What’s your passion? And how do you incorporate it into your brand?
If you can’t answer these questions, Roshini Rajkumar wants to talk to you.
Rajkumar, host of News and Views with Roshini Rajkumar on WCCO radio, was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s semi-annual business breakfast hosted by Sunrise Banks. The event attracted leaders from various sectors of the local business community and focused on staying true to your brand.
During an energetic presentation that leaned heavily on audience engagement, Rajkumar randomly quizzed attendees on their business. If you had to use one word to describe your company, what would it be? What about your company website excites you?
Rajkumar, an executive coach and professional speaker when not on the air, used PowerPoint slides to showcase brands she admired for their purpose-driven messaging and succinct descriptions. She also emphasized the importance of social media.
“Pick one or two (social media platforms), and for God’s sake, post,” she quipped in an attempt to convert non-social media users.
Sunrise hosts the business breakfast each spring and fall at its headquarters in St. Paul and invites bank clients and community partners.
Minnesota State Horticultural Society Executive Director Gretchen Ambrosier was attending the breakfast for the first time. She cited the event as an opportunity to collaborate with others in the business community.
“We are all stronger together. For me, it’s all about learning what everyone else is doing and sharing what (the Horticultural Society) is doing,” said Ambrosier. “You never know when there’s an opportunity that exists. It’s all about meeting new people and getting new ideas.”
Attendee Joe Baldwin, a consultant with SevenHills Cleveland Benefit Partners, said the breakfast was a way to gauge trends and hot topics within the Twin Cities business community.
“First and foremost, it’s great to have your ear to the ground in order to understand what’s important in the community today and the challenges and opportunities the local business community is dealing with” he said.
Sunrise Banks Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations Rick Beeson kicked off the event by introducing Rajkumar.
Beeson helped organize the event and noted the importance of in-person events like the breakfast, especially in the age of social media, where so much interaction takes place online.
“Even with technology, it’s important to have face-to-face meetings to connect with customers directly and have them meet and work with one another,” said Beeson.