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By: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
Coming from 23 years in the retail grocery business with over 70+ employees and then shifting to something completely different at the age of 42—well, 43 now—has been an unconventional roller coaster. On paper, it doesn’t make much sense. I left a career I knew inside and out and started over in a new town where I didn’t know a single person.
The first thing I did was dive headfirst into networking. I didn’t have money to throw at a media company, I could at least invest my time. I wanted to find like-minded people I could partner with, people who saw the value in connection and storytelling. Looking back, it sounds a little bananas—“I’m going to start a media company with no budget”—but sometimes you don’t know how heavy the leap will feel until you’re already midair.
So, I cast a wide net.
I did everything that seemed like the “right” steps. I joined BNI, and for a time, I was in the top 0.08% of members worldwide for five straight months. I joined the chamber, went to ribbon cuttings, after-hours events, weekly leads groups. I polished my 30- and 60-second pitches like one day I’d finally hit the perfect combination of words that would flip the switch in someone’s head.
I won’t lie—I didn’t recoup the money I poured into some of those memberships. But I also can’t say it was wasted. Because what I did gain were introductions. Conversations. A handful of true connections that matter far more than the hundreds of business cards exchanged at events where everyone’s “working the room.”
It’s easy to get caught up in measuring networking by immediate ROI: “How much business did this bring me?” But the truth is, networking isn’t a vending machine, you don’t put in $20 and expect the same or more to fall out. It’s more like gardening.
🪴You plant, water, and wait. 🪴
Sometimes things grow where you least expect them. Sometimes they don’t grow at all.
What I’ve learned is that the real value isn’t in the pitch—it’s in the follow-up, the consistency, the showing up. A year into the Hickory Algorithm, networking hasn’t just grown my business. It’s given me friendships. It’s built trust. It’s opened doors I never even knew were there.
And maybe most importantly, it’s shown me that even if something doesn’t “work” in the way I planned, it still gets me closer to where I want to go.
The foundation is laid. My strengths are clearer. So are my weaknesses. Eight months into the Hickory Algorithm, the question now is:
How do we grow from here?
The Hickory Algorithm
START BUTTON 🔘
We’ve found our niche: helping business owners navigate the waters in Hickory, NC.
Starting a business can feel overwhelming—where do you begin? Which direction is the right one? That’s where we come in.
We’ll meet you first over coffee or lunch to talk about your goals, good referral partners for your industry, and the marketing avenues that make sense for you right now.
At The Hickory Algorithm, we want to kickstart your journey with our START BUTTON 🔘 program.
What you get (all in just one month):
✅ 3 face-to-face strategy meetings
✅ Attending a networking group together
✅ Let us help you find your algorithm while we use ours
No long contracts. Just connection, clarity, and the confidence to move forward.
Not consulting - accelerating.
One Month Price = $200.00
Only 5 clients per month!
Contact us Here
#fortheloveofthegame
last week in the Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
#fortheloveofthegame
Power of a Genuine Connection:
We connected with Savannah last week talking about how a genuine connection can help you in business and in life.
Savannah is one of those people that are in my algorithm, when I need a pick me up.
Events:
📆 August 29th - 🐻
Lenoir-Rhyne is set to host its annual 828 celebration at Helen & Leonard Moretz Stadium on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Presented by FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, this year's 828 Day will take place a day later than normal in order to include a watch party for Lenoir-Rhyne Football's season opener at West Florida.
Go Bears! 🐻
So bummed I can’t stay the whole time for this - concession stand duty at the Hickory High game!
📆 August 30th - 🍿
Link to Facebook Event Page Here
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your family!
Conover Community Partners invites YOU to our first-ever Movie in the Park!
Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with snacks, drinks, and plenty of popcorn.
Featured Film: Shrek!
📆 September 27th - 🚍
Tickets Available Here
Hickory Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. #fortheloveofthegame spread the word to help feed these 3 teenage boys!
📆 October 18th - 🧙♂️
Link to Facebook Event Page Here
Moonjoy Meadery Presents: The Fellowship of the Ring Hobbit Party!
This one is selfish because I’m hoping to attend.
Embark on an epic quest through Downtown Lenoir on Saturday, October 18th, from 1 PM to 6PM, as Moonjoy Meadery hosts a "Fellowship of the Ring" Hobbit Party!
🛸 The Hickory Algorithm 🛸
At Hickory Algorithm, marketing isn’t just noise—it’s about a game plan. Executing that game plan across multiple platform with organic ever green content.
🎙️ #YouTube = 🔦Business Spotlight🔦
📩 #Newsletter = ⤴️Increase your reach⤴️
🔘 #Start Button = 💨Accelerate your start💨
🤝 #Members Only= 🔋Valuable Connections 🔋
Want to know how it all works?
CONTACT US
📡 Increase your reach organically with hickoryalgorithm.com
🦋 Content that Connects. Connections that matter. 🦋
Things I use:
Google Workplace 🕸️
Looking to start a new workspace? I’ve been using google workplace for the last 5 months. If you are looking to have a business email and not use your personal email? I’ve been there, believe me. A new email like you@your-company.com to help you stay organized in the workplace. Link above with my Google Workplace, you get 10%, business email, and a 14 day trial.
Oura Ring 💍
I’ve been using Oura ring for the last 2 years. If you’re looking to take control of your sleep, recovery, and daily energy, the Oura Ring might be the smartest wearable out there. It’s a sleek, lightweight ring that tracks your heart rate, sleep quality, readiness, and activity all without the bulk of a smartwatch. Here is link to 10% off.
