networking

Power Lunching

Earlier this week I met a colleague, Katherine O’Donnell, director of marketing for Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau for lunch. The last time we saw each other was at the fall meeting of Virginia Press Women. And before that it had been at least a year.

Much had happened in that time. She had a baby – who is now one! I changed jobs. We both took on new roles with VPW and NFPW.

As part of my professional health dashboard, I made a commitment to network once a month over lunch with a colleague. Besides the obvious of getting to catch up with someone I genuinely like, the time was well spent.

Getting outside of the office and talking with someone in the communications field but who does something a bit different from your job description allows ideas to spring forth. I finally had to pull out a notebook to keep up with everything.

By the time the lunch was finished, I had a blog entry (you’re reading it), Richmond items for international colleagues visiting in March, lots of ideas for moving NFPW forward and input on some professional decisions. I offered to share some social media policies with Katherine and provided her with some feedback, too.

Lunch went quickly and as I returned to the office, I was more energized than ever. All it took was a quick power lunch of networking. Beats pasta any day!

NFPW Community on LinkedIn

Are you searching for a job? Do you have a question you need answered but don’t have a contact in that field?

Then try LinkedIn, a business networking site that enables you to network, hire, post jobs, get business advice and share your expertise.

You can also join various groups and share information. NFPW has a group on the site. It’s a great way to get others interested in NFPW. If they see you are a member of the group and are in the communications field, they’ll ask you about it and then you can have a conversation about the benefits of joining NFPW.

So if you aren’t already, join the NFPW LinkedIn group. And if you aren’t on LinkedIn, why not take the plunge into this business networking site? It’s a great way to polish your resume, learn about social media and define your brand.

Once you are on the site you will create a free account and then you will create a profile. Use a professional photograph and share highlights of your professional experience. Then begin adding contacts. Expand your network over time.

If you are feeling ambitious ask for recommendations. If you disagree with what the person wrote, you can reject that recommendation. You also can recommend people. Add your Web site or your Twitter account. Again, it’s all about connecting.

I’ve used LinkedIn to post jobs, to find out more about candidates, to ask professional questions and get answers from those with more expertise.

Are we LinkedIn? If not, let’s connect!

NFPW — A Reason to Be Thankful

I’ve been a member of NFPW now for a bit more than 20 years, which is hard to believe. I’m thankful for that relationship.

As you consider whether to renew your membership, recruit new members or join us, here are some reasons why NFPW is worth it and why I am so thankful for it —

1) Professional development: The national and state conferences and workshops expose me to the latest in communications and put me in touch with some of the best in the business.

2) Networking: As noted above, I’m meeting people from all aspects of the communications field. When I reach out later to them for advice, they’re always happy to help.

3) Friendships: I don’t know of any other professional group where I have developed such close friendships. I look forward to catching up each year at conferences. And now through Facebook, we’re communicating more regularly. How fun!

4) Pre- and post-tours: Each year the NFPW conference is hosted by a different state affiliate. It’s a great way to see the country because the affiliate always offers tours. I enjoy learning about a state as told by someone who knows where to visit.

I could keep going, but I won’t because I’ve got to start cooking for the big day. Just know that I will be saying thanks for NFPW!