Q: Recently, we took a shortened version of our Point of Entry^® presentation to a service club's luncheon. The Wish List worked well and got a couple of responses. But we did not know how to capture people's names, addresses, and phone numbers. Because it wasn't our event, we were not at the front with a sign-in sheet. What is a practical and acceptable way to capture names when we are the invited guest giving a presentation at another organization's event? We want to approach it in a way that is comfortable for the organization inviting us, and comfortable for their members.

Suzan in California

A: I wish I had a more encouraging answer. About the best you can do in that situation is to ask people at the end of your presentation to come and see you at the end of the event if they would like to know more. Then ask those people to give you their cards and tell them you will get back in touch with them.

This is what we call a Pre-Point of Entry Event, and, as far as capturing names goes, it is not nearly as efficient as a Point of Entry Event that you host yourself. It still can go a long way to build goodwill and awareness about your organization, so keep doing them.

But also keep up with your Point of Entry Events!

Terry