This was my third speed networking event and Laurie and I were discussing what to talk about before we went. I didn’t give her anything specific to talk about because I wanted whatever we discussed to be natural, rather than sound like we’re giving a canned speech. Even if it means that we miss a talking point or two, I’d rather that it seems organic and not all planned and plotted out.

Because I have done this a few times now, I found that I actually knew a lot of people at the event. I ended up sitting with someone I already knew at five out of the six tables I was at. It was nice to see so many familiar faces because I’m starting to feel like a pretty active member of the chamber. I’m never going to be a real chamber insider, but that’s because I prefer working on the periphery. There are people much better suited to be on the inside. As it is, I’m just happy to attend the events and talk to a lot of people. 

I remember when I first joined the Bay Area Chamber—and even for the first two years, really—I would go to events and I might not talk to anyone. I am not a big networker and approaching people I don’t know is intimidating to me. So I’d be the guy on his own, checking his cell phone and trying desperately to look comfortable in a room full of strangers. It was okay, but I’m glad those days are gone. 

If anyone is feeling a little isolated at Chamber events, I really recommend attending the speed networking sort of events because it does put you in a position to get to know a lot of other chamber members. 

Before I wrap this up I just wanted to mention that even though I already knew quite a few people at the event, I met 15 or so people who I hadn’t met before. A lot of really interesting people doing some cool work in the Tri-Cities…er…Great Lakes Bay Region…man, that’s a mouthful of a name…Tri-Cities was so much easier to wrap my tongue around. 

Okay…this unpaid endorsement for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is now complete. 

If you have never attended a Chamber speed networking event, you should. These events are the sort of things that can make or break a small business. It’s not about making sales, it’s about getting out there and talking to people. It’s a chance to get your business in front of them and increasing awareness of your brand.

I am not big on public speaking, but I’ll do my best to tell the 989 Design story without getting too nervous and in the process I’ll get to meet a lot of new people. And I get to do it all in a comfortable setting with free coffee and danish. 

What more could I possibly ask for?

“Regular or decaf?” I asked. 

The studio doesn’t get much foot traffic—almost none, in fact. Outside of the mailman and Randy the UPS guy, it’s rare to have anyone randomly stop by. So having thirty minutes to socialize and say good morning to a lot of people is fun for me. Plus, if this whole graphic design thing doesn’t work out, I think Greg has a spot for me behind the bar. So I’ve got that going for me.

The hardest part of the coffee sponsorship is having to speak in front of the whole room for two minutes. I never really prepare what I am going to say because I end up sounding like a robot. Instead, I think of a few points I want to hit and wing it, hoping to not hear the bell that indicates I’ve gone over my two minutes (I’m two-for-two on being on time). Today I talked a little about the studio, a little about the site, pitched the Good Works Group again, and then did a few 15-second spots for the Saginaw Spirit, Great Lakes Loons and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. I hit all of my points, stayed under two minutes, and didn’t throw up on my shoes. 

I did get the chance to talk to a few friends and even met a few new people. All in all, I’d say it was a successful morning.

When I first moved to Bay City, I joined the Chamber to get to know more members of the business community in the area. I was new in town and didn’t really know anybody. I’ve been a member of the Chamber for around four years now and even though I wasn’t as active a participant in Chamber events the first year or two (which was dumb on my part, I realize, but I’m kind of shy), I’ve really tried to be more active the past couple of years.

Speaking for two minutes in front of a group of ten is intimidating to me, so doing the soapbox at the breakfast is terrifying, but I really do want to get the message out about 989 Design and the Good Works Group. After the breakfast a lot of people told me that I did a good job and I really appreciate that.

Thanks again for the support, Bay City. 

Luckily, I had something to talk about that is important enough that it made it easy to get over my stage fright. I wanted to take a couple of minutes to introduce the Chamber to the newest studio project, the 989 Good Works Group. A much more detailed post about the Good Works Group is coming, but the short-answer version is that I am putting together a non-profit, not-for-pay group of designers whose sole purpose is to work on as many non-profit projects as we can.

I am approached on an almost weekly basis by groups who need some sort of design work done–maybe a logo or a newsletter, a poster or a postcard, whatever. And a lot of these groups aren’t big non-profits with lots of volunteers, but they’re very small groups raising funds for whatever the cause may be. These are often people who work all day and then work on their non-profit stuff at the kitchen table at night. They don’t have a budget for advertising and design, but they find a way to get it done. If there is something we can do—no matter how large or small—to make it just a little bit easier for them, then that’s something worth doing.

We have a few projects already in the works with many more to come in the first quarter of 2009. Keep an eye out on the site for more information. A more thorough post is coming in the next week or two as well as a new page devoted solely to the Good Works Group.

If you are involved with a mid-Michigan group who might be able to use our services, please drop me an e-mail. And if you are a designer or student designer with time to give, e-mail me.

Until next time…