Client Case Studies

Developing good - diverse pools of connections is the cornerstone to providing quick and quality services to a variety of client needs.

Professional Networking

Professional Networking requires a keen sense of how to interact with a variety of business personalities while keeping a clear purpose in mind. Also important is a natural ability to attract and "filter" connections, adhering always to the mission of creating benefit for client and connection.

Mike Jalonen, CEO (GRC Software Firm, Houston, TX)

Focus: Boost the activity of making connections to potential channel partners and leads to correlate with the re-launch of a fairly new product.

Solution: 3-week professional networking campaign that resulted in 12 appointments. In Mike Jalonen's words, "Initially, I hired Mary for some coaching for myself and a few business associates. One associate, who had never experienced executive coaching called her brilliant.

"I had worked with Mary before, and have always found her to be direct, intuitive, and tremendously supportive. You can't imagine the relief to work through challenges with someone who senses the nooks and crannies of a situation and can provide a safe sounding board for confidential issues. During a particular session with Mary, I discovered that she also provided professional networking services--I didn't hesitate to get her on board. Quickly and effectively, Mary began making introductions and filling my calendar with just the types of executives and business professionals I wished to meet--channel partner prospects and potential customers. In one case, a connection she made actually gave us leads to four others. In another case, just based on Mary's "introduction" of our company, the contact stated upfront he was looking for a partnership and was very interested in discussing the opportunity. And, during the course of her work, Mary sent us bits of information and opportunities she discovered while tracking conversations on forums and social media sites. Her assistance proved so valuable that I've been recommending her to other companies (to include those she's brought to us). Her services are a unique asset to any executive."

Bunn & Associates (Developers, Wilson, NC)

Focus: Company bought a beach resort for the purpose of building a housing development. More than a dozen weddings would need to be moved and more than 15 employees would need help in finding new jobs.

Solution: 3-month coaching and professional networking plan to find a wedding planner to help the brides with new locations and assist staff in developing their resumes and finding new jobs. Results: Wedding planner was hired, and over the next several months, a plan was created and implemented to assist brides in making changes. Employees had updated resumes and were provided at least 3 job leads each. Client called 2 months into the project to indicate his appreciation as he understood that all of the employees that wished jobs now had them or had a plan.

Tracy A. Williams, Former Harlem Globetrotter, NC Focus: Tracy was considering a new career path--motivational speaking. He needed some help in learning the ropes and securing good connections to ideal resources. Additionally, Tracy held a special contract with the Harlem Globetrotters to continue in a public relations role wearing the uniform and providing entertainment as called upon. Since he still had his AFTRA card, it was obvious that he could utilize his natural talents in the Wilmington NC film market, but a series of connections would need to be made.

Solution: The first connection crafted was to an experienced motivational speaker with ties to the National Speakers Association and who could also mentor Tracy. Results: Introduction was made to Laura Hamilton, CSP out of Winston-Salem, NC. She took Tracy under her wing almost immediately and he was on his way to becoming a popular motivational speaker, ultimately practicing his talents at the invitation of The White House. Tracy is also featured alongside acclaimed speakers John Maxwell and Chris Widener on a special recording called "Winning Strategies." His contribution: "Don't Stop Till the Casket Drops."

It's not often when just the right resource calls the professional networker looking for just the right person to fill a need at exactly the right time, but that "coincidental" moment occurred when Casting Director, Maxann Crotts, called. She was looking for a "basketball type" to play an NBA coach in a movie starring Vivica A. Fox entitled "Juwanna Mann." It was a perfect fit for Tracy, who finally allowed another connection--this one with agent, Alisa Harris. Results: Tracy continued his on-camera career with an ESPN commercial, a feature role on One Tree Hill, and the movie, Home of the Giants, starring Haley Joel Osment.

In Tracy's words "Mary is my angel. It's amazing how she finds connections (or maybe they just find her) -- whatever it is, it works. She's connected me to opportunities I would never even have known existed."

Live Social - Game Marketing Platform, London

Focus: Start-up needing launch collaborators for a new game marketing platform. Client already had a major game publisher on board. They needed help in meeting brand managers and publishers who could be interested in their platform prior to launch.

Solution: Develop a social media account heavy with game publishers and developers, and begin mining the account for right connections. The first connection was secured before the ink on the contract was dry and was an extremely reputable marketing company in the US who was making bid on a project and wanted to include in their bid the exact service that the client could manage. Within a month, the client had over a dozen connections. Client comments below.

"Mary has made a big impact on our start-up business, creating a beach-head into the industry we’re targeting by giving us a ready-made network to tap with our sales efforts and early partnerships. She connected us with a range of games publishers and developers within a matter of weeks, including some of the biggest in the industry, such as Ubisoft and IO Interactive. Her energy and intelligence, especially in applying the latest social media tools, meant a great return on our investment. As a bonus, Mary consistently provided proactive advice and feedback which was truly valuable. We look forward to continuing a long partnership together!"

Robert Yuen on behalf of the entire team at Live Social

Contact Mary Kurek by calling 252-269-0751 or e-mail mary@marykurek.com to discuss needs.