Reflecting as the MIICC approaches one year anniversary!
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008Well, would you believe it, the Michigan India Chamber of Commerce is almost a year old. Yes, almost but not quite. It was October 2007, when I started the Chamber with the single minded purpose of fostering and promoting networking within the Asian Indian community.
The first meeting had seven participants who came just to see what this organization was all about. The next month we had 12. Month after month, participation grew to the point that after January 2008, the fewest number of participants we’ve ever had has been 25. Most of the participants are Asian Indian although we have non-Asian Indian participation as well. There were those who came only once and then those that come meeting after meeting to network and build that networking relationship that we know will bring business eventually.
Since I’ve scraped emails from everywhere and some, there are hundreds of people who receive my email. I know that because when I go to Asian India events and get introduced to someone new, people exclaim “oh, you are that Nipa, I get all your emails”. (Since I use permission based email marketing, people have the option of unsubscribing but thus far only 5% of people have taken that step, which is good news).
I’ve made so many new friends and have formed business relationships with so many that I can’t help but feel blessed. And I know that others who believe in networking and who have been supporting the chamber feel the same way.
So why am I writing this blog in August and not around October when the MIICC becomes does celebrate it’s first anniversary?
Well, as I plan the next few months for the growth of the MIICC, I can’t help but reflect back on the areas of progress and also the areas where there has been a lack of progress.
The MIICC has truly been well received by many. People tell me that they really enjoy the truly amazing networking that goes on at the monthly meetings. We have even been able to transact business between the MIICC members. So, I do believe that we are doing well in our mission to promote business. We also are working on some eye-catching programs that we’ll be able to shed light on towards the end of the year.
And although each and every member and participant is noteworthy, I have to say that India Spice, Dykema, Marx Layne, Logos Communications, and Mibazaar have been truly wonderful sponsors and supporters of the MIICC.
But lets now talk about the areas where there has been a lack of progress. What is noteworthy is that there has been not one other local Asian Indian organization that has reached out to the MIICC to form an alliance or leverage resources.
I’m a big believer in leveraging resources, forming alliances, and joining hands for the greater good. And I know that each one of the existing local Asian Indian organizations are out there to support the community.
Initially, I reached out to four local Asian Indian organizations to explore forming an alliance. Well, two of them basically ignored me and my request to explore an alliance, one blew me off saying my mission was totally different than theirs, and the fourth one took the time to meet with me but then no word from them since. And the local Asian Indian media? Barring one individual, let me say that not one of the so called Asian Indian media leaders even had the courtesy to respond to my request to discuss the MIICC.
We’ve formed alliances with Tech Town, Michigan Business and Professional Association, Inforum, and CEED but the MIICC has yet to form an alliance with another local Asian Indian organization.
Why? Why is joining hands within the community so difficult to achieve?
Alliances are good for all involved parties! They don’t take away from individual missions, they help leverage resources, and also help unite us towards a common goal for a common audience.
Now I’m not expecting that too many people are going to read this blog nor am I expecting an onslaught of alliance requests. But I thought what the heck, those who know me already know I say it like it is….. The fact of the matter is that the MIICC is here to help support and foster networking within the community. We welcome alliances and we welcome participation from all. So don’t be shy, check out one of our meetings and see how much fun networking can be!




