One-Hour Live Speed Dating for Business with Help Crafting Stand-Out :30 Introductions
Joe was new to sales, and was told that networking was a great way to discover potential. He joined a referral group, but needed more connections to be a valuable member. Informal networking and educational meetings helped his business, but still weren't enough. Then his chamber invited him to register for a HOP event at hopnetworking.com. In one hour, he connected with everyone in the room and worked out a great new way to share the value of his company. With multiple events that he could attend any time at only $10 with his local chamber discount, HOP events were just right.
Keywords: Power Networking, Speed Networking, Switch Networking, Business Networking, B2B, Connections, Market Visibility, Business Growth, Link, Share, Grow
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1999
What is your primary product or service?
Marketing and Networking Consulting
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Working with small business owners to help them overcome limited marketing resources by partnering with each other began as a means to maximize motor oil brand co-operative advertising budgets as marketing director for an oil distributorship. HOP Networking events are one of many services developed since I started CMS in 1999 to help independent and small business owners and managers get the most out of limited resources. While working with multiple local chambers in leadership positions over the last decade, members consistently expressed the desire for more opportunities to connect in their markets. HOP events are one of many ways to help them do that, and will continue to be more valuable to professionals as more networking mentors host in cities throughout Northeast Ohio.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Businesses use CMS shared marketing and networking products and services, like Hour of Power Speed Networking, to link in their common interests, share resources and GROW - Gain Rewards, Opportunities and Well-Being.
At HOP networking events, professionals, hosts, presenters, students and members of local groups and organizations join in open networking that promotes the exchange and sharing of value. Whether you 'hop' at every chance to network, or you've completely ended your love affair with networking, you'll love these monthly one-hour events. Fast, fun, and face-to-face, HOP events are an equalizer for both types: Joe who breaks out in a cold sweat upon entering every chamber lunch, or Steve who confidently joins conversations mid-stream. After brief advice on crafting their best 30-second value introduction, up to 50 attendees use their unique color-coded switch card to move through 9 table switches, sharing and discovering opportunities as they meet everyone in the room.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
HOP events are in 5 Stark/Summit/Portage locations monthly, and will expand to cover Northeast Ohio in as many as 80 cities throughout 2017-2018. HOP events are a proprietary, turn-key speed networking model that will be made available nationally.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Events are held at a variety of local, independently owned restaurants from 9 AM - 10 AM. Locations and directions are at hopneo4.eventbrite.com.
What type of payments do you accept?
All.
Which areas do you service?
Northeast Ohio
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Jeri Vespoli linkedin/in/jerivespoli
What are your hours of operation?
9 AM - 10 AM events. 8 AM - 6 PM client service.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
'This event (this opportunity, this group) was so valuable to my business! I'll definitely do it again!'
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." (Serenity Prayer)
"Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people." Steven Covey
"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Henry Ford