The Mother’s Day Mixer: 3 Lessons To Be Learned
On May 10, Greyson Enterprises hosted its inaugural Mother's Day Mixer. As you can imagine, business cards were swapped, entrepreneurs were showcased, and a great time was had. After a week of reflection, here are 3 lessons to be learned from the event
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
The goal of networking is to create long-lasting personal and professional relationships. However, you will never gain opportunities or partnerships without talking to people. Success happens with learning and seizing opportunities, and putting yourself out there is the first step for many professionals and entrepreneurs. Even if you're shy, many ways exist to get out of your comfort zone. Try approaching people who are standing alone first or bringing a friend. Once you take your first step, continue to build your confidence to grow.
Do Not Be Afraid To Speak About Your Passions
Building valuable relationships requires a bit of vulnerability from your end. And what better way to open yourself up than to speak about what drives you? At Greyson's Mother's Day Mixer, various businesses were spotlighted, all led by people with various passions, from skincare to food. Being open about your passions allows you to attract people who believe in you and your mission. A prime example of the power that this holds is with the popular haircare brand As I Am. As I Am was created by Dr. Ali Syed, a chemist who studied Afro-textured hair and formulated products that would cater to it. Today, not only does As I Am provide high-quality products for curly and coily hair, but they also reinvest in the community by donating to organizations such as NAACP, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF. Being open about his lifelong dedication to underserved communities allowed Dr. Syed to build a successful business and create a brand with a loyal following. Expressing passion and vulnerability allows you to build community, which is essential for a brand to flourish.
Actually Follow Up
Be serious. How many networking events have you attended where you swapped numbers, exchanged business cards, and never spoke to that person again? If you wait too long to speak to a new contact, the excitement will diminish, and you might have been forgotten. As a Mothers' Day Mixer attendee, I befriended two brothers: a business consultant and a fitness coach. Where usually I would have just exchanged socials and gone about my day, I actually got the courage to send a DM, and as it turns out, I am now working out my schedule to film my first podcast episode. As we all work to develop our brands, it is important to prioritize the follow-up. You never know what opportunities you are letting slip away.
It's safe to say that the Mother's Day Mixer was a success for business owners and professionals alike. If you're looking for tips on how to showcase your brand best, schedule a call today.
