Learn How to Network to Grow Your Net Worth - December 30

When you attend a networking event, are you a connector or a vampire?

If you don't know the difference between the two, then you should definitely tune in online Friday, December 30 at 8 pm ET as I share my strategic networking tips with Sophie Gold, as a guest on Life, Love & Tequila. Her co-host will be Melissa Wildstein, co-founder of 'PRENEUR.

It's been said that it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know. In today's New Normal of rapid change and pervasive technology, your challenge is figuring out how to strategically expand your network and make new, lasting connections -- fast! Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Well, with the right coaching you can learn how to tap into your network, create compelling messages that empower your connections to make the right introductions, AND know how to return the favor!

Join the event to participate live online and ask us a text question to share your biggest networking challenge or best networking success story of 2011.

Get Social! Expand Your Network on May 7

Now that it's Spring, it's time to come out of hibernation! Time to get out and socialize -- and, if you're in the New York City area, join me at the Social Events Expo on Saturday, May 7 at Sequoia in the South Street Seaport.

Come out for a fun day of networking, learning, socializing, information sharing and connecting. Meet owners of over 30 of the city's leading lifestyle companies at the Expo who will be onsite to offer brief consultations, demonstrations and mini-classes.

May 7 will be a great opportunity to learn more about my Focus on Your Vision eBook, strategic coaching programs, and my upcoming launch of a NEW holistic health collective! The Expo runs from 1:00-7:00 pm and is FREE to attend.

During the day, there also will be several themed activities to help you expand your network, including:

• Historic Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
• South Street Seaport Scavenger Hunt
• Latin/Ballroom Dancing Lessons
• Speed Dating

Some of the themed activities will require tickets. You can pay for your tickets at the door or eliminate the hassle and pre-pay HERE.

After the Expo, there will be a fun Happy Hour at Sequoia's Tropical Bar. Plus, a social networking dance party so you can continue connecting with all of your new friends!

If you set an intention in 2011 to expand your network, learn a new skill, or explore what New York City has to offer, come out and join us on Saturday, May 7 at the Social Events Expo. Post a comment or tweet me if you're planning to attend. Look forward to seeing you there!

NEW Podcast: Master the Art of Strategic Networking

In today's New Normal, you've probably realized that just keeping your head down, doing good work, and hoping that your efforts are noticed will not help you land your next opportunity (whether that's a new job or business lead). Networking -- or perhaps better described, relationship building -- is the "new black" in the New Normal.

So, you know that we're all connected to other people in some way -- through family, friends, neighborhoods, schools or employers. And, you know that if you talk to enough people, you'll eventually meet someone who knows the person you want to meet (and is willing to introduce you). But, in today's New Normal, who has that kind of time??

It's time that you master the art of Strategic Networking -- the process of strategically looking at your connections and creating compelling messages that empower your connections to say: "YES, I know who it is you need to meet, and YES, I want to help you meet them!"

When thinking of who in my network I could ask to shed some additional light on the subject, I could think of no better person than the Queen of Networking -- Executive Recruiter, Paula Marks. Paula, also President of Hire Resources, Inc. has been professionally connecting people to one another for over three decades. Her business network is rooted in a lifetime of successful Human Resource management, executive recruiting, and a vast rolodex of professional contacts.

In our podcast, Paula and I share tips on strategic networking, including how to craft clear, concise communications that make other people listen and want to take action -- which is to help you connect with their connections. We also share some networking pitfalls to avoid so you'll be able to maintain and deepen your most important network relationships.

After you listen to the podcast, let me know what your think -- share your networking success stories and/or lessons learned. How quickly do YOU follow-up after meeting someone new? How do YOU let a connection know that you respect his/her time when reaching out? Comment here on the blog, or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter -- @Coach_Colette.

Have You Defined Your 2010 Social Media Strategy?

Have you defined your 2010 Social Media Strategy? Whether you are a job seeker, career changer, career builder or aspiring entrepreneur, it's important that you consider which social media outlets will best help you create a buzz about you and your brand this year. The good news is there are resources to help you!

Tune in on Sunday evening (1/24/2010 at 5 PM EST) to hear my pals from "down under" - Career Success Radio hosts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross as they discuss how to select YOUR best social media platform (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.) and how to leverage your social media platform in YOUR job search, career management or business development.

Guest experts include: Daulton West Jr., Melissa Martin and Coach Colette Ellis.

In addition to sharing how these platforms differ, I'll also be offering tips on how to create YOUR best 140-character pitch to share with the Twitterverse! You may recall this discussion from last February - well, you'll be able to build on those ideas to include the new developments and Twitter companion sites that have been created since then (e.g., TweetMyJobs.com).

If you are able to listen in live, the Career Success Radio phone lines and chat room will be open. Ring in via (914) 338 0714 and get expert career advice. You can also listen to the show recording HERE on the blog via the widget below.

If you have a job-search or career related question, tweet us in advance: @Coach_Colette or @careerradio. One question will be selected to be answered live on air the show. And, the Career Success Expert Panel will answer questions in the online forum.

Professional Holiday Parties - Tips to Help You to Shine

As the holiday season is now upon us, it seems timely to share some tips and ideas to help you navigate the professional holiday party scene. As I have shared many of these tips before, I thought I'd encourage you to (re)review my blog post: Tis the Season to be Jolly ... NOT for Career Folly.

You'll notice that the post was written in December 2005 (yes, I've been blogging for over four years now!). I think the tips are still appropriate; what do you think?

In today's economy, I'd probably add a few more suggestions:

• Determine which of the events will give you your "biggest bang for the buck." You'll want to budget for holiday events just as you would any other networking events. Survey all of the events in your area that interest you, and prioritize them in order of relevance to your 2010 personal/professional goals. Perhaps one well-selected "high-ticket" event will expand your network more than several lower cost ones.
• Be a connector – help others to meet relevant contacts in your network. Networking is also about what you can give -- and, 'tis the season to give! If people see you as someone who is helpful, they’ll be more likely to help you. This relates to my next tip ...
• Be conscientious about your follow-up. LISTEN more than you're speaking when you meet new people. Take note of their interests and goals. For those people with whom you'd like to stay in contact, make time to share information that would be helpful or interesting to them.
• When someone asks, “What’s new?” be prepared with an answer that might make someone say "WOW!" We all have experienced some challenges this year; and yet, inspiring stories are always good to hear. This might require some additional thought -- think of the good things that have happened this year; think of the positive people in your support circle; think of the small wins you've already achieved. I'm confident you can come up with a couple of ideas.

Please share your thoughts, ideas and other survival tips here on the blog or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

And, BEST WISHES to you and yours for a

HEALTHY, HAPPY, JOYFUL, ABUNDANT HOLIDAY SEASON!

Get Career Tips from HR InSiders - NEW Podcast Series

I’m delighted to announce the launch of a NEW podcast series called InSide the HR Studio. Now that the rules of the game in the workplace are in constant flux, I’m hosting this special podcast series with senior HR leaders who will provide an insiders perspective on career transition and offer relevant tips on how to succeed in today’s workplace.

Our first guest InSide the HR Studio is Bernie Frazier, Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Fleishman-Hillard, a global PR consultancy. Based in St. Louis, Bernie manages all recruiting efforts for Fleishman in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, South America and Australia. In addtion to being responsible for their U.S. immigration program, she also manages employee relations and a team of corporate recruiters.

In the podcast, Bernie and I discuss how companies have changed their recruiting strategies, and are using different ways and places to advertise open positions, and new strategies to source candidates. Bernie also shares specific tips to enhance your LinkedIn profile and leverage Twitter to increase your visibility in your industry. For example, Fleishman Hillard started using Twitter to post job opportunities, and recently hired someone via Twitter.

Want to learn TweetDeck can help you in your job search? Then, tune in to the podcast!

Bernie shares some tips to help you "think like a recruiter, not a candidate" as you network: "Don’t be too aggressive or too desperate; hold on to your confidence. Recruiters are overburdened nowadays, so be sensitive."

After you listen to the podcast, if you want to learn more about career opportunities at Fleishman-Hillard visit: http://www.fleishman.com/. Or, check out their Stand Out Blog with more thoughts from their recruiters at: http://standout.fleishmanhillard.com/.

How Do You Keep Your Brand On the Grid?

What are you doing to keep your brand - personal or professional - on people's radar? Given that we're all being bombarded with messages from so many sources, how do you keep people in your network informed (but not overwhelmed) about your goals?

I'd invite you to listen, download and share my latest podcast called: How to Stay on the Grid: Networking 2.0. This is a discussion with Adrian Miller, President & Founder of Adrian Miller Sales Training.

In this podcast, we discuss the new rules of the game of networking 2.0 - which is about more than just using various social media tools, like Twitter or Facebook. Adrian and I talk about the difference between linear and circular networking, and explain which approach can be more effective in helping you to become a true connector. And, when you listen, you'll find out why being a connector is a crucial component to your personal and professional success.

So, take a listen and get some concrete tips on how to take your networking skills to the next level. You may also want to read an interesting article on Identifying Your Networking Strengths and Weaknesses by Ivan Miser.

After you have listened to the podcast and read the article, share your networking success stories - tweet me or post them in the comments.

Coach Colette Gets Canned on December 16th!

OK, now that I have your attention, let me tell you about an exciting career and social networking event on Tuesday, December 16, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM called Get Canned.

Get Canned is a charitable, social networking event to help you expand your contacts and discover your next professional opportunity in 2009. It will be held at e l e m e n t, a funky venue in lower Manhattan.

Being laid off, or 'getting canned,' rarely has a positive side to it; but, Get Canned takes a positive spin and embraces the theme - collecting canned goods for the Food Bank for New York City in place of a cover charge to attend the event.

Coach Colette is IN!

I'll be on hand in the Elevation Lounge to answer your questions and offer complimentary laser-coaching sessions. Get the guidance and support you need to face (and embrace) your career transition! One lucky raffle winner will win a FREE CAREER COACHING PACKAGE!

You CAN do it – I did!

Nearly six years ago, I found out that my position would be eliminated because of a company merger. Ironically, that was my second "downsizing" experience within 13 months! The way I saw it, I had two choices [now I know there were many others too!]:

1. Attempt to find another job

2. Attempt to sell my skills on the “open market” as a consultant

What did I do? I leveraged my contacts and skills, and chose the latter option. I’ve spent the past six years building my consulting and coaching practice to the level it is today. Come to Get Canned on December 16 to learn how you too can transition into success in 2009!

Healthy mind -- healthy body -- healthy career!

Equinox Fitness will have personal trainers onsite to answer your questions and help plan your 2009 fitness routine. They're donating a FREE MEMBERSHIP pass to the raffle!

Join me on Tuesday, December 16 at element for Get Canned!

Register TODAY and stop by to say hello. Don't forget to bring two non-perishable canned food items for FREE admission!

Colette is Coach at Nonprofit Boot Camp August 16

If you're in the New York area, and are considering a career in the nonprofit sector, I'd highly recommend you join me in attending the Nonprofit Boot Camp sponsored by the Craigslist Foundation on Saturday, August 16 at New York University.

This promises to be a a day of knowledge, resources and networking, all focused on how to start and run a vibrant nonprofit. Nonprofit Boot Camp is designed to educate and empower the next generation of nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs. Event highlights include:

• A choice of over 20 interactive workshops and panels across 5 - 10 educational tracks, covering the essentials of starting and running a nonprofit or social enterprise
• More than 100 partner organizations, representing virtually every local nonprofit management support resource
• Appearances and keynote speeches from leading figures

PLUS Individual "Laser Coaching" Sessions -- I'll be one of the coaches available to meet with you between 10:30 AM -12:30 PM to discuss your career strategy.

Your $75 registration fee includes a full day of workshops, keynotes, Exhibit Hall access, one-on-one coaching, and the opportunity to network and collaborate with 1,000 emerging and established nonprofit leaders. Hope to see you there! :)

PS -- if you're on the West Coast, there's a similar event being held on October 18 in San Francisco.

Summer Dating is an Adventure - Don't Get Stressed Out!

Hope you had a wonderful July 4th weekend! I'm excited about my new podcast with Andrea Varano, Director of NY Operations for Meet Market Adventures.

It occurred to me that many of my work-life balance posts and podcasts have focused on the professional or "work" side of the equation. Perhaps that's because I come into this work from the Training & Career Development world.

So, I began to think: What areas on the "life" side can often cause people stress? DUH! How about meeting new people -- whether it's on the personal side of dating or on the social side of networking and making new friends. Urban dating (and socializing) is an adventure! That's why it's great to have groups like Meet Market Adventures who organize structured activities like white water rafting -- at least it takes the stress of planning out of the equation. Then, you can focus on getting there ... and, of course, what you'll wear! [Check out the podcast for Andrea's funny anecdote about attire/makeup for a jogging event.]

We all know that our personal networks can be a source of support in our fast-paced, hectic world. Yet, attracting the right people into our personal network can sometimes be a challenge. In this podcast, Andrea and I discuss tips to manage your expectations when you meet new people at social events and hints on how to make yourself more attractive to potential friends and mates. I also talk about my BOLD move of attending MMA events alone -- which Andrea thinks can be a good strategy.

If you’re a reader/listener in the New York City area, do keep Thursday, July 24th at 6:00 PM open for the next Meet Market Adventures Singles After-Work mixer at Duvet Lounge. You’ll have an opportunity to mingle, meet and network with over 300 singles in a "hip" setting. Andrea and her team will have some fun icebreaker activities so you can practice the suggestions we discuss on our podcast! Arrive early and your name will be entered in their Grand Prize Draw of an all expense paid White Water Rafting Trip.

Sign up on their website for and take advantage of this interactive evening of contests, prizes, food & dancing, for only $19.99. This is definitely a party you won't want to miss!

Come Be a "Social-light" at Tavern on the Green

Want to experience ultimate networking at New York City's ultimate restaurant? Then, join me tomorrow (August 7) at Tavern on the Green from 7:00 - 11:30 PM.

The outdoor patio at Tavern on the Green is an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan. What better venue to learn more about our Stress Management and Career Development programs? Hear from representatives of NYC's top social and personal growth organizations in a casual and fun atmosphere.

Tavern on the Green -- Outdoor Patio

West 67th Street & Central Park West

7:00 - 11:30 pm

$10 admission for prizes, specially-priced drinks/food and fun people!

Take Advantage of the Summer

The days are longer -- the weather is warmer (hopefully it's not raining where you are). How will you take advantage of the summer to further your career objectives?

Is there one NEW activity you can try that might help you achieve a short-term goal? How about finding a NEW ...

• Volunteer opportunity that enables you to enhance a key skill -- maybe there's even an outdoor component! OR ...
• Magazine or journal that will update you on latest trends in your industry -- handy for those long bus/train rides to the beach!

Switch it up a bit -- check out the local cafes in your neighborhood as you walk home. Maybe one of them has a special evening for networking activities (book club, meet-'n-greet, etc.) -- great ways to take advantage of the air conditioning AND meet new people!

What do you think? Post your suggestions for fun ways to take advantage of the summer!