Parisian Phoenix Publishing

Happy Wednesday– this week (with the snow of last weekend, the rain and wind storm of last night and the about-time arrival of winter temperatures) has been moving both slowly and quickly.

Today, Darnell Davis and Pete Reinke of the Friends of Pete networking group hosted a Lunch N Learn at downtown Easton’s Pomfret Club, a spot where I have dined on many rotary luncheons and always enjoyed the lemon caper chicken (and to my delight today was their lemon caper chicken and some amazing broccoli).

The speaker was Heather Gidusko, former Eagles cheerleader, fitness trainer and now author of Girl With A Game Plan. Tiffany Sondergaard of –ts brand elevation handles her marketing and book tour arrangements.

I did have the energy to “extrovert” today, some days I can do it, but today I was not feeling it. But I donned my Parisian Phoenix pink, which turned out to be Heather’s power color as well, and headed to the event. I picked a seat next to Rita Guthrie, the mind behind Open Door Communications, and someone whom I believe I was introduced to or perhaps with whom I even worked on a project earlier in my career.

I made a few connections, collected a few business cards, and reached out to some folks to see what inspiration I can find in the world.

I spent 15 years as a print journalist and, perhaps this is why I value Darnell and his networking passion, I have learned that I don’t have to be the most loud or vivacious person in the room. If I listen, pay attention and make eye contact with people I will eventually find the people who will help me.

I’m certainly not the world’s most aggressive networker, but here are my tips:

• Set yourself a goal before attending a networking event. That goal may be to find five new LinkedIn connections, or to collect 10 new business cards, or to find the people in your industry, or to ask every person who makes eye contact with your their name and their industry.
• If you’re uncomfortable and feeling outside your comfort zone, look for the people isolated and approach them. That might help them get out of their shell and warm up your conversation skills.
• Decide what you want to promote about yourself or your business before you arrive. Rehearsing a clear message will help you sound polished and professional.
• Use your observation skills. I once complimented a woman on her unique handbag. She told me she was a travel agent and she got it as a souvenir on a trip to Dubai. We spent some time conversing about vacation spots– as I like to travel in Africa.
• Be memorable. I always wear something with my company’s logo or in my business color (pink) and I recently picked up a handbag with roses all over it. Repeat this with every event and hopefully that will help people remember you.