A Networking Success Story

When I used to be a recruiter for online marketing positions, I had to do a LOT of networking. I loved it, because I am such a social person. I am where I am today because of the network I built back then. The relationships have been a big part of my success.

I volunteered at a CADM (Chicago Association of Direct Marketing) event last year and met Matt Spiegel. We worked on the interactive seminars for the day and then ended up sitting next to each other at lunch. Matt and I got along great. Turns out he started and ran Resolution Media, one of the primary search engine marketing agencies in Chicago. He became my client and he hired two people from me. And then, he encouraged me to get involved with CIMA (Chicago Interactive Marketing Association). I jumped at the chance.

With CIMA, I took on putting together some of their events. I got to know the Chicago Interactive community very well. The CIMA board appreciated my efforts – they created a board position for me – Staffing Chair. I now coordinate all of their volunteers and hunt down speakers for events. (Start thinking about all of the influential people I get to talk to in this role!!!) They also honored me with their New Member of the Year Award, for which I was very thankful . I love giving them my time, too!

Because of all the involvement with CIMA, I met a guy named Tony – who is the person I replaced at Socrates Media. By taking the position at Socrates, I learned affiliate marketing, email marketing, and online partnership development. And now I have taken that knowledge to start my own home-based company again. PLUS, I have a huge network of friends who I can call on for advice, help, or to even hire at some point – I hope.

All this started because I went and assisted at a marketing association event and met Matt Spiegel. He and I are still friends – and both of us have grown tremendously from that one event. Networking can change the course of your career – make it a mandatory part of your business life.

Tags: Networking, Business Networking, CIMA, CADM, Resolution Media, Associations, Business Contacts

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