Welcome to the latest edition of Small Talk Connect! This issue is all about diving into the valuable lessons we learned from our two most recent interviews. We sat down with Nicole, founder of the Houston Hotties, and Nick, owner of Aero Cocktail & Co, and uncovered some powerful insights about the importance of relationships, resilience, and community building.

Nicole's Journey: Leveraging Small Talk and Social Media to Grow

Nicole’s story is one of resilience and creativity. Transitioning from being a lash technician during the pandemic to launching her own space and founding the Houston Hotties, Nicole used both small talk and social media as powerful tools to find and generate clients. These same skills allowed her to build a vibrant community of female entrepreneurs. Nicole taught us that small talk is more than just surface-level chitchat—it can be a strategic tool to establish trust, build rapport, and grow your brand authentically.

Icebreaker Tips from Nicole:

• Compliments on Looks: Nicole would compliment random woman on their looks and then let them know that she does eyelash services. She would ask them who they go to currently and then provide her services as a discount to get them through the door the first time. Once there she would wow them hospitality and sense of belonging

• Make it Relatable: Nicole would always bring up her challenges with business building or mom duties to help find common ground with here ideal customers (ex Busy woman entrepreneurs).

Takeaway: If you’re an entrepreneur, consider how you can use everyday conversations to foster meaningful relationships. Whether it’s at an event, in your workspace, or online, genuine small talk can be the key to unlocking opportunities.

^{_{Nick's Approach: Building Relationships Through Shared Spaces}}

Nick grew up surrounded by the restaurant industry and has always understood the value of relationships. Today, he brings that same mindset to Aero Cocktail & Co by creating a space that’s not just a venue, but a community hub. He’s now partnering with B2C Creative to help people not only find a space for their events but also promote and plan them for maximum impact. Nick showed us that providing value doesn’t stop at offering a product or service—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, learn, and grow.

Icebreaker Tips from Nick:

• Venue as a Value-Add During Events: Once people have made their way into his venue is where Nick’s Job begins. Working with event curators allows Nick to meet members of someone else’s community. It is here that he strikes up small talk with everyone to see if his venue could also be of use to them. Ex. Start with "Have you ever had trouble finding the right space for an event? Aero Cocktail & Co is all about creating memorable environments, and I'd love to hear what kind of space you’re looking for."

• Using his Family Background in his Profession as an Entry Point: Ex. Ask "Did their family business have a big influence on what they do currently? Why or why not?

• Highlight His Partnerships: Recently he’s teamed up with not only my company but also a seasonal pop-up experience provider for the month of October. We both have wide networks and by highlighting he is working with us it can possibly find common ground with some who have heard of us. He also has the added benefit of including our services to those looking to integrate media into their event planning.

Takeaway: If you’re a professional or a business owner, think about how you can add value beyond your core offering. Can you create environments that foster connection? Can you help your clients not just by delivering a service but also by building a community around them?

Vision and Purpose Small Talk is concept designed to direct business owners towards a platform for learning and networking. Over the years, I have honed a skill that has been instrumental in merging content creation with community engagement, addressing tight community pitfalls such as the lack of overlap opportunities. For example, if you’re a bartender or real estate agent and you only spend your time talking and hanging out with bartenders and real estate agents, then you might find yourself more limited in opportunities in comparison to someone who is putting themselves in front of diverse groups of people.

By integrating this newsletter with a bi-weekly podcast that I’m also calling “Small Talk” and tying it to real-world events and issues, Small Talk will be able to offer a comprehensive approach to professional growth and networking.

Event Game Plan for November 14th: Small Talk Connect at Aero Cocktail & Co

We’re thrilled to be hosting our next Small Talk Connect event on November 14th at Aero Cocktail & Co! This isn’t just another networking event—it’s a place where you can make genuine connections, enjoy friendly competition, and find real value. Here’s what you can expect:

• Connect 4 Tournament: We’re using Connect 4 as more than just a game—it’s an icebreaker that reveals the inner workings of people's minds and how they strategize. It’s the perfect common ground activity to help you build relationships in a relaxed yet competitive setting.

• Specialty Cocktails: Arrive before 8 PM to enjoy a complimentary cocktail and get ready to loosen up, meet new people, and have fun.

How Professionals Will Benefit:

• Tech and Remote Professionals: If you’re working remotely, this is a great opportunity to get out from behind your screen and meet other professionals in person. Use small talk to build rapport and find collaborators for your projects.

• Healthcare Administrators, Finance, and Marketing Experts: Cross-industry networking is key to growing in today’s business world. Learn how others are tackling challenges in their industries, share insights, and bring those new perspectives back to your own work.

• Social Media Influencers: We’re creating a unique space for you to increase your proximity to business operators and owners. The right conversation can open doors to new brand partnerships, event collaborations, and ways to grow your influence.

• Event Curators: Looking for a new venue to bring your vision to life? Check out Aero Cocktail & Co firsthand. This is your chance to see how the space feels, connect with Nick, and brainstorm your next big event.

Join Us and Start the Conversation

We’re all about using small talk to create big opportunities. Whether you’re here to network, learn, or just have a great time, Small Talk Connect is the perfect place to do it. RSVP for free through the link below and be ready to connect on November 14th!

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Let’s keep the conversations going and make big moves together!