Kyle, TX

Recently I heard of an organization known as BNI. For those of you who haven't heard about BNI, don't feel alone. BNI stands for Business Networking International. I only heard about it recently through a colleague. He actually gave me the book "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret" so I could learn more about the organization and its'. The book emphasizes the value of networking in all facets of life.

As I read the book I realized that my natural tendency of being shy was holding me back both socially and professionally. I was the type that when I went to any group event I tended to find one person that I already knew and stick to them like glue rather than take the opportunity to get to know others and let them get to know me.

So the first thing I did was go to BNI website, www.bni.com, and I read more about the organization. I loved what I saw. As a realtor I am often asked about recommendations from my clients for various professions/service providers. They are new to the area, sometimes I am the first person they meet. What better service could I provide my clients but to provide them a list of trusted service providers. The BNI just gives this process a more structured, focused and organized way of doing just that.

I found out there was an active BNI group in nearby San Marcos, Texas, also in Hays County, so I went to a meeting.

I was impressed with what I saw. I like that the meetings were very organized and focused. Members share information about themselves, their profession, their philosophies etc. The entire concept is based on the members getting to know one another and build relationships. And isn't the idea of business abotu relationships? In talking to the members I discovered that over time, both business and friendships grew.

As there was not an active chapter in my hometown of Kyle I decided to start a group. To understand how the group works you need to know that there is only one representative from each profession, e.g. I am a realtor in the group. So the selection of the members of the group is extremely important. I know I want to make sure that any in the group feel as strongly about servicing their clients as I do. I want to know if I refer a client to someone that they are going to "take care" of that client in the same way I do when it comes to helping them buy or sell a home.

So if anyone is interested or knows anyone that might be interested in joining the Kyle BNI chapter please let me know. Would love to talk to them to see if we'd be a good match.

Nothing like a good old fashioned Market Days to give you a feel for a community. Farmer's Markets, Market Days...they both can evoke the small town feel. Kyle's Market Days might not be as large as some neighboring ones it's in our backyard.

The Kyle Market Days takes place right on Front Street between the new Kyle City Hall and the Historic Train Depot on the First Saturday of the Month - April through November, 9:00am - 2:00pm.

I went for the first time this summer and spent a good hour or two checking out the local vendors.

Now, while the vendors may change from month to month, some of my favorites included the magnetic healing jewelry (they can make some custom order on-the-spot or you could select from some of the existing pieces), the family name stones (you can order a huge stone for your front yard that has your family name, or whatever you want inscribed on it) and the homemade pastries...yummmm!

Maybe you don't like jewelry or name stones, don't worry, there is something for everyone! There were also quilts, wind chimes, dream catchers, children's clothing and not to mention the fresh produce and awesome home made salsa and jams!

You might want to check this out when you and your family are hanging around the house on a Saturday trying to figure out something to do. Go ahead and bring the whole family, the kids will be able to find a table of interest and if nothing else you can at least pick up some kettle corn before you leave!

Now if you don't live in Kyle, or you are willing to drive a bit and you want to check out some of the Austin Area Farmers Markets there are quite a few to choose from all around town.

One of my favorite Austin Area restaurants happens to be in the little town of Kyle...no kidding...the restaurant is in Kyle, 30 minutes or so from downtown Austin and the food is wonderful. The name of this gem you may ask...Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is on center street in our sleepy little community of Kyle. I will confess that I am a real estate expert not a food expert so someone reading this may not believe me when I say that the food is wonderful. (I mean let's face it, one of my favorite restaurants back home in Indiana is White Castles...yep those little hamburgers many call Sliders. I can't go back to Indiana without stopping in for five of the little burgers and a few to take with me on the road.)

So I'm not offended if you're not jumping in the car and heading our way. Geez, I wouldn't even take my word for it if I didn't know better. However, I think most would agree that Emeril Lagasse is a food expert. Right? How about one of the food experts. Why do I mention him you may be asking? Well turns out Emeril came to our little town of Kyle recently...and why you ask? He came in order tocheck out Bordeaux. Yep...looks like our little secret isn't going to be a secret for much longer. So see you don't have to take my word for it you now know that someone who really knows food also thinks the food at Bordeaux is...what was the word he used...oh yeah...phenomenal!

So let's all support our local businesses and if you haven't gone to Bordeaux yet, check them out. Be sure to tell them Celeste sent you!

See ...you don't have to believe me...believe Emeril....BAM!

In the meantime, have a great day!

Celeste

To get to Bordeaux, head south from Austin on I35, take the Kyle/Highway 150 exit (exit number 213). Take a right (east) on Center Street and cross over the Railroad tracks and look for Bordeaux on the Right. It's just before the Courthouse.

Kyle Texas is a flourishing city located in the heart of Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio. Real estate in this countryesque city ranges from commercial rental property to sprawling ranch homes and everything in between. If you're looking for a country atmosphere that's convenient to major city offerings, Kyle may be the place for you. Kyle Real Estate offers pristine ranch land, farm land, acreage, commercial buildings, old victorian homes, ranches and farm houses.

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