We knew that Tom would deliver but he surpassed our expectations. What was even beter was that many of the audience who stayed until the end to thank Tom personally were members of the public who recognized an excellent opportunity to learn something and make a powerful connection with one of the best networkers that Rochester has to offer.

Tom definitely practices what he preached on Wednesday… he told us to make yourself memorable. That’s exactly what happened. No one in attendance is soon to forget Tom!

That wasn’t all that attendees learned from Proietti that night. He talked a little about Facebook. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Facebook is a social networking site. According to its company profile, Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected but Tom has another take on Facebook. Tom says “Facebook is the place where I can create my brand.”

We would encourage all of you to visit Facebook and check out Tom’s brand.

While you are there, create one of your own.

Leave your questions and comments here to tell us what you thought about Tom Proietti’s presentation.

For the full benefit of all Rachel has to offer visit her blog at http://www.rachelmesterline.com/astepahead/. You won’t be disappointed.

 July 23, 2008

Today I read an article delivered in PRSA Issues and Trends about elevator pitches.

They are tougher to write than you might think. If you’ve ever been to my Website, you have seen my bio, which is several paragraphs long.

I think having an elevator pitch will give me an edge, especially if I happen to run into a president of a PR firm while at the PRSSA National Conference in Detroit this October.

Below you can read my first draft of my elevator pitch. I say first draft because I’m sure I’ll edit it and shape it depending on who I am telling it to. This one is more so targeted towards those questions of “what do you want to do when you grow up…and graduate?”
I’m Rachel Esterline, a PR major with minors in journalism and communication. I’d like to work at a PR firm because I like the variety and fast pace. I’ll be good at it because I can juggle multiple things at once well. This fall, in addition to taking a full course load and working part-time, I am the chair of two committees, an account executive of our student-run firm, a freelance writer for an online magazine, and involved in a PRSSA national subcommittee. Here’s my card.

I think having business cards on hand will also be important. Networking is a huge part of public relations.

Can you tell me who you are in just 30 seconds?

    ”When I read The Tipping Point as extra credit for a class I never expected to see the patterns, fads, and epidemics of society simplified to a few hundred pages. Whether you are a “connector” who can bring anyone together, a “maven” who seems to know everything, or a “salesmen” the ultimate persuader, you play a role in society’s biggest changes. “The Tipping Point” shows how the “little things” each of us offer, make a “big difference” in our society as a whole.”

So which one are you; a connector; a maven or a salesman?

To find out more about The Tipping Point, the author’s other work or to read Malcolm Gladwell’s blog visit: http://www.gladwell.com/

1. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

3. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

4. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

5. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

6. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

7. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.

9. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

10. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

Stephanie Speisman is a Success Coach who coaches groups and individuals in business networking skills based on her booklet “99 Tips for Successful Business Networking.” Contact info: (301)469-8015, successcoach@erols.com, www.strategiesforchange.com.