Relationship Building through Networking

Lu Anne Gafford
Vice President - Bankers Trust Clive

Networking is a word that may have different meanings to different people.  For me it is an essential element to help develop my business AND personal relationships.  Notice I said personal too?  Many keep their business and personal so separated, and I do too to a certain extent.  I have developed quite a few friendships from my networking and that to me is worth something that you can’t place a price tag on like you can with a business relationship.  My friendships have also led to several new business relationships too.  The reason I believe is because I have proved to the individuals who are the decision makers that I am someone they can trust and that can speak volumes in these days we live in.

Networking isn't meant to be a situation where you gather as many business cards as you can at an event and leave it at that.  It is meant to develop a relationship to gain business.  But before you can gain the business of a prospect, you have to gain their respect.  Respect in how you behave, how you respond to follow after an event, in the integrity of your business and if they do decide to do business with you, how well you follow through on your delivery of your service or product.  You may have a great company you work for or one that has had some struggles, but if you yourself do not have integrity then you may not ever have a chance at securing that relationship or worse yet you may lose a client because of your lack thereof. 

I think it is great to see the Des Moines area business community offering a Young Professionals organization.  It is a great outlet for all to learn from one another at what may be a successful process or what hasn't worked so well.  It is a great learning environment and I am jealous that I was not afforded the same opportunity in my beginning networking days.  I challenge each of you to make the most of the different events and opportunities that your Board arranges.  Go to these events and try to connect with three new individuals.  Don’t always go looking for the same familiar faces and stay right by their side.  Find new faces to connect with.  Get to know them, I mean really know them.  Ask questions of their personal background, hobbies, families etc.  Try to connect with them.  Remember, they are a person first and the face of the business second.  I also want to encourage everyone to get involved with an organization that has all ages involved too.  This is where you can learn from someone who has had many successes and failures in networking world.  You cannot expect to have all good all of the time.  In fact, it is through the failures I think that we all learn the most from.  I know I have had my share of experiences and I think these situations have helped to develop and form me into a better networker.  Try to get to know someone who has networked for a while.  Ask them to share their secrets or successes.  Maybe they would be willing to mentor you.  I have done a little this and I have placed my own spin on some of the examples I have gained from these conversations.  We are all unique, but we have the same desire to belong or be connected, so get out there and network and I’ll see you around at a future event.  Come introduce yourself to me and let’s get to know one another. 

Happy networking and I look forward to meeting you at future events.

Insights from New View - Young Professional Blunders in the Workplace

Everyone makes blunders during their professional careers.  As a young professional, you will be more susceptible to making mistakes due to your lack of experience in the workplace.  Nobody intends to mess up, but it is inevitable to happen so it can be helpful to learn from more “seasoned” young professionals so that you can avoid the same pitfalls.  Below are some actionable insights from the New View board members early career mishaps that are an opportunity for learning and growth in your career.

Don’t talk about it, be about it – Chris Wood, New View Board Member

My two biggest mistakes that I made early in my career was trying to do every task on my own and was confident to the point of being perceived as a know-it-all.  The reason that I tried to do every task on my own was because it seemed more efficient to complete tasks by myself.  I wanted everything to be done the “right way” which can be translated to “my way.”  It didn’t take long (about 6 months) to realize that less work can be accomplished going solo.  Also, it was alienating me from the team and wasn’t an effective way to develop my leadership skills.  The other mistake, an over abundance of confidence, was coming across to my co-workers as me trying to be a know-it-all.  I was quick to talk and very slow to listen during my first year of employment.  My manager was able to identify these mistakes and consistently coached and mentored me.  In addition, he taught me to be less competitive and showed me the value of working on tasks as a team.  He reinforced his coaching by using quotes and sayings as reminders.   “Don’t talk about, be about it” was his favorite phrase and it was a simplified aggregation of all of his training.  The saying stuck with me and is now my mantra that I use in my career as well as my personal life. 

Get agreements in writing and document important conversations.  – Brad Phillips, New View Past Chair

When I was running my old business, I made an agreement with a very large (Fortune global 500) company to produce a film.  We had a written agreement for the production and a verbal agreement that they would purchase 10,000 units after production.  We produced the film, with our budget relying on that large purchase at the end.  The film was finished in September, 2008.  Because of the economic downturn, the company had a freeze on purchases and backed out of the deal, costing me 6-figures.  If I had it in writing they wouldn't have been able to back out.  Getting large deals like that in writing is imperative, for smaller deals or even discussions; get it in writing, even if it means just using e-mail.  Whenever we have a discussion with an underwriter we do it through e-mail, and then we NEVER delete our e-mails.  That way if they gave us bad advice, we have proof of it.  We also take religious notes about our discussions with clients.  We document what they want changed on their policy and request large changes to be in writing.

Be prepared for the Interview – Melissa Heikes, New View Board Member

I went to school at University of Northern Iowa for Elementary Education. I knew that with every fiber of my being that I was meant to be a teacher and that there was no way I could not get the first job I interviewed for. All it took was passion and a desire to help kids to learn and be successful, right? WRONG. 

I was working as a Teacher's Associate at a local elementary school and it was my first year out of college. I was building relationships and getting to know the people within the school. I received the call that I was going to be interviewing for a teaching position. Again, how could anyone turn away someone with SO much passion and a love for teaching. Well, it is easy to turn down someone that literally has no clue as to how to impress interviewers during an interview. I am the prime example. 

There I was, in front of the principal and three of my peers. They were interviewing me around the table and asking me questions that were simple questions (if you prepared for the interview). Questions about curriculum and how I would manage a classroom. Questions that would seem obvious to prepare for... I dropped the ball. Not only had I just failed my first interview, I failed in front of my peers. How embarrassing?!

There is some good that came from this: I learned my lesson. When called for a second interview I prepared. Not only did I prepare, I was the second runner up for the position, beat out by a former teacher from within the district.

This is what I learned and how I prepared:

1. Practice interviewing with someone you know. 

Type up interview questions and answers so that you can become familiar with typical interview questions and how to answer them. There is a lot of information regarding typical interview questions online. 

2. Do your research!

• When preparing, get to know the company. Call people you know that may have information. I called a former professor and she gave me some great advice about district curriculum and where to find resources that could help me for my second official interview.
• Research on the internet. You can find out so much information with just the company's website. Understand their values, successes, history, etc. All of this shows the employer you are interested in their job/organization.

3. Dress for Success

Dress for the job you want. This means that even if you are interviewing for a mail clerk position to get your foot in the door and you eventually want to work your way up to upper management - dress that way! First impressions are key! It takes an employer 7 seconds to determine if they want to move forward with an interview. They could be checked out before you even start!

4. Maintain Eye Contact

Eye contact shows confidence. Don't stare them down but be sure to maintain eye contact in a professional manner. 

5. Speak Clearly and Positively

Never say anything negative about a former employer, co-worker or supervisor. This is a bad reflection on you - no matter the situation.

6. Always have Questions Prepared

If you do not have questions, the interviewer will get the impression you are not interested. I always suggest to have 5 or more questions prepared in the off chance they answer some of your questions during the interview.

7. Find out the Next Step

When does the company plan on making a decision? This helps to give a timeline of events. If you don't hear back by the time designated, feel free to follow up with the person who interviewed you. (Good idea to ask for a business card as well!)

8. Send a Thank You

So many people miss out on this opportunity. It is important to send a thank you as it reiterates your interest in the company. It is also a good idea to reemphasize your qualifications within your Thank You. Handwritten is always nice but an email will suffice!

Follow these steps and I am sure that you will be more successful in your next interview. Just don't make a fool out of yourself like I did. Just because you are a likable person doesn't guarantee you the job. Whereas, if you are a likable person that has prepared for the interview your chances increase tremendously!

That’s not my job… - Lindsey Mathews, New View Chair

I went to college and earned a degree. I felt as though that meant there were certain tasks in the workplace I would not have to do...unload a dishwasher, make coffee, clean up conference rooms.  In the beginning of my career, there were many times I wanted to say "that's not my job," but I never have. Unless it's something I'm really unqualified to do or cannot do for a good reason, I refuse to use that phrase.  Picking up slack or lending a helping hand in the office is what makes a team player and that's an invaluable quality in an employee for any organization.

These are just some of the experiences from our New View Board.  I'm sure you've had some of your own.  Feel free to leave any thoughts or tips in the comments section of this blog.  Who knows, we may reach out to you for a guest blog on blunders to avoid in the workplace!

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



WDM Leadership Academy: Not your average leadership organization

In the event you are not familiar with the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, I want to share with you information about this one-of-a-kind organization. 

 I am sure you may be thinking…one-of-a-kind?  What could make this leadership program so different from the myriad of other leadership opportunities offered throughout the area?   Well, let me explain.   

The West Des Moines Leadership Academy is a unique nine-month course which not only offers on-site touring of various aspects of West Des Moines, such as city government, economic development, non-profit and charitable needs, cultural and civic opportunities, health care and more,  but each class also addresses a specific high-level leadership skill, presented by an expert on the topic. 

Some of the leadership sessions have dealt with conflict management, performance coaching, crisis management, handling the media, team building, etc.   These types of leadership skill development sessions offer you a “street value” well beyond the class fee, with skills you can take back to your work and implement the very next day.  

Next month we will graduate our third class of the WDMLA.  Hard to believe.  With classes limited to just 30 people, this will give us an alumni count of almost 100 people.  As I reflect back on these last few years, one of the best things about the WDMLA is the opportunity to build new alliances, create new friendships and enjoy some of the finest food samplings offered throughout West Des Moines. 

As a class member, you will have the opportunity to meet many past and current leaders of our community.   If you would like to get involved and actively participate on boards, committees, city government, etc., you will have countless opportunities to connect and build relationships through the WDMLA.

The WDMLA is now accepting applications for the Class of 2012.  If you are interested and would like more information, visit the website at www.wdmleaders.org.   You can also register online, but please hurry as the deadline is June 30, 2011.  

Leadership makes things happen.   The West Des Moines Leadership Academy will provide leaders at all levels with an opportunity to learn about our community as well as hone leadership skills.  Apply today…it is the best value in town!

Rose Breuss

Director of Marketing, McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C.

rbreuss@mhcscpa.com

Past – Chair of the WDMLA

The fuzzy line between social and professional networking

Most of us know (or quickly figured out); Facebook and business do not mix.  An electronic diary of sorts, Facebook is probably sharing more than you are aware of. 
If you’re in search of career opportunities, having your personal and social lives blaring about to the entire world can muddy the waters of landing your dream job. 

A majority of us witnessed the viral up-rising of Facebook while in college; we latched on and never looked back. We wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and connect to the world-wide web.  Facebook, email, instant messengers, and other social networking sites keep us connected twenty-four hours a day. 

When was the last time you did not connect to the web? I bet you can’t remember. Nearly 266 million people access the internet in North America alone (as cited in “Internet Usage,” 2010). That’s nearly 78% of the entire population [North America]. 

Depending on your career aspirations or your business’s vertical, Facebook can be an effective way to network professionally.  According to Neal Schaffer (2010), companies are spending almost 20% of their total marketing budgets on social media.  

What does this mean for you as a career professional? It means there is an increased likelihood of potential employers and businesses seeing your social networking profiles.

Unless you want your future boss to see a photo of the night you decided to moonlight as a karaoke professional after one-too-many margaritas, I’d keep the social networking for your eyes (and your friend’s) only. 

Tips for maintaining a “clean” social networking profile:

·         Use social sites such as Facebook only to build relationships with your friends

·         Limit the amount of images/photos you and your friends post

·         Examine your profile carefully and decide what you want potential employers  and  business contacts to see

If you need assistance and information on up-and-coming professional networking sites, SmallBizBee.com (2010) recommends the following 40 top social networking sites for small businesses and career professionals (here’s the top 5):

1.    LinkedIn

2.    Meet the Boss

3.    PartnerUp

4.    Qupacity

5.    Ryze

Internet usage statistics; the internet big picture. (2010, June 30). Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm

Schaffer, Neal. (2010, December 14). LinkedIn vs. Facebook for business in 2011-The battle begins. Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://socialmediatoday.com/nealschaffer/252062/linkedin-vs-facebook-business-2011-battle-begins

The ultimate list: 40 social networking sites specifically for small business, entrepreneurs, and startups. (2010, February 2). Retrieved on May 18, 2011, from http://smallbizbee.com/index/2010/02/02/ultimate-list-40-social-networking/

Kari Ratkovich

Freelance Social Media/Writing Consultant

Kari.Ratkovich@gmail.com