A Boutique Staffing Agency

March Feature:
Becoming a networking guru…

It’s an established fact that networking is the best way to bolster your professional prowess both in the office and out in the world. Dip your toe in the pool with these 5 tips and soon you'll be swimming laps around the competition:

1. Organize your contact database: Open that email address book and begin to fill in all those blank spaces. Organize your contacts, groups, and events. Create and maintain detailed records on key dates, family members, and email chains, etc. to make sure that you are up-to-date on all of your connections.
2. Know your resources: Be a person who has people, including an accountant, lawyer, tailor, insurance agent, contractor. A list of numbers, emails and names can make you an invaluable resource to others.
3. Listen and learn: Maintain the 80/20 rule in conversation: 80% listening, 20% talking. Focus on learning as much information as possible about your conversation partner/s and how you can help them. This information allows you to build upon your understanding of others and your own networks.
4. Keep in touch: We all know that person who never forgets a birthday and has a card for everything; become that person. Make an effort to be accessible and connected with people in your networks. The email age has made it easier than ever to quickly say hello or happy birthday. This quick connection will reward you with an active and engage network.
5. Become an expert: Develop a reputation as the guy/girl in the know. Whether you give the best restaurant recommendations or the best resume suggestions, you want people to come to you with questions and advice. This knowledge not only helps others, but develops the relationship with new and old connections.

Preferred Partner:
Bridge to Success

“Do not dress for the job you have, dress for the job that you want”.

The community organization, Bridge to Success, gives Chicago job seekers the tools to live up to this phrase.

With the generous donations of lightly-used, high-quality clothing, participants walk out with not only new professional outfits and a wardrobe consultation, but a renewed confidence to take them along in their job search. Bridge to Success also works with each participant individually to prepare their resume and interview skills.

With these challenging economic times, this organization provides an invaluable service starting with a few simple items of clothing.

We love Bridge to Success

Lunch for a Lincoln ($5): Ummm... Pompei Pizza

It’s not often that pizza can be described as a lunch-time staple, but in our office, it’s becoming our lunch of choice thanks to Pompeii. Their daily selection of 4x6 inch slices keeps us coming back almost daily for another round. Splitting a generous side salad and 2 slices with either sausage or mushrooms gives you a huge lunch for about $10 along with a balanced meal. Their fresh and plentiful selection gives numerous edible options that might just make pizza the perfect meal. 2 Loop Locations (7am – 5pm). www.pompeipizza.com

AltaStaff – a boutique staffing agency | 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1028, Chicago, IL 60604 | 312-408-9990
www.altastaff.com

In our next issue: Volunteer inside and outside your company  | Preferred Chicago Partner | Zen Office | Lunch Break

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