by Karen P. Katz on March 5, 2010
Kudos to Lindsey and Kate, who organized this well-attended event at the Public House in Center City, Philadelphia.
What is “Speed Networking?” It is an event designed to promote business connections, in this case among a group of professionals who already share an interest in careers in the “Sustainability” sector of business. In my role as a resource for people interested in this sector, this association-sponsored event was sure to attract people I would be able to relate to.
How does the event work? Participants were assigned either letters or numbers. Letters remained seated at small tables; numbers changed seats after a specified period of time until most attendees had an opportunity to meet one another. In other words, letter “C” met with number “3;” then number “3″ moved over to meet with letter “D.”
Where does “speed” enter the picture? These events are staged to promote a quick introduction to as many people as possible, with time afterward for socializing. Time seems to be our scarcest resource these days: I was able to meet and make an initial assessment of 10 people in 65 minutes.
WIIFY-What’s In It For You?
- For those who are not comfortable with face-to-face networking, this is an opportunity to practice in a controlled environment and for a limited period of time – no need to reach-out to people ‘cuz they’ll come to you.
- This type of event preserves a bit of anonymity – you may find 1-2 gems among the 10 contacts you might make, and there is no shame in leaving the 8 or so other contacts to be mined later or not at all.
- In just a few minutes, participants share business cards and discuss their goals, share their “1-minute commercial,” ask for recommendations”, etc. Take notes, follow-up, be a giver…
- Your group can suggest some “prompts” or conversation starters, or leave it to the participants. Lindsey and Kate suggested 6-minute blocks of time, so there was ample time to share information and determine if connections were worth pursuing.
I’d like to hear about your experiences: is this a legitimate method to build your network, or is it too contrived? So far, my take on it is that speed networking could be a great ice-breaker for a group training exercise or meeting. I recommend it as a NYNT – Nurture Your Network Tool. Thanks again to Lindsey and Kate, (and to whomever jammed the parking meter outside the Public House so I could park for free)!
by Karen P. Katz on November 10, 2009
The Reach Personal Branding group recently circulated a post that deserves wider circulation. William Arruda, a respected advocate for personal branding and co-author of Career Distinction, commented on a NYT piece by Thomas Friedman called, “The New Untouchables.”
Arruda makes the point that those who will survive and flourish during challenging times are those who can distinguish themselves – those who can become the purple cow in the herd of brown and white cows. As I prepare to meet MBA students who aspire to be the corporate and entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow (Net Impact Conference 11/13 & 11/14), it seems timely to extrapolate these words from William’s post:
As I see it, this is all about personal branding. What do you offer that is not available from anyone else? What emotional brand attributes do you add onto your competence that gets people excited about you? What unique talents and abilities put you in a class by yourself?
Will you make the case to a prospective employer that you understand their issues – that you are prepared to integrate your education, experience, and personal qualities in a plan that makes an overwhelming case for hiring and retaining you. Will you make yourself indispensable?
by Karen P. Katz on September 10, 2009
A chain of posts through the Net Impact LinkedIn group led me to rant again about the disparity between the innovation that is taught in “better” business schools and the conformity that is foisted-upon new graduates.
Ivy League universities hire distinguished faculty to teach classes in “innovation;” these same professors rally around the need for change to compete in the global marketplace. Yet as students approach graduation and complete their exams, theses, and dissertations, it seems they are ushered into the back room to have the creativity beaten out of them. The Biz School back-room “whoopin” leaves new graduates wondering about their considerable investment of time, money, and faith.
Resumes must conform to a specific style to earn a place in the recruitment “book; ” cover letters may as well be automated, and networking is almost incestuous (maybe due to over-reliance on alumni). I shouldn’t complain, as many students seek the services of experienced career professionals to flesh-out their personal brand and manage their job search campaigns. (Look for CAN and other career strategists at the Sept. 17th PA Governor’s Conference for Women, as well as several MBA Career Expos and the November Net Impact Conference.)
The NetImpact group discussion led me to a related post by Matt Madden, a Presidio School of Management student who is writing a book tentatively titled Status Quo Values. The purpose of this project is to explore status quo value systems – economic, political and social values – and discuss the role these values play in our society’s aversion to change. The goal of the work is to define status quo values, discuss the historical roots of our institutional embrace of status quo values, examine the role our institutions play in promoting these values to individuals and investigate examples of institutions and individuals adhering to alternative value systems. Sounds like a continuation of the dialog started by Robert Reich in his Fast Company issue, Your Job Is Change. I’ll be looking for the book, Matt…
by Karen P. Katz on February 28, 2009
I love it when people can tell stories that make a point – like Aesop's Fables… My father was great at this – unfortunately, I'm not. For this homily, let's borrow from Seth Godin and his "The Panhandler's Secret."
Seth's post is a simple story that reinforces a truism of sales training – talk features and benefits. Career changers and job seekers are selling themselves – selling their unique value proposition – their brand.
So be sure you know the features and benefits needed by your target organization – be sure what they need is in your "tool bag."
Karen P. Katz
by Karen P. Katz on February 12, 2009
This is an amazing opportunity for those whose entrepreneurial ideas are ready to launch, similar to the government's criteria for "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects.
Cuban offers venture capital to those who can meet his 13 criteria. The competition itself will spark innovative thinking; the process will be public, and therefore inspiring; the winning business plan may spark a stimulus of innovation. The time frame is NOW – its all about responsiveness and accountability.
Need help writing your business plan? If I can't help you, I'll find someone who can. Check-it-out…<http://tinyurl.com/djwbbu>
