Special Networking Event
What/When/Where
- What
- Structured Networking Event (and Swap Meet)
- When
- Wednesday, May 27, 2009
- Registration: 5:15pm – 5:30pm
- Networking: 5:30pm until 7:00pm (light snacks will be provided)
- Where
- Hennepin County Southdale Library Meeting Room
Cost
There is no cost to attend this event but space is limited. Register early!
Bring a gently-used quality or business book, CD or DVD to exchange in the Swap Meet.
Networking
Networking is an important activity in any economy but vital when times are tough. If you want to recession-proof your career, you must have a network of personal and professional contacts that know and support you. Waiting to network until you are laid off or in need is an ineffective strategy to protect your future.
All opportunities come from people. If you lose your job tomorrow, where would you begin your job search? Many people will turn to online job search listings. Yet, those very positions are often being filled even as you read about them – sometimes even before they are posted! –by a candidate who found out about it via their personal or professional network. Statistics show that most jobs – 80% by some estimates – are filled through networking contacts. If your network is limited, your ability to discover opportunities is limited as well.
According to Harvard Business Review, people gain three things through networking: private information that is not found anywhere else, influence in wider arenas, and access to diverse skill sets to help them get things done.
If you are at all concerned about your future in the current economy, then it is time for you to assess your commitment to your business relationships. When you are in need and approach people to make new contacts, it is clear that your motives are self-serving. However, when you proactively establish a mutually beneficial long-term friendship, the other person will be there for you instinctively when you need it. You will not need to “sell” yourself to others who already know about your unique talents.
Uncomfortable with networking?
Uncomfortable with networking? You are not alone. Almost 60% of Americans say they feel shy and unsure about what to say in a variety of business and social settings, according to The Shyness Institute at Stanford University. Consequently, they either avoid networking altogether or get very little out of it when they do it. To assist our members in establishing powerful extended networks, MN-ASQ is hosting a variety of facilitated, structured networking events.
What is structured networking? Most people are familiar with open or traditional networking. You go to a meeting where people are milling about. You are on your own to introduce yourself to people, talk to people, exchange contact information and find contacts for your network. Daunting, at best. In fact, most people would rather have a root canal!
Networking, in general, requires that you step outside your comfort zone – and act confidently there. Structured networking activities reduce (even eliminate!) tensions associated with traditional open networking. The appeal of structured networking is just that, structure. Meeting new people and building relationships are easier in a formal program.
Your network is MORE important than ever in an uncertain economy. Harness the power. Register for this special event today!
About the Swap Meet
Bring a gently used book, CD, or DVD that you would like to swap. Try to bring something that you really enjoyed or that you think others at the event will enjoy. When you arrive, you will leave the item you brought; during the evening, you will make a selection from the books, CD and DVDs that others brought to swap. Not only will each person who brings a book, CD, or DVD will go home with a new one but you will also have a chance to talk with others about the item you brought or the item you selected.
Registration
There is no cost to attend this event, but seating is limited. Please register by calling the MN-ASQ office at 651-779-9820 or email to mnasq@aol.com
Non-members are welcome to attend this event; please identify yourself as ‘guest’.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards!