What happens when you put 20+ future CEOs in a room with an expert networker? 🔥
Huge thank you to EDA Director Jordan Zeller for pouring into our West Central MN CEO class this week!
We asked our students what stuck with them most — and their notes were GOLD. Here are the biggest takeaways:
1. BE HUMBLE. IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.
“80% them, 20% you.” Let the other person talk 3/4 of the time. Make them feel heard and special. People have to KNOW you, then LIKE you, then TRUST you.
2. RESPECT SHOWS IN THE SMALL THINGS.
Park in the back of the parking lot. Wear a nametag. Carry a pen. Put your phone away. If you get an important call, excuse yourself. If they get one, give them privacy.
3. YOUR NETWORK = YOUR NET WORTH. NEVER BURN A BRIDGE.
Connections are key. Find common ground through people and hobbies. Keep your people straight — contact info, birthdays, likes/dislikes, and notes about what matters to them. Keep your promises. Do what you said you’d do, when you said you’d do it.
A few Jordan-isms we won’t forget:
→ “Screw it up now, you could be paying for it in 50 years” — your digital footprint matters.
→ Confidentiality is everything. Be discreet.
→ No politics in business conversations.
→ Thank you cards — day of or next day.
→ First AND last impressions are remembered.
Our students are already putting this into practice for their class business and beyond.
Thank you again, Jordan!
#WestCentralMNCEO #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BeHumble #YoungEntrepreneurs WestCentralMN StudentEntrepreneurs NeverBurnABridge YourNetworkIsYourNetWorth
