We recently connected with Chi Chi Okezie and have shared our conversation below.

Chi Chi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends I am seeing in my industry is the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Technology is an excellent tool to grow, scale, and sustain business. AI does that on an accelerated level. The progression is phenomenal. I use AI in my business for quality assurance, market research, and other aspects of business development. It allows me to manage my time, resources, and finances. The functions are extremely useful and time saving whether you are a solopreneur, manage a small team, or run a large business.

But, similar to any form of advancement in technology, including AI, there are concerns to consider. One of my biggest concerns is the validity of AI responses, the role of hallucinations. It is important to fact check, inquire advice from a subject matter expert. As well as question the AI tool for correctness and relevancy. Many business owner/users may not consider this approach and can produce errors in their work and assignments. I decided to take an online course via Google and Coursera: AI Essentials. It was so eye-opening and engaging. The course offers the foundations of AI and its several uses. As well as the pitfalls to mitigate and avoid. I also learned a lot about different types of biases that can affect fairness, equity, etc. This can be crucial in regard to customer/client personas, research and development, marketing, social media, etc.

In one particular case, I used AI for market research in regards to tapping into a new market sector. Unfortunately, the data offered from the learning machine was outdated and inaccurate. I quickly recognized the errors and did not apply the advice/suggestions that was generated from AI. In turn, this saved me money, time, and energy that I was able to redirect to another project. I always recommend to my fellow colleagues and entrepreneurs to keep learning, seek advice from their networks, and sample their work.

Nonetheless, I will keep learning the ins and outs of AI. As well as using the technology ethically and responsibly. I have also connected with fellow friends and colleagues to share ideas, brainstorm, and offer advice for using AI to grow our businesses. It is a productive way of building relations, sharing resources/knowledge. As well as continuing to develop our skills to better serve our clients and communities while making an impact in our industries.

Chi Chi , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I am Chi Chi Okezie, owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC (SN). I launched my business 19 years ago when I was dazed, confused, and frustrated after attending a networking event. I felt that there must be a simple, practical approach to meeting people and building your network. I started by creating a 1-hour seminar which detailed how to prepare for a networking event: Before, During, and After. I presented it for friends in my networks, my alma mater, and companies in my area. I also learned a lot about networking from being an intern, volunteer, and member of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. I had a fantastic mentor/sponsor who introduced me to members, taught me how to do business in francophone settings. As well as taught me business French, protocol, and various customs.

SN specializes in professional development training in regards to how to network. Businesses, federal agencies, universities, associations, and professionals can learn how to polish their approach via our in-person/virtual seminars, workshops, online courses, and educational materials. SN uses cultural aspects to make networking, building relations, and promoting your brand optimal to your personal and professional success. Cultural aspects include but are not limited to: games, exercises, activities, case studies, role plays, discussions, etc. SN also offers events, consulting, and licensing of products/services to its clientele and customers. Our goal is to make networking simple, easy, and doable. Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, networking is essential because we operate in networks. I believe that every individual already has networking skills and can develop and sharpen them through our techniques and strategies.

Through out this fantastic (and sometimes unpredictable but exciting and meaningful) journey, I am most proud of being granted a Proclamation for Business Networking Day for November 13th. It is a differentiator for the company and a way to bring a heightened awareness to the need and effectiveness of networking. SN wants to change the way you think about networking. It is a lifestyle and tool for success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot in my business and lifestyle during the pandemic. I was accustomed to doing training and presentations in person. But, in March of 2020, when we were quarantined and sheltered in place, I had to completely digitalize my company. I quickly started learning about online courses, digital marketing, and e-commerce. I reached out to my networks for support and resource sharing. It was a very difficult but inspiring and creative time. I learned a lot about myself, the potential of my business, and its offerings. As well as how to stay relevant and competitive.

This experience reminded me of Beethoven. During the later part of his life, he started losing his hearing. To the point that he was completely deaf. There was not a proper diagnosis or treatment for this unusual and unexpected occurrence. But, during the time period that Beethoven was loosing his hearing, he did not give up on writing, composing, and directing classical music. As a matter of fact, experts and historians agree that Beethoven wrote most of his popular, successful, and complex music during that time frame.

This a testimony that adversity can in turn make us stronger, improve our perspectives, and position us for greater impact and reach. Needless to say, Beethoven remains one of the most revered, talented, and prolific composers/artists of all time.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

A dear friend, fellow alum, and colleague reached out to me in regard to doing a networking session for his technical class. I was excited and started to create a slide presentation for the session. I planned on discussing how his students can be effective networkers and build their networks for career development. The agenda was stellar. My friend and I scheduled a time for the virtual demo/sales pitch. After the demo was completed, I (like any business owner) tried to close the deal. My friend was silent. Then, I “re-closed” the deal (lol). My friend gave it some thoughts and asked if the session can be turned into a game and bought as a license for use within the school district. Then, there was silence on my end. I simply smiled and replied, “Sure thing”.

After I adjourned the virtual meeting, I spent the next 2 days drafting a proposal for the license. I created the rules and instructions for the game. I even created a licensing certificate with an identification number. As well as a spread sheet for selling the license to other schools/companies. I was in my creative element and started producing different digital applications and downloads for the licensing agreement. After everything was completed, I sent the proposal, instructions, and invoice. Which were happily and quickly approved. This experience expanded my vision for the business and the potentially different offerings for a new segment/audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.snseminars.com
• Instagram: @championnetworker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplenetworkingllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chichiokezie
• Twitter: @chichiokezie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chichiokezie