In need of innovation and creativity – step outside your office!

Last week was my first business trip since the birth of my third baby in April. I enjoyed every second, too. Two days, southern California (LA, Orange County and San Diego), jam packed with meetings for current clients, potential clients, former clients and industry colleagues. Included in this mix were two happy hours that netted referrals and general good, relevant industry insights. One highlight was a partnership event that I organized with a publisher contact of mine; we hosted a reception of all of our local contacts that was very successful in terms of cross referencing resources to one another. Feedback from our reception was overwhelming. We linked a lot of our client contacts together, intermingled with new faces and were viewed as more than a business partner – we were a valuable resource with connections beyond the standard PR firm.

At the end of two busy days, I walked away with referrals, mutual respect, accolades, compliments, project confirmations and business cards. Something a full week of work from my office could not have netted. The trip revived me, inspired me and helped line up some new business opportunities for the PC Team.

It’s not a new message, but one that is worth repeating. GET OUT THERE! In a recession, especially after your third child, it would be easy to hunker down in the office and work, work, work. Yes, we need to make sure our current clients are being serviced beyond the norm. We also need to go beyond our office walls, meet people on their terms, get excited about our business, partner with people who support us – never underestimate the power of networking! There is new business to be had. It’s a small world, go meet it!