Opportunity knocked at the chamber’s November membership meeting. On Wednesday, the 15th, members and guests gathered at the Mid-Island Y JCC to interact with networking maven Ellen Volpe, founder of American Business Associates. They also had the opportunity to learn about sponsorship options from Plainview Little League‘s Rick Lasher and the benefits of POBJFK High School’s internship program. (See separate article in Latest News!)
With 35 years of experience and an eye on the future, Ellen imparted valuable networking nuggets during her 35 minute presentation. Her tips included the importance of “processional impact:” Each person is “like a bullseye surrounded by an orbit of connections” and their influence can open doors, she explained. She also stressed the importance of following up on calls and encouraged committing to “calendarization” of networking, whether it’s a half hour or 2 hours per day at least twice a week. During the Q& A period, she challenged attendees to “say what you need, not what you do.” Members discovered some valuable knowledge about one another!
Photo left to right: Business education teachers Gina Farrell and Scott Lieberman; chamber president David Weinstein; ABA’s Ellen Volpe; chamber 2nd vice president Larry Weiss and director of sponsorship for Plainview Little League, Rick Lasher.