Life's Coming Attractions

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Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Local Networking Experience

Just wanted to share a pleasant and enjoyable experience. :-)

On Saturday, I got an invitation in the mail from a local business to go to a BNI Meeting (Business Networking International) located about a half hour from me. I don't recall how this woman knows me that invited me but the business name does sound familiar. Anyway, I called her up yesterday because I had to tell her that I wasn't doing the business she thought I was doing but would it be ok to possibly join as a candle person. She called back saying no one was doing candles and that I could join if I wanted to. :-)

Then she said there was a meeting on Tuesday (today) that I could go to and see if it's something I'd want to do. She wasn't going because she had a death in the family but asked if I would be willing to go as her substitute so I said yes (I got a free lunch too!). She was gracious enough to email me everything I needed to go there prepared (who to talk to, her name and biz, her 30-second commercial, and how to introduce myself). Now sweat, I wasn't nervous........

I WAS EXCITED!!!!! LOL One problem, I have no 30-second commercial on Mia Bella. No biggie, I'll wing it, lol. I get there and got situated and picked a seat close to the front so I could hear the main leaders and speakers because there was no microphone. WHAT WAS I THINKING??? I was the first to stand up and do the intro for Veronica (the person who invited me) and her biz!! I simply read what she wrote for me to say and I tell you, my tongue felt like it was everywhere BUT in my mouth! LOL Mostly because I didn't know her business or her so I couldn't talk more naturally.

But when it came around again for visitors to introduce themselves, I got to stand up again and do it for Mia Bella. It went so smooth you'd have thought I've done this for years! :-) I was so proud to say who I was and my company and who would be a good referral for me. It felt kinda like a tradeshow moment where I was the expert and they listened.

At one point, they do a referral/testimonial session where anyone who had referrals for others in the group, passed them on and those who had testimonials spoke up. The visitors were welcome to say anything about what they've just seen and heard and unfortunately, I was speechless to say anything. I actually witnessed referrals being given to each other and that really amazed me. Another pleasant surprise was the look of recognition on some of the people's faces when I said "Mia Bella Candles" and they smiled. Am I in for a real treat or what??!! :-)

I have the application to look over and fill out but I know if I go next time, I will definitely have a better 30-second commercial to say and it will sound natural for me. I know my candles! :-)

Thanks for listening. :-)