This one'll sneak up on you...
Last week, I attended The Jammie Awards in Grand Rapids. Sponsored by community radio station WYCE, The Jammies celebrate local music and musicians. Estimates are over 1000 people attended. For me, it offered an excellent opportunity to mix and mingle with clients, friends, prospects, and business associates.
Fortunately, I learned long ago that bars and business don’t mix.
I’ve always said that networking is a good, inexpensive way to market yourself, even before we called it “networking.” I also believe you shouldn’t limit your networking to Chamber-sponsored or other business events. I expect you to network wherever you are. And, if the chance is there, I expect you to hand out your cool new business cards.
But if you’ve tipped a few, resist the temptation to start plotting great big deals with your new BFF who wants to hire you or your company. He or she may look likea 10 on the business scale right now… but chances are it’s only because you’re both wearing beer goggles.
We’ve all had a moment when something that seemed so clear the night before appeared quite different the morning after. Where your business is concerned …you don’t want to go there!
Exchange business cards and agree to talk later.
:::
Of course, today is Mardi Gras. Won’t be down in the Quarter tonight, but I will be playing piano, sipping a hurricane and “networking” at Buddy’s in Holt, Michigan. Stop on by and say howdy if you’re in the neighborhood. Love to talk to you, but -let’s not talk bidness. Cool.
If the thought of going out and partying on a Tuesday night is just too much for you; stay home and conjure up your own hurricane right there. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
1 oz. white rum
1 oz Jamaican dark rum
1 oz Bacardi 151 rum
3 oz orange juice
3 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 oz grenadine syrup
crushed ice
Combine all ingredients, mix well (shake or stir). Pour over crushed ice in hurricane glass. Best enjoyed through a small straw. Garnish with fruit wedge if desired.
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez, y’all!
