Re:Focus on Careers

CHANGES ARE COMING TO RE:FOCUS ON CAREERS

in 2009!

..stay tuned for a NEW WEBSITE

New Look
New Venues
New Speakers
New Topics

SAME great networking opportunities

Membership Ambassador Club Sponsors

RE:FOCUS ON CAREERS is the premier organization dedicated to helping professionals
enhance their careers through networking.

Helpful Networking Tips

2 v. 20—The Networking Paradox. To have a great conversation with 2 or 3 new contacts who really understand your objectives and for whom you can provide help, too, is success. We offer you a chance to connect with these people—and also meet 20-30 others during the speed networking session.

Speed Networking. Speed networking allows you to meet many people in short period of time. Each person has about 1-2 minutes to tell others who you are, what you do and want to do, and what a good lead is for you. You’ll use your :30 elevator pitch during the speed networking session. Be sure to be both broad and specific, mention target companies, industries, titles and key words. The others will provide leads, referrals, contact names and suggestions.

:30 Elevator Pitch. Imagine you’re on an elevator and only have a few seconds to make an impression on the person with whom you are sharing the ride. You have about 30 seconds to introduce yourself and clearly state your needs. Make your pitch clear and precise, so the other person knows exactly what you do, and perhaps how you may work together. What is a good lead for you? Whom do you want to meet? A contact in a specific industry, company, or department? Someone with a specific title? A particular person? Your pitch may change depending on your audience. Elevator pitches are dynamic, not static. They should sound conversational, not rehearsed.

Business Cards. Your business card is essential to networking. In addition to your name, email, and phone number(s), your business card should include something about yourself so that when someone looks at the card a few weeks later, he will better understand what good referrals & introductions are for you. You may consider including: job titles, skills, industries of interest, degree, and certification.

Email Address. This should always be professional. You may want to create a secondary email account via Yahoo or another free service using your name (i.e. johndoe@yahoo.com). (NOTE: Do not use “jobseeker@yahoo.com” or anything similar--it does not convey professionalism.)

Blurbs. When a person offers to make an introduction on your behalf, you may need to gently remind him. Send a brief email stating where you met, the conversation you had, and how he offered to help you. In a new paragraph tell what you can offer their contact. You may want to use bullet points, include target niches/industries/companies. End the note with your professional signature which should include your FULL name, email address, and telephone number. He will be able to forward your email directly to their contact. Remember to also ask this person how YOU can help him! Do not send any attachments, unless this person specifically asked for information to forward along. (The exception being a resume sent to a recruiter or hiring manager who requested your resume.)

Career Plan. A well-written career plan will help you identify target industries and companies, whether you are looking for new clients or a new job. The top third looks like a resume, with your contact information and summary of qualifications & skills. The bottom two thirds list 3-6 industries with 5-20 target companies.

Quotes from Debbie Rodkin:

What counts is not what you know, nor who you know: It’s Who Knows You!
Help others help you (by being specific about your objectives)
Be in the know: the more you help others, the more others will want to help you
Make others feel comfortable by introducing yourself
Volunteering is a great way to network!
Dress for success
Ask for advice (not a job)
Always wear a Professional Name Badge
Always Be Networking

RE:FOCUS ON CAREERS is the premier networking organization dedicated helping professionals enhance their careers through networking.

Corporate Seminars Available

Does your organization or city need RE: FOCUS ON CAREERS?

Offer a seminar at your office to teach your employees how to be more effective at professional associations and trade shows. Our most popular seminars include:

--Making the Most of Your Networking Time
--Networking for Introverts and Others Who Don’t Like To Network
--Networking: Beyond the Handshake
--Networking 101
--Increasing Your Exposure (Without Losing Your Shorts)
--Prepare for a Career Fair

To schedule a networking seminar for your executives, associates who are being downsized, professional associations, trade organizations, and alumni associations, contact Debbie Rodkin

Yahoo groups are online forums created to facilitate networking, allowing members to exchange business and networking opportunities, volunteer events, contact information, and other useful tips. Join our YahooGroup

Want to GROW your business? We are currently accepting sponsorships for 2009!

Questions: email Debbie Rodkin

2009 will bring even more resources, events, and opportunities
for RE:FOCUS ON CAREERS and our members!

--Networking Meetings
--Mastering Executive Job Change Workshops
--Social Networking Happy Hours
--Speaking Engagements
--Re:Focus on Referrals Groups
--Ambassador Club (committees to get you involved!)
--Volunteer Opportunities Give back to the community

Resource Library Interviews Photo Gallery Testimonials Past Events/Speakers Community Service Ambassador Club

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                                           2005 Pics

... have you Googled yourself lately?
Google me "Debbie Rodkin" to learn how prospective clients,
business partners, recruiters, and employers can find you!

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