You never know who may be sitting across the table...are you prepared?

You never know who may be sitting across the table that may be the source of a long sought after contact or hold the key to opening the door of opportunity. Reflecting over the past years, there have been numerous occassions when leaving a meeting or conversation, I stop in my tracks thinking, “why didn’t I ask this or that question?” Kicking myself for after the fact thinking with low confidence in asking for a name or introduction that may have advanced my business efforts. Only to play the I should have … why didn’t I… if only I had asked game while driving away. During a recent conversation with an individual interviewing for a post with our local University this was again shown to me. Only this time, well versed in the developmental language of the Make Mine a Million program, I asked and answered straight away. Before delving into the primary conversation, a community peer asked what was “up” at the bakery. For those of you reading that know me, already are nodding your heads with this next commet, but it is difficult for me to give short answers when it is a topic I am passionate about! Soon I had launched into rapid fire commentary about the emergence of our gluten free division and our first shipment to Chicagoland area Treasure Island Foods! Now the interviewee is a leader in entreprenuer academia and expressed interest in what I was saying. As she regaled her accomplishments and current development strategies, I asked if she was knowledgeable of Count Me In and founder, Nell Merlino. Her indication was she had but not yet had the opportunity to meet Nell. Naturally, at which point I encouraged her to do such. Then she suddenly says, “have you ever heard of Lucky Napkin?” I just about fell out of my seat! I say well yes I have and had met Amilya at the New Mexico event. What a small world! As the conversation continues, she is emphasizing the importance of Women Owned Business Certification. Where at that point I reference my business goal of having gluten free products in a relationship with Kroger Companies grocery store chain. Another ligtthening bolt of the unbelieveable happened! She asks if I would like her to extend my business card to the CEO of Kroger when he speaks at an upcoming conference she is leading. Don’t worry I actually gave her 3 cards just in case she came across anyone else that may have an interest in my work.
The bottomline for me is this, the resources provided us in the Make Mine a Million Dollar Buisness program are huge! For those of us in the program this chance conversation reinforced the value of being a part of this group. For those of you just learning about Make Mine a Million , I urge you to sign up and get involved. Together we are going to shape the future of our country!