Welcome to episode 11 of Creative Conversation: Conversations with Veronica and Jillian.
In this episode, Veronica Guguian shares her journey of growing ONS from 16 participants to around 50, and the challenges she faced in facilitating conversations and maintaining timeframes. She also explains her idea of bringing experts on board to provide tips while she handles the technical side during ONS sessions. The ONS started as a way for people to connect during networking events that were no longer possible due to closures.
They talk about the importance of experimentation and how it can translate into different formats like video or audio podcasting.
Veronica Guguian discusses her experience with networking and the need for three people in a room to avoid conflict. She mentions that the number of attendees at her events has decreased from 50 to around 20-25, but she wants to keep it online because many participants are from outside the Netherlands. Veronica plans to introduce more targeted networking by better-qualifying attendees based on their needs, such as finding new clients or investors.
Jillian Vorce suggests conducting surveys and gathering feedback from attendees to assess the value they receive and understand why some people don't return. Veronica agrees that surveying could be improved and expresses her desire for anonymous feedback.
They discuss the importance of data collection regarding attendee retention, purpose, and business development outcomes.
Jillian Vorce discusses the challenges of closing deals and the unpredictable nature of business relationships.
Veronica Guguian realizes that her online networking service needs to be integrated into her marketing strategy and determine its purpose within her overall goals. They discuss how to position the service, engage the target audience, and make it more targeted. Jillian suggests using ONS as an opportunity to develop team talent and build rapport with clients. However, they also acknowledge the difficulties of managing expectations and finding a balance between personal brand and business identity.
Jillian Vorce offered her experience as a presenter, saying she felt awkward because she didn't feel like she could add value to the format.
Veronica Guguian acknowledged this and suggested that Jillian should explain her ideas in an article. They discussed the importance of building relationships and gathering input from regular attendees. They also talked about the challenges of generating business from networking events and the need for follow-up conversations. Veronica acknowledged that change is necessary to improve their networking format, while Jillian praised Veronica's openness to new ideas. They mentioned introducing each other to helpful contacts and teased upcoming episodes where they would discuss other topics.
Jillian Vorce asks about plans and specifically mentions surveying and the structure/format. Veronica Guguian suggests ending the episode and thanks listeners. Jillian suggests a name for the episode, "Collaboration in Action," which Veronica loves. They discuss numbering and end the conversation with goodbyes.
People & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
About Veronica Guguian
- Website: https://spinideas.nl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Veronica-guguian
About Jillian Vorce
- Website: https://thejilliangroup.com/better
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianvorce
Credits
- Music Composed by BeeLa Music
- Voiceover by Amanda Balagur
