Does Your Company Take Part in Social Networking?

It seems as though nearly every company out there either pioneered the usage of social networking for their business or is getting their proverbial toes wet (finally!).

I was recently asked to participate on a social networking TASK FORCE at work.  I capitalized TASK FORCE because it makes it sound much cooler.  It’s a FORCE!  We should probably work on saving the planet via amazing element-related rings once we’re done figuring out this whole social networking thing.

Since taking part in this TASK FORCE, I’ve become really interested in researching the topic.   Can you think of any industry that can’t use social networking to advance themselves in one way or another?  Can you?  No, seriously…can you?  I’m thinking really hard here and I’ve got nothing…and my hard-thinking face is not pretty, so I’m going to knock that off.  It’s why I gave up on being a Philosophy major in college.  Sorry, Dr. Pauley.  (If you know who Dr. Pauley is, you get eleventy-billion amazing points in my currently non-existent book).

Side-Bar – I’m considering auto-biography book titles, because it’s never too early to start...Right now I’m leaning toward “Trial & Error: The Lindsey Mathews Story.”  But I’m open to suggestions.  Feel free to comment.

Okay – back to professional social networking! 

I was recently sent the article below specific to using social networking in the architectural & engineering industry.  Those are hard to come by, so I found it particularly helpful in my TASK FORCE duties.  I thought I’d share it, because even though it is specific to my industry, it has some great universal information and tips for being professional while using social networks.

***FREE TIP FROM ME (Not the article): Don’t post photos of yourself doing regrettable things at regrettable places and then making them public.  It’s tacky. ***

You’re welcome.

http://xldp.com/dprcg/socialnetworking.html

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

What are you doing this weekend?

Wondering what’s up this weekend? 

No giant art festival or cultural festival, but still plenty to do if you can stand being in this wonderful (note: sarcasm) July weather.  I do not enjoy sweating without moving, so I’ll be checking out indoor activities!

Today: 

1.  Check out Friday’s at the Fountain out at West Glen.  Toaster will be playing, and I’ve seen them before.  It’s definitely a good show – a great band to listen to while sipping your favorite summer beverage.

2.  Go see a movie!  I’ve heard amazing things about Horrible Bosses.  Can you go wrong with Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day? (It’s Always Sunny… fans, get excited!) I haven’t seen it yet, but I definitely plan to this weekend if at all possible.

Also – I went and saw the latest Harry Potter movie last weekend…at the IMAX.  Get there early so you can get good seats.  We got there right on time and were forced to watch the movie with our heads turned straight up – my neck hurt, but it was totally worth it.  I’m not the fan who stands in line at midnight to see it, but shelling out a few extra bucks to see it at the IMAX is a definite must-do!

Tomorrow: 

1.  West Glen Farmers Market!  9am-1pm.  It’s going to be hot, so go early.  Where else will you be able to buy 3 for $1 cucumbers?!?! 

2.   If you feel like getting all hopped up and jittery about your Saturday, you could stop by Mars Café for a coffee tasting.  Personally, I’m more of a wine taster, but whatever floats your boat!

3.  Iowa Barnstormers game.  It looks like they’re playing the Georgia Force.  Force versus Barnstormers.  I feel like making a lame tornado joke…but I won’t.

4.  Shakesperience Fest 2011.  I don’t know exactly what it is, but it ends in “Fest.”    Never underestimate a good “fest.”  Begins at 6pm at Simon Estes Amphitheatre.

5.  If you enjoy a good jam band, Mooseknuckle will be playing at Star Bar on Ingersoll!

6.  If you’re thinking of going out to eat, here are some of my picks:

·         Samurai – sushi always sounds good to me.

·         Felix & Oscar’s for the pizza, duh.

·         Plaza Mexico on 86^th in Johnston – sort of a drive and hidden behind a Kum & Go…but you’re missing out if you write it off because of that.  Great food and good drinks and fast service!

·         Trostel’s Dish – Yum.  Enough said.

What are some of your favorite local restaurants?   I love to try new places, so suggestions are welcome!

Sunday:

1.  You should definitely check out Final Mix playing at the Jordan Creek Town Center Amphitheater. 

It will be a great way to rest a bit before beginning another work-week!

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

The only networking tip you really need...

I know this a lofty statement, but I really believe it.  It relates back to any and every tip you’ve ever read, heard or practiced:

***BE MEMORABLE***

If I could emphasize that more, I would (but I’m limited in print). It stifles me.

Honestly, I feel being memorable is more a piece of life advice than specific to networking (But let’s make this work for the blog, eh?) (I’m not Canadian whatsoever, but my old roommate swears I had the accent sometimes).

Many articles and professionals talk about the importance of having a great handshake.  I don’t really have one of those – I won’t go into the analysis I’ve done on my own handshake, but let’s just say it’s not great.  However, you can bounce back from a less than impressive handshake.

Of course the first step is to go to networking events.  That’s a given.  But say it’s an event with a speaker and/or presentation and not a lot of actual networking.  In that case, think of questions during the presentation.  I’ve never been to a presentation that didn’t end with the speaker asking if there are any questions.  Be one of those people who gets involved and wants to know more (or the only one – that sort of depends on how awesome the audience is).  Asking a question, even if you might not think it’s a great question, is making yourself stick out.  Don’t just go to the events, really participate during them.

If you’re not really the public speaking type and can’t fathom raising your hand and asking a question in front of a room of other audience members, then maybe seek out one of the presenters before she/he leaves.  Practice your handshake first, then introduce yourself –– and then ask your question.   In fact, that speaker may remember you even more since you took the time to come up to him/her after the presentation.

If even that is too much, or the opportunity just didn’t arise to walk up to the presenter…then do some stalking.  Yep, stalking.  Nothing dangerous or illegal, don’t get too nutty.  I mean stalking in the least inappropriate way. (Don’t use me as an excuse for harassment).  I’m just encouraging you to find out who organized the event or go home and Google the speaker. 

Thanks to Google, you can pretty much find anyone’s email address.  So shoot the speaker an email with a nice comment about their performance and your question.  It’s definitely a start and maybe it can help motivate you to raise your hand next time.  People generally love feedback – especially when it’s positive or inquisitive.

If the event is casual networking, don’t be afraid to just hop into a conversation.  Chances are the people chatting are there for the same reason you are and would have no problem including you.   Be excited or show some passion about something:  ideally your work, but anything will do for a start.  That’s what will truly make you memorable.  Get in on the conversation and then really contribute to it.  Don’t be the weird wo/man who stood quietly (read: creepy!) outside of a circle of people the whole night.  It will make you memorable, but for all of the wrong reasons.

Moral of the story:  Be memorable (but not creepy)

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.

Iowa's "brain drain"

With all of the great awards and recognition Des Moines has been receiving lately (see below), I’m still nervous.  I’m nervous about our “Brain Drain” issue.   I’m nervous because it’s imperative to the future of Iowa that we get our wonderful educations (ranked highly!) here and then stay here to use them. 

I know how our winters are freezing and how our summers can be unbearably hot and humid at times, but Iowa is actually really great. We have amazing local business owners who provide affordable products and services and wonderful organizations that organize events as big as the Art Festival and the Italian Heritage festival.

 I realize bigger cities may offer more to do and/or a more diverse environment to do those things in, but if we keep leaving Iowa,  the issue will never get addressed. 

We’re more than capable young professionals and we need to stick around to make sure Iowa’s cities grow, and not just in size/population.  We need cultural growth.  We need economic growth.  We need entertainment-based growth. 

In Iowa, our cost of living is amazing!  While it may not always feel like it, our residents actually have more disposable income than those in many other states.  So let’s get out there and spend it on our local businesses in order to stimulate this necessary growth! 

The more we get out and enjoy our communities, the more others from out of the state or the country will want to as well.

I don’t mean to be on such a soap box, but this is absolutely something I’m passionate about.  I think if you are too, or even if you’re just a little interested, then reach out.  New View has three committees waiting for you to join.  It’s a great way to get involved in your community and promote it!  It can be the stepping stone to achieving the cultural, economic and entertainment-based growth Iowa needs so badly.  Iowa is kind of a big deal and more people should know it!

A little bragging from Business Record:

“Cities with the Highest Real Incomes”

Ranked # 1 - US News and World Report, June 2011

“Strongest Metropolitan Areas for Economic Strength”

Ranked # 6 - Des Moines-West Des Moines - POLICOM , May 2011

“Best Cities for Small Business in the Midwest”

Ranked # 2 - The Business Journals, April 2011

“One of the Coolest Places to Live in America”

Ranked # 18 - Men’s Journal, March 2011

 “Top US Fairs and Festivals” Des Moines Art Festival

Ranked # 7 - American Style Magazine, February 2011

“Best Cities for the Next Decade”

Ranked # 7 - Kiplinger’s,May 2010

“Best Place for Business and Careers”

Ranked # 1 - Forbes, April 2010

“Best Mid-Sized Cities for Jobs”

Ranked in Top Ten - Des Moines/ West Des Moines - Forbes, April 2010

 “Most Secure City in the US with population 500,000 or More”

Ranked # 2 - Farmers Insurance, February 2011

“Most Social Networked Community in the US”

Ranked in top 50% - Men’s Health Magazine, March 2011

“Healthiest and Safest Metro in the Nation”

Ranked #3 - Des Moines/West Des Moines - Denver Business Journal, 2010

”Most Livable Bargain Market”

Ranked # 1 for Real Estate - MSN.com

“Where Americans are Getting Richer”

Ranked # 5 - Forbes, November 2010

“America’s Top 10 Cities to Move To”

Ranked # 6 - Des Moines/West Des Moines - BestPlaces.net, October 2010

“Where to Live & Play Now” Top Place to Go Green”

Ranked # 1 - National Geographic

“Best Places to Launch a Small Business”

Ranked in the Top Ten - CNNMoney.com

“Happiest State in the U.S.”

 Ranked # 2 - MainStreet.com 2010

“Top Places to Find Your Starter Home”

Ranked in Top Ten - Yahoo!, September 2010

“ Hot spots for Young Professionals to Live and Work in the U.S.”

Ranks # 12 - Next Generation Consulting, 2009/2010

“Ten Most Peaceful States in the U.S.”

Ranked # 6 - Iowa - The Institute for Economics and Peace, April 2011

What is New View? Let me explain...

I hope that most of you have now heard of New View, West Des Moines' young professionals group. Over the last year and a half we have been working to provide young professionals in and around West Des Moines with opportunities for professional development, networking and outreach.

I will give you a little background for those of you who are thinking, “I had no idea West Des Moines had a young professionals group!”
In January 2010 (what now seems like so long ago), a committee was started to explore the idea of a young professionals group in West Des Moines. The group held nine events last year and came into 2011 with a mission statement, a highly motivated group of people, and huge dreams for the next twelve months. We have formed committees including an outreach committee that would love to talk to the YPs in your office about getting involved, a communications committee that excels in social media, and an events committee that has planned six successful events this year.

We plan on having one event per month this year.  Our next gathering is at Saints on Thursday, July 7th from 5-7 pm.
I would like to thank everyone involved with New View over the past two years for their time, energy and efforts in getting us where we are today. I would also like to put a challenge out there for you. For those of you who are still sitting there thinking, “I had no idea West Des Moines had a young professionals group”, I challenge you to get involved!

Whether it's passing the word on to some young professionals in your office, emailing Casady at the chamber to get on our events list, or letting me know that you're interested in getting more involved, we would love to hear from you!

You can also learn more on our web site, http://www.wdmnewview.org/.

Plan to stop by the patio at Saints, 265 50th Street, on Thursday night from 5-7 pm to see what we're all about!

Erica Andersen
Chair, New View
Business Relationship Officer, Veridian Credit Union
(515) 289-5511
EricaAA@veridiancu.org



Generation Y, Millennials, Etc...

Call us what you will; we’re the generation born in the 80s and 90s.   We’re the young professionals in today’s work force.  And considering all of the generalizations and stereotypes, I’d say we are doing just fine.

I’m really fascinated by articles and speakers giving presentations on generations in the work place, and I think it’s great to hear the pros and cons of all 4 of the typical generations. 

According to fdu.edu, these are the 4 generations in the work place today:

                1. Veterans, Silent, Traditionalists (1922-1946)

                2. Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

                3. Generation X (1965-1980)

                4. Generation Y, Millennials, Echo Boomers (1981-2000)

I’d much rather learn about them in order to work together in a more functional and efficient way than to waste my time thinking everyone over 45 can’t use a computer (Hardy har, har).  So, when I came across this article, I felt I should really share it:  Leave Gen Y Alone!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did…and I really hope it motivates you to research other articles on the topic.  There is some really interesting information out there on the subject.

Lindsey Mathews
New View Board Member & Outreach Committee Chair
Project Delivery Coordinator
Shive-Hattery Inc.