I am amazed about how people go about things in business that I think many are missing the boat. Today (3/6/2019) I went to a job fair to meet with the 2 large radio station companies in the market so I could leave them my demo cd. The first one I went to said oh we are sponsors of the event and I don’t know what to do with this. I responded it take it back to the station and give it to your program manager. She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language then again to her maybe I was as this is South Florida after all. I walked away thinking this is a job fair and your company didn’t bring someone from human resources. I am a firm believer of you never know who is coming to your table or through your doors so be prepared for every case scenario. The other radio company had their director of traffic there who gladly took my demo tape and asked me to follow up on line. I even had the opportunity to give my demo tape to The Florida Panthers Human Resource Director. I share this as networking is a key component to being successful. When you put yourself out there you are going to meet people who can be of service and value to you while you can be of service and value to them. The key is to be prepared and have your people prepared so you don’t miss the boat.
Many times I call on businesses to support my charitable endeavors with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and many times I encounter those that are missing the boat as they don’t understand the concept of cause marketing or they don’t want to hear how someone can be of service and value to them. Today (3/6/2019) after attending the job fair I stopped by a plaza to go business to business to promote The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and also collect donations. Most every business in the plaza was receptive however there was one that was a bit arrogant and non-receptive, Catering By Joel’s Place. This is the same business that I called a few weeks ago to get a quote for a party that I was hosting and he never returned my phone call. He stated I have been in business for 27 years and everything is by appointment. I told him then maybe he should keep his door locked and that he was leaving money on the table. He said I don’t need you telling me what I am doing. I said thank you and I left. As I walked out I thought wow here is another closed minded individual missing the boat for he didn’t even want to dialogue with me. I understand he doesn’t know me and doesn’t know about the 8000 people I reach on social media or all the events that I am involved in or people that I know that possibly could do business with him. His arrogance and lack of being open to listen now earned him a negative review and lost me as a potential customer. Remember that every conversation has opportunity and to not miss the boat by being arrogant or too busy to talk to someone.
I used to take my Grandmother, when she was alive, to Monti’s and the food was good. I was in the area yesterday (3/5/2019) promoting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life at about 10:45 AM figuring it was prep time for lunch i stopped in to see if they can help me. The 1st words out of the gentleman making pizza was I am too busy for this. Another gentleman came up and reluctantly gave me a dollar and told me to leave as they were too busy. I left thinking again another business that is making money but could be doing better if they weren’t missing the boat about being kind to anyone who comes through the doors. I share this with those who own businesses to make sure you are treating people who are coming into your place of business with respect as you never know who they might be and how they can either affect your business positively or negatively. I fully understand that I am coming into these businesses unannounced and uninvited however I have been doing fundraising this way for over 40 years and have have had much success. There is a huge value in engaging with people especially someone who knows and understand cause marketing.
If you are going to stop missing the boat you must go out and share who you are and what you do and why people should do business with you. You were born to be on the boat and have that boat reach its destination for success with you on board. Stop missing the boat and realize that everyone that you come in contact with can be of service and value to your business. Sometimes it is as easy as simple hitting the street and sharing your business or non-profit activities with others. Be bold and get on board your boat to success.
