ERA Networking Receptions Rock!

By Robin Greenspan

As I travel across the country to various ERA events, one thing stands out most to me: the power of relationships and how to build them. Most people do business with those they know well and like. I frequently hear from our members of the need to get to know people more intimately-- what better way to start off a new business venture than with someone whom you personally know?

As membership director of ERA, I am proud to spotlight one of our most popular member benefits, developed to facilitate relationship building: the ERA Member Networking Receptions. The opportunity to gain ideas, clients, customers, jobs and new friends is just a networking event away. Networking is an effective way of prospecting customers and seeking out people who can help your business grow or gain efficiency. However, it also entails going out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. We make it easier to do so through our year-round networking events.

As many of you have seen or experienced over recent months, the breadth of ERA's networking events takes us from coast to coast, with many of our 100 new member companies in attendance. We've already held high-powered events for the industry to mix and mingle with ERA's finest, including at the House of Blues Chicago on March 16, during the Government Affairs Fly-in in Washington, D.C., on May 20 and the recent June 10 New York City Reception during DM Days. This year, you are likely to meet someone new in the ERA family at any of our upcoming networking events. The receptions remain excellent opportunities to meet many people in one setting without the hassle of setting up appointments and traveling to many different cities on inconvenient dates.

Next month, we will host another reception party in Santa Monica on July 16th at the Hotel Casa Del Mar on the beach. You won't want to miss it. We held one at this site in January 2008 and I can tell you firsthand that the setting can't be beat. It doesn't get much better than the sunset on the Santa Monica beach adjacent to the famed pier. I hope to see you all there and if you can't make this one, be sure to check our events calendar so that you can join us later in the year.

Robin Greenspan is ERA's director of membership. She can be reached at (703) 908-1036, or via e-mail at rgreenspan@retailing.org.