Business Magazine | BABM | Cameo l Meet Phillip Black:Pump Up the Volume on Business Networking

Networking meetings. We’ve all been to at least one. You stuff your business cards into your portfolio in hopes of reaching those people who could really use your help in growing what they do, thus helping your business grow as well. In the end, you eat a little food, drink a little wine (get down tonight…get down tonight) and listen to some special speaker. Your business cards? They are exchanged at the meeting in good faith for the cards of others. You return home with your portfolio stuffed with the business cards of strangers. And this is what they call the power of networking?

Not in Phillip Black’s book. Black facilitates a series of networking meetings that are…different. How are they different? Well, for one thing, they actually work the way a networking group is intended to work. “Ninety-nine percent of networking socials or mixers are all the same; guests arrive, drop a business card in a fishbowl and then have to fend for themselves,” Black says. “My purpose is to help as many business owners as I can by saving them time, money, and frustrations by providing them guidance and access to the real world tools, resources, education and support they require in order to succeed. We teach businesses how to generate leads and sales through face-to-face networking, social media, and cutting edge technology.”

In an effort to change this dynamic, Black’s self-branded company (www.phillipblack.com) currently hosts two different networking meetings / events. The first is called Monster Mixers (www.monstermixers.com), a series of “after hours” networking socials where business owners, inventors, coaches, experts and investors come together in a comfortable setting to enjoy some food and a relaxing cocktail while they network. “Four key elements separate us from most other mixers or socials,” Black says. “First, from the time guests arrive at one of our events, we do everything we can to ensure they feel welcomed and comfortable. Second, our list of rules is short: No negativity, come prepared to network and have fun! Third, our interactive format is designed so that people are put at ease, understand how to get the most from the event, and are connecting from the time they walk in until the time they leave. Lastly, we guarantee our guests get results or their money is cheerfully refunded.”

The second series of networking meetings is called Get With The T.I.M.E.S., standing for Technology & Internet Marketing Enlightenment Sessions. These are a division of the company’s highly successful Social Media Workshops. “Get With The T.I.M.E.S. is a cutting-edge, bi-monthly meeting where members come to network and learn how to use social media, technology, and the latest internet marketing strategies accessible to them to help grow their business,” says Black.

“We know our members have questions, so we work hard at providing them with common sense answers and workable solutions,” he says. “Unlike most groups who only come together to brainstorm and learn about what each other has to offer, we also bring in top notch experts to educate our members on those things that all businesses must know about and/or adapt in order to survive and compete in today’s marketplace.”

Another key difference is Black himself. He is one networking guru who is not afraid to put his mouth where his money is, get out on the floor with a live microphone and mix things up a bit. He interviews attendees about what they do and then finds out who in the audience can help them grow. It’s just one more way to add value to the meetings. “We promise to deliver,” Black states emphatically.

The mixers and tech sessions are just two avenues Black’s company pursues. The other is providing social media workshops (www.socialmedia-workshops.com). Between the three ventures, 2010 looks to be a prosperous year. “Since launching our Social Media Workshops division mid 2009, our business is growing at a rapid pace,” Black says. “There is no shortage of students wanting to attend our workshops, and the consulting and speaking opportunities are now coming in on a regular basis. Our Monster Mixers have been kicking butt since our launch in April, 2009. Venues now actively pursue us to host our events at their establishments, and people from around the country want to know when they can start their own Monster Mixer chapter.”

It‘s pretty heady stuff for a young man with no college education. In fact, Black doesn’t even have a high school diploma, having earned his GED. He is truly a self-made businessman. “I was out on my own since the age of 15 and have only a ninth-grade education,” he explains. “I was working three jobs at that time in order to cover my bills. By the time I was nineteen, I was making more money than most adults so I never found my way back to school. Although not having an education has hurt me in some ways, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.”

Showing a maturity beyond his years isn’t just limited to his business background; Black also shows it in his personal life. Roughly five years ago, some difficult circumstances with one of his siblings brought his niece, Alexandria, into his life. “After the first time this amazing little girl climbed in my lap, I was enchanted,” he says wistfully. “There was no chance I was going to let her end up in the foster care system. I officially adopted her in April, 2008.” Spending time with Alexandria and his significant other, Diane, helps Phillip maintain an even keel in a sometimes too busy business life. Movies and martial arts also help him both relax and maintain a high energy level.

Still, Black is driven by the success of his business, mostly because it means he is helping others succeed. “I love what I do,” Black exclaims. “There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I played a small or major role in someone’s life that puts them one step closer to accomplishing their goals and dreams. Still, seeing the end result of my vision is what keeps me up at night and springs me out of bed every morning. Everyday puts me one step closer to accomplishing my own goals and dreams.”