Connection Concierge: FAQs
for finding business connections
Q: How did this service begin?
A: Being a natural Connector is a gift, but as with any talent, it is one that needs to be nurtured. Teresa (the founder) was continuously receiving requests to go to coffee to pick her brain. After a great deal of caffeine and time away from her own work, she figured there had to be a better way that would nurture her own energy as a Connector while continuing to be a useful resource in helping others find business referrals, leads, new clients, strategic partners and valuable contacts. Numerous colleagues noticed Teresa's connection skills and encouraged her to be compensated for it by creating a service specifically tapping her business networking expertise. Teresa noodled on the idea and piloted the Connection Concierge with a few clients who wanted to start or build their businesses. They loved it! They said the value was far higher than she was giving it credit and they actually encouraged her to charge more. And they still came back!
Connection Concierge grew by word-of-mouth. It was evident that the service is useful, easy, and should be available to others to help them develop their businesses. Teresa's other work was rapidly growing, leaving her less time to plan and market the service. In stepped fellow Connector Samantha Eichenberg to save the day. Along with Go-to-Gal, Sam is bringing Connection Concierge to the next best level in providing even more valuable business contacts.
Q: Can't I just ask you to coffee and pick your brain?
A: Of course you can! Just click on "Make a Connection Request" and let us know that you'd like to prod a concierge's gray matter while sharing caffeinated treats someplace in Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota.
Q: I don't live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Can you still help me make valuable connections?
A: Give it a shot! It's not just personal business connections with which we help. Much of our value is in providing ideas, suggestions, and helping you to see possibilities in a new light. And we just may know of that right person or strategic contact in your area. There is no risk to you. If we are not able to provide you with useful information, we will provide a full refund. And if you find that the information is more valuable than the small set up fee, you can always send us some love with a tip in the amount of your choosing.
Q: What kind of concierge service is this?
A: People typically contact a concierge for help when they do not have the time or know-how to do what they would like to do. For example, a hotel concierge might set up a fun field trip for someone from out of town who is unfamiliar with their surroundings, yet wants to make the most of their limited time. Similarly, Connection Concierge can save you precious time by leveraging our own business network for you. We can also point out the possibilities that you may not have realized were, well, possible. If you have a great business idea or are interested in expanding your business to a new market, and are just looking for the "right" personal connections to get it started, Connection Concierge is for you. Or maybe you have plenty of great connections, but just need a nudge to realize your next goals. Let us know how we can help you make valuable business contacts today.
Q: Is there really a Connection Concierge superhero?
A: Of course! And she can help you be a superhero in your own business. Next, you'll be asking if there really is a Tooth Fairy and if we can help you can meet her. Sorry, that information is classified.
Q: I'm not sure if you can help me with what I need. What kinds of business connections to people and possibilities can you help me find?
A: The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few examples of how we have helped clients:
• Connecting with appropriate media to get the client's story out into the world, which resulted in a front page article, a cameo appearance, and even recognition as a "woman of the year" award for the client!
• Finding leads for freelance work, which resulted in paid contracts
• Communicating a clear business message, which resulted in the client having clarity and renewed passion around her work
• Developing an audience - this resulted in a list of useful suggestions including tools to grow newsletter subscribers
• Collaborating with colleagues in complimentary fields - this resulted in valuable professional connections that helped propel the clients work forward
Q: Is there anything you don't do?
A: Whenever a request for business connections is received, we ensure that we can provide an ethical and positive assistance. Any personal connections we make are intended to be a win-win for the client and the person, business or media to whom we are connecting her. We turn down and fully refund any requests that we are not able to fulfill. Connection Concierge is not able to accommodate blanket requests for business referrals and sales leads.
Q: How confidential is this service?
A: The Connection Concierge is comprised of a team that will brainstorm business resources and ideas for you, which means we will need to discuss your intake form in order to be of the best service to you. If you would like the Connection Concierge service to make introductions for you, we will need to share basic information about you and your request with that person. We will otherwise keep our work confidential unless you specifically agree to share your information (for example, you permit us to publish your testimonial about what a great experience you had with the Connection Concierge!).
Q: What about tipping?
A: If you feel that the service provides a value much higher than the intake fee, you may provide a tip in the amount that you choose by clicking on the tip jar on Go-to-Gal's desk. If the Connection Concierge believes that it has a goldmine of suggestions we can find for you, we may suggest that you consider hiring the Connection Concierge on retainer for continued assistance. If you'd like the Connection Concierge to more fully participate in actualizing the suggestions for you, such as making a personal introduction, you will be provided with the cost and you may choose whether or not to utilize the additional service. The bottom line is that we want the service to be useful and affordable for you to build your business so that you'll come back again and, of course, tell others.
Q: This is a valuable business service. So why do you seem to be having so much fun?
A: If it wasn't fun, we'd be doing something else (and making that fun). We'll help you make the business connections you need so that you can enjoy your business more, too!