Practice the 3 Cs of Networking
Are you networking to the best of your ability? To do so, it’s important to follow the 3 Cs: Connect, Communicate and Current. Connect Networking is all about making connections. But how do you do that? It can be from behind your computer via LinkedIn, but the best...
Ditch the Elevator Speech
They say, “there’s a time and place for everything.” But there is really no room for your elevator speech at a casual networking (or getting-to-know-you) event. And it is certainly not a great opener when you’re meeting someone new with whom you’d like to develop a...
The Importance of Open-Ended Questions
Have you ever been frustrated by a conversation you feel is going nowhere? One where you’re looking to get to know someone better but it’s plagued by one-word responses? It may be because of the kind of questions you’re asking. Yes and No Sometimes “yes” and “no”...
Networking Through Summer Break
Ahhh...Summer. The kids are off of school. Vacation days are planned. Trips to the beach and ball games beckon. It’s a grand time. But don’t sacrifice the networking connections you’ve made! While many groups (like ours) take a break from traditional organized...
Leveraging LinkedIn
Looking to take to the web to expand your professional network? There’s a place for that. It’s not Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You’ll want to set up a profile on LinkedIn, the top professional social platform for career networking. Did you know that at the close...
What Networking Group Should I Join?
Are you a networking novice at a loss for where and how to get started? We at Pagoda Business Association say: start by searching out professional organizations that are centered on your field of work – human resources, public relations, accounting – whatever it may...
Become an Expert on YOU!
Can you give a clear, concise explanation of what your job is and what your duties entail? How about give some background on your workplace and its history should someone inquire? Before you dive knee-deep into networking, you’ll want to have a comfortable and...
Be Someone’s Connection Go-To
You love that person you know you can rely on if you need a reference for someone in a particular field or specialty. He or she just seems to know everyone and happily and easily offers up quality resources. Want to be known in the same way? Read on... Start with...
Focus Your Networking Plan
So, you go to networking functions here and there, but do you know why you’re doing it beyond to meet new contacts? A plan is important! Perhaps your conscience told you it would be a smart career move to begin attending networking events, but did you just jump in...
Following Through: A Networking Essential
One of the many benefits of establishing a strong network is being able to rely on it for referrals. You might look for a referral when it comes to negotiating an aspect of your career or when looking to climb the ranks within your profession, or for when you’re...
Making First Meetings Memorable
Ever listen to someone speak about a topic he or she is passionate about? Think about animal advocates, cancer survivors calling for research, sports fans discussing the greats their franchise has seen over time...you get the idea. Agree with them or not, it’s hard...
Renew Your Networking Commitment
Do you remember why you signed up for a networking group or event? What was your primary motivation? Or have you been thinking about dipping your toes in the networking pool but haven’t put your swimsuit on yet? Now’s the time to start – or restart – for that matter....