My Experience with Non-Profits: The Power of Connection
If I’m being honest, I’ve always viewed big business events from the outside looking in. You know the ones I’m talking about—suits, name badges, carefully rehearsed elevator pitches, and conversations that feel more transactional than human. As someone still carving out my place in the business world, I’ve often wondered where I fit in. How do I, a young professional, navigate spaces filled with people carrying titles like “CEO,” “President,” and “Managing Partner”?
That changed recently when my dad and I had the opportunity to help put together an event for one of our clients, Gateway Maryland. This wasn’t just any networking event, it was Gateway’s annual Ultimate Speakeasy fundraiser. It was a full-scale gathering of over 150 people, from different industries, backgrounds, and walks of life. Something was different from the start—and it left me with a completely new perspective on what a business connection really means.
A Space Built for Community
One of the things that stood out right away was the venue itself. CFG Bank Arena partnered with us and provided an incredible space. Not only did they open their doors to us, but they showed genuine interest in supporting the mission behind the event. That partnership alone felt like a win—a sign that larger organizations are willing to get involved and give back when the right relationships are built.
But it wasn’t just about the venue. It was the local businesses and nonprofits that melded together in a beautiful way, creating an environment where asking about their day was more important than exchanging business cards. We weren’t just there to talk business—we were there to build relationships and support causes that matter.
The Human Side of Business
For me personally, one of the most impactful parts of the night was watching the typical layers of business formality peel away.
When you bring together people from all levels—entry-level employees, small business owners, C-suite executives, board members—you’d expect some invisible walls to stay up. That natural hierarchy. The feeling that you’re supposed to “know your place” in the business food chain.
But that wasn’t the case here.
What I saw instead were real conversations. People laughing together, talking about their families, sharing stories about how they got started in their careers, or brainstorming ways they could help a local nonprofit together. Nobody seemed concerned with titles or how many LinkedIn followers they had. It was people being people.
I’ll admit, I’ve had a hard time in the past getting over my own personal barrier when it comes to business titles and roles. When you’re young in your career, it’s easy to feel intimidated. But this event showed me something really important: At the end of the day, most people just want to connect with others who care. About their work, their community, and each other.
When Business and Impact Collide
One of the most impactful outcomes from the event was seeing how quickly relationships started to form—many of which extended far beyond the night itself.
We had people connecting on future business opportunities, board seats being discussed for nonprofits, and companies talking about future partnerships. That’s the power of what happens when you bring people together with the right intention.
And that’s something I’m learning more about every day working at Dinkel Business Development. It’s not just about filling a room with business cards and resumes. It’s about creating moments that break down walls and open doors.
A Personal Takeaway: Connection > Transaction
Looking back, I realize how much I personally needed this reminder. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of saying the wrong thing, not being “important enough,” or not having the right job title when you’re in the room with experienced business leaders. But watching this event come together, and being part of it from start to finish, I learned that people respond to sincerity way more than a polished pitch.
If you show up as yourself, if you genuinely want to learn about others and how you can help—whether that’s with time, ideas, or just making an introduction—that’s what sticks with people.
Moving Forward
I walked away from the Ultimate Speakeasy feeling like I finally got a seat at the table—not because of a title or because I had the most impressive business background, but because I showed up, helped where I could, and connected with people as a person first.
I think that’s a good lesson for anyone at any stage in their career: Titles, roles, and experience matter—but heart and authenticity matter more.
So next time you’re invited to something like this—or even if you’re just grabbing coffee with someone new—remember: Real business development starts with real human connection.
And that’s something I’m excited to keep building on.
Partner with Dinkel Business Development, LLC Today
If you want to learn more about how we can help you develop a metric-driven business development plan for you or your team, please call us at 443-226-0163 or reach us via email at john@dinkelbd.com to get started.
