Mary Kay Cosmetics Networking Night

The Setup

This past Monday night, I attended a Mary Kay Cosmetics Networking Night at The Edge of Brentwood Salon, in Brentwood, Tennessee. The invitation came from a friend of mine, Connie Hood, who is an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Admittedly, this event was not something that I have sat around dreaming about, since I am personally not into the makeup thing, but I thought it might be interesting and would be worth the chance, if I gained some new business.

Out of ignorance, I guess, I thought the goal would have been to do the meet-and-greet thing, and then be “sold” on the virtues of the Mary Kay line as well as be pressured into purchasing some of their products. The “networking” was maybe just some sort of in-house code word for bring in new customers. Of course, I was a little curious since I am a guy, after all and besides, I had no real reason to doubt the motives of Connie, a sharp, professional and honest person.

The Real Deal

Being a male at a Mary Kay Cosmetics meeting, I knew I would be outnumbered … but I didn’t expect to be the only guy. But, who’s complaining, right? I mean, what red-blooded American guy would not love the chance to be in front of and surrounded by a group of women who 1) are into making money, 2) have brought some food, and 3) might want to do business with me? There are worse things in life.

Turns out, this particular setup is really a great thing. I’m sure one of the underlying motives is to ultimately sell Mary Kary and to maybe recruit some new sales people. However, networking really is the name of the game here.

After a quick meet-and-greet and a formal introduction to the group by the lead host, each guest businessperson is given a 2-minute window in which to introduce their business and what they do/offer, and to include any other details, like specials or giveaways or discounts that might be available to this select group.

It’s funny - 2 minutes can seem like both a short time and a long time, at the same time. Especially when you are standing in front of a large number of women, which could be a little intimidating to some guys.

Face to Face

After the 2-minute presentations, another Mary Kay person gave about a 10-minute look at Mary Kay, the company, and the opportunities that are offered to individuals who are interested in becoming a representative. One thing I learned is that Mary Kay now offers more than just the pink Cadillacs that have become a singular symbol of their most successful representatives. There are 7 models offered now, if I remember right, and they are now offered in a black color.

On this particular evening, guests were allowed to set up a display table if they so desired, and could include business cards, brochures and/or “goodies” in a bag, which was given to each person in attendance upon leaving. In addition, there was plenty of time for further discussions to get to know each other and to learn more about what each person offers.

One of this group’s stated goals is to really try to help other small business people who are looking to make contacts and grow and gain new business for themselves and their companies. It seems to work well - and is an excellent format and opportunity to increase contacts and learn some interesting things about other people and small businesses in the greater community of Middle Tennessee.

Who Was There

I attended the meeting to basically hawk Immacu-10, of course, and to meet some folks who might need a new web site, a re-design of their existing site, or maintenance on their existing site. I have another business that focuses on small business web design, called SpotOn WebSites - it has been developing a life of its own, through a number of the bed and breakfast contacts I developed from my time as VP of Operations at Bed & Breakfast Inns ONLINE (www.bbonline.com). I was the only web site design person there, which is one thing I appreciate about their format. They try hard not to have guests that are in overlapping or directly competitive businesses, at any given meeting.

Here’s a look at some of the other guest business persons who were there, in alphabetical order. If you have a need, give them a call (and let them know I sent you over).

Blue Coast Burrito (Restaurant and Catering; locations in TN and AR as of today)
Kristi Knierim, Director-Local Store Marketing
7003 Chadwick Dr
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-337-9917
www.bluecoastburrito.com

Create Radiance (Life Coach, Wellness Consulting, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation)
Waller McInnes
615-618-6556
www.createradiance.com

Curves (Women’s only Health Club and Fitness Center)
Sally and Tonya
330 Mayfield Dr, Suite A-8
Franklin, TN 37067
615-771-2112

Designs Your Way (Floral arrangements, Wreaths, Door Hangings; Custom Designs for all occasions)
Arlene Tumminello, Owner
615-828-1638

Eye of the Lens Photography (On-site location photographer)
Annette Whitley, Owner
615-579-1805; 615-227-4411
www.eyeofthelensphotography.com

Harmony Home (Home Furnishings-Accents-Gifts)
Amy Simcik, Owner
236 Second Ave South
Franklin, TN 37064
615-791-0414; 615-791-9318 fax

Homemade Gourmet (Easy Meal Planning; 4 meals in 4 minutes)
LeAnn Bauer, Independent Senior Consultant
404 Dortch Court
Nolensville, TN 37135
615-337-4054
www.homemadegourmet.com/LEANN15943

LePooch & Co. (Pet Spa Boutique)
6901 Lenox Village Dr, Suite 10
Nashville, TN 37211
615-837-6765
www.lepoochandco.com

OCD (Organizational Consulting and Design)
Kathy Niznik, Owner
615-942-8458; 972-213-6598
Also offers Discovery Toys
www.discoverytoyslink.com/KathyNiznik

Petite Boutique (Petite apparel for women 5′ 4″ and shorter)
401 Cool Springs Blvd.
Franklin, TN 37067
615-764-0211
www.petiteboutique.net/pub/index.php

Premier Designs (High Fashion Jewelry)
Deborah Mraz, Independent Distributor
2732 Airwood Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615-391-4331; 615-485-2732

The Principal Financial Group
Dorothy (Dottie) Northam, Sr. Financial Services Representative
109 Westpark Dr, Suite 220B
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-377-6780 ext 15; 615-337-8800

Ginger Smith (Keller Williams Realty)
615-478-5333

Therapeutic Effects Massage (Massage Therapy)
Sherri Green (also does out-calls)
3441 Lebanon Pike, Suite 121
Hermitage, TN 37076
615-902-9777

WorldVentures (Leisure Travel)
615-481-6072; 615-790-6536 fax
chuckneighbors.worldventures.com

Xocai (The Healthy Chocolate)
Olga Alex
615-834-5353
mxi.myvoffice.com/sweetdeal/

Thanks for clicking in, and have a marvelous day!

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