By Alison Baringer, Founder of Salt & Rally
59.
That's how many meetings I've taken notes on in this notebook since launching Salt & Rally.
Not the total number of conversations I've had, just the ones that made it onto these pages.
And before we go any further, yes, that is literally my logo printed on a piece of paper and taped to the front of a notebook.
Welcome to the glamorous life of an entrepreneur!
Some things get a professional designer. Other things get a printer, a roll of tape, and five minutes between meetings.
But as unimpressive as the notebook itself might be, what's inside it is pretty special.
59 curiosity-filled conversations. New introductions. New friendships. Ideas, advice, and opportunities I never would have anticipated.
And a whole lot of iced chai latte. (It’s hard being an entrepreneur who doesn’t like coffee).
When I launched Salt & Rally, I knew building a business would mean putting myself out there. Meeting people, sharing what I do, learning about their businesses, and hopefully finding opportunities to work together.
What I didn't fully anticipate was just how much I would enjoy the process.
Turns out, the conversations themselves have become one of my favorite parts.
The World is Bigger Than We Think
After spending more than 20 years in the festival and nonprofit world, I've been fortunate to build some incredible relationships throughout Wilmington. I knew a lot of people, understood much of the community landscape, and felt pretty connected to the place I call home.
Or so I thought!
These past few months have reminded me just how much there is to discover, even in a community you've been part of for decades.
For example, I've recently found myself learning about port logistics and the fascinating world of moving cargo around the globe. Think about it. The products we use every day, the materials our businesses depend on, and the goods that make their way into and out of Wilmington all have an incredibly complex journey behind them.
There are entire industries, relationships, and logistical puzzles happening around us that most of us rarely stop to consider.
And now I get to learn about them!
I've met entrepreneurs building businesses from scratch, people solving problems I didn't even know existed, and community leaders finding creative ways to make a difference.
It's been refreshing, energizing, and a wonderful reminder that there's always something new to learn.
The Meetings You Least Expect
Here's something else I've discovered.
Some of the best conversations I've had were the ones I walked into with absolutely no expectations.
Maybe someone suggested we connect. Maybe I was curious about their business. Maybe we had a mutual acquaintance and figured it would be nice to meet.
No specific agenda. No obvious opportunity. No real idea where the conversation might go.
And wouldn't you know it, some of those meetings have turned out to be the most inspiring and full of possibility.
Not necessarily because they resulted in business, although sometimes they have.
But because one conversation sparked an idea. Or introduced me to a new perspective. Or led to another person I should meet. Or opened a door I didn't even know was there.
It's a good reminder that you don't always have to know where something is going to recognize that it's worth exploring.
Sometimes showing up with curiosity is enough.
Getting Outside Our Circles
One of the things I love most about Wilmington is how connected our community can be.
But even in a place like this, it's easy to settle into familiar routines.
We attend the same events. Meet at the same coffee shops. Talk to the same people. And before long, we forget just how many interesting businesses, organizations, and people are out there doing great things.
Starting Salt & Rally has given me a reason to step outside those circles.
To ask more questions. To listen. To introduce myself to someone new. To say yes to a meeting even when I'm not quite sure where it might lead.
I've made new friends, discovered new corners of our business community, and found ways to get involved that weren't previously on my radar.
And each time, my world gets a little bigger.
A Little More Rallying Around Wilmington
All of this has inspired something new that I'm excited to launch in November.
I'm calling it Rally ILM.
The idea is simple: as I continue meeting with clients, colleagues, and new connections, I'm going to make a conscious effort to explore more of the places that make Wilmington special.
New coffee (chai latte!) shops. Local restaurants. Interesting meeting spots. Businesses I've been meaning to visit but somehow haven't.
And along the way, I'll share some of the places and people I'm discovering.
Because if I'm going to spend this much time connecting with people around Wilmington, why not use those opportunities to rally around the local businesses that make our community so great?
More on that soon!
Here's To the Next 59
Looking at this notebook, I see much more than meeting notes.
I see people who generously shared their time, experiences, and advice. New friendships. Unexpected introductions. Ideas scribbled in the margins. Opportunities to collaborate. And a growing appreciation for just how much is happening in our community.
I started Salt & Rally because I believe relationships and community connections can create real momentum for businesses and organizations.
These conversations have only reinforced that belief.
And while I may eventually upgrade to a notebook with an actual professionally printed cover, I wouldn't trade what's inside this duct-taped version for anything.
So here's to more lattes, more questions, more introductions, and more opportunities to learn from one another.
And if we haven't met yet, there's always room for one more conversation.
You never know where it might lead.