Events that Create Approachable Opportunities: Black Business & Professional Association Events

On Sunday, December 11, 2011, I attended the 3^rd Annual Black Business & Professional Association (BBPA) Holiday Luncheon with keynote speaker: Divine Brown.  They held it at the lovely The Avenue Banquet Hall on 1600 Steeles Avenue West.  I’ve always heard about BBPA events and how they provide great networking opportunities.  Since one of Approach2Link’s directives are to look for and promote events that create approachable opportunities, I decided to check an event out for the first time.  

Main Speaker Singer Divine Brown addresses the audience

Before entering the doors, I decided that I would try out an approaching technique I modified called GAP formally known as the CQI method.  With this technique I was hoping to provide an easy way to segue an introduction of myself.  I would first G = Give a compliment.  I may see a nice tie or nice brooch and say I like it.  Then I would A = Ask a question.  Maybe I'll ask where they got it from or where do they shop? Then finally I will P = Provide an Introduction.  Once I break the ice with the compliment and question, it is much easier to say my name and then ask for theirs.  

When I entered, I was given a table number.  My friend Jessica and I got to the table before the others and thought that it would have been nice to be placed at a table that already had people seated so that we can talk with them.  This thought promptly disappeared as people quickly joined out table.  It was easy to introduce ourselves to one another because it is the polite thing to do when someone joins your table.  As a result, I did not have to use the GAP technique to introduce myself to the individuals that joined the table.  Conversations went well and by the end of the lunch business cards were exchanged and future meet-ups were discussed.

In addition to meeting people at the table, I later on had the opportunity to meet another gentlemen on the way back from using the restroom.  He was amongst a group of other gentlemen, one of which I knew.  I greeted the gentlemen I knew and slowly back from the group.  As I did so, I caught the eye of this one gentlemen and I smiled.  He smiled back stepped out from the group and said that I looked familiar.  We talked about our businesses. When I told him about mine, he commended me on the way I made myself approachable.  He continued to talk and the conversation went well.  We also exchanged business cards and planned to keep in contact. 

So in conclusion, this particular event allowed for the opportunity to meet people particularly at your table; however, you still have the opportunity to apply approach2link tips when you go to the restroom, when you get yourself a drink or when you check out the sponsorship tables.  I hope to attend other BBPA events in the future.