At San Diego Rotary Club 33 on August 27, 2015 guest speakers and longtime club members Phil Blair (pictured, left) Executive Officer of the staffing firm Manpower-West, and Jenni Prisk (pictured, middle, next to President Peter Duncan), a speech communications expert presented a novel program. 

 
Reprising their very successful presentation of a year ago, Phil and Jenni reminded members that Rotary began with Rotarians doing business with each other, and helping fellow Rotarians to grow their businesses. Therefore, members need to be aware of their fellow members’ professions. The 30-second elevator speech, ready at a moment’s notice, was the solution. 
 
To demonstrate the point, Jenni and Phil delivered examples of ineffective 30 second pitches that they followed with dynamic pitches. They then surprised members at their luncheon tables. One at a time, members whose coffee cups had an orange dot were asked to stand and tell the 250 attendees what they do professionally and how fellow Rotarians could give them leads – in 30 seconds or less.
 
When the time was up, Phil or Jenni blew a whistle -- loudly –and rushed to the next person, followed by lots of laughs and good humor. Through it all, members were treated to many compelling 30-second elevator speeches. Several members remarked afterwards that they learned more about fellow Rotarians in this program than they had learned over the years. And others made business connections immediately following the program. 
 
Who better to confirm the good that comes from networking than Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary? The following is taken from an article he wrote in 1911: "If anyone tell you that it is reprehensible to try to make a dollar or two for the wife and babies from club associates in straightforward business transactions, tell that person that some foreign substance has gotten into his carburetor. 
 
Legitimate business transactions are profitable to both sides. ...I know my goods and I know that I am doing the other fellow just as great a favor as I am doing myself, when I give him a chance to trade with me.” 
 
So there you have it! Is Networking appropriate at Rotary? Of course!