It happened again to me twice this week … let me share the stories …

Rosh and I, along with about 200 other professionals, were at a business card exchange on Wednesday night sponsored by many of the various Chamber of Commerces here in Oakland County. I was entering the event, after milling around the atrium waiting for the doors to open. Suddenly, a woman rushes up to me looks me straight in the eye, and asks me: “You’re Dean La Douceur, aren’t you?” I smiled and replied that I was. “They (the registration desk) told me it was you – I get your emails. I always wanted to meet you …” was her response. We had a great conversation as a result.

I went on an appointment this afternoon to a local winery with Pat, the owner. He was both gracious and a truly engaging vintner. About twenty minutes into our meeting, he blurted out “Motor City Connect,” the name of one of a local networking site to which I belong. And I had to hold back a chuckle. He knew me before I knew him.

I give you these two examples of the power of the social media. I have had the “You’re Dean La Douceur, aren’t you? I get your emails.” phrase spoken to me at several events where I was in attendance. Just ask Rosh or my wife, I try to humbly share with them the incident every time this happens.

We don’t know who knows us before we ever meet them. Trust me, this doesn’t go to my head. No more then you knowing the name of some other business professional, creative talent or paid athlete in your community. But it will not alone engage a buyer or close a sale. You are only one to two steps forward on the process. You have the same responsibility that Rosh and I do – You need to be authentic and genuine in the moment you meet them.

I have built a personal brand, and like Coke and Google … I recognize that I have to honor, respect and appreciate it when I go out in to the marketplaces. As long as I smile and respect them, it’s easy to be Dean La Douceur, the guy from the networking site or who’s email they find in their in box.

Ok … I confess in the interest of full disclosure … I also like when it happens. Are you happy with me now, Rosh?

– Dean L.