The owner of the company viewed me on LinkedIn several times over a course of two months. I finally sent the owner an email saying that I noticed that "we keep on bumping into each other here on LinkedIn."
She then invited me to have coffee with her.
I met her and her business partner for coffee at a hotel library and had a lengthy conversation about their company, what plans and goals they had for the future (i.e they wanted to re-brand the company and almost treat it as a start up with a turn key office.) They wanted to know on the spot how I saw myself being able to contribute to re-branding and re-starting a company that had been known in the industry already for 18 years.
I gave them my ideas and how I could contribute to the future success of their company and their idea.
We had two more day time, lengthy (1-4 hour) discussions during this interview process. Then the owner invited me to come to the office after 6pm so that I could get a vibe of the space and company.
The office was gorgeous. We talked until midnight and really hit it off.
Then there was a month of financial and contract negotiations.
Finally we all agreed upon a set of terms and signed the contracts.
The company is doing great. The owners gave me full reign to change the talent and image of the company as I saw fit. The owners are fantastic business people and nice - a great combination. The company is filled with an electric creative energy galvanized by the young and eclectic staff that they have.
I am proud to be associated with the company.