Lori Black and her husband started Midwest Speed Networking as an offshoot of their other business, Midwest Speed Dating. They have been running the speed dating business for several years and other people had suggested doing something similar for business professionals, so they decided to take the leap and launch the new venture. At a Midwest Speed Networking event, people sit down one-on-one with another person, talk about their business and move and talk to the next person. It is a more structured, organized form of business networking and is very fast paced. You don’t have to walk up at random to someone you don’t know and start talking.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
One of my biggest challenges was deciding whether to quit my previous job to enter a new career. My husband, Tony Black, worked in real estate with Woods Bros. Realty and was doing so well at it that we realized he could use my help. I took a risk and quit to enter the real estate profession full time. It was a little scary making that decision, but I love working in the real estate business and it’s going great.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Tony and I received a presidential award from Woods Bros. for being among the top sellers in the company in 2010. It was the first time for Tony to get this award and I feel very proud that working together we were able to achieve it, especially in my first year in the business.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to Tony since 2007. He has two grown daughters. They live in California with the rest of Tony’s immediate family. I have a mother, sister and brother in Lincoln. Our three dogs – a Dalmation and two Jack Russell terriers – complete our family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I like to stay home and do things that I always want to do but never seem to have the time.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I was in the massive crowd in London when Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson in 1986. I was one of thousands watching the wedding processional and got to see all the members of the royal family. I happened to be in London with a friend and we decided to crash the wedding.
What are you the most proud of?
I’m proud of my entrepreneurial spirit. Even though I’ve had a traditional job most of my life, I had the drive start a new business on the side, for example Midwest Speed Dating and now Midwest Speed Networking. Both businesses have been received extremely well. I also sell BeautiControl products and text marketing services.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
I have a talent for writing. I do a lot of freelance writing and would like someday to write a book.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I don’t have a favorite, but currently am reading Good Old Dog since all my dogs are 11 years old.
What is your favorite movie?
Rocky
What is your favorite TV show?
I love watching American Idol, while The Middle and Modern Family are my favorite comedies.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Lazlo’s
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Jesus Christ
What is the best way to reach you?
Text “speednet” to 90210 to receive immediate information about our Speed Networking events or visit us online at http://www.midwestspeednetworking.com/