I had a great experience yesterday. I was invited to a networking meeting at a local restaurant by Shane (a CATBer) and I decided to give it a go. I have been looking for ways to find more marketplace connections and this seemed like something worth checking out. There were 46 people in attendance and Joe, the leader, ran one of the best meetings I have ever attended (you can check his blog out here) . We began with everyone passing out their cards (I handed out our Easter invite cards). Then everyone got up to 45 seconds to introduce themselves and what they do. They then do a QandA cameo with the business of the day. For about 10 minutes they ask all kinds of questions about the business. The cameo business is selected by drawing a card out of the pile. 2% chance- and Church at the Bay was picked, a Go God moment. These people asked some of the best questions and I got to talk about Church at the Bay and how and why we do what we do. A couple more cool parts- ideas for marketing for a chosen business, brief thanks for services received from people in the group and 30 sec promo’s of anything happening that week. It lasted about 1.5 hours. After the meeting, 3 people came up and said they would be at The Bay this weekend- one was our server!
During the CATB cameo one of the questions was- “Why is Church at the Bay better or what do they do better than other churches”? I explained that I wasn’t sure we did anything better and that other churches are not our competition. I said, “If you are going to another church lock and make it strong- if not- check us out”. That seemed to resonate.
Last night I started coaching again at the YMCA- 7 and 8 year olds! I am the assistant and a former football player, Bill, is the coach. We have a ball and I learned a NEW definition of the triple threat position- ask Bill he will tell you! Yesterday was a great marketplace day for me!