Opportunity out of "Coincidence" on YOUR BRAND RADIO

[David Sandusky]

Mark Crowley hosts YOUR BRAND RADIO and tells his latest story of coincidental or funny encounters. Imagine how many people you would re-connect if paying attention to your environment and the opportunities that would arise.

Listen to this Your Brand Radio Podcast above and post your stories in this forum.

[David Sandusky]

I love your stories, Mark, my friend.

I have many examples of these opportunistic meetings and fun stories dating back to being in line with a school-mate and our families at Disney Land - in the "It's a Small Word" ride. Makes for a good story all these years later.

For now, I will tell two stories of the past two weeks that have travel involved.

First, Julie and I are in Vail where we presented her wonderful custom products at a wedding expo full of mountain destination industry professionals. One of the wedding planner guests of honor had a highly recognizable face and when she saw me expressing the same "I know you" look, we connected and talked. Jen was a corporate finance drone looking for independence and passion. She starting a wedding planning business. Because we go way back and she felt comfortable with Julie and me as caring business owners, Jen was able to be open with the struggles and excitement of a new business. Julie and I got to hear Jen's recent story of depositing her first client deposit check and the big deal her bank made about it! (excellent customer service move by the bank, by the way!!!).
We talked for a while, sat together during a great brunch at the Vail Plaza hotel hosting the event affording Julie and I the opportunity to provide encouragement and wisdom from our own successes and mistakes. Networking at it's finest because of the ability to help a new business owner who would normally not be open to the "newness" needs of her business in an event like we attended. But as a friendly face from the past with some value to share, a conversation she did not expect. Glad we were there!

Next, speaking of Disney (this time Disney World), I was in Orlando two weeks ago presenting at a business owner conference. On the shuttle from the airport to hotel, five of us had a lively discussion of coincidence. One gentlemen was in Orlando from Sandusky, OH founded by my ancestors and another "stranger" heard me speak before in Denver.

The cool story is how long time and dear friends happen to be in Orlando at the same time I was. They have a young daughter who, along with parents, sister and her family were on a great family vacation at Disney World! Well, a few months prior our friends told us about the planned vacation in May...I had to ask when, knowing I was speaking in Orlando! Yep, same time so we were able to plan a great dinner together in Orlando! We see our friends often, but not their parents. So, I got to learn about her dad's plans to scale back on his long time and very successful business. He is full of energy, but time to scale back on the successful plumbing business. As a long time entrepreneur with ups and downs, no staff at times and many employees through the years is ending "set"!!! With lots to offer, a great resource for the Center for Innovation school I am helping launch - Richard is a natural asset and as a former teacher...wow! A conversation in Orlando that may never have happened in Denver. Amazing for all!

You?