Yesterday I attended the business before hours at the Greenville Commerce Club as a Chamber of Commerce networking event. Their was a significant number of companies represented that you would say are our competitors. Some of the companies in their introductions stated they were specifically “web design” companies, another company said they offered “total marketing solutions” but their solutions included web design, audio visual production which we also provide. In addition they also were quite a few photographers in the room sharing the specialities.

To a point there is almost a fear of our message getting lost in the sea of competitors but I was thankful we had a unique message that stood out. I was thankful that we were given as an example in another companies presentation when our RSS services like blogging and podcasting were mentioned. Yes, being in the same room with competitors can often be nerve racking but if you play it right you can gain from such an event. It was interesting the hear that each company representative gave a unique slant on their business and even playfully played off their competitors.

Among the companies who focused on web or new media in their introduction one focused on custom design, another mentioned search engine optimization and content management and we used our motto, Harmonious New Media to explain how our web services are the center of a hub of services that include podcasting, photography, blogs, business cards, logos, etc. and how we integrate those into a consistent branding strategy.

The photographers present also gave unique slants on their services. One mentioned how did not do wedding but specialized in arial photography while another made the point that he did provide wedding photography services and yet another made a big point to say his company had a full service studio.

What did I learn this event and hearing from competitors in the upstate South Carolina market? I learned that our motto and visual imagery of what we do stuck in the minds of others present based on networking conversations after the breakfast. I learned that we need to mention the marketing services we provide so companies can effective market themselves and achieve greater success. I learned that I need explain the distinctives of our web services like our user friendly content management system and commitment to compelling content which improves search engine results.

I had the chance share my own photography niches but since Heather spoke for our company I remained seated. Next time we will agree that both of us will speak but will give unique presentations on what we do either to break up our one company presentation so it is not as long or the showcase the different marketing services we provide for our clients.

The important thing above all is to listen so you can understand your competition but most importantly yourself. How are you using your listening skills in networking events where you are faced both by competitors as well as potential customers?

I remember when I was growing up seeing a popular commercial for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The commercial would usually consist of two people walking along the sides of a tall building and bumping into each other. One people would be eating peanut butter out of a jar and the other one would have a candy bar in his or her hand. Upon collision peanut butter and chocolate would combine and inspire the great taste of chocolate and peanut butter and thus, abet in a mythological way, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy was born.

It’ has often been said the innovation most often occurs in course of collisions. Maybe not the kind where two people or vehicles literally collide but rather when we encounter new people at events, try out new products or discover that a current “solution” we are trying out does not quite meet our needs and we try to figure out a way to better match the job we need to do. Other times some things just happen like the “invention” of the potato chip or vulcanized rubber. The point is to get out there, meet new people, try new things and no matter how old you get always think like a child in aspect of playing with new things and never settling for “good enough.”

In our business we need to keep “playing” with new technologies. We can do web development the way it was done 10, 5 or even a year ago. In the past year or two social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. have taken a huge jump in popularity and even in those realms people are finding ways to innovate those things fit their needs. Podcasting, what we like to call “your own radio station” from both the user and producer end has just become mainstream in the past couple of years as well. We are working to position our company as the premiere podcasting source in Greenville,SC both in terms of helping clients get their message out as well as producing our own content.

How active are you and your business in local networking groups or connecting with others on a regular basis? If you are in your own world you may be perfectly content with how you feel about things and see not need to change but listening to others in person, via blog comments or participating in online forums is one way to keep you and your company sharp and on the innovative edge. What interesting collisions are you encouraging in order to think creatively and give new life to your business and personal ventures?

I admit it. I grew up in a fairly conservative culture and something like Earth Day was often seen as something “counter-culture” or what the “hippies” were into. Truth be told I am still a very conservative person both politically and religiously although my views don’t always fit into the boxes people would like. One of the areas I am “outside the box” is probably the recognition that taking care of our environment is a matter of stewardship. It a frame of mind that goes beyond alternative fuels, preventing animal extinctions, etc.

The recognition that I am a steward of the resources that has actually inspired the direction I have taken in business and home life and general innovative thinking. When web design and digital photography became available I was excited that I would be able to produce the original creative content without high printing costs. I also like to think of myself as an innovative thinker and thinking “green” spurs innovation like nothing else. “Alternative” energy is basically looking at everyday things in new light if you will excuse the pun.

During the late 80’s I worked at a Boy Scout camp in Northern Greenville County,SC. For 4 years I was the ecology-conservation director which for the most part meant we taught nature related merit badges to the campers. However we also were in charge of running a nature lodge and maintaining the trails and other areas in order to prevent erosion, etc. Other than my current job that was the most enriching job I ever held. I’m thankful I learned to see how geography, natural forces, plants and animals were created to work together and to also see the impact each of the elements have on each other.

I’m always on the lookout for how our business can be the best stewards or the resources we have from providing services that save fuel, participating in a roadside trash clean up, exploring and innovating technologies, etc. Last week I had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth Garrison of Ever Green Recycling, A Greenville, SC based company with a goal of help companies create and implement recycling programs that work for their businesses. Check out the web site and think about how you and your company can participate in ways to  How is rising fuel prices and environmental issues caused your company to think about innovation and seek out new solutions to provide good and services more effectively?

Last night was a great night of networking and learning in various networking groups. It wasn’t until the middle  of the afternoon when I looked at my wife and business partner’s shared calendar that I was aware of a Small Business Owners meeting at the Greenville, SC Chamber of Commerce. I am so glad I went.  Everyone there were small business owners in the Upstate of South Carolina or interested in entering the Greenville,SC market. We had a chance to listen to Timothy Justice of Rescom Construction and ask him questions about what we could do in our own businesses to take them to the next level. Very encouraging.

After the meeting at the Chamber I went to the meeting of the Upstate Entrepreneur Forum which was about a mile away. This was another opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and listen to Elizabeth Garrison of Ever Green Recycling, her business vision and past business experience.  Once again I got some great tips and ideas to grow my own business and to make it stronger.  Not to mention I love meeting others I can work with and help succeed and thus help my community prosper.

I had to leave the UEF a little early, It pained me to do so but on the other side of town another group I am very passionate about was meeting.  The Greenville Mac User’s Group has been around a long time and I’m happy to be a part of the group of enthusiastic Mac computer users.  Last night’s GreenvilleMUG meeting revolved around the discussion of backups and we also had a video conference with our local Apple rep who could not make the meeting in person last night. I have a desire to start a more specialized group of people who want to develop applications of the Mac OSX platform and the iPhone.

The only thing I regret about going to all the meetings last night was I had to spread myself around, leave early at one and show up a little late at another. I didn’t get to network and make as many connections as I could have. I do plan on e-mailing people I meet with last night who I exchanged business cards with to do some of that networking today.

Did you see me last night (4-14-08)?

Leatherhead Stars Come to Greenville

Originally uploaded by linkerjpatrick

Yesterday I had a chance to take a short walk from my office near Falls Park in downtown Greenville,SC to watch the city of Greenville give the keys to the city to George Clooney and Renée Zellweger.

Greenville Mayor Pro Tem, Lillian Brock Flemming, declared Greenville, SC to be “off the chain” as she recognized the stars and the contribution they made by filming the movie Leatherheads, in Greenville, SC and surrounding areas. I was happy myself to be an extra in the movie.

If you are not familiar with the term, “Off the chain” it is a slang term that means; Out of control, wild and fun. Like when a dog gets off a chain and go crazy. There you have it Greenville. We have been officially declared, “Off the Chain.” One thing you can do to keep Greenville and the Upstate in the forefront is to contribute Innovative ideas to New Ideas for a New Carolina. Let’s show the world what we’ve got.