Speed Networking.

Yesterday evening, I participated in my first speed networking event. You may be asking what exactly is a speed networking event? Well, it's very similar to speed dating. The only difference is that it's not a date, but a networking event. You are given two and a half minutes to talk about your agency before a bell rings to signal it's time for the other person to talk about their company/agency. In that short period of time, you get the gist of what the other person is about. After five minutes, you either sit or move to the next table. I ended up sitting for the whole evening so it was the other party who kept approaching my table. At the end of the conversation, you get to exchange business cards, and if either party is interested, you follow up with the person.

In total I networked with close to twenty people from different and varied backgrounds. The ultimate goal is to get the word out about our agency. I had a very positive experience and am planning to sign up for the next speed networking event. What I really liked about it is the fact that in a very short period of time, you get to meet different people and connect with them. I had already planned to have a luncheon with a lady who works with minority groups next Friday. The goal is to get the word out to these different groups that our agency exist to assist them.

It's amazing how many people have never heard of our agency. Most people think that their only option is either an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Most people do not know that because of our agency, we are able to keep people independent in their homes yet receive some services that they will normally receive at assisted living facilities. You can randomly ask anyone when they grow old if they would rather live at home or move to a nursing or assisted living facility, and nine times out of ten their reply would be to live at home. That's why our agency exist.

My personal goal by attending the speed networking event is to get people to think about options that are available to them when they grow old. It's never too late to think ahead. It saddens me when I receive phone calls asking for assistance and after speaking to them they'll say that they wish we knew we existed a long time ago. That needs to change as soon as possible.

Of all the people I met, only one person, yes, just one person was familiar with what we do. So, in that sense, it was a huge success for me to be there. I managed to speak to the organizer and he encouraged me to attend the next meeting because it's important to get the word out to as many people as possible that we do exist and we are here to help.

Click on the link below to read a write up in the papers about the event.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/BUSINESS/703010378/1029/BUSINESS&GID=As8Jw9tZYIxdrZ39GXOLghuHR6iRPUeamdI4tbcCFxI%3D