Last week I had an opportunity to witness a cool business matchmaking event held in Atlanta and organized by HP and SCORE. It was the first of four being put on in 2007, and if they all go the way the Atlanta event did, you'll want to figure out a way to attend. There were over 800 small businesses in attendance getting face time with over 100 representatives from companies like HP, Research In Motion (our show sponsor and maker of the BlackBerry devices) and Fedex to name a few. There were also a large number of government agencies participating as well.
The event was set up to give small businesses wanting to become suppliers to big business and government agencies, an opportunity to get 15 minutes of face time with them.....one on one. Some folks I talked to had four and five such 15 minute appointments set up. And with good reason as a good 15 minutes could lead to million dollar contracts at some point. Because of the potential these meetings hold, there were more than a few people from all over the country in attendance. They go to all four locations the events take place in order to get that 15 minutes of face time.
If you curious about learning more you should check out www.businessmatchmaking.com to get information on where the next events will be held and how you can participate. It's a free event but you have to register and be approved to attend. The event website has all the details.
Check out the below clip of interviews I did from the event to get a flavor for how it went. I spoke to the following to get some different perspectives that should give you a sense for what went on:
* Lee Mauney of Ergogenesis - manufacturer of ergonomic office chairs whose company landed a multi-million dollar contract from a relationship started at a matchmaking event
* Lisa Baker, director of marketing for HP
* Ken Yancey, chief executive officer of SCORE
* Brian Tippins, manager of supplier diversity for HP
* Steve Bloom, chairman of SCORE Atlanta
Listen Now!
The event was set up to give small businesses wanting to become suppliers to big business and government agencies, an opportunity to get 15 minutes of face time with them.....one on one. Some folks I talked to had four and five such 15 minute appointments set up. And with good reason as a good 15 minutes could lead to million dollar contracts at some point. Because of the potential these meetings hold, there were more than a few people from all over the country in attendance. They go to all four locations the events take place in order to get that 15 minutes of face time.
If you curious about learning more you should check out www.businessmatchmaking.com to get information on where the next events will be held and how you can participate. It's a free event but you have to register and be approved to attend. The event website has all the details.
Check out the below clip of interviews I did from the event to get a flavor for how it went. I spoke to the following to get some different perspectives that should give you a sense for what went on:
* Lee Mauney of Ergogenesis - manufacturer of ergonomic office chairs whose company landed a multi-million dollar contract from a relationship started at a matchmaking event
* Lisa Baker, director of marketing for HP
* Ken Yancey, chief executive officer of SCORE
* Brian Tippins, manager of supplier diversity for HP
* Steve Bloom, chairman of SCORE Atlanta
Listen Now!
