As business leaders and Rotarians, we are often called to attend conferences, meetings, fundraisers, trade shows and receptions. Studies show that over 90% of us feel uncomfortable entering a room full of strangers! Despite starting off life as an introvert, I quickly learned that it was essential to network with others in order to further my career, expand my contacts and ultimately improve my life. Many of these new acquaintances became friends, colleagues, employers – and many ended up funding projects for a cause I supported. After “working” hundreds of rooms over many decades, I created this course that includes the Dirty Dozen – The Twelve Essential Tips for Successful Networking. I used both personal experiences and research from the experts to encourage you to comfortably and graciously expand your cadre of supporters and friends!
Joseph B. Diehl, CPA, JD, recently joined the University Sunrise Rotary Club–and appreciates this opportunity to share his ideas. Joe manages Diehl & Co. LLC which has provided services to nonprofit organizations since 1996. For the first half of his career, Joe held a variety of accounting/finance positions in the for profit sector. He earned his BS degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University (go “Huskies”) and his JD from UIC-John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL.
Notes from Jeff Mushen:
Thoughts of the Day by Ryan Hamilton
Quotes from Sir Winston Churchill:
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”
“Everyone is in favor of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled, but some people’s idea of it is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage.”
Announcements
Dave Mushen – thanked all who participated in the teen feed project this past week.
Michael Bronsdon – October 9th Tiny house project is still looking for two more folks to help build tiny houses. Reach out to Michael or use the following link to sign up. https://1drv.ms/x/s!AlWWcrFmXfyjkP5YzZ4Yve39YQ96DQ?e=KIP0X1
Isaac McNally – QFC Food Drives is scheduled for October 30th. Costumes are optional!
Dan Byrne – Street End projects! He’s looking into parks that we as a club.
Colleen – August 20th Social at Ivar’s on Northlake at 4/5pm
Mike Madden – TINFA virtual FUN-draiser. Saturday October 2nd reach out to Mike Madden for more information,
History Lesson
Last week on this day – The US Government started taxing your income.
This week on this day – IBM introduced the first personal computer.
Speaker – Joe Diehl – How to “Work” a Room and Build Relationships
Joe’s previously experience as a stutterer and introvert led him to the theater as a child, go figure? He ended up acting and taking his experience on the stage to real life. Words of wisdom from his instructor, “Life is a play, get over it!”
Why do we seek to Network with others?
Find future connections, expand circle of friends, find supporters for your cause, expand your career, and build strong/lasting relationships.
Once you’ve arrived: Analyze the landscape
Do not search for people you know. Do not stand by the wall with your drink.
Walk to the first person you don’t know and follow these tips.
Tip One: Prepare in advance – Understand the group, dress appropriately, bring lots of business cards and a pen, bring your own name badge.
Tip Two: Get an elevator speech down – tell someone what you do for a living.
Tip Three: Get your networking face on – SMILE!
Tip Four – Personal stories outweigh memorization
Tip Five – The host of the events, always sets the RULES. Follow them
Tip Six – Have a Dream and share it with people
Tip Seven – Don’t talk about sensitive topics
Tip Eight – Jot down personal items on the back of business cards for the people whom you meet
Tip Nine – Network with each person for a maximum of 3-4 minutes.
Tip Ten – Try to make the connection productive for the other persons.
Tip Eleven – Try to find mutual interest
Tip Twelve – Follow up is required in writing, not optional
The Bottom Line: Networking is an art, not a science. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE