Walk and Talk America and Follow the Red, White, & Blue Hat!
After several active networking events that included salsa dancing, volleyball, laughing yoga, hiking, zumba, kayaking, organic drinks, and walking, we really wanted to create a signature ActivEntrepreneur event that combined everything we represented with significant value for all participants.
Walk & Talks at local parks have become part of the ActivEntrepreneur culture it is the way we do business. But we wanted to take the Walk & Talk concept to a new level, especially in this unique economy. So Walk & Talk America was created!
The first piece was to change where we were walking & talking. Why not take the walk downtown, where actual business occurs and may need a boost?
Secondly, instead of businesses taking their wares to a table in a conference room tradeshow, we wanted to bring people to the actual business locations, allowing business owners an opportunity to showcase their business at their actual place of business, in their very own environment. This would leave a lasting impression about where the business is physically located and a first-hand impression of the inspiring & creative people behind the business. As a marketer and previous retail business owner, I realize the tremendous value derived from a face-to-face marketing opportunity and wanted to integrate that into Walk & Talk America.
This new Walk & Talk includes moving, networking, connecting, and learning. So why not add a fun competition to the mix and allow someone to win a prize that could directly impact the growth of their own business?? Great idea, but we needed some significant prizes and a relevant contest. Fortunately, we connected with several sponsors such as The Long Island Press, Kioli.org, MyLITV, Generations Beyond, and Barlowe Interactive, to name a few, who have generously donated marketing prizes.
ActivEntrepreneur has an underlying green foundation because we care deeply about the environment we are active in. The competition we developed asks a green question related to the town that is hosting the Walk & Talk a question that demonstrates what that town is doing to help their businesses and residents go green. (Since the green question appears in The Long Island Press, this presents some extra exposure for the local town)
Our March 2009 Walk & Talk Huntington kick-off was a great success. It was described as, not just informative, but wonderful and project-developing too, and a great, fun, and productive experience. The event was launched with some zumba stretching and an introduction by Huntington Town Supervisor, Frank Petrone. We visited the Cinema Arts Centre, Heckscher Museum, Footprint Media Group/Canvas Magazine, and Treat Suite Pet Boutique, and ended the event with a winner of the $4000 marketing package, Ralph Mandarino from Ticketlicious.net. For me, Walk & Talk™ America is a great way to get entrepreneurs on their feet and help boost local economies, helping to keep businesses, in business.
Join us at our next Walk & Talk in Islip on 4/28 and find out how easy it can be to build your business, be active, and go green. Visit www.walkntalkli.com to register in advance. And if you have any interest in creating a Walk & Talk in your area, send me an email at activ@optonline.net.
