Exceptional Connections® July Networking Luncheon

Imagine a world where people naturally contribute to each other, knowing that when we are in service to others, we transform lives.

We have a full schedule planned so please plan to arrive by 11:30am to network and enjoy a delicious Luncheon. Our event will begin promptly at Noon.

Join us and Connect with Exceptional Colleagues

We are excited Rachael Barclay will be our July Spotlight speaker

Rachael Barclay is the founder of The Savvy Digital Co., where she helps founders and small businesses get found and chosen in the age of AI. She spent 15 years in executive operations, including as the youngest executive at the Columbia Tower Club, before trading the corporate ladder for building her own thing. Now she builds the brand strategy, automation, and AI systems most owners don’t have time to figure out themselves. She hosts the You’re Allowed* podcast and lives in downtown Seattle with her partner and their daughter, Luna.

 In Rachael’s 20-minute talk she will share: Get Found by AI: How Small Businesses Win When Customers Ask ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity

 Search has changed. Whether your customers ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or just Google, they’re getting one AI-written answer instead of a page of links. Is your business in that answer? In this session you’ll find out whether AI recommends you, and the simple steps to make sure it does.

Takeaways from this talk:

• AI doesn’t guess, it pulls. When AI recommends a business, it’s pulling from real sources: your Google Business Profile, your reviews, your website, and what other sites say about you. Once you know the inputs, you can control the output.
• Check yourself before a customer does. Most owners have never searched for their own business in ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity. You’ll learn the 60-second check that shows you exactly what AI is saying about you right now.
• Write for the questions, not the keywords. AI quotes the businesses that answer real customer questions in plain language. The old SEO playbook of stuffing keywords doesn’t work the same way here.
• Recent and trusted beats big and old. Fresh reviews and a complete profile tell AI you’re active and trustworthy today. A few recent reviews can outweigh a fancy website that nobody’s verified.
• You can’t be your only source. AI trusts what others say about you more than what you say about yourself. Getting mentioned on a few trusted sites beyond your own is what moves you from findable to recommended.

🌟 Exceptional Connections Networking Luncheons

Exciting news!  Exceptional Connections Networking Luncheons are now hosted at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, our new Lynnwood location! We’re thrilled to gather in this beautiful and elevated venue and we have a full, engaging schedule planned. Seating is limited to 32 guests and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

New EC Venue

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse – Gaucho Banquet Room
18602 Alderwood Mall Pkwy Suite 1110
Lynnwood, WA 98037

Event Flow & Timing:

• Please arrive promptly at 11:30 AMfor check-in, networking, and for time to visit the Marketplace Vendors and to enjoy the delicious gluten free Marketplace Table.
• We ask that your Market Table Buffet begin at 11:40am and be completed by 11:55am, prior to the start of our meeting that starts promptly at Noon
• Our formal program runs from Noon – 2:00 PM, with post-event networking available until 2:30 PM.

Why Attend an Exceptional Connections^® Networking Event?

• Join us in making exceptional connections®, building relationships that lead to new friendships, endless referrals, and powerful advocates!
• Meet, Mingle and Connect with like-minded Entrepreneurs in a Fun & Festive Environment
• Dynamic & Inspiring 20-minute Spotlight speakers
• Exceptional Insight presentation offered by a member of our Community
• Learn 6 Steps to Exceptional Connecting & Networking Nuggets at each event
• We offer our Marketplace Spotlight Vendors added visibility of 90-seconds to show & tell what your business has to offer, plus the added bonus of sharing 1-screenshot to promote your business, products and services.
• Attendees will offer a 45-second Elevator Commercial. Be prepared to share the following: Name, Your Business Category + 5-10 word Quick Connect Statement. ie. I’m Cyndi Dady,  I’m a Relationship Marketing Strategist – I Help Businesses Attract & Keep Customers.
• Enjoy our fabulous Fogo de Chao Seasonal Marketplace Table; a colorful palate of fresh and flavorful ingredients inspired by Brazilian farmlands & recipes that are traditional & natural staples of Southern Brazilian cuisine.
• As an added bonus you will experience “Networking with a Twist” with our “Connection Exchange”
• Support Clothes For Kids – our Eastside Chapter Non-profit since 2015
• Easy access off the I-5 Freeway
• Win Giveaway Door Prizes!
• Free and plentiful parking

Cost: 

The Earlier you Register, The More $ You SAVE!

$50 – ECN Way experience rate for 1st time attendees (+Eventbrite fee) [Contact cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com to receive 1stx experience Promo code]
$40 – Champion Connector – “Early Bird” rate ends Monday, June 30th, at 9:00pm – use Promo Code
$55 – Classic Connector – “Early Bird” rate ends Monday, June 30th, at 9:00pm at 11:30pm
$50 – Champion Connector – “It’s Not Too Late” rate ends Monday, July 13th, at 9:00pm – use Promo Code
$65 – Classic Connector – “It’s Not Too Late” rate ends Monday, July 13th, at 9:00pm

Marketplace Swag Sponsor Networking Opportunity includes a delicious Fogo de Chao Market Table 3-course meal:
– $100 – Champion Connector Marketplace Swag Sponsor Opportunity (includes Sponsor Visibility + Early bird Networking fee + includes lunch)
(email cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com for special Champion Connector Promo code to save $15)
– $115 – Classic Connector Marketplace Swag Sponsor Opportunity (includes Sponsor Visibility + Early bird Networking fee + includes lunch)

We offer our Marketplace Spotlight Vendors added visibility of 90-seconds to show & tell what your business has to offer, plus the added bonus of sharing 1 screenshot to promote your business and products.  Spotlight Vendor opportunities are limited each month. Contact Cyndi@ExceptionalConnections.com if you are interested in gaining more visibility as a Spotlight Vendor.