TripHuddle: A New Way to Stay In Touch

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Carolyn Mazzella

Click here to go to TripHuddle

During college we learn to expand our network of friends, co-workers, peers, and general acquaintances. After college we still use Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc to stay in touch. However in today’s social media world the lack of face to face communication is drastically shrinking. Although Apple’s Face-time feature and the software Skype allow users to communicate “face to face” it still can not compare to old fashion sit down over a cup of coffee conversations. That in person interaction is a basis to build a friendship, it helps to put all the “lol” or emoticons used online in conjunction with that person’s real life facial reactions, similes, laughs, and tone of voice.

Moving Toward Real Time Interaction

Google is expanding on this with the launch of Google+, which promotes simple and efficient ways to get friends together through huddle, circle, and hangout features. Using the hangout feature or the huddle feature help groups of friends talk together. Huddle, which uses text messaging on one chain for multiple people, is a fun and efficient way to keep everyone in the loop. Think of it as a chat room via phone – a group of your friends all replying and seeing eachother’s responses on one text conversation. Despite using Facebook, Google, or Skype to gather friends together I have not found a site that helps physically move friends across cities/states to one destination.

In Person Travel

A new site called TripHuddle does just that by combining social media sites/circles of friends who want to visit each other on one site. The premise behind this, described on the site’s history section, refers to six friends who spread across the country after college graduation. They used the same tactics as I have, using social media to stay in touch, but arranging to meet in person was a different story. In so TripHuddle was born:

“TripHuddle is a social trip-planning solution we created so that anyone could use their social network to plan better trips. TripHuddle users are able to organize complex trip details, work together to create an itinerary, and share their travel plans with friends and family. Each trip created has its own profile and features a list of who’s going, a shared calendar for events, and a bulletin board to post thoughts and questions.”

Registeration is fast and free ! I love that is contains trip information in one place and takes away the mutliple calls, texts, emails, and facebook events. Planning a trip whether across the state or across the country with multiple people is difficult and TripHuddle helps make it a little easier. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not down playing the leaps and bounds other technology has produced in online communications (Facebook, Face-time, Skype, etc). TripHuddle is another tool in our toolbox of social media sites to help bring our ever expanding network of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances that much closer.

Penn State Center: Small Moments are BIG OPPORTUNITIES!

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Joshua Devine

Josh working with other interns at the PSU Center

In professional networking, the saying always goes “It’s not WHAT you know but it’s WHO you know” that will launch you to great opportunities. This does hold true meaning. However, I have learned about networking, differently. “Though It’s WHO you know that can help you climb the ladder of success, it’s HOW you take advantage of small moments that will get you there” Here is my story.

The Right People…. I sat at a Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet table with various administrators of the College of Agriculture Sciences, of whom I’ve never met before. Conversing with them about me and my career goals led them to refer me to the Director of the Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh, whom I also didn’t know. They thought it would be best for me to reach out to him, maybe even collaborate on some projects that fit my career goal this summer. So I did and landed this internship I have now. Networking is about meeting the right people. Beyond meeting them, familiarizing and getting to know them is also important. Whether it is a simple neighbor that you have known for many years or a university leader you were briefly introduced to, it’s those relationships you must build on because they carry great leverage that can advance your career success.

The Right Place… I went to the MLK Banquet out of an invite and almost second guessed not going. I am so glad I attended. Had I not gone, I probably wouldn’t know, to this day, what the Penn State Center is or does. I considered myself lucky to be invited. I was at the right place meeting the right people and I knew I had to meet this Director. So I went and visited the Penn State Center over Spring Break and landed this internship I have now. Networking is also about going to unfamiliar yet necessary places, which can be daunting. Yet networking is all about risks and it’s a rewarding, undeniable stretch outside your comfort zone. Research potential employers and meet with an executive just to chat with them about what you’re interested in, what they do, and issues you’re passionate about. Take a risk. Never take for granted an invite, or a small event or social. Stretch beyond your comfort zone.

The Right Time… So here I am, out of curiosity, just talking to the Director. For about an hour, we discussed the significance of the Penn State Center, the historical ties to Penn State, current issues, and future projects. Before leaving, he mentioned getting approved to fund internship opportunities and asked if I was interested. I didn’t know beforehand that those internships existed and even though, going into this meeting, I wasn’t hoping for one, I was elated when he asked. In May, I landed the internship I have now [and it came at the right time].

Though this isn’t all about networking, it reveals a great lesson; when we stop to think, we realize that big opportunities exist in our small day to day conversations and whereabouts. Take advantage of these small moments and if you meet the right people, at the right place, at the right time, opportunity is bound to happen.

The Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh develops and strengthens local relationships to connect and engage the entire University with local partners. Resources of University Park and commonwealth campuses are used to help provide appropriate solutions to real problems in the areas of sustainability efforts, alternative fuels, community and economic development, corporate research and development and more. The interns this summer, are working on projects respective to their course of study that contributes to these objectives. For more information, visit their website athttp://pittsburgh.center.psu.edu/

Social Networking Success with Vivian Lee Croft

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Regina Anderson

I wanted to continue to demystify social networking by talking to someone whom I think is a pro at social networking. I met Vivian Lee Croft through social networking guru Tom Baker. Vivian attended a monthly networking event Tom and I co-host called Power Hour. I wanted to talk with Vivian because I like concrete examples of this idea of social networking.

RA: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
VLC: This is hard. I’m essentially a professional volunteer. I’ve a degree in Creative Writing and also Communications and Rhetorical Studies. I’ve helped my friend Laura Miller work on her amazing Secret Agent L project since we met at Duquesne two years ago. I bike and hike and hang out with my boyfriend and our two dogs. I co-host a morning networking event with Tom Baker each month called The Morning Mix.

Vivian Lee Croft with Tom Baker of the Morning Mix. Photo courtesy of Baker Leadership

RA: Why do you think people do not like the term “social networking”?

VLC: I think the term can come across as stale and self-serving. Its probably not a term young adults think is applicable to them. In fact, in my introduction to networking, I’ve found young adults to be great at social networking. I’ve attended events full of young adults and events with older professionals. Young adults actually put the term ‘social networking’ to good use.

I’ve made great friends and wonderful professional contacts through networking events. Young people are excited about affecting their communities and are really committed to working together for positive results.

RA: How has social networking helped you?

VLC: Networking has been a key component in introduction to and inclusion in Pittsburgh. It introduced me to my boyfriend. It introduced me to great friends. It provided me with a job. It has allowed me to get involved with projects and in organizations I may not have found on my own. It’s the reason I love Pittsburgh.

RA: What is your preferred method of social networking?

VLC: I’m actually quite shy and approaching people I don’t know is sometimes kind of scary. But I like events that allow young adults to mingle and connect in their projects and find each other on that sort of grass roots level. I have lots of friends who introduce and connect their friends via email, which I’m a big fan of.

RA: What advice do you have for people that are just beginning to network?

VLC: Don’t be shy; bring a friend and attend a variety of events, even if you think a certain event is not your style or is not exactly the right fit for you. Networking is just that – it’s expanding your network and growing your personal community. You never know – the next person to help you get to your next goal could be someone you’d never meet in your traditional network. The next person you could hep reach their goal could be at a networking event or a happy hour or a mixer that you’d never thought of attending previous to telling yourself, “Alright, I’ll check this out.”

Thanks Vivian for your great advice, and to all of us reading this post, as Tom Baker would say, Get Involved today! Power Hour and the Morning Mix are two great ways to kick start your involvement in the community!

Best Networking Practices, After Graduation

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Carolyn Mazzella

Image extracted from: Dorm411.com

It is that time of year again, as I walk to work, I see the tulips bursting up from the ground and the college students eagerly sunbathing in-between classes. However, if you are a graduating student this spring it is one of the most crucial times for best networking practices.

It’s time to put your best networking etiquette to use! Whether you are working in an internship or not this semester, you should contemplate how you are going to say “Bon Voyage” and “Thank You” to those influential people who have played a hand in shaping your college career. It may be a list of professors whom you have become close with, an adviser, a mentor, an internship supervisor. All of these people helped to change you, help to improve your outlook, or have been the ear to listen to you when you needed advice. Yet, what is the proper way to say thank you without overdoing it? Some professors may not have the time to meet with you face to face, but one of the best networking practices you can have is to say thank you through a simple card.

The Best Networking Practices May Seem Old School

A handwritten card is something my mother always did when she was corresponding to friends, family, or coworkers, but I always thought it was something moms did or she was just being nice. Now I realize she was doing double duty by teaching me best networking practices, being nice and saying thank you while keeping her networks open. A simple card shows good networking etiquette and acknowledges someone that most likely will remember you down the road.

At some point, you will surely need a letter of recommendation for a new job, or graduate school, or a fellowship and that thank you card is a simple way to keep connections alive with after you are gone.

Here is a quick checklist on how to get going with the best networking practices:

1. Select a maximum of 10 people that have influenced you and that you have formed a relationship with

Quality not Quantity

2. Buy blank Thank You cards and make sure the card is gender neutral; I would not recommend sending flowery cards to your male professors (not the best networking practices).

Here is a pack of cards I like that won’t cost an arm and a leg

3. Practice what you are going to say by writing drafts on scrap paper

4. You want to write this in pen and make it a max of 3-4 sentences

See Example!

Dear Professor Smith,

I am graduating this May and want to thank you for your guidance through my years as a history major. You have truly helped to shape by college experience and my future career choices. I will stay in touch on whether I decide to pursue graduate school after my year aboard.

These are just a few tips and tricks I have for staying in touch after your college career has ended and can carry with you into your career ahead!

Additional Resources

There are many articles on the web that can teach you a lot about best networking practices and describe how to write a proper thank you card, but I like eHow the best.

How to network: Informational Interviews

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Regina Anderson

The best way to find a great job, find new volunteering opportunities, or to meet new people, is to network in ways that are most appropriate for our unique personalities. When we work within our strengths, we’re more apt to see great results.

Informational interviews is one example of social networking. These information gathering opportunities are perfect if you have a very specific goal in mind: learning about how someone’s career path landed that person in the very kind of job you would like some day; or, understanding the software design community in Pittsburgh. Informational interviews are also good for those of us who might not want to chitchat, or go to large social events and flourish in one-on-one situations.

I decided to have my own informational interview with an expert on this topic.

Tom Baker is the Vice President of Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Tom spends his time helping people at any stage in their careers achieve their goals and to “Get Involved.” Get Involved is the tag-line for Baker Leadership, a soon-to-be nonprofit Tom started as a way to get people off their couches and into the community.

As part of Baker Leadership, Tom designed and implemented a training program called Fast Track Service and Leadership Program, which is an opportunity for young and young thinking members of the Greater Pittsburgh community to learn and collaborate with other positive and motivated professionals.

Fast Track participants take part in leadership oriented activities and exercises

RA: Why do you promote informational interviews in Fast Track?

TB: Informational interviews are such an easy mechanism to expand your network and meet people whom you would aspire to be like or to hold a similar role. As young professionals and students it is especially simple to make these happen. The key is to make the interview about the person whom you seek out but you should be prepared to answer questions.

RA: How should people prepare for an informational interview?

TB: Do your research on the person you want to meet. It is important to not ask questions that can be learned through an internet search. Know your facts and come prepared with a solid list of questions in mind.

RA: What expectations should people have going into an informational interview?

TB: One main thing to remember is that this is not meant to be a high-pressure situation for the interviewee. They are there to tell their story and provide some insight and guidance to you. You should not expect a job, internship, or anything specific out of the meeting. These positive occurrences can definitely take place, but it should not be your expectation. If all you gain is some terrific information and a potential contact for the future, then you have still conducted a successful informational interview.

RA: What kind of follow up is involved with an informational interview?

TB: Make sure to send a thank you card and note to the interviewee. Find ways to keep in touch with them as time moves on. If there is a way to invite them to participate in your life (speak at your staff meeting, Rotary Club meeting, etc) that is a great way to continue the relationship.

RA: What is your favorite informational interview story?

TB: I have definitely heard stories of informational interviews turning into job opportunities over time. All 13 graduates of the previous Fast Track Class completed informational interviews and had excellent stories to share with Holly [McIntosh] and I about their experiences. I would encourage anyone reading this to simply reach out TODAY to someone who they admire and would want to learn from. You are always busier tomorrow than you are today, so develop a connection and relationship now.

Tom Baker with the inaugural Fast Track Class

Thanks, Tom! To learn more about how to Get Involved TODAY, contact the RIC team, or go to Tom’s website, http://www1.bakerleadership.com/

Work the Room, Get an Interview

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Stephen Reed

Image extracted from: LIFE.com

Every student should know that standing in one spot at a conference, professional or networking event is counter-productive. What is the point of going if you are not meeting as many people as you can, getting business cards, giving them out and expanding your contact list? In other words, work the room!

Admittedly, striking up meaningful conversation is difficult with seasoned professionals. They can be intimidating! But, more than likely, they will be the ones you need to impress to gain employment after graduation.

The AMA Pittsburgh helped me gain the type of confidence I needed to walk into a networking event and ‘work the room’. I attended my first AMA event over a year ago and, I must confess, I felt lost. The majority of my time was spent sipping my Coke and talking with two undergraduates from Duquesne (not very productive seeing as they didn’t run an organization that could hire me).

Nonetheless I stayed until the room cleared out and watched how other professionals moved around the room, talked with each other and introduced acquaintances. Because I took the opportunity provided by the AMA, albeit uncomfortable at first, I was learning how to interact with people much more experienced. The more events you attend, the more times you introduce yourself, and talk to seasoned professionals the easier it gets and the better you get at it.

I continue to go to events held by the AMA to hone my skills. When I introduce myself, people are impressed with my proactive attitude towards networking. Being the only undergrad in the room grants you credit immediately. The rest is simply being yourself and asking the right questions, but without practice, to ‘work the room’ can be intimidating.

So practice your networking skills as much as you can – it’s worth it! The connections you make in person are far more valuable than emailing and sending out resumes. When a manager needs to hire someone, he will first think of people that he knows and that have made a good impression on him/her. A person with whom they have interacted as opposed to a resume that they have read, will certainly get the first call for an interview.

Check out amapittsburgh.com for their next event and rest assured I’ll be there.

*If you want to learn more about how a professional membership can help your career, click here. We have a few great reason for you to be part of a professional association.

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