Celebrating YourOnRamp

The launch party for YourOnRamp.com held last Monday evening was incredible. Just my opinion, but I don’t think there’s a person (male or female) who participated in the event who would not whole-heartedly agree.

From a warm hug and gracious greeting upon arrival, to thought-provoking roundtable discussions that really hit the mark, the evening started off on solid ground. It was so well orchestrated, very comfortable and inclusive that it made me want to wrap up the whole environment and all the participants and say let’s start our own company, because this is what I believe a real meeting is supposed to feel like.

The exchange of ideas, information and help was phenomenal. It was the first time in a very long time that I’ve sat around a large conference table with a notebook, bottle of water and papers balanced in front of me, listening intently, thinking that this is the highest and best use of my time, here with this large group of strangers exchanging ideas and feeling so in-sync.

After the roundtables, we broke for wine, and extraordinary buffet filled with all of my favorites – sushi, tuna, shrimp, scallops and much more - and networking. Hats off to Catherine, Millie and the crew for finding the best caterers in Northern California. Nothing jumpstarts conversation and sparks talk among strangers better than creative, interesting and delicious food and very nice wine. Both were flowing in generous quantities and served by extremely polite, friendly professionals.

Networking can feel awkward, but Millie’s talk at the earlier roundtable broke the ice. The room was buzzing with conversation, laughter and introductions. Ideas were exchanged and there seemed to be light-bulb moments popping off like flash bulbs around the room.

All too soon, it was time for Dr. Sylvia Ann Hewlett to take the stage. Her talk was eye-opening and highly informative. Anyone with a PhD in economics who can keep the rapt attention of a crowded room full of well-fed people who have been consuming wine in step with food and conversation is a genius. Her personal story is one of triumph that should give hope to anyone struggling to successfully on-ramp.

And for those who are thinking about off-ramping, the key message is to plan ahead. There are loads of things to think about and do in anticipation of off-ramping. And, there are some ways to make graceful exits that are better than others.

If you missed the event, you’re not left out. Key documents are available on the website, including the OnRamping and OffRamping plan.

YourOnRamp.com has got it right! The right community developed to assemble the right tools to meet the needs of on- and off-rampers at the right time, and all done with tremendous foresight, depth, refinement, judgment and brilliance.