Recently I was asked to share my story as part of the Windsor Circle Speaker series. Thanks for a very warm introduction by Lora Crestan. Thanks to Joe Di Giorgio for the invitation to present.
Focused on three areas: personal background, the AlphaKOR story and business networking. Set the goal for the audience to take away at least one thing from each of these areas.
What would define a successful presentation? If everyone learned something new about me, found out something AlphaKOR had to offer which they were not aware of and walk away with a tip they could try at a networking event. Happy to report feedback after the presentation confirmed it was a successful presentation.
The approach was very personal and open. Delivered passion, honesty and some emotions. It is true when they say Entrepreneurs are vulnerable! There was interactive conversation during the presentation and many good questions were asked. Another indicator the audience was appreciative and engaged in the presentation.
Some highlights to share with you and hope you enjoy these stories.
Personal background. Grew up on a farm in Leamington. Shared how my sales career began by selling produce at our roadside stand at the age of six! Learned from my first mentor, my Dad, by watching him take care of customers by always making them feel good, delivering more than they were expecting and being passionate about it. Admitted to being the quietest and most shy person throughout elementary and grade school.
AlphaKOR story. Shared how the AlphaKORians work so well together. Many on the team have been part of the family for over ten and over fifteen years. The team delivers exceptionally well all the time. Thank you!
The audience learned about Ali, Mazen and Shawn who are also business Partners of AlphaKOR. When I joined AlphaKOR, the Partners made it easy for me to go out and sell the "sizzle" because they delivered the "steak" every time. Thanks for embracing my role as President to lead our awesome team.
Eighteen years and still growing! We are a young and dynamic company with continuous successful growth. Thanks for the feedback from the audience on global strategies.
Shared some of our successes in marketing AlphaKOR. Our marketing strategy was discussed and Brandy' role over the last year-and-half which has made a difference by increasing the awareness of the brand. Talked about our core competencies including the sales/service, 24 hour support, website development, online marketing, custom software and mobi apps.
Business Networking. Talked about many great networking opportunities in the Region. Shared my goal is to meet one to three new people for a networking event to be successful.
When networking, taking the initial conversation to the next level includes connecting on LinkedIn, sending a "thanks for connecting" e-mail, inviting them to join your group on LinkedIn, such as AlphaKOR Innovative Brainstorming Group and sending an invitation to continue the discussion.
We talked about how many groups to belong to. Some of us focus on a couple of groups while some of us are involved in a larger number.
The question was asked: How do you evaluate which group to join? Replied with finding out who are the members and if you want to connect with them or with the people they are connected to.
It was a very enjoyable experience sharing stories. At first I was concerned about filling 20 minutes and presented for just over an hour! Thanks to everyone who attended to hear my story and we now know each other a little better.
Ended with a quote: Are you the genius in the room or are you the genius maker?
Connecting professionals to share stories of making new business relationships and creating opportunities.
Thanks for moving us all towards becoming Genius-makers. Not an easy task to lead a group of entrepreneurs in a new direction. Upon reflection, your leadership has helped change the course of history for many - whether through your choices or helping others, including your clients make the right choices. Thanks for sharing Frank!
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