I am pleased to announce that I have two seconds of fame in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper. My quote about The Rink, the longest running black-owned roller skating rink in Chicago, was published thanks journalist Maureen O’Donnell who contacted me at the recommendation of photographer Lee Bey, whom I’m equally grateful. This experience exemplifies the power of relationships and underscores why it’s necessary to stay top of mind.
I met Lee over 10 years ago when I first started my roller skating research. I contacted him because he’s an authority on Chicago architecture and I was seeking information on how to find the location of buildings in the city. Lee invited me for coffee and we learned more about each other’s backgrounds and projects. We have not spoken in person since that meeting, but I do read, share and comment on his LinkedIn and Facebook posts.
After Maureen and I completed our conversation after several rounds of phone tag, I sent Lee a message on LinkedIn to thank him for referring me. He was appreciative of my expression of gratitude. And that, my friends, is how I know he’ll think of me for future opportunities. A little gratitude, as well as in-person and virtual support, goes a long way. Promoting your ventures helps, too.
With that said, be sure to check out my two seconds of fame in the Chicago Sun-Times. I’m somewhere in the middle.
Image credit: screenshot of Chicago Sun-Times
KUDOS, MARCIE!