AT WORK
Professional associations provide networking opportunities
By Dawn Segario
Gannett News Service
When Matt Randall showed up to the first meeting of the Young Professionals of Ames, Iowa, he didn't recognize anyone in the group.
It was an eye-opening experience for the Ames native.
"That was probably the most exciting part — meeting folks I didn't know were out there," said Randall, who two years ago worked with about a dozen people to form the organization.
Randall, 29, said the goal was to provide professionals in his age group with a "conduit," or connections, enabling them to become more active in the community.
One way the association has done that is through socializing and networking events.
Mention the words "networking" and "socializing" in a professional context, and some people cringe.
Other young people might steer clear of these kinds of meet-and-greets — where they can rub elbows with everyone from fellow industry colleagues to powerful CEOs — arguing that they wouldn't know what to say or how to act.
But too many fail to realize what a valuable networking tool these get-togethers are, said Jodie Vesey, owner of the Etiquette Advantage in West Des Moines. It's a great way for young professionals to make contact with individuals they normally wouldn't have access to.
The idea here is to have fun, but play it safe, Vesey said. For the most part, you'll want to stick with professional attire and keep conversation light. And even though a lot of these events offer free food and alcohol, she said it's a smart idea to keep your consumption of both in moderation.
The purpose is to mingle, Vesey said, rather than hang out with your friends or station yourself near the food table or bar.
"Their goal should be to introduce themselves to at least two people that they don't know," she said.
Vesey, a professional speaker who specializes in business etiquette, offered these tips:
• Wear appropriate attire. This is not a Saturday night out at a dance club. Ladies, leave at home those low-rise pants. Also out: Shirts that bare midriffs or show too much cleavage.
While the latest style for guys is untucked button-down shirts, Vesey said tuck them in with a belt when in a professional setting. Reserve the thick-soled, clunky shoes for the club. Wear a nice pair of business-type shoes instead.
• Get talking. Keep the conversation light and benign. Try generic topics like current movies or TV programs, and have two or three questions per topic in mind.
Another possibility is asking people where their hometown is and letting the conversation take off from there.
Prep yourself by reading the newspaper or watching the news that day. "Then you'll be able to intelligently and knowledgeably join in on conversations regarding that day's newsworthy events," Vesey said.
Avoid talking, though, about politics and religion. "You can get too much controversy going, and turn a light and social event into a dark and heavy event, very quickly."
• Don't overindulge in food or drink. Showing up ravenous is a bad idea. If you're that hungry, either grab a bite to eat beforehand, or if a menu is available, order a full meal, Vesey recommended.
Finish your snack early on so you can get rid of your plate and focus on mingling. Try carrying your glass in your left hand, leaving your right free to shake hands.
When you have one beer too many, you become too lax in your professional image.
