McMaster University Alumni Luncheon

I attended the luncheon for McMaster University Alumni.

It's a good way to network and have some stimulating conversation. The first is about making and building business contacts. The second is about staying sharp because that will help you build your business contacts.

I graduated from McMaster University in 1979 with my degree in Economics. I sat at a table with graduates from 1962. As you can imagine, they were now retired. We were decades apart. Several had been teachers so we were able to connect on the topic of public speaking and motivation.

The year of 62 grads were planning their 50th year reunion. They were engaged and motivated. That impressed me. They must be 70 plus in age.

I connected with several other people I knew. People need to see you again to remember you.

I also made a first face meeting with one person that I had only connected with online.

An Alumni event is an easy way to connect and reconnect with people. The environment is non-threatening.

It was a stimulating event. If you haven't been to a college, university or high school alumni event in a long while then just do it.

It's amazing that even though we attended the same school, in different decades, we can still find a bond.


George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
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Your Car as a Marketing Tool

Is That Your Car?

Your car sends a message about how successful you are. Maintain it. A rusty car is never cool. If you have an old car, get it repainted. Customers might think that you are an antique collector. But if it is rusty they know you have no money. If you have no money they think you are not successful in your business. And if you are not successful you must not be good.

If you drive an old car, you might rent or borrow a better one for an important meeting.

Keep your car clean inside and out, even if,  no, especially if, it is the family car. When you are on business it is acceptable to have a baby seat in the back, but not the diapers.

Use your car as a signboard. Paint your name on the sides if it fits the image of your business. If you're in a big city with tall buildings, put your name on the roof of the car. If signs are not appropriate, then you can always go with vanity plates.

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
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Introduce Yourself with Flair

Introducing Yourself Like Zorro

You may have heard your name thousands of times, so to save time you state it very quickly. The listener does not hear your name and won't remember you. Say your name slowly and clearly so they hear it. Enunciate for them. “Hi, I am (short pause) George (longer pause) Torok (pause and smile)." Look happy to state your name. If you have a difficult or unusual name, repeat it. You might help them remember it by saying, "rhymes with . . ." or "in my mother tongue it means . . ." And if you can make people laugh when you say your name, they will remember you.

State your name clearly when meeting face to face, talking on the phone, or introducing yourself to a group. Be proud of your name and show it. Never apologize for introducing yourself.


The next time that you introduce yourself picture how Zorro would do it.

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
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Soiled Collar Kills the Sale

The Power of Presentation

The president of an oil company remembers going shopping with his dad for a new car when he was a young boy. His father's business had done well and they were going to buy a brand new Cadillac. 

They entered the showroom, both of them proud and excited. They smiled as the salesman approached them. 

Then a strange thing happened. As the expectant salesman got closer, the smile on the father's face disappeared, and he reached down, grabbed his son's hand, turned around, and marched out. 

The boy was almost in tears. “What happened, Dad? Why did we leave?” His father barked, “I’ll not buy an expensive car from a man with a soiled shirt.” It seems the negligent salesman had worn his shirt at least two days in a row.

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
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