Yesterday I attended a free training from Constant Contact, the company I use for my eNewsletter and emails. I was excited about going for a couple of reasons: 1. I wanted to find ways to increase my eNewsletter open rate, and 2. I wanted to see how the company put on workshops to see if the concept would work for another of my clients.
Picture this: 75 or so small business owners looking to improve or start their own eNewsletters. What did they need more than anything? Guidance and content. What do I do for a living? Provide content and help for marketing efforts such as eNewsletters.
And what was I thinking about when I first got to the meeting? Whether or not I should have a muffin for breakfast.
(Please slap forehead here.)
As we were waiting for the session to start, the speaker greeted attendees. I introduced myself as a copywriter. The speaker turned to the other participants and announced, "Hey, people wanted to know where to get content... This woman has a company that produces content!" Within minutes three people came to introduce themselves. "Can you call me tomorrow?" one guy said. "We always need content!" another couple said. "Can you give me a price range..."
Holy smokes! How dumb could I be? I should have been networking from the get go.
The speaker really did all the wonderful things for me. When I raised my hand to respond to a question later, he said again, "And you're a writer, right? And you specialize in eNewsletters?" In a mock, cheesy voice, I announced, "Yes -- I am a WRITER WHO SPECIALIZES IN NEWSLETTERS." Everyone laughed, and the speaker said, "Make sure you get her card before you go.
I ended up with 10 leads and another half dozen people left with my card. And I was worried about muffins. Jeeze.
Good for you!
Posted by: Jo | November 16, 2007 at 08:04 PM
Hilarious! And I've been meaning to tell you how much I like your picture!
Posted by: Moonbeam McQueen | November 17, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Beth, see what happens when you consistently put yourself 'out there'? Even tho you weren't 100% aware of yourself/goals during your muffin-distracted-state, the universe put you in the right place! AND... if you HAD been eager and on the make, so to say, you may have come off as TOO eager and not genuine? ah, it all works out if you're working it. Congrats! -"C"
Posted by: CuriousC | November 19, 2007 at 04:41 AM
oh - and you might want to send a nice TY to the speaker? But, of course, you prob already have, knowing you... :)
Posted by: CuriousC | November 19, 2007 at 04:43 AM
Jo -- thanks so much. I just met with one of the guys from the workshop, and it looks very promising.
Ms. McQueen -- thanks about the picture. Of late, my hair has gone to pot, but that's enough on that topic.
C -- Yep, thank yous have been sent all around. And you're absolutely right about being genuine. It's hard to fake that. I had a boss who used to network by standing in the line at the bar. He'd get his drink, pour it into a plant or something, then get back into line to meet the people he wanted to meet. I'm so glad that's not how I think.
Posted by: Beth Ziesenis | November 27, 2007 at 01:30 PM