I Think So!!!
How many times have you walked away from a Career Fair feeling like you've wasted 3-5 hours of your day? Better yet, how many times have you had to PAY to attend business seminars that gave you information and tips that you already knew about with no real pathway to getting a contract?
I'd love your feedback if you've experienced this before.
In a recent interview I did with BWI Marshall's CEO, Ricky D. Smith Sr, click here to hear the conversation, we discussed what the airport was doing to better the community that it resides in. That's when off the record, he shared with me his idea for a business and employment fair, "SYNERGY". "I don't think I've ever been to an event like this.", I shared. Let me tell you what we talked about...
Imagine being in an environment as a job-seeker and 50% of the people that are in attendance are business owners; not just the people with the exhibit, but the people walking around are potential employers. They are there seeking contracts to increase their business revenue. You have just been placed in the right place, at the right time. You can discuss with them how you can help them reach their goal--instant interview. You could also offer to help them find potential clients for their business as you are seeking employment opportunities as well--SYNERGY!
Or, what if you are a business owner seeking to do business with the BWI Marshall airport but could not connect with the decision-makers but NOW, they are sitting ducks just waiting to talk to you--SYNERGY! Remember, I started with what the typical Business and Employment fair results are like. Do you get where I'm going with this now?
So, here's how I landed a spot as a keynote speaker. Ricky D. Smith, Sr is one of my mentors, I have seven (7) mentors that are either millionaires or run billion dollar organizations, he is one of them. We were talking about things that mentors' tell their mentees' and I heard a little frustration when discussing his upcoming event, SYNERGY. A bond happens when you get to know a person; you tend to pick up on signs that indicate things are not quite right. So I asked if I could show him a concept that I think would work for a logo. He agreed and after an hour, we came up with a new logo. Then, I asked if I could redo the flyer that he was marketing, he said, "Go for it!" That was all she wrote. I pushed the envelope and said, "Can I give you a draft of a website that I think will project this vision better?" By this time, I had him. You see, he never allowed me to mentor him, I've always got the words of encouragement and direction from him. This time, the mentee, was mentoring the mentor. I believe I gained his trust on another level. I believe he now trust my opinion, my insight and my skill level.
On top of that, I believed in the vision. It was a easy project. I'm not sure how the conversation went with him and his team but I received a phone call that I was the opening keynote speaker at the SYNERGY, Business and Employment Fair. I was so excited. This was my time to SHINE! I not only get to help other business owners take advantage of this opportunity, but I get to give tips to job-seekers on how to capitalize on being in a room of potential employers. Plus, many of the workforce development staff in the State will be there. That's my potential clientele.
Do I think Ricky D. Smith Sr., received a vision that will change the way business and employment fairs are viewed, ABSOLUTELY! And guess what--IT'S ALL FREE!
So if you are in the DMV area and you are seeking employment, contract opportunities with the BWI Marshall airport or want to see this business model in action? Come out! I really believe it will change how you conduct job fairs and business seminar in the future. It's taking place on Tuesday, May 02, 2017 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. I'm scheduled to speak at 8:30 am. For details and registration information, visit https://www.synergybwi.com
Hope to see you there!