To thrive, businesses must network and make connections. By building relationships, accessing new opportunities, and generating leads, they can stay ahead of industry trends, gain valuable insights, and establish a strong reputation. Networking is the key to expanding their reach and outperforming competitors. My service-based business’ growth depends heavily on making connections, so I’ve had to get a handle on networking early.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Understanding Networking – define it, the power, and building relationships
Networking Skills – refine communication and active listening
Networking Etiquette – professionalism and use of tools
Practice Makes Perfect – network consistency
About the Presenter:
Natalie Poole | Exceptional Occasions LLC, Owner and Meeting and Event Planning Engineer
The human connection is still the most powerful way to build and maintain customer and working relationships. This is most practical and is achievable through meetings and events, which is what I facilitate.
Nathaline “Natalie” Poole, Owner and Meeting and Event Planning Engineer, owns 100% of Exceptional Occasions LLC, and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management with emphasis on event planning from the University of Houston’s prestigious Conrad Hilton College. Her background includes over twenty-five years of logistics and event management experience. Exceptional Occasions LLC, established in 2013, is a full-service event and meeting planning production firm based in Oklahoma City and the sole proprietor-Oklahoma Limited Liability Company (LLC). Founded originally on a part-time basis, the Firm is a small business designed to meet the needs of the changing social world by providing event and meeting planning services. The Firm is invested in the community in which it resides and is, in part, the answer to the demands of the social world, of the working family, heavily burdened offices, and special occasions in need of special recognition.
The Firm is:
o Minority and Woman-Owned Small Business
o Certified as Service-Connected Disabled Veteran (SDVOSB) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
o Certified as Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone) – U.S. Small Business Administration
o Vendor - State of Oklahoma
o Vendor - Oklahoma City
o Verified as Veteran Owned Business - Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs (OKVetWorks)
o Board Member – Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce
o Member - Oklahoma Women Veterans