Two Young Professionals

Networking Tip #12 – Where To Go?

Two Young Professionals — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:07:48 +0000

We’ve been talking about the importance and necessesity of networking. As a result, some of you have asked how you found out about these events that are rich with opportunity. I bet they happen in your community more than you realize. Here are some places to check:

Chambers of Commerce
Professional Associations
Churches
Colleges & Universities
Community Centers & Groups
Unions
Alumni Organizations
Libraries
Political Organizations

This is a very short list of organizations that host networking events on a regular basis. Now, keep in mind that an event doesn’t have to be labeled “networking” for it be considered just that. Let’s face it, anytime you get any sort of group of people together it’s an opportunity for networking.

So, check your local organizations and get your name out there!

Entertaining Tip #11 – It’s Okay To Buy

Two Young Professionals — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:58:39 +0000

If you’re like us, one of the most stressful parts of hosting a dinner party is figuring out what to have for an appetizer with cocktails. It seems we’re always trying to find the most creative, innovative item that will impress everyone.

Well, we’re over it. It’s a dinner party, not an appetizer party. Yes, it’s definitely nice to have a little something to offer as you give your guests wine, but it doesn’t have to be the star of the evening. If you have an easy recipe that doesn’t take much time or effort – go for it. Otherwise, go to the market and buy some simple items and call it good.

Hummus, cheese, salami, cherry tomatoes, crackers, olives, etc. All of these items make great cocktail munchies; and all you have to do it put them on a platter.

Put your energy and creativity into the main entree, not the starter!

Networking Tip #11 – Questions Before Bragging

Two Young Professionals — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:53:30 +0000

When in a networking situation, we know how tempting it is to spew forth your list of accomplishments and resources that you can provide for someone. Warning: don’t do it.

We tend to think that the more interested you seem in the people you are talking to, the more likely they are to remember you. People generally like to talk about themselves. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in the people you are talking to. When you have gathered a lot of information about them, ask another question. By this point, they love you for being so interested in what they do and will be extremely open to hearing how you might be able to offer them something valuable.

Just as an expert interviewer make the interviewee the star – the expert networker does the same.

Entertaining Tip #10 – Warm is Subjective

Two Young Professionals — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:05:33 +0000

With more sun and less snow in the Midwest, we are all reeling to get outside! We’ve already been invited to outdoor barbeque parties and have brought the flip flops to the front of the closet.

If the excitement of spring has you inspired to entertain outside soon, keep one thing in mind: what’s warm weather to you, may not be to all of your guests.

There is nothing worse than sitting outside, shivering to the point of spilling your cocktail. If you insist on having an outdoor party on these early spring evenings, be sure that your home is open for those guests who may not think it is flip flop weather just yet. Your guests comfort should always be at the top of your priorities.

So, although you may think 45 degrees is time to bring out the lawn chairs, others may not.

Networking Tip #10 – Know Your Angle

Two Young Professionals — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:25:16 +0000

There are generally a plethora of networking events in major cities, and even smaller ones. We highly recommend taking advantage of these events and will devote a post about how to find out about these events. However, just showing up and talking isn’t the best plan of action.

When deciding to attend a networking event, take the time to figure out who might be there. Occasionally these events may have themes for certain types of careers or businesses or even age ranges. Know what kind of people might be there and think through how you might best approach them to seem relevant to them. For example, if you are an IT person going to a networking event primarily for marketers, how might you approach these people so that they see a value in staying in touch with you. What can you do for them? How can you perhaps partner with an organization? What resources can you provide that others can’t.

In other words, have an angle. The more unique it is, the better.

Entertaining Tip #9 – Relax!

Two Young Professionals — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:14:07 +0000

For those of you who are often hosting your friends for an evening, you know how easy it is to stress yourself out trying to prepare and make sure everything is as perfect as it can be (heaven forbid anyone realize our home and life isn’t a perfect picture). You devote a large chunk of time timing out when to put the bread in the oven and when to start the pasta; making sure that everything will be done at precisely the same time so everything is piping hot when your guests are ready to eat – leaving a segment of time to get yourself ready as well.

We’re here to say: stop it! Most people live fairly busy lives, professionally and personally. When your friend, especially those close ones that you really want to have over, come to your house they don’t care if everything is perfectly time to be ready for their arrival. They just want a glass of a wine and a welcoming hug from their friends (too cheesy?).

If you’re able to relax, your guests will be able to relax. The food will taste much better if they aren’t worried about spilling and having to use the freshly pressed linens.

Networking Tip #9 – Follow up

Two Young Professionals — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:44:19 +0000

Whether you’ve been at a conference all week or exchanged cards with someone waiting in line at the deli, it is likely that you’ve made some new contacts this week. Making the initial contact and exchange is often the easiest part, but we would argue it’s not enough. We all meet a variety of people on a daily basis, and that’s often as far as it goes.

Make the new connection really count: follow up! Don’t wait a week, or even three days. We suggest sending an email or text message the next day – a voicemail works too. Just a simple, ‘hey, it was nice meeting you and I look forward to getting to know you’ or ‘look forward to discussing potential projects with you soon.’ Whatever the case may be, it is important to make follow up contact soon after the initial meeting – before they have to strain to remember who you are!

Entertaining Tip #8 – Clean the house, just in case

Two Young Professionals — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:04:46 +0000

We in the Midwest are always trying to stretch out the warm summer months as long as possible, so an outdoor party in October is quite common. There is something so relaxing about a cool evening next to an outdoor fire with chicken and ribs cooking on the grill.

Our only request is that when you are throwing these late summer or fall parties, you have a back up plan ready. Temperatures can quickly drop and rain (or even snow) can make its way unannounced and ruin the evening.

Hopefully it won’t matter, but just make sure the house is clean – just in case!

Networking Tip #8 – Take the lead

Two Young Professionals — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:24:36 +0000

We’ve all been to networking or social events and felt that tinge of awkwardness when even thinking about approaching strangers. It can be a paralyzing feeling that can turn an event with great potential into a complete waste of an evening. Some things to keep in mind when this overwhelming feeling prevents you from initiating conversation with your next potential client or friend:

-Remember that most people are feeling the same way you are – take the lead and initiate conversation – they will be grateful.

-People are flattered when people show a genuine interest in them and their activities. Start the conversation asking about them and hopefully they will reciprocate.

-Listen for shared interests and run with it! Make a connection through a common goal or hobby and you have the underpinning for sustaining a pleasant conversation.

-Be prepared with your introduction. Think through how you are going to introduce yourself. What are the important things you want people know about you immediately.

If all else falls, be sure to bring a friend or colleague; your courage will instantly be greater! Take a risk and take the lead at these events. We promise you’ll not regret it!

Entertaining Tip #7 – One color fits all, best

Two Young Professionals — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:53:30 +0000

Candles can set such a pleasant mood for any occasion. Whether used as a centerpiece or just scattered throughout your

home, there is something so comforting about the soft light and ever so tender scent provided by the wax sculptures.

That said, we do have some guide lines that we like to keep in mind when using candles. First, if you are using them as your centerpiece, we prefer you keep them to one color or color family rather than throwing every candle in your cupboard on the table. Second, especially for dinner parties, it’s best to use unscented candles so not to interfere with the food. If all you have is scented, please don’t mix scents. Too many competing scents can really create an unpleasant atmosphere.