We love a good networking opportunity — and this has to be one of our favorites. If you’ve been before, you know that Endeavor’s Collaborators & Cocktails (C&C) is not your average networking series. It’s an educational event that brings in A-List speakers to inspire local business owners, creatives + entrepreneurs. ✨ ⁣

And it’s back for 2021. C&C returns live + in person next week on Tues., Sept. 28 from 5-7 p.m. with its 33rd co-speakers, entrepreneur Joe Erwin + Greenville Triumph head coach John Harkes. The event will be “A Candid Conversation on Coaching, Leadership, and Teamwork According to Joe, “nothing is off the table.”

What is C&C?

Endeavor’s signature networking happy hour series is a must-do for GVL professionals looking to learn and make connections.

The event typically features senior industry professionals (from local business stars who have made a mark on the Upstate to national brand leaders) in a friendly + intimate environment. This isn’t a TED talk — there’s no stage, just a candid presentation or interview followed by a Q&A with the speaker.

Liquid Catering hand-crafts two specialty cocktails for each event | Photo provided by Endeavor

Interested in attending? Tickets are free to Endeavor members and $30 for non-members (limited availability). Email Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com to request your tickets before they sell out. More event details + important COVID protocol here.

Wisdom from previous C&C speakers:

Joe Erwin + John Harkes will undoubtedly fill the room with laughter and life lessons. Over the past 5 years, Endeavor has hosted 32 memorable speakers with fresh perspectives on business, creativity, and innovation. Here are some of our most inspiring takeaways:

1. Work for someone (or something) you believe in and prepare for opportunities.

“Be prepared for opportunities, even when you can’t see what’s coming. Most people prepare for opportunities they see, but when an opportunity comes up they weren’t expecting, they aren’t ready to capitalize on it.” -Tim Cox, Director of Creative Services, Publix Super Markets (2018)

2. Strive to be the favorite, inside and out.

“OOBE’s vision statement is to be the favorite company of our customers, employees, and vendor partners by living our core values. As the complexity of your business grows, in the absence of information, what do you look to? Be the favorite — to each other first. If you can’t do it inside your organization, you certainly can’t do it outside.” -Mike Pereyo, Co-Founder, OOBE (2017)

3. Failure is an option; fear is not.

“You’ve got to be OK with failing and doing things that might not work. There is a chance you might hit a home run.” -David Oakley, President and Chief Creative Officer, BooneOakley (2017)

4. Marry the mission, date the methods.

“Whatever your purpose is as a brand, that can never change, but always be willing to challenge the methods in which you do that. And if you don’t have that mentality, you can get passed by in a world that changes around you.” -Kevin Purcer, Director of Customer Digital Experience, Chick-fil-A (2020)

5. Cocktails are better with bacon in them.

Need we say more? -John Dillon, Chief Brand Officer, Denny’s (2019)

Reflections from the audience:

“When you’ve been in the industry for 20+ years, there aren’t many opportunities in Greenville to draw new inspiration. You typically have to go outside of the market to get that kind of value. Endeavor’s founders have the ability to bring incredible speakers; no one else in town has the same expertise and connections. I get more inspiration coming out of ‘Collaborators’ than any virtual webinar or large conference, and it lasts much longer. I look at my clients’ work differently the very next day.” -Amanda Long, Hughes Agency

“It’s a great event for introverts and extroverts alike. I’m extroverted and like to participate, so I always come prepared with a few good questions to ask the speaker. With in-person events, you’re able to engage so much more. During Ian Dallimore’s presentation in January 2019, I was amazed to learn how Lamar is using real-time data tracking in outdoor advertising. Plus, the Paloma cocktail was delish.” -Claire Richards, Vomela Transportation Group Ⓟ

Question:

/**/