Using ACG as a Springboard Into a New Community Creates Friendships and Financial Opportunity

It’s no secret that networking into a new community or territory can be difficult and intimidating, but as our world continues to consolidate, and geographic boundaries disappear, we are all faced at one time or another with being the outsider trying to break into new markets. In 1997, I was a new face calling into Cincinnati from Indianapolis, and I quickly struck up a friendship with Todd Gardner of Blue Chip Ventures. To assist with my networking efforts, Todd suggested that I get involved with a local group called ACG. Eager to develop a contact base within the Cincinnati business community, I readily joined the group. I have enjoyed my involvement with ACG Greater Cincinnati so much that upon taking a new territory in West Michigan, I searched for a new chapter with which to affiliate. I was pleased to find a warm reception within ACG Western Michigan and was amazed at how quickly I was able to generate contacts and renew old friendships. Craig Woodman at Mercantile Bank is one of several ACG friends who has helped me find and develop several new business opportunities. Based on the vibrancy of the Greater Cincinnati and Western Michigan chapters, I began looking at the demographics, resources, and professionals within Indianapolis and wondered why we didn’t have an ACG chapter of our own. I first searched for ACG Members-at-Large and anyone else who might have some knowledge of the organization and found a “cohort in crime,” Doug Conner, who had attended InterGrowth. Doug and I began to contact, court, and coerce the team we felt we needed to launch ACG Indiana, and since gaining legs and a strong membership foothold about 18 months ago, it has become a tremendous resource for our business community. Using ACG meetings as a platform for networking into a new community has been only the beginning of the association’s value to me. As a member, I have gained a level of credibility and instant connection with many others to whom I was introduced for the first time. A friend of mine in Indianapolis, Ted Kramer of Hammond Kennedy Whitney & Co., has raised this member benefit to an art form. As he travels the country, he builds his schedule around ACG events and chapter meetings to leverage the greatest networking benefit from his trips. The large number of members across the country who know Ted attests to his creativity and success in maximizing value from his membership. The system works if you use it! ACG has provided me with not only a venue for networking but a forum for personal development. I am always amazed at the programming ideas brought forth by our members and am impressed with the wealth of knowledge and experience demonstrated by our speakers. I always leave the ACG meetings with a sense of accomplishment and knowledge gained as a result of my participation. In summary, the directive for ACG to be the premier global association for networking and programming for corporate development professionals is alive and well. The system works if you use it. I encourage you to get more involved today! Paul J. Count Director, National City Business Credit ACG Indiana [email protected] (c) 2005 Mergers and Acquisitions Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.majournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com