Networking AIBA Style

Thu, 04/09/2009 - 1:29pm — Mary Schmidt

Think “Bah, Humbug, Borrrrring!” about networking? You may not have attended an AIBA networking event. Example: Thursday, March 19. Location: Designer Marketplace. Attendance: 30 or so. Experience? Clusters of people chatted with animation. Nice people. I met several folks I didn’t know. Some gathered around the food table featuring snacks from Fremont’s Fine Foods. Others drifted through the Designer Marketplace Showroom. People introduced themselves and listened with interest to others. In other words, conversation happened.

The short program featured some “membership has its privileges” announcements:
• Comcast, an AIBA sponsor, unveiled a program offering special considerations valued up to $350 for members.
• Peri Pakroo of P-brain Media demonstrated the new website design and answered member “how-to” questions. The member directory is online 7/24/365 and you can have up to 100 words description of your business (up from 25 words limit on the old site.) We also have a rotating member spotlight (you can see it up there on the right). Each time you visit a new page, a new member is spotlighted, direct from the database (so log-in and make sure your profile is up-to-date!)

Several people mentioned the value of supporting local business and the all-around theme of “get involved.” The member table displayed other special offers and pieces of information. The committee sheets (displayed for signup at all events) included new names at the end of the evening.

New Member Bob Winfield, of High Desert Art & Frame Shop in the plaza at Montgomery and Tramway, volunteered to work on EVENTS (networking and other AIBA opportunities). Janice Moranz, M.D. of Janice Moranz, M.D. and Melissa Nelson, owner of Beautiful Windows signed up for the SPEAKERS BUREAU, presenting at other groups/meetings about AIBA and encouraging other locally owned businesses to get on board, and/or radio talk shows or TV appearances. Melinda Rand-Kenefic, owner of Celebro Natural Living is the committee chair and catalyst for this committee.Cathie Sharon, Kiki and Company, a line of gifts, home décor and games, agreed to serve as the retail recruitment volunteer. Mark Delaney and Marilyn Howard of Oh Heavens Cheesecakes signed up to donate a future prize. (If I’ve missed anyone, apologies.)

Linda Mertz of Measurable Results Marketing, recognized as the newsletter director, requested news items emailed to info@keepitquerque.org three business days prior to the first or the 15th of the month.

Did I mention prizes? Thanks to Ken and Julie for two beautiful decorative items: a 50-pound elephant (need I say more!) and a ‘Buy Local’ doll, both won by members. (Okay, I confess. I won the elephant!) In addition, a non-member guest won a gift basket from Martha’s Body Bueno.

Different from other events you’ve attended lately? Undoubtedly! No rubber-chicken, long-winded, blah-blah here. People participated. They “got it!” and had a good time.

So Buy Local! Keep it Querque. Bring a friend. Join AIBA and be part of the difference!

By Mary Ellen Merrigan, AIBA Board President