We were lucky to catch up with Derrick J. Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Derrick J., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

From my perspective, engaging with Lesley Henderson of The Warehouse Covington was an exemplary showcase of building a meaningful customer relationship. Here’s my take on how I approached this:

1. Pre-Engagement Interaction: Before Lesley made any formal commitment to the chamber, we had several insightful conversations. This early stage of relationship-building was crucial, as I aimed to understand her needs and interests without immediately expecting anything in return. It was about laying a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

2. Active Participation: Beyond just expressing verbal support for Lesley’s initiatives, I made it a point to actively participate in her event. By attending and bringing others along, I wanted to demonstrate not just appreciation for her efforts but also to provide tangible support that would contribute to the event’s success. It was about showing up, literally and figuratively.

3. Professionalism and Kindness: Throughout our interactions, I focused on maintaining professionalism and extending kindness. I believe these qualities are vital in building a strong, respectful, and trusting relationship. My goal was to make Lesley feel valued and understood, recognizing her not just as a professional acquaintance but as a person whose contributions and vision are appreciated.

4. Creating a Sense of Belonging: By inviting Lesley to join the chamber and being present to support her initiatives, I wanted to convey that she was already an integral part of our community. This preemptive inclusion was aimed at making her feel welcomed and valued, reinforcing that her participation in the chamber was something we eagerly anticipated.

5. Impact on Decision Making: My interactions with Lesley were designed to not only support her current endeavors but also to encourage her decision to align with our chamber. Demonstrating the chamber’s values and the genuine care and support we offer was pivotal. It was about illustrating the strength of personal connections and the profound impact they can have.

In engaging with Lesley, my aim was to ensure she felt deeply valued, seen, and supported. The efforts went beyond standard customer service protocols; they were about forging deep and lasting connections. By prioritizing relationship-building and genuine support, I hoped to set a high standard for customer appreciation, highlighting that at the core of our chamber’s mission is the cultivation of meaningful, supportive relationships.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve ventured into various industries, driven by my entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for community service. Starting with a background with ownership in janitorial services, independent insurance adjusting, and financial services, I’ve expanded into digital marketing through my business, MD Communications, LLC. My focus is on empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses with solutions for growth, digital visibility, and sustainable success, aiming to solve their unique challenges and contribute to our community’s prosperity.

What sets me apart is my dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses, drawing from my diverse business background. I’m most proud of my ability to help others achieve their potential, offering services that solve key challenges in growth, digital visibility, and sustainable success. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to recognize my commitment to their success and the genuine passion I bring to every project and partnership.

As President of the Chamber, I leverage my extensive experience to benefit clients at MD Communications LLC, using my role to enhance the Chamber’s membership exposure. My advertising and marketing expertise allows me to amplify businesses within the Chamber, providing them with increased visibility and support for their growth. This synergy between my role and my work at MD Communications underscores my commitment to fostering community success and business development.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been deeply influenced by my genuine care for the community, both before and after my campaign for elected office. My passion for supporting small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit in our community has been evident through my work with the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce, Community Outreach Resources, and the Greater Eastside Alliance. These roles have showcased my integrity, commitment, and passion, ensuring clients at MD COMMUNICATIONS LLC feel confident and supported.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of LinkedIn, involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, and word-of-mouth recommendations. These platforms and networks have been instrumental in connecting me with potential clients and expanding my business reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecommunicationsmd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derrickjwilson_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrickjwilson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-j-wilson-101525228
• Other: www.mygecc.org www.geainc.org