The Leawood Chamber of Commerce has been a valuable tool in the growth and success of my business. As a business owner, I appreciate the opportunity for concise, effective networking. For years I have taught business owners to restructure their mindset in terms of networking groups and exposure verses instant gratification by sales. These structured social events are intended to provide an introduction to businesses that share common needs, goals and demographics. A member who attends these functions in hopes of closing a sale will leave disappointed at best; potentially damaging future sales with aggressive behavior. I’d like to share a success story of my own; resulting from consistent attendance of Morning Mingling and Supercharged Networking Events.
At a morning mingling in 2005, I noticed a face I’d not seen before (the fact that he was wearing a chef’s jacket and I market to restaurants may have played a small role in my observation). I introduced myself to Larry Kime, partner at Bonefish Grill. After reciprocating 30 second commercials Larry pulled out a business card, jotted something on the back, smiled and said, “I know where this is going, so here you go” and handed me the name of the corporate marketing contact for OSI. Grateful for the information, I immediately phoned corporate to learn that they were not in need of my services. I put the card on my bulletin board with a note to follow up in one year.
Bonefish Grill was not interested in my services. However, Larry Kime was. Unbeknownst to me, he had also put my card on his bulletin board. In 2009 I approached Larry at a Leawood Chamber Member benefit and was surprised that he remembered me. He shared that he had referred my services and talked with corporate about utilizing my skills to assist in marketing on a local level for Bonefish Grill in Leawood.
During a casual conversation in May of this year, Larry invited me to a benefit luncheon where I met many business owners who were in need of my services. I have met with many of the guests at that luncheon and have reciprocated business with several. I have developed additional relationships that have led to long term projects with companies I would otherwise have been unable to reach. Additionally, I am in contact with a corporate representative at OSI to proceed with local marketing on behalf of Bonefish Grill Leawood.
Does 4 years seem like a long time to follow a lead? It should. But I did not leave that initial meeting with a lead. I left that networking breakfast with a contact. The relationship I established with a new chamber member provided me much more than one sale. It gave me ongoing, unlimited access to resources; and ultimately a personal friendship that I respect.
This is the Leawood Chamber of Commerce.
