PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a networking experiment Monday as part of its regular meeting, requiring members to prepare a 10-word “elevator speech” that defines their business.
For instance, “Kim — Aldrich — Cobalt — Mortgage — integrity — professionalism — exceptional — service — ha!”
As part of the “speed networking” exercise, which chamber board member Linda Streissguth borrowed from the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, four tables of about eight people each gave the short speech.
“This is a good way for people to get acquainted with other chamber members and see what they do,” she said.
About 27 attended, which is fewer than the average 45 at an average luncheon.
Those present gained insight to their chamber colleagues.
“I talked to people that I hadn’t met and learned about their businesses,” said KM Insurance President Kristin Manwaring.
Each group had a different interpretation of the process.
One group allowed each person to give his or her speech and moved immediately to the next, while others stopped for questions.
This group, the first iteration of table No. 2, was only three-quarters finished when Streissguth blew the whistle and told attendees to move to the next table.
“Just give me 10 more seconds,” said Jefferson County Deputy Prosecutor Scott Rosekrans, who is in the middle of a campaign.
“Scott — Rosekrans — prosecutor — we — fight — crime — running — for — office,” he said quickly as he passed out campaign leaflets.
By the next table he, had refined the pitch to become more concise and descriptive.
This was common among the attendees, who counted words on their fingers at the first table but had the words all written out at the second stop.
“I said pretty much the same thing every time but said it better at the last table,” Manwaring said.
“Independent — insurance — agent — tools — to — reduce — financial — risk — expertise — experienced — excellent — service.”
That’s 12, not counting the “to,” but no one complained.
“As it got rolling, we were able to explain what we do more clearly,” she said.
__________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
