Canadian Welcome

While I’m on the topic of business events, I have to tell you about another great one I attended.

This was a roundtable breakfast meeting, attended by many  business ladies, all with different businesses and various levels of experience.

At each round table, which seated about eight people, was a business or life coach and a sign on the table top describing the topic that would be discussed at that table.

People were encouraged to sit at the table containing the topic most interesting to them. Introductions were made around the table, then as we had coffee and breakfast, we talked about the topic. The coach at our table started off the conversation, had questions to ask so that everyone would participate, and answered questions when asked.

This, I think, was the best type of business networking event I have ever attended. It was always interesting, I never felt bored, shy, or left out, and learned a lot that morning.

I can hardly wait for the next one. Hey, maybe I should set one up myself! Excuse me while I go and brainstorm for a while.

Technorati Tags: networking, meeting, business events

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For those of you who do not know, Tim Horton’s is a coffee shop. Not just any coffee shop, mind you, but one much loved by Ontarians.

Named after the famous Ontario hockey player who started the chain, many people here feel that “Timmy’s” is like a family friend.

At any given time, the tables inside are full of customers visiting one another, and the drive-thru line is many cars long.

Tim Horton’s coffee is mild tasting and their donuts are fresh and delicious. Their service is extremely fast and the prices are reasonable.

As you can tell, I like my Timmy’s, although my husband can’t understand why people enjoy it so much. But then, he can’t taste the difference between instant coffee and fresh. I rest my case.

Technorati Tags: Tim Horton’s, coffee, donuts, Timmy’s

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I recently attended a business networking event called “Take My Card”.

Most networking events are a social time where everyone walks around introducing themselves and talking long enough to give out their business cards, then moves on to the next person. Personally, I don’t like those events and find them very boring, especially if you go alone and are slightly shy.

Take My Card decided to try a new way of networking. Everyone who registered was required to form a question that would describe your business and attract interested people.

For instance, my question was “Would you like to learn how to establish yourself on the Internet?”

When we arrived at the event, we were given a small ballot box with our question taped to the front. This box was placed on a specially designed stand, along with the boxes of others. When someone read your question and was interested in your business, they dropped their business card in your box.

Speakers, live music, and refreshments filled the evening, instead of the pressure to give out business cards.

At the end of the evening, we emptied our boxes and took home the business cards that were placed inside.

All that was left to do was follow-up with those already interested prospects.

A much more interesting networking idea, and an event that I will certainly attend again.

Technorati Tags: business, networking, event, prospects

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