the opportunity to interact with

some interesting individuals  and learn a bit about each other.

  

 

Here are the guidelines. 

 

 

  Ideally you will call in to the phone number provided

using your landline, cell phone, Skype, VOIP

 ship to shore radio or whatever you have.   

  

 

  Simultaneously you will monitor

your Special Event Internet console

that will automatically display the profile

of the person you are speaking with and

display your profile to them. 

 

  So be sure to take 3 or 4 minutes

to prepare your profile in advance

of the meeting.

  

 Ideally when you register. 

 

 

 

Like right after you finish reading this.

 

  When the meeting begins,

and after a few introductory remarks,

probably from me, (about 5 minutes)

you will be randomly paired with

someone else on the call 

 

 

(by our online magic randomizer)  .

  

During your short (3-4 minute) meeting

I suggest you tell your partner something

you did this week to help a client

or how you introduced someone to your product

or service as a way of explaining what you do. 

 

So for instance, instead of saying: “My name is Reno

and I produce short multi-media web videos.”  

 

 

 You might say, “My name is Reno

and I just completed the production

of a short web video for a client who

recently published a novel 

 

 

 and I am working with a potential client

who owns a sign company and wants a

short web video to show people the different

kinds of signs he manufactures. 

 

In this way in a short period of time

you can give your new contact an idea

of what kinds of projects you do and

the benefits of your product or service. 

 He or she will likely respond

with a few questions to clarify

and then share his or her

business experiences with you. 

 

This is a bit like speed dating

or networking on the subway.

When your time is up

you will be abruptly

and unceremoniously

switched to a new partner. 

 

 

 But no worries mate!

You’ll have a chance to send an email

through the system when the event is over

 

 and follow-up with those individuals that

  you want to follow up with.         

 

 

 Be not afraid.

 

This is a fun new way to make business contacts

and expand your sphere of influence,

and you don’t even have to comb your hair.

 

 

 Register now!

 

Click on these very words you are reading now.

 

Oh yeah … It’s Tuesday – June 8,2010 at 4 PM (CST) for 55 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey! Let me tell you something about me.”

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 I just responded to a discussion at LinkedIn and it made me think it would be a good subject  to share here as it deals with networking.

 Kevin the discussion leader offered this observation which I will paraphrase. You go to a networking event and one of the networkers explains all the wonderful things that he can do for your clients and that of course you should refer him immediately. Then he is off to run down his next target. Kevin goes on to say, I am not usually going to refer clients to someone who does not bother to ask me what I do. I would be fairly sure that most who approach me like this do not even realize the impression that they are making; they are probably thinking that they are working hard to find business. Problem is they are not using the right tools to find business. There are really three tools that are vital to networking: a brain and two ears! 

Denise responded: I have been to networking events where the same thing has happened to me. One person or persons go around the room and collect business cards tell about themselves then moves on. This would not be someone I could refer any business. When I network I am looking for power partners who can help each other . . . You are correct that you need to know someone and their business before you can begin referring . . . This takes time.  

 – – –

Networking Group

I hear this comment a lot and what it sounds like to me is this, “I am not going to network anymore because there are always one or two people not playing nice.”  This is followed by, “I’ll show them. I won’t play with them.” 

Who care about them?!  If they really bother you, excuse yourself and move on to the contacts you want to make.  Otherwise you might shout, “Hey! Let me tell you something about me.” I find most people are not intentionally trying to be rude, they’re just excited about what they do; they’re inexperienced; or they are just perpetually in sales mode. Don’t get stressed about it.

How about saying this, “Wow I can tell you are really excited about what you do, let me tell you about my great product or service.” Just because these individuals are a bit self centered it does not make them outcasts. Help them channel that enthusiasm and energy into being an advocate for you.

These networkers are not entirely wrong. They are just playing a different game. They know that networking is all about numbers and they’re hoping to score a knock out punch. But it is my observation that most people are far too passive. Remember that you do have to work the room. You do need to meet a lot of people. You do need to distribute and take a lot of business cards, because you do not know where the gold lies.

You might have a very nice meaningful in-depth conversation with someone who will never buy what you have and will never refer you to anyone. What good is that?  You may have spent time nurturing that relationship at the expense of a better opportunity. 

Most networking events are more similar to speed dating then they are to a Valentine dinner. At the average networking event you need to have as many short conversations as you can with as many people as you can. During that short period of time you need to communicate succinctly what you have to offer and find out a little something about the other person. Try to make a favorable impression. Ask for the other person’s business card and offer yours. After that you should have enough information to consider “a second date.” That might be a follow up email or phone call with an invitation to learn more or get to know each other better.  Some people may not warrant that much attention but if you see them at another event take the opportunity to renew your acquaintance and learn a little more. That is the advantage of attending reoccurring events like Chamber of Commerce, Meetups and other monthly or weekly gatherings. At these events you can take the time to have multiple interactions and build rapport. At “one-off” events you have to be a bit more aggressive. Interrupt a person who is taking too much of your time.  You can say, “ I am really happy to have learned a little about yu and your business but I would like to meet a few more people.” This is not a party. This is a business event. You might risk offending them but chances are he or she knows they talk too much. 

Don’t grouse. Take control of your time and your networking opportunity. Respect other people’s time and ask them to respect yours. Don’t be too hasty to write someone off because they are a little too aggressive. These are often people who are connectors. They meet a lot of people and believe me most of them know that they reap what they sow. Take a tip from the martial arts masters and turn that negative energy to your purpose.