Posts Tagged ‘Networking’

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Marketing Yourself & Your Business

Friday, February 5th, 2010

chamber-university-logo1I am looking forward to participating in a panel discussion through the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce titled “Marketing Yourself & Business”.

The topic could not be more timely, as many small businesses are struggling to determine the value in marketing, or how to use certain PR & Advertising tools to increase sales. And boy are attendees in for a treat, as the panel of experts not only includes yours truly, but Cynthia Kay of CK&CO and Pete Brand of MINDSCAPE. Did I mention, that all of us are very fun? Oh and we are great presenters.

Those attending this informative & lively discussion on Thursday, February 24, 8-10 a.m. at Rapid Central Station, will walk away with knowledge surrounding messaging, branding, and growing your network.

The lovely Cynthia Kay will discuss “Being Your Brand” and how a strong brand can give any company a competitive advantage.

Pete Brand of MINDSCAPE will explain “Message” and how your personal brand shapes that messaging.

And finally, I shall emphasize the importance of “Building Your Network” to increase awareness of your brand that will ultimately assist you in  growing your obusiness.

To register for this engaging informative event (I have to say that, I’m speaking) go to http://www.grandrapids.org/chamber-university

I am looking forward to being on such a distinguished panel, and to present tools and strategies that will assist businesses in being successful.

See you on the 24th!

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The Month for Love, Fun, and NETWORKING:

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

The Month for Love, Fun, and NETWORKING:

Business professionals, are you looking for something fun to do, while still keeping warm?  Below is a snap shot of what is happening around Grand Rapids in February.

Valentines Day is just around the corner, and there are fun events for all ranging from finding that special someone to celebrating your love to just improving your personal brand.

Enjoy.

Amway
Cygnus27
The Red Party
Feb. 11 7 p.m. – 1a.m.

Frederick Meijer Gardens
The Connection
Valentines Under the Chihuly
Feb. 11 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
http://meijergardens.org/

GRYP
25 Kitchen + Bar
GRYP UnWind
January 28 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
www.gryp.org

American Marketing Association
Kent Country Club
AMA Tech Trends for Marketers
Jan. 28 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.amawestmichigan.org

Amway
Amway Grand Plaza
Big Bands N’ Romance
Feb. 13 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

JW Marriott
Little Black Dress
Feb. 16 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.

GRYP

Kent Country Club
February Luncheon with Mayor George Heartwell
Feb. 3 12 p.m.
www.gryp.org

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Marketing Yourself & Business Expert
Feb. 24 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Local First Networking Event
Wengers Bowling Alley
Feb. 10 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
www.localfirst.com

GRYP New Members Meeting
Rock Fire Grille
Feb. 16 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
www.gryp.org

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Building Your Personal Brand

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Today I had the pleasure of speaking on personal brand at the Grand Rapids Young Professional’s Personal Growth Series. The topic – “Building Your Personal Brand”.

Few people realize that you are your brand and your actions, appearance, and conversations shape and define that brand. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you (your brand) to be transparent, visible and authentic.

There are some companies who do this well, the example I used today was Domino’s and their brutally honest commercial they  just released. Two other great examples – Zappos.com and Southwest Airlines. Learn from these companies and use it to shape your personal brand.

Why is it important for you to have a brand? Well, essentially you don’t have a choice, by choosing to be visible in the community you have a brand and that brand is you.

A great source for greater exploration on this topic: http://www.personalbrandingbook.com

Another note – in the age of social media, your brand is even more visible and there are benefits, however remember that everything  you do personal and professional impacts that brand. Am I repeating myself? Yes, because this is one point you can’t afford to miss.

The benefit? Keeps you honest.

Great books to read on this topic:

Me 2.0, Dan Schawbel
The Brand Called You, Peter Montoya & Tim Vandehey 

Thoroughly enjoyed my talk today(www.gryp.org). Thanks again to the group for inviting me, I am impressed with the leadership and the tools they are providing to young professionals in the community.

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Your Biz, Your Town

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Great segment this morning of “Your Biz, Your Town” on WGVU’s Morning Show with Shelley Irwin (95.3 & 88.5 FM).

Your Biz Your TownOn the segment we welcomed guests Ellen Markel of the newly renovated Holiday Inn of Grand Rapids and Sheri Compton of the American Marketing Association. Lots of exciting happenings in the month of January!

Ellen shared with us all the changes happening at the Holiday Inn, including open houses, a green focus, and a community exhibit space. Find out more at www.holidayinn.com/grandrapidsdt

Sheri of the American Marketing Association filled us in on upcoming luncheon programs, including January’s on Tech Trends for Marketers: CRM Best Practices for Now and the Future with speaker Keith Brophy on January 28th at Kent Country Club. Find out more info at www.amawestmichigan.org.

So what else is going on this month you ask? Well here you go, a quick rundown of January’s events.

Monday, January 5th – 6-8 p.m.
Women’s Networking Group
Evolve Center for Success
www.evolvesuccess.com

January 14th & 15th – 5-7 p.m.
Holiday Inn Grand Opening to the public
Holiday Inn of Grand Rapids
www.holidayinn.com/grandrapiddsdt

Tuesday, January 19th – 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
GRYP Breakfast Series on Personal Growth
Eastern Floral
www.gryp.com

Tuesday, January 19th – 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
GRACC 122nd Annual Meeting – Get Connected…Innovate…and Be Successful in 2010!
Steelcase Ballroom, DeVos Place
www.grandrapids.org

Tuesday, January 19th – 6-7:30 p.m.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids – Club Red
Gilda’s Club
www.gildasclubgr.org

Monday, January 25th – evening
Soup’s On For All
The B.O.B.
www.soupsonforall.org

Thursday, January 28th – 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.
American Marketing Association - CRM Best Practices for Now and the Future
Kent Country Club
www.amawestmichigan.org

If we missed any upcoming community events, let us know – kim@834baba.com. Don’t forget to tune in next month for another segment of “Your Biz, Your Town” – the 4th Thursday of every month at 9 a.m.

Happy New Year!

Organization Event Date Time Where Cost Contact Information Other
Catholic Charities of West Michigan Soup’s On For All Monday, January 25th The B.O.B. $50 paid in advance       $60 at the door www.soupsonforall.org
 fundraiser for Catholic Charities West Michigan’s food program at God’s Kitchen encourages guests to partake in a selection of soups, breads and desserts as well as taking home a hand painted bowl as a reminder that hunger happens everyday.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Clubhouse – Club Red Get Connected Tuesday, January 19th 6-7:30pm Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Clubhouse – 1806 Bridge Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Free adevos@gildasclubgr.org or 616-453-8300 Business casual attire, complimentary drinks and appetizers
Women’s Networking Group Monday, January 5th 6-8pm Evolve-Center For Success            1031 Wealthy St Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Leah Grace                          Email: leah@evolvesuccess.com Phone: 616-813-8601
GRYP Breakfast Series on Personal Growth Tuesday, January 19th 7:30-8:30am Eastern Floral 818 Butterworth SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504		 Free Any questions please contact Stephanie at szydlow@gmail.com, or Jessica, at Jessica.Ionni@adtegrity.com Please join GRYP for the first event in a new breakfast series on Personal Growth! Hosted by Eastern Floral, and GRYP’s newly developed Leadership Development Committee, this new series will focus on subject matter pertaining to personal development and leadership skills.
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Chamber’s 122nd Annual Meeting Get Connected…Innovate…and Be Successful in 2010! Tuesday, January 19th 11:30-1:30pm Steelcase Ballroom, DeVos Place $50/members, $75/future members, $700/corporate table of 10 http://www.devosplace.org/ William C. Taylor is an agenda-setting writer, speaker and entrepreneur who has shaped the global conversation about the best way to compete, innovate and succeed. He was founding editor of Fast Company magazine and co-author of the bestselling Mavericks at Work. His new project, Practically Radical, provides cutting-edge ideas, reality-tested case studies and inspiring role models that point to where the ever-changing world of business is going. Practically Radical will be published in 2010.
GRYP January Unwind Thursday, January 28th 5:30-8:30pm 25 Kitchen + Bar Free Angela Versluis
Email: amversluis@hotmail.com

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Bring on the WOW factor

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

What makes a great event? Or better yet, when do you hold an event? Yearly holiday celebration? Client appreciation? Awards ceremony? Fashion show? Fundraiser?

There are a variety of reasons to host an event, but the planning can become tedious. Events need meticulous attention to detail, and a thorough grasp of the undertaking. You need to select a mood, a theme, and a purpose, and make the event a memory for years to come.

When holding an event, have a strategy, a plan, know what you want to accomplish before investing $$. Events are a great way to set your company or organization apart and garner media attention. The more unique and creative you are (WOW Factor), the more buzz you create.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a very unique gala put on by Saint Mary’s Health Care, called “Rethink”.

The gala featurIMG_0272ed such non-traditional activities such as dancers from the Rockford School of Dance covered in glow sticks while performing, desserts based off of childhood favorites, themed cocktails, an aromatherapy lounge, red carpet (complete with photog) and no nametags through a strolling reception.  Participants were also asked to post reactions on the Saint Mary’s Doran Foundation Facebook page.

I stood up and took notice, and so did the over 600 attendees to the gala. What was the purpose? To raise awareness and money for ALS Center a collaboration of Saint Mary’s Health Care, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. ALS also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a condition in which motor neurons in the brain begin to die causing the person to become more and more disabled finally ending in death.

Great event. Great cause. And everyone noticed. WOW.

www.saintmarysevents.com

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