Face-to-Face 'Speed Networking' on Hammock Coast.m4v

Stopwatch in hand, April Jordan gave business people a lesson in marketing and networking as they exchanged business cards and made new contacts recently at Chick-fil-A in Murrells Inlet.
She called the process "speed networking," which she said allows a person a few minutes with each other participant to step outside of their comfort zone and meet a new person, Friday, Aug. 20, at a Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce member event, "Coffee & Contacts."  Chick-fil-A provided coffee and breakfast items and Whitney Vernon, marketing director, and Adam Brantley, restaurant owner/operator, helped host the occasion.
Jordan, Chamber membership director, said she and her organization are excited about this new Coffee & Contacts.  "We had a great sampling of 20 business professionals," Jordan said.  "We challenged attendees to to do two things--to meet new people developing leads for their business and to find at least one person to help assist in their business." She said the first priority at Chick-fil-A was to provide a friendly atmosphere and forum to encourage these Chamber members to open up and network with others. "It was an effective event," she said. "We are looking forward to offering one session each month with an ultimate goal of providing one monthly gathering in each of the areas of our county."
Jordan's message was reinforced with handouts she made available to all those attending. One flyer started by saying the most challenging part of building a new business was getting known. "People who meet you face-to-face or through online forums will be more willing to give you a chance and, if you leave them satisfied, tell their friends about you," the information advised.
Several steps were suggested. "Start with online sources. Check out local business organizations. Search the internet for business groups in town. Volunteer at local organizations. Serve on the board of directors or sponsor an event. Join a professional organization and attend conferences in your industry."
Jordan said the Chamber offers such assistance as business training, weekly webinars, Wednesday Welcome, community calendar event postings, listing in resource guide, job postings, Business After Hours, key word assignment, hot deals, weekly updates and member news. She can be reached at 843-546-8436, Ext. 23, ajordan@visitgeorge.com

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Chick-fil-A
• Restaurants
• SC
• Speed Networking
• Marketing
• Exchanging Business Cards
• Hammock Coast
• Murrells Inlet
• Georgetown County

[CoastalDigital]

Dedicated to the community service of the Chick-fil-A organization and all its owners and operators such as Adam Brantley of the Murrells Inlet, SC, location. Also, honors go to April Jordan, membership director, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, and to Whitney Vernon, marketing director, Chick-fil-A Murrells Inlet, for their work in putting this business networking event together at 8 a.m., Aug. 20, 2010.