What Can Brown Do For You?
June 27th, 2008
The lunch bag I brought was Chick-fil-A adjoined with four BBQ sauce packets. Healthy? No, however this was my ticket to the Brown Bag Lunch hosted by CSIA. While a lunch-in might be pedestrian to those already in the workforce, this was my first professional networking event. As I looked around the faces in the room, I realized I was by far the youngest person.
A PowerPoint presentation would further school me in how CSIA is the voice of the technology industry and the amount a company can benefit by becoming a member. Through this I realize just how important this association is. CSIA is the state’s largest technology association representing nearly 5,000 technology companies. They provide programs to share industry practices, insights and information to companies to increase profitability and success
CSIA offers opportunities to network and interact with industry leaders to hear about developments and discuss new ideas. CSIA is often described as a gym membership, you can be a member and never workout, or you can take advantage of the gym equipment offered (networking, events, etc.) and get your business in better shape. Indigio has utilized CSIA in this way becoming an active participant in numerous events.
The lunch gave me the chance to meet Aimee Charlton, business and events coordinator and their intern, Annie Ogdon. Even though the event was only an hour, I gained a better understanding about the importance of networking. The relationship Indigio has built through CSIA has expanded the business in ways that cannot be achieved through cold calling or waiting for a company to stop by the office. CSIA has enables us to expand business relationships with current and potential customers, vendors, and through referrals.
Perhaps next time I will remember to take off my nametag before walking through 16th street….Nerd Alert.
