Fool-Proof DIY Networking

When the word networking comes up, sometimes the first reaction is the same as being told can you give a presentation to 100 people on XYZ - people get nervous and think of it as a chore they know they have to do but don't always want to do.

Worry no more because there is a great way to network within the comfort of friends and soon-to-be friends, here is our recipe to success:

• Whether it is you alone or with a friend, think of no more than 10 people you would like to bring together. They may have professional and personal interests in common and then again they may not.
• If you host a get together with a friend, each of you should be responsible for half of the invites.
  
• It is extremely beneficial if the invitees don't know each other or may be familiar but not that well . This is not girlfriend outing time and no one person should feel like the new kid on the block, everyone should feel new to each other.
  
• Balance your invites with your outgoing and your introvert/shy associates. For the friend you have been trying to get out to events or who expresses displeasure of networking this will be a great and safe environment to get them started.
  
• Pick a tea house or brunch venue to have the event. There are many inexpensive brunch venues on the weekends and tea houses just have a natural good environment for conversations.
• Oh and yes have it on the weekend vs. after work so everyone can be clear minded and rested.
• Work with the venue to establish a pre-fix menu if they don't have . Many restaurants that have a brunch menu have a set price and tea houses usually have a scone, finger sandwich and cookies/dessert platter. The last thing you want to think about after a good chat is diving the bill. Provide the group with the cost that will factor in tax and tip prior to the event. Example: At Alice Teacup we did the Mad Hatters and it worked out to about $22 including tax and tip and all invitees were made aware that was the food setting being order, but of course can choose their types of sandwiches, scones, etc.
• Be a superb host. Have everyone introduce themselves, but don't be shy about gluing them together. Tell them why they were invited and what you knew they had in common with others - be the connector!
  
• Secret to success: Is that its a small manageable group where real conversations can be had. It is personal and there is nothing like receiving a personal invite

With the weather clearing up, go out there and plan a networking brunch/tea house event. Below are some suggestions based on experience:

• Alice's Tea Cup: There are several locations now. I found success at the 64th street & Lexington one because its bigger
• Franchia: This is a vegetarian Korean tea house. Great for your a group that is particularly health conscious and includes vegans/vegetarians. Not for meat lovers.
• Coco Rocco: Two locations in Brooklyn, a darn good cheap and tasty brunch $9.95. You will love it.
• Libations: I just had brunch here today for such an event. Never knew they served food...lol. Delicious brunch means for $19. (I can speak for the steak and eggs - yummy)
• Tea Map: This is a GREAT resource to find local area tea houses. I used it many times.
• Google these venues and sites. There were errors in linking the sites to the page. Thank you
  

Board Member *insert your name here*

Many of us like to volunteer our time to charity, but have we ever thought of combining our love of giving with professional goals and ambition?

Business Week had a resourceful article on how to take your talent and skills and apply them to a nonprofit board.

Yes, imagine you on a board! You don't have to be a 60+ year old man to get a seat these days. think about an issue you're passionate about and how you can lend your professional skills and experience to an organization that can really use your help. In such a situation you get to give and also grow your career - sounds like a perfect mix.

There are so many resources out there to guide you in this process.

So consider this opportunity; it can bring a kick to your career that you've been looking for.

Prepping for 2008

As you are all hustling and bustling to get last minute presents or check off 2007 to-dos, son;t forget to make time to prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for 2008.

A favorite book to read that is a guarantee to get you thinking clearly and feeling ambitious about your life is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. It's 174 pages front to back and a very easy read. So easy and so good you may want to purposely pace yourself.

So consider putting this on your last 2007 task or the first item of business for '08.

...Just another way to increase your savvy!

Reading is Power - Build Your Own Info Tank

Savvy-ones,


One of the requirements to being and staying savvy is reading! Besides discussing with others, the news you need is either online or in hard copy print.

My mail box is fulled with publications and my email is stock full of ezines and e-newsletters. Here are some ways to go about putting together your own information tank:

• Subscribe to pubs that will cover the following aspects of your life: Personal Finance; Beauty; Fashion; Health; Personal (respective to you nationality or maybe a element to your life that is not general to all); Professionalism/Career; General News

My example: I subscribe to: Smart Money; Allure; Harper's Bazaar; Fitness; Essence; Pink; Newsweek.

Tip: Go to StudentMags and sign up at a discount rate. They don't check to see if you are a student:)

Oh and whatever your preference online or in hand; NYT or WSJ - just read one. NYT offers the weekend subscription (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) - that is enough to keep you up on the ins and outs.

Enjoy!