As Nolen often says,“ BOOM.” All systems are a go! Bay Area Regional Medical Center has provided a window walled conference room with a highly visible location directly off the second floor elevator... on the way to the cafeteria. In the room, there are gourmet style sandwiches and other lite refreshments for attendees. Host Nolen Davis and Co-Host Chris Burres do sound and visual checks and adjustments, attendees are cruising the room, making introductions and networking. There is a wow factor in the atmosphere as business owners and entrepreneurs take in that they are part of an historical event. Passerbys curiously peek in as there are posted signs announcing and providing directions to the“ UP Social Network Guinness World Record Attempt” location throughout Bay Area Regional Medical Center. There is truly an energy of excitement and curious expectation in the atmosphere as the audience chairs fill.
The Clock Starts Ticking As the first registered guests, Kim and Tony Huval of CarePatrol of Greater Houston begin the interview countdown by providing information about the benefits of their Senior Healthcare business. Committing to be a part and realizing the opportunity of an unprecedented marketing reach, CarePatrol opted to present their services prior to jetting off to Phoenix, Arizona for a presentation. One after the other, Nolen Davis not only ask the required( by the Guinness World Record Book standards) five questions but uses his honed interviewing skills to assist sometimes nervous participants by building upon the information about services and products offered by their companies. Although some of the interviews were shorter than others, with relaxed demeanor and professional interview skills, key questions are asked, allowing the conversation flow to provide UP Social Live viewers with information about that businesses market, services and any other pertinent information including contact phone numbers and website addresses. With multiple industries and services represented there was a wealth of information and inspiration in the room.
Oftentimes, audience members and participants cheered each other on as information and some insightful business concepts were shared, while awaiting their turn to go live with UP Social Live! Many of those interviewed were obviously comfortable in front of the camera creating engaging moments and additional content for Nolen, sometimes prompting audience participation too. Not long into the countdown it’ s apparent that not only would the long standing record of seventy interviews be broken but it would not take long for it to happen!
Garland Bradshaw, sponsor and owner of Third Coast Imagery panned the room capturing reactions and many“ ah ha” moments from the audience as the diversity of business owners presented information about their area of expertise and services offered; finance, IT, real estate, web design, financial investment and on and on. Many lifestyle perspectives were represented too, as health and wellness, wine and coffee distributors, golf centers, personal storage facilities, dog trainers, caterers and promotional goods to name a few spoke about what their business offered. The creative dimension of business was present as multiple artist were interviewed and spoke pridefully about their beautifully displayed art pieces around the naturally lit conference room. Another entrepreneur, DJ Generation came in with lively music bringing an additional spark of energy to the room throughout the evening. A most memorable moment was the premier of“ True Believers Red, White & Blue,” a musical tribute to our military by guitarist Arthur Ray Valenzuela. Later into the evening, there was“ storytime” with Mrs. Pearl Hewitt, as she engaged the children present with an original Christmas story penned specifically for the challenge by Tiffany Rachann. The charitable aspect thick in the air as the bounty from the toy drive increases, St. Vincent’ s House, Executive Director, Reverend Freda Brown takes a moment to express gratitude, reminding everyone the importance of caring for others and to joyfully haul away the contributions from attendees.
Although a twenty-four hour timeframe could have been an endurance challenge for sure, Nolen Davis and the UP Social team assembled kept the mission moving as smooth as clockwork. Coordination of flow was organized and maintained by Natalie Poole of Exceptional Occasions, LLC., ensuring everything went as planned, making sure the swag bags were prepared, food and beverage plentiful, venue comfortable and moving effectively allowing business owners to get in and go if necessary, however many chose to be apart of the audience. The commitment of the team behind the cameras and technology was for the entire 24 hours too and they managed to keep up their stamina as the clock ticked on. The timekeepers having a bit of a reprieve, as The Guinness Book has specific perimeters for their rotation.
Fully confident that Nolen Davis and UP Social Network would hit the bullseye, excited family members arrived from various around the country to witness and celebrate not just the breaking but as initially predicted, the“ smashing” of the standing record. Mrs Aisha Davis present for the majority of the challenge, was supportive to Nolen, the team, those in attendance and ultimately the success of the endeavor. Her presence quiet but keenly focused on the varying components of the process. Supportive and confident that the task of this challenge which may seem extreme for some, knowingly, Mrs. Davis and other family members joined in the countdown and celebration as the Guinness World Record was indeed shattered!
Nolen davis continues to produce creative ideas and projects to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners avenues to promote their companies. The ideology that through networking knowledge of industry changes and growth coupled with building connections and establishing relationships is powerful in improving the“ work smarter not harder” mindset. That said, the strategic planning, team building and strong relationships that UP Social owner Nolen Davis has established had everything moving like a well oiled machine... mission complete.
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