Let’s face it, these days networking is a part of life. Whether you enjoy networking or not or realize it, we all network in one form or another. Some of us are better at it than others.  There are many ways to network. You can attend an event, meet someone in the line at the grocery store or make a connection via the Internet with someone you may never meet in person.  Networking is all about making a connection with someone that ideally results in a relationship where you each share of information, ideas, contacts, resources and/or opportunities. It’s how many people get their jobs.  There’s the popular saying, “It’s all about who you know.” To some degree this is very true.  However, it’s also about what you know that  can make the connection more fruitful. Who you know may get you in the door, but what you know keeps you in.

For many, the thought of networking can be daunting. This can be particularly true for those who are shy about approaching new people and striking up a conversation in an unfamiliar setting with people they don’t know.  Networking doesn’t have to be unpleasant. In fact, with a little practice and preparation, networking can be enjoyable and easy. 

Networking can be an effective way of growing your business, finding a new job, or gaining access to opportunities and information that you wouldn’t ordinarily have. There are many keys to networking. A few of the most important keys include being willing to share and help someone else and finding common ground.  It’s easier to spark up a conversation with someone when you have similar interests or something else in common. While The Evolution Exchange event to benefit Girls Inc. D.C. is a fundraiser, it is also an designed to be a networking event centered around a good cause.  We hope that the guests of our first event establish some wonderful connections that enhance their lives professionally and personally.

Here are a few conversation starters and some tips that can help you become a better networker. Even if you enjoy networking and are good at it, there are always ways to improve your skills and make the most out of the connections you make. 

Conversation Starters:

• How did you hear about this event?
• What do you do?
• How do you know the host/hostess?

10 Tips to Being An Successful Networker:

1. Set goals you want to achieve as a result of the event. It may be new client contacts, introduction to a specific company or contact at a company, new business opportunities, etc.

2. If possible, find out who will be in attendance before you go so you can do some research and make sure to connect w/specific people. Some events will post an attendee list, if not, ask the host.

3. Stay focused and make sure you meet the people you want to connect with.

4. Take plenty of business cards! It is a good practice to keep a stash in places like your wallet, jacket pocket, purse, etc.

5. Practice your elevator speech before you go so that you feel polished and confident about your company, business, etc.

6. Be friendly, welcoming and authentic. Look like someone that someone else would enjoy speaking with. Look your best, smile, make eye contact. Listen and don’t dominate the conversation. Repeat the person’s name if you have trouble remembering names.

7. Be willing to share information, contacts and resources. Don’t approach networking with the sole mindset of what’s in it for me? Many times, there is something you can easily do to help someone else. It helps establish a connection.

8. If you are shy and don’t know anyone at the event. Mix and mingle as best you can and find a friendly person with whom you can connect one-on-one; or if you can muster up the courage to introduce yourself, you’d be amazed the people you can meet.

9. Be open, you never know what can result from a networking event. Networking can take place anytime in a variety of settings. Relax, enjoy yourself and communicate clearly and effectively to maximize your networking opportunity.

10. Follow-up after the event with the people you connected with. Email or call them very soon after you meet to reaffirm and establish ongoing connections.

1.     Girls Inc. is an amazing organization that is dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold!  With your support you can be a part of continuing this wonderful program for the girls in our community.

2.     Girls Inc. WDCMA provides supportive, enriching opportunities where girls develop confidence, expand skills, unlock talent, broaden their vision, become leaders and prepare for a successful future!

3.     Girls Inc. WDCMA focuses on addressing issues of health (especially teen pregnancy), violence, self-advocacy, and economic literacy among girls. Their programs include:

·               Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy -Will Power/Won’t Power

·               Economic Literacy - Equal Earners, Savvy Spenders

·               Project BOLD- Living Safe and Strong (anti-violence and self-defense)

·               Fitness and Nutrition

·               Dialogue on Sexuality for girls and a significant adult

·               “Money Talks”, a workshop on money management for girls and a significant adult

4.     Girls Inc. WDCMA currently delivers programs in several middle schools in the District of Columbia Wards 1, 7 and 8 and plans on expanding out to other areas.

5.     Girls Inc. Operation Smart^Ò – Science, Math and Technology - Encourages girls to think like scientists, engage in discovery-based girl-centered activities, provides real-life engineering challenges, tackle real-life problems in girls’ communities, establishes partnerships with women scientists.

6.     Girls Inc. Economic Literacy^Ò  –  Hands-on activities giving girls an opportunity to realize the place of money in the world and in their lives, from buying wisely to banking, money traps, taxes, career development, entrepreneurship.

7.     Girls Inc. Project Bold^Ò – Violence Prevention - Strengthens girls’ abilities to lead safer lives by developing strategies for self-defense, seeking out caring adults to help with personal violence and advocating on issues of violence.

8.     Girls Inc. Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy^Ò - Bolsters girls’ communication skills as well as their motivation and resources to be in charge of their sexual health and avoiding teen pregnancy.

9.     Girls Inc. Leadership and Community Action - Builds leadership skills and creates lasting social change by partnering girls and women in community action projects chosen by girls.

10.  With your generous support we can:

·               Increase the number of girls served

·               Increase the number of programs delivered

·               Hire and train additional staff

·               Enhance the permanent facility at Howard University

Change the future one strong, smart, bold girl at a time!

Visit www.theevolutionexchange.com to purchase your tickets to The Evolution Exchange: An Afternoon at The Pearl Spa to benefit Girls Inc. D.C!

Girls reaching for new heights

1. Help Girls Inc. D.C. reach more girls in our community with your ticket purchase

2. Receive a choice of one (1) mini spa treatments (hand massage, reflexology or seated massage) with the purchase of a VIP ticket

3. An opportunity to purchase unique jewelry and luxury organic bath & body products from women-owned, local vendors who are donating a percentage of purchases to Girls Inc. D.C.

4. Purchase raffle tickets to raise funds for Girls Inc. D.C. and for a chance to win great prizes such as:
• Flip video camera, IPod Shuffle, Coach cosmetic case filled with necessities, 6 Senses Gift Basket and more…

5. Receive a $25 gift card to The Pearl Spa

6. Receive gift bag filled with great items from supporting sponsors

7. Spend the afternoon at a spa enjoying a delicious dessert bar and refreshing beverages.

8. Receive two (2) complimentary tickets to Madame Tussauds DC

Purchase your ticket to attend by Friday, June 12 at www.theevolutionexchange.com or call 301.681.1438.
Thank you for your support!

Girls Inc. girls at the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll

New possibilities - Enjoy the Journey!

Welcome to the first blog post for The Evolution Exchange!

The last few months have been very exciting and inspiring as we’ve been working hard to develop The Evolution Exchange, a unique networking event designed to create an opportunity for people to foster connections and engage in a mutual exchange of information, ideas and resources while raising funds and awareness for a charitable organization. The Evolution Exchange’s first event, An Afternoon at The Pearl Spa, will bring together area women to benefit Girls Inc. of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, an affiliate of the national non-profit youth organization, Girls Inc. This phenomenal organization provides several critical programs that help girls in our community to: develop confidence, broaden their visions, become leaders, expand skills, unlock talent and prepare for a successful future!

Being of service to others is something that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have strongly emphasized in this Administration not just with words, but with action. It’s important to realize that even in challenging economic times; there are many ways that we can all be of service to others ranging from the smallest to grandest gestures. Every day, we’re all presented with opportunities to help someone else in a variety of ways. We never know what new possibilities can emerge or the positive impact that can result unless we keep an open mind and enjoy the journey. The Evolution Exchange was created with the same spirit.

In planning The Evolution Exchange’s first event to benefit Girls Inc. of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, we are grateful thus far for the generosity and support from family, friends, business contacts and perfect strangers to help make it a huge success. The wheel of possibilities and support continues to expand and evolve.

We encourage you to visit The Evolution Exchange blog for frequent updates about our first event along with posts containing interesting tips, stories and resources to inspire and help business owners and professionals. You can also follow The Evolution Exchange on Facebook.

We are currently seeking donations of items for the raffle and goodie bags. To learn more about how you can help, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@TheEvolutionExchange.com or 301.681.1438. Tickets can be purchased at www.TheEvolutionExchange.com.

Part of the Proceeds from The Evolution Exchange, An Afternoon at The Pearl Spa event are being donated to Girls Inc. of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the District of Columbia.