Do Job Sites, Networking Connections, Friends or Strangers Get You Hired? February 5, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Job Searching, Networking.Tags: Allison Janney, hiring, job search, job sites, Networking, recruiter, recruiting, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours, WCCO Good Question
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In these tough economic times, there are many people looking for jobs through networking, job sites, friends and family, but what is truly best way to find a job? I recently asked my Twitter followers for a poll question to post on the Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours blog and Allison Janney, who is WCCO’s Good Question intern, came up with this great topic. Many people believe that they need to “know” somebody to find the right job, others believe that if they have a better resume and more experience than those they are competing with, then they have the leg up. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this question, but I’m curious to know how people landed the job they are and what they did to get it.
Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comments below, it should be interesting to hear how people’s idea of the right way to job search varies.
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours – February Event at Wildfire January 29, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Happy Hour Events.Tags: business, business professionals, Eden Prairie, events, happy hour, happy hour event, minneapolis, Networking, networking event, professionals, TCTHH, twin cities, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours, Wildfire Restaurant
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The next Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours monthly event is Thursday, February 18th at Wildfire Restaurant in Eden Prairie. The event will start at 5:30 and go as late as people want to stay.
If you want to get to know other Twin Cities professionals, make valuable connections and have a good time doing it, join us on the 18th for drinks and networking.
Wildfire Restaurant has been kind enough to sponsor this event, which will provide us with a great atmosphere and appetizers to enjoy. Please make sure to thank them. There will be a cash bar set up with the following:
- Wildfire Chardonnay and Cabernet
- Bottled Beers
- Selection of Wildfire Signature Martinis
- Any other beverages will be available at the Martini Lounge Bar
Wildfire will also be providing some of their signature appetizers until 8:00 pm, including:
- Mini crab cakes
- Beef Tenderloin on BBQ Potato Chips
- Spinach & Artichoke Fondue
- Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies
You are encouraged to bring a colleague, friend or business partner that might be interested in attending. Please RSVP by registering for the event, as we have a limited amount of space and need to let our hosts know how many to expect.
Also, TCTHH will be putting together some fun events this summer, including a charity happy hour event and a charity golf tournament. If you are interested in donating items for the raffle/silent auction at either one of these events, or becoming a sponsor, please let me know! Thanks.
The Value of a Thank You Note January 20, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Branding, Business Communication, Networking.Tags: Branding, business, Business Communication, business relationships, business technology, communication, thank you, value
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Business technology is evolving every day, so much in fact, that it is often times hard to keep up with it all. Communication is much quicker for business than it was even just yesterday, or the day before that. The simplicity of business communication and the speed at which idea transfer happens, transactions are made and learning evolves, adds a unique complexity to the value of it all. Yes, someone can get a hold of you immediately through email, or respond to your tweet about your philosophy on “social media for brand building and the companies that miss the boat” in an instant, but is there always value in that?
There is so much noise that we are caught up in on a day to day basis. We are bombarded by tens of thousands of brand messages each day. We receive hundreds of emails, phone calls, text messages and tweets, yet often times none of these offer genuine value or interest to you. Sometimes, old fashioned communication is a good thing, it relieves us from the everyday overload of instant communication. Old fashioned communication also has established the foundation for building strong business relationships, and that my friends, should not be taken lightly. Two things I know are true, people like to talk to a friendly voice on the phone and they like to receive personal mail.
There is often a lot of value lost in today’s business communication, because people no longer want to take the time sit down and write a thank you note or spend time checking to see how a friend is doing. I personally love to receive thank you notes, it gives me the feeling that someone took the time to care. Even if you have no particular reason to send a thank you note, find a reason to connect with your network as often as possible, it will benefit you in the long run.
After all, a thank you note has a guarantee that it will not get lost in the shuffle of modern day business communication, because frankly, the USPS isn’t up to speed and that’s not always a bad thing.
Take 5 minutes of your day today, tomorrow or the next day to send someone a thank you note, it is the best branding you can spend 44 cents on.
-Jeff Nolan
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours in 2010 January 19, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Charity/Philanthropy, Happy Hour Events, Networking.Tags: business networking, charity, events, Haiti Relief and Development, happy hour, minneapolis, networking events, philanthropy, st. paul, TCTHH, twin cities, Twin Cities business, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours
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I am truly amazed by the response that I have received towards Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours and the wonderful people that have contributed to the success of the community. I would like to thank everyone that has attended an event (upcoming events), told a friend or colleague about an event or passed along information via one of the many social networks that have helped connect me with so many people interested in what has been created this past year.
In an effort to improve upon the first year of this group’s existence, I would like to open up the discussion for our community members to share ideas or thoughts on what we can do to make TCTHH events better and more meaningful in 2010.
I would like to do more charity events this year, growing upon what we were able to do with Toys for Tots, Finnegans and our “Back to School”, school supply collection, as well as more creative events, such as a golf tournament, BBQ or a boat cruise.
We will also be collecting cash/check donations for the American Red Cross – Haiti Relief and Development at this month’s happy hour at the W Hotel, Living Room. If you are unable to make it to the happy hour, you can donate here.
The ultimate goal of this group is to connect people in an environment that can help build valuable business relationships, with the approach to help others make meaningful connections that will ultimately benefit the whole of the group. I have been very pleased with the quality of individuals that have helped me to make these events possible and beneficial to all of those that attend. If we all put our heads together, I imagine that the group will continue to grow and we can make a difference in the Twin Cities business and social communities, while having fun at the same time.
- Jeff Nolan
What ideas or suggestions do you have to improve Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours, from an event and community perspective?
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours- 1st Annual Charity Golf Event January 5, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Happy Hour Events.Tags: charity, charity golf, golf event, happy hour, minneapolis, st. paul, TCTHH, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours
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As part of an ongoing effort to improve and grow the Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours group, as well as give back to the Minneapolis/St. Paul community, we will be putting together a golf event this upcoming summer. I wanted to get an idea of how many people would be interested in participating in this event.
Please let us know if this is something that you would like to be part of and feel free to share any ideas you have to help make the event a success.
If you are interested in being a sponsor for this event, please send me an email.
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours – January Networking Event at the W Hotel Minneapolis January 5, 2010
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Happy Hour Events.Tags: business, Foshay, happy hour, Happy Hour Events, minneapolis, Networking, networking event, Parasole Restaurants, professionals, st. paul, TCBPN, TCTHH, The Living Room, twin cities, Twin Cities Business Peer Network, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours, W Hotel
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The next Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours monthly event is Thursday, January 21st at The Living Room in the W Minneapolis – Foshay. The event will start at 5:30 and go as late as people want to stay. This event will be co-hosted by TCTHH and the Twin Cities Business Peer Network (TCBPN), which is a great group that I have participated with over the past year.
The Twin Cities Business Peer Network was founded in June 2008 as a small group of business people in the Twin Cities who commit to using their talents to help others to find professional opportunities. The Network consists of around 150 peers who continuously support members to find opportunities thorough different tools, including lunch events and periodic communications. To learn more about the TCBPN, contact Luis Moreno or Darcy Douglas who will be at the 1/21 event.
If you want to get to know other Twin Cities professionals, make valuable connections and have a good time doing it, join us on the 21st for drinks and networking.
Everything on the happy hour menu will be $5, including three different martinis, a specialty beer, house wine and small plates.
Gavin Hart, from Bonus Building Care Minneapolis, as well as some folks from Land O’Lakes have been kind enough to sponsor this event, which will provide us appetizers to enjoy at the event. Make sure to thank them at the event.
You are encouraged to bring a colleague, friend or business partner that might be interested in attending. I look forward to seeing you all there, it will be a fun event and will be great to bring the two groups together.
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours December Networking Event – “Drink Like You Care” Happy Hour December 7, 2009
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Happy Hour Events.Tags: business professionals, Finnegans, Finnegans Community Fund, happy hour, minneapolis, Networking, networking event, The Corner Bar, twin cities, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours
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The next Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours monthly event is Thursday, December 17th at The Corner Bar at 7 Corners in Minneapolis. The event will start at 5:30 and go as late as people want to stay.
Because it is December, we have teamed up with Finnegans to participate in their “Drink Like You Care” campaign, which means that when you buy Finnegans (Only $3.00!) the retailer and distributor will contribute to a special designated charity that is part of the Finnegans Community Fund.
If you have never heard of Finnegans before, check out their website to learn about their story.
If you want to meet other professionals, get to know some new people and celebrate some holiday cheer, join us for some drinks and networking on the 17th. The only cost to attend is to pay for your own drinks or food, also if you would like, you can make a donation to the Finnegans Community Fund. For those fortunate enough to have health, family and employment, there are many people in need that appreciate the generosity of those who are able to help.
Also, there will be a giveaway for the BEST holiday attire. Feel free to wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater, a wreath, lights, or whatever you think will take the prize.
Bill Murray from the Corner Bar is excited to have us and will be extending the happy hour specials for the group.
There is free parking right behind the bar, guests will need to sign in at the bar with their license plate number.
As always, I ask that you please RSVP so that I have an idea of how many to expect and we can let our host know. Also, feel free to invite a friend or colleague.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
I look forward to seeing all of you that will be able to come celebrate the holidays with friends, clients, and colleagues new and old.
-Jeff
Networking – What is it Really? November 10, 2009
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Networking.Tags: business growth, business relationships, entrepreneurship, Networking, networking group, professionals, TCTHH, twin cities, venture street
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Have you ever thought about networking and why you do it or the purpose it serves? Here is a presentation that I shared with a small group of professionals this morning that are part of a Venture Street networking group.
Hopefully this helps to define what networking is and its true purpose for growing/strengthening business relationships.
What is your definition of networking?
The 5 No No’s of Networking November 5, 2009
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Networking.Tags: business, business event, business relationships, entrepreneurship, events, happy hour event, Networking, networking events, professionals, twin cities, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours
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I am by no means an expert on networking, nor am I proclaiming myself to have never fallen victim to the bad networking experience, however, I do believe there are some absolute no no’s when it comes to networking. I have been running the Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours networking group for just under a year and the best thing I have learned in doing this, is how NOT to network.
My idea to start the group stemmed from my own bad experiences at other networking events, thus giving me the motivation to have a group that fit the culture of what I would want a networking event to be like. Yesterday, I came across a great networking column from Bradley Will, titled The Top 3 Questions You Could Ever Ask at a Networking Event, which re-emphasized to me that people who are great at networking, truly have a passion to help others and the relationships that are built is what matters; not what you do, or what you sell.
With that being said, here are my personal nominations of 5 things not to do at networking events.
1. Do not have a canned elevator speech.
Give me a minute and hear me out on this one, because I know there will be some that might argue this. I think that to truly build positive business relationships, you need to be yourself, which I believe is often lost in the 30 second elevator “pitch”. If you ask genuine questions and do not try to sell yourself through how great you and your product are, your personality will shine through. In my experience, 99.9 percent of buying decisions are made if someone knows, likes and trusts you, which can fade away in the elevator.
2. Never speak negatively of others.
Human nature fights with us on this no no, because we are all naturally judgmental beings. It is impossible to always be nice and speak highly of everyone you meet and know, so be careful in different situations. At a networking function, you never know who you will meet or the connections they may have, so use your words wisely. I once was at a TCTHH event of mine and a gentleman was on a non-stop rant degrading a certain industry, little did he know, that was the industry that I worked in. When it comes to how you present and carry yourself, people do remember, the bad thing is that they remember the negatives way more often than the positives.
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Helps Toys For Tots – November 19th November 4, 2009
Posted by Jeff Nolan in Happy Hour Events.Tags: business, Kip's Pub, minneapolis, minneapolis networking, Networking, networking event, professionals, St. Louis Park, st. paul, TCTHH, twin cities, Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours
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Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours is having its November happy hour networking event at Kip’s Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant on Thursday, November 19th, starting at 5:30 pm.
We will be collecting items in support of Toys for Tots, so if you are able, please bring an item to donate. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
If you want to meet other Twin Cities professionals, help out a great cause and have a drink or two, make sure to join us at Kip’s on the 19th. There is no cost to attend this event, the only cost is for your own drinks or food.
Kip’s happy hour will be extended through the night for our group. Here is what the happy hour specials entail:
- Select appetizers for $4.99
- $1.50 off all rail liquors
- $1.50 off all house wines
- $1.00 off all tap beer
You are encouraged to invite a business partner, a colleague or a friend that might be interested in attending. Please RSVP by registering for the event below, as we have a limited amount of space available and we need to give our hosts at Kip’s Pub an idea of how many to expect. Kip’s has plenty of free parking in their parking lot as well.
If you have any questions, just ask!
