PBJ - People Between Jobs
Friday, January 30, 2004
      ( 7:22 AM ) axmc  








Topic: "The Gadgets of Networking"



From GHM - Event is in Chicago (Oak Park) Feb 5th

Presented by David C. Cyl and Bryan Thalhammer

Thursday, February 5th:


You all may be aware of reasons to network, but are you up to speed on the "props" you can use to enhance your networking experience? For example, you know you should have a winning attitude, wear appropriate and presentable clothing, and have fresh copies of your resumes. But do you know the basics about name tags, handbills, text resumes, elevator speeches, voice mail and, not least, the technology behind it all? We can help you learn about all these things at OPEx.

MCC New Spirit Church of Oak Park
Corner of S. Scoville Ave. and Adams Street
Oak Park IL 60302
6:50 pm - 9:00 pm (we can leave earlier!)
Call Rebecca for more information: 708. 524. 1940



We can answer questions such as: What tools do I use to create those props, to communicate on the web or via phone, and to keep track of my contacts? Where do I go to get them? What do other people use? OK, so what is the BEST? Our two experts will acquaint you with the basics you need to know about each gadget. Afterwards, in a question-and-answer period, we will help you find out more about the gadgets so you can be an expert in your own right. Here are some of the "gadgets" we will be examining.



Engaging "elevator speech" scripts

Great but cheap business cards

Professional name tags/lanyards

Outstanding handbills

Converting resumes to text-format

Cell phones, PDAs, voice mail...

Inviting voice-mail messages

Handy fax/scan/copy machines

Expert use of Yahoo! Groups

Email

Chat

File-sharing

Calendar, Database...

Easy Websites, online portfolios

And many more...Attendance is Free!


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      ( 7:16 AM ) axmc  

Elevator Pitch



Deliver an Effective Elevator Speech

By Anthony Cocco

We are all familiar with elevator music, that calm, soothing music that plays in the background while you are swiftly ushered from floor to floor. Aptly designated, the elevator speech was so named as a tool to use these brief moments of time most productively. That beckons the question, "what is an elevator speech?" First, nomenclature aside, an elevator speech can be used anywhere, not just elevators. It is a very short (usually 30 seconds or less), straight-to-the-point summary of who you are, and what you do. Its script is robotic- it's delivery hard to forget.

Who needs an elevator speech and how is it used? Most commonly used by sales professionals, elevator speeches are becoming a routine part of life for the job seeker, businessman, consultant, or anyone who has a product or message that needs to be delivered. It is your own, personal, 30-second, commercial. An elevator speech gives the user a pre-rehearsed technique to use during each moment of personal contact, and make this time a valuable, and memorable, one.

The challenge is to find out more about who you are, what you truly want to do, and how to control the process that enables you to achieve your goals.


Let's take a moment to examine the essence of an elevator speech so that you can create your own, rehearse it, and use it on a daily basis. First, let me list the components of a 30 second elevator speech:


1. Your Name

2. An “I Am/I Do” Statement

3. A “How I do/Why I Am Different” Statement

4. A “Close” and “Deliverable”

The first thing you need people to know when you meet is your name. As such, it is a critical first component of an elevator speech. It’s not only your name that is important, but also how you say it. It should be clear, audible, and delivered with enthusiasm. If your name is declared properly, the rest of what you have to say will flow from there.

Next, you need to follow your name with an “I Am/I Do” statement. This is a brief, straight-to-the-point statement indicating what you do, how you do it, and what makes you different. This is the meat of the elevator speech and it is what separates you from the crowd. If the purpose of the speech is to sell a product, you mention that here. If it is to sell your own skills as a consultant, then clearly state what you do and how you do it. If the speech is for simple networking, you will want to outline what your talents, experience, and availability are.

The final element is the close. You must close with a bang and make a memorable connection, usually with a request and a deliverable. If you are selling a product, you can ask to deliver a demo, and possibly present a sample. If you are networking, you will want to request a meeting, or a referral, and deliver a business card. Once a question is out in the open, it beckons an answer, and a business card will help others remember you, your name, what you do, and your brief elevator speech.

Now, let’s put together a sample using the above formula. Here’s a nice one:

“Hello, my name is Mary Smith. I am a certified network engineer and I design, manage, and install computer networks for mid-sized companies. I am an independent consultant with a very low overhead, so I can beat most of my competitions pricing. Here is my card. Can you use my help?”

Now the same or similar can be used for a job seeker:

“Hello my name is Bill Friendly. I am a certified network engineer focusing on large companies and organizations. I am organized, thorough, and up-to-date on the latest technologies. Currently, I am unemployed and looking for a new opportunity. Do you know of anyone that can use my services? Here is my brief biography.”

When presented enthusiastically and believably, the elevator speech can be a great icebreaker at networking events, business get-togethers, sales meetings, conferences, and even in the old neighborhood. After all, a person never knows where the next great lead will come from.
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Wednesday, January 28, 2004
      ( 10:57 AM ) axmc  

Recruiting Firms



Here is the info from Dennis Anderson:

The name of the agency is Search Team One and they have offices in
Goshen and Syracuse, IN. Tom had talked to Don Walker, Vice Pres./Gen Mgr
When I called the Goshen office on 1-20-04 I talked to Ron, who said that Don
was out of the office for the rest of the week, and that I could send my resume
and some general info about myself to him and Don. The Goshen ofc # 535-0003; Syracuse
ofc # 457-8543. Their business card indicates that they are affiliated with Top
Echelon. Their website


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Sunday, January 25, 2004
      ( 3:16 PM ) axmc  

Library Resources from GHM



Here are some recommended library resources from GHM

Perhaps the following will help GHM members.



If you are looking for contact information, some resources are:



  • Dun and Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory

  • InfoUSA Directories (there is one for every state)

  • Harris Directory

  • Manufacturers Directory (one for every state)

  • Services Directory (one for every state)

  • Directory of Corporate Affiliations

    if you are looking for ad agencies, the Red Book

    if you are looking for recruiters, the Directory of Executive Recruiters (lists them by specialty and alphabetically)




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    People Between Jobs (PBJ) is an outreach program of the First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart IN. PBJ is a resource point for those in job or career transition. Contact us at http://presby.net

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