Building Community from A to Zoom with Robbie Samuels

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | OvercastSupport the Show. Get the AudioBook!AudioBook: Audible| Kobo| Authors Direct | Google Play | AppleSummaryHey everyone. Stay tuned to the end of the interview where I’ll give you some actionable insights that I learned from my guest. These insights are also in the show notes. As always, thanks for listening.Now on to my guest for today, Robbie Samuels, networking and virtual event expert, podcast host, community creator, and author of Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences and Small List, Big Results: Launch a Successful Offer No Matter the Size of Your Email List. Robbie Samuels started out working in nonprofits and developing expertise in networking. He wrote his first book, launched a group coaching program and podcast, and was a TedX speaker. His specialty was helping people with their networking skills at conferences. So when COVID hit, he had to do some major rethinking. The question he asked was: “How do I show up and add value?” His answer was to become skilled in hosting virtual events and doing virtual networking. He launched the free virtual #NoMoreBadZoom networking happy hour and soon was being called upon to help organizations host and facilitate virtual events with a focus on increasing engagement and participation. From there, his business really took off. His second book, Small List, Big Results, is based on his experiences building a business and helping others do so, too. Robbie explains how his vision of being of service is key to business-building and networking and how it’s helped him to succeed.Now, let’s get better together.Actionable Insights Robbie says that the pandemic enabled him and other entrepreneurs to try things out without worrying too much about failing, because “nobody else was looking.” Consider how this might apply to your own ventures. What would you do if nobody else was looking?  Robbie explains his marketing strategy as being “anti-funnel” in that he offers a variety of programs that allow people to get value when and where they are ready to do so. The cost of a lower-tier program can be applied to a higher-tier program, if the customer decides it’s right. If not, that’s fine with him. Building trust in relationships is paramount.  Talk to and learn from the people you are trying to serve. Do your research and ask questions while you’re in the process of building your service or product. Don’t just build it and expect people to come.  Links to Explore Further  Robbiesamuels.com/ethos Contentandconnectionclub.com  Podcast: On the Schmooze Robbie Samuels on LinkedIn Small List Big Results No More Mad Zoom Meetings Croissants vs Bagels Keep In TouchBook or Blog or Twitter or LinkedIn or JSYPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.