How do you say "Hello"? How do you introduce yourself? In the endless situation of introductions and networking, how do you deliver the facts most crucial to making an impactful, lasting first impression?
Finding yourself in high–stake situations and uncharted territories, what do you say that gives credence to the significance of the new situation? The answers to How to say Hello are old academic hats for many. Remember those first classes in PR 101 or Marketing 101; or that career–planning course from high school? A few times around the block; many successes; a few botched first meetings aware that your branding efforts failed; leaving your contact without valid reasons to remember you – – or that sudden twinge that your pitch is becoming rote and uninspiring can lead to self doubt. When important introductions arise, you might be wondering, (as I am now); How do you say "Hello?"
Do your homework. Survey yourself and the product beforehand. Discern your best qualities. What would keep people using your product or services or visiting your stores without respect to price point? How do you portray your new and different concepts? You think through a script; you envision possible scenarios. You consider the different individuals and or characters you might encounter and have tailor made responses to their questions or reservations. Even with preparation we all know that sometimes success comes down to being quick on your feet and perhaps dumb luck.
These thoughts run rampant in my mind as I say: Hello! Greetings from the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community Development Corporation! We are excited to be a part of this innovative, groundbreaking magazine NSIDE Business Journal.
What a crucial time in our beloved city! We are growing and changing; all the while maintaining our connections with our unique historic roots and entrepreneurial spirit.
Our 12–year–old organization feels the weight of the signifi cance of this introduction; this "Hello" – from a part of the city that is older and simultaneously one of the centers of the newest growth. When we say Hello– I want most to leave you with a vivid picture of who we are.
I want you to see the Jefferson Woodlawn area. Feel the sun reflected off Woodlawn Lake or the breeze floating around 75–year–old Jefferson High School. On Fredericksburg Road, hear the music floating out of Woodlawn Theatre; the music of the Burgundy Ballroom and the historic houses of worship in Jefferson. Watch art patrons visit Centro Aztlan Bihl Haus Arts, Askew; Design Studio for Urban Youth, or other Deco galleries. Secretly, hear the wisps of 40s swing music that float in our minds; accompanying the foundings of Jefferson Bank and our post WWII institutions. Play golf at Cool Crest (the second oldest miniature golf course in the country); savor home cooking at Tip Top Cafe or varieties at others.
Stroll through business and historic home districts. From the Koffee Kup, watch horse drawn carriages carry fares up and down Donaldson through the Monticello Park Historic District. Taste unique foods of many cultures in our area and see all ages attending martial arts and performance classes of every kind. Laugh with children and seniors as they work together on murals and gardens in the village proper. Stop in our shops, new and historic, including Jefferson Village, one of the first modern shopping centers providing items from around the world.
You will be dazzled by the renovation projects; beautiful facade reinterpretations in the Deco and Arte Moderne tradition dating back to bustling days before the Great Crash and the founding of the Old Spanish Trail. Fredericksburg Road was part of the first paved coast to coast highway! Invaluable to our introductions are wonderful business owners who see the value in maintaining and translating our history in this beautiful place. You belong in the public–private partnerships and innovations that have made "The Deco District" and the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Area a national model!
Most importantly I want you to say "Hello" back. You belong in the Deco District and Jefferson Woodlawn Lake places; where businesses and energetic entrepreneurialism are welcomed. Watch for upcoming events; Earth Day, Tango Day, and our multi–cultural celebration Days of Remembrance where the movie The Alamo, which debuted at the Woodlawn nationally, will be shown.
Come be a part of the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community Development Corporation's mission of revitalization and innovation. Located at 1800 Fredericksburg Road, we are a non–profit corporation growing and building on our proud history. We want you to say Hello.
