It’s back-to-school time so the traffic pattern is changing and things are a little more hectic in many households across the area. But that didn’t keep the members of the Hometown Networking Group from making their Wednesday morning meeting.
The Education Moment was presented by Trish Wilder with Edward Jones. Trish’s moment was about Networking Do’s and Don’ts. She provided reminders when you go to an event such as Chamber meeting, you need to remember you are the face of your business. Suggestions included things such as: Put your best foot forward, Don’t be afraid to
say hello. Practice your ‘elevator speech. Have business cards to share. Be sure to follow up with people. Always have prepared questions. She had some don’ts as well including a common sense one, but one that is sometimes forgotten…don’t get drunk. Hopefully the last reminder wasn’t needed but in any case, it’s always good to have reminders of the Do’s and Don’ts of networking.
Member Spotlight: Based on group size about twice a year or so members get to share a little bit about themselves in what we call; The Member Spotlight. They take 10 minutes or so to talk about themselves and/or their business. Over the years the group has been together I’ve been surprised how candid people are with the information they share. Now as surprising as it is, it’s important for us to know each other and build relationships so we can trust to send referrals their way.
It was Brenda Spencer’s turn to share today. She shared some recent photos of her lovely family, her husband and fifteen-year-old daughter on their family vacations.
Her daughter is going into high school and is active in soccer both in school and in the competitive soccer team in Hays. She admits to being nervous and I have to say my heart goes out to her. Two of my daughters were in soccer and I worried about them and was a nervous wreck on their behalf but it was the moms of the goalies I always felt sorry for. I was sooo glad my daughters didn’t choose to be a goalie. That is one important and very stressful position on the team.
Anyway back to Brenda, Brenda shared briefly how her positions in television and advertising all came to together in her current position in Publishing at Best Version Media. She currently has one local magazine publication up and running, Neighbors of West Buda, but she announced that her new publication, Neighbors of West Kyle and Mountain City was going to be out soon.
The Magazines already has a ‘sister publication in Lakeway called Neighbors of Lakeway which has proven that Brenda knows what she is talking about and that she has a winner. Like the Lakeway version, Neighbors in West Buda and the other, Neighbors in West Kyle and Mountain City, each magazine is hyper-focused on the community it represents. 
It is this type of laser beam targeting that gives business owners who work with that market, a great and cost-effective method of reaching out to that customer base. The concept of putting together a magazine that is highly localized is proving to be very popular and proves despite technology people are people. Yes, people love to see national news online and scan through the feeds for regional stories, but with all the new technology people still love the local stuff. They immediately engage when they see people, like themselves, people from right down the street, on the cover of the magazine. This type of focus, like the music and clothes of the seventies, has found its way back into the mainstream, and I for one and glad it did.
This is one publication that doesn’t go straight from the mail to the trash can. In fact, in recent surveys it has an astounding 84% open rate!!!. Some refer to this type of publication as being the Facebook of print media. It ties together so nicely with what people want, connection with a community. If you would like to reach out to these communities and let them know about your business, by advertising in the magazine, reach out to Brenda. Her email is bspencer@bestversionmedia.com.
Upcoming Events:
Labor Day is just around the corner so be sure you have the Kyle Hot Air Balloon Festival on your calendar: Remember to 
hold open Labor Day weekend for the Pie in the Sky Balloon Festival. Last year was the first year and despite the lousy weather we had over 12,000 visitors. The estimate for this year’s even bigger and better festival is 20,000 people coming to the event! As part of the event the Rotary Club is going to try for the Guinness World Record for the most ‘KYLE’s’ in one place. That means your first name must be Kyle. We thought originally it could be first middle or last or some derivative of Kyle, but we found out that your first name must be Kyle to qualify. So if you’re a ‘Kyle’ or you know a ‘Kyle’ have them go to the Pie in the Sky website for info on how to enter. We only need about 250 ‘Kyles’ to make the Guinness World Record. Be a part of history!
The event runs from Friday afternoon August 31st through Sunday September 2nd packed full of events. Check out the schedule and come back often for updates! Pie in the Sky Balloon Festival Schedule of Events
FREEDOM DAY: Dr. Paulette Sanford DDS from Kohlers Crossing Dental reminded us that Freedom day was coming October 10th. She has participated several years giving free dental services to military, their families and first responders. For more info, or to set up an appointment, call Kohler’s Crossing Dental at 512-262-0689.
Sip and Savor: The Rotary’s annual Sip and Savor is right around the corner in the fall so keep your eyes peeled for info regarding date/time/location.
Workshop on how to improve your SEO : Rob Oskins from Blue Crest Media, is still planning on having a training regarding easy ways (he promised even I can do it) to use videos to improve your SEO and position on Google. Date/Time and location is still up in the air.
Upcoming meeting, Member Spotlight and Education Minute Speaker Schedule:
August
29th TBD Education Moment Rob Oskins Blue Crest Media
September
5th Ryan Vickers Attorney John A Hall and Associates Education Moment Celeste Messer Adkor Group with Maxavenue
12th John Hardy Divided Sky and Roofing Education Moment Irene Melendez Broadway Bank
19th Guest Speaker Judge Andrew Cable Education Moment Rob Oskins Blue Crest Media
25th Terry Lawrence Reliable Automotive Education Moment Trish Wilder Edward Jones
And how about checking out our group? We welcome you to join us on Wednesday morning and meet some great local business owners. What have you got to lose? Your first breakfast is on us!
The group meets every Wednesday morning at Kyle IHOP 5401 Kyle Centre Dr, Kyle, TX 78640 (n I35 Southbound Access Rd, just south of Kyle Expressway and I35 intersection). Informal networking begins at 8:15, Meeting begins at 8:30 and the meeting ends promptly at 9:30.