Fearless Networking Webcast

You know what? It IS all about “who you know”. Let’s face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street’s powerhouse companies we never know when our job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you land your next job? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.

Fearless Networking, based on the book written by Adrienne Graham, gives you the foundations of becoming a fearless networker. In this session, you will learn:

* Branding yourself
* Build, communicate with and tap into your network
* Networking with top executives and key decision makers
* Making a memorable impression on the people you meet
* Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert and an asset
* Being a fearless networker
* Navigating and tapping into traditional and social networking
* Using networking to advance your career or build your business
* Building a proper Inner Circle (aligning yourself with power brokers)
* Networking ‘Seasons’
* Networking strategies

Don’t miss this dynamic session that prepares you to become a powerful and empowered networker. Your real networking experience begins at this seminar. Adrienne Graham gives attendees a look into her own networking journey, shares her experiences and best advice on building your own network from a position of confidence and strength, and gets the audience involved in interactive networking exercises.

Date: April 4, 2009
Time: 11 AM- 2 PM EST
Location: Online Webcast- must have internet and phone access
Cost: $69 (refer 2 friends who register & get $10 off your registration! Limit 2 referrals per person.)

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4000183

Drawing will be conducted for a $25 American Express Gift Check, a copy of the book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers, and 1 free networking coaching session with Adrienne Graham.

 

Your Brand Carries on, Even When Your Not There

Hello everyone! Well, I didn’t make it to the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Orlando, FL this year. I am so upset. I caught the flu so I couldn’t go. I had it all planned out. I would stay at my Mom’s (free room & board!), meet some of the ladies outside of the Summit for drinks or dinner, and network my butt off! I had the sessions I wanted to attend highlighted and was ready with my business cards. I even ordered some extra copies of my book- just in case. Needless to say, I was disappointed when I realized I would not be attending. *sigh* Yes, I’m whining.

Well, a lovely friend of mine, Michelle Greene, a Director of Business Infrastructure, who I met at last year’s Summit, called me and told me to get well and stay in bed. We both wished we could get together and turn that event out, but I was too sick to make it. Michelle did something that was even better than me being there. This dear woman talked me up to anyone who would listen. You see, I advised Michelle to get some Resume Cards a few weeks ago as part of her self marketing efforts. She had some made and bought them with her to the Summit. Everyone she gave them to complimented her on a genius idea. She promptly told them that I was the one who advised her to get them AND she told them about my book. Amongst them was B. E. Editorial Director Sonia Allyene- I’m really sorry I missed her!

And as if that wasn’t enough, Michelle stood in line after a session with Carla Harris- a managing director in global capital markets at Morgan Stanley- to get an autographed copy of her new book Expect to Win: Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet just for me. When she called me to say she had a surprise for me, I had no idea. I am so touched that she did that for me. The power of networking! I am going to be sure to send Ms. Harris a note of thanks, and I owe Michelle a dinner or something for looking out for me like she did. I am truly blessed.

Another example of my brand transcending myself is I received a call from a woman who is doing research for an article on women entrepreneurs. She left a voice message for me and in it she stated that in talking with other women, my name came up quite a few times as a person to know. She took that as her hint to look me up! I have no voice right now, but I will call her back as soon as I can speak again. I don’t know which women spoke so highly of me but I am so grateful to them for respecting me and thinking so highly enough of me to make the referral.

So see, your brand really does represent you when you aren’t there. It is important that you continue to represent yourself in the highest integrity and respect. People talk, and you want them to always speak well of you. It’s the highest form of flattery and confirmation when people share your name. Don’t disappoint them.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

 

I Will Pay $50 for the Most Creative Networking Idea!

Can you out do the Networking Diva? I’ve used some pretty wild networking strategies in the past (and most likely will again in the future!). I’ve even shared some tips in my new book, Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking.

Networking is not limited to just attending events labeled “Networking Event” or just handing out cards. I’m looking for the most unique and creative networking idea you’ve had. Tell me your story and you may be featured in an interview on the Fearless Networking Page. It must be something that has worked and can be verified. You can share it here, send me an email at huesconsulting@gmail.com or Twitter me @talentdiva. The winner will receive $50. You must be a registered member of the Fearless Networking Facebook Page to be considered. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fearless-Networking/59372166163

Oh yeah, and tell your friends!

So let me see what you got. Good Luck!

Adrienne Graham

 

Book Release- Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Person: Adrienne Graham
Company Name: Hues Consulting & Management, Inc
Phone Number: +1 866.779.4830 or +1 678.549.4028
FAX Number: +1 253.559.4028
Email Address: info@huesconsulting.com
Website URL: http://www.huesconsulting.com

Fearless Networking, Without Asking Permission

 

Author Adrienne Graham will hold a book reading for the newly released Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers on February 7, 2009 at 12Noon EST.  Buck the system and circumvent the Glass Ceiling and the Ol’ Boys Network…without asking or waiting for permission. Learn the ABCs of networking from the woman who personifies networking! Become the networker you were born to be and be fearless doing it.

 

Atlanta, GA – January 31, 2009 – Author Adrienne Graham will hold a book reading for the newly released Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking. The book  is a guide for women to elevate their networking game and be fearless about it. Networking is a team sport; and if you don’t get in the game, you’ll come up short on your career aspirations. Let’s face it, it’s all in who you know, but also the ACTION you take.

 

Written by the much sought after Recruitment Consultant and Networking Power Broker, Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers is a practical guide that gives readers key tips and personal networking experiences designed to show that all women can become fearless networkers. Women find it difficult to make time to network because they don’t make the time to fit it in their hectic schedules, or they fear that it won’t benefit them. Most don’t know how to network effectively, so they feel it doesn’t work for them. But with the economy in shambles and jobs (and companies) being obliterated daily, networking allows people to build key relationships they can tap into during their time of need. People are more willing to help people they know and have a relationship with.

“I am a successful Talent Acquisition Consultant and CEO. I am a Networking Power Broker who has mastered traditional and social networking. My Blackberry contains some pretty powerful people I can turn to at any time for advice or just to chat. I wrote the book on Fearless Networking and set the bar for how all women network in the 21st century” says Graham. “This book inspires women to actively build relationships and take “who they know” and turn it into a competitive advantage”.

 

Graham is hosting a book reading on the web on Saturday, February 7^th at noon EST. Women all over the world can tune in to hear passages from the book and will have the opportunity to ask Graham questions about becoming a fearless networker. To get your copy of the book, learn about the author, or register for the book reading, visit www.goaheadtalktostrangers.com.

 

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It’s Finally Here! Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers is Ready!

Hi ladies!

I wanted to announce that the book is finally ready!  After months of agony and stress over the publishing process (not writing) and the mishap with the proof copy, it is finally ready to be unveiled to the world.  Please tell all your friends about the book and make sure you get a copy for yourself.  You can find it at http://www.empowermeseminars.com/book.htm. I am very excited and hope you all enjoy the book and find it useful. Keep in mind because it’s not through a traditional publisher, the books will be sent to me first then I will ship them to you. Please expect 12-14 days maximum for delivery. (Sorry!)

I have not announced any dates for a reading party or any workshops yet. But those details will be forthcoming. Thank you for your support and encouragement through this process. I am truly blessed to have so many people behind me.

Adrienne

 

URGENT: Workshop & Book Release Rescheduled for December 6, 2008

Hi everyone. Unfortunately due to illness, I will be postponing the release and workshop event until December 6th.  Thos who have registered already will have your registration transferred to that date and be sent the new log in information.  If you have any questions, please email me directly. My apologies to all, but I had not expected to come down with the flu.  Thank you for your support.

Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking

By popular demand, Go Ahead is now available online! No matter where you are in the world, you can now participate in this very important workshop.

Let’s face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street’s powerhouse companies like Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, we never know when our cushy job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you in landing your next opportunity? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.

Go Ahead Talk, to Strangers, based on the book written by Adrienne Graham, gives you the foundations of becoming a fearless networker. In this session, some of what you will learn includes:

* Branding yourself

* Build, communicate with and tap into your network

* Networking with top executives and key decision makers

* Making a memorable impression on the people you meet

* Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert and an asset

* Being a fearless networker

* Navigating and tapping into traditional and social networking

* Using networking to advance your career or build your business

Don’t miss this dynamic session that prepares you to become a powerful and empowered networker. Your real networking experience begins at this seminar. Adrienne Graham gives attendees a look into her own networking journey, shares her experiences and best advice on building your own network from a position of confidence and strength, and gets the audience involved in interactive networking exercises. Graham will also read a chapter from the book.

Date: December 6, 2008

Time: 11 AM- 2 PM

Location: Online- log in information provided after payment is received.

Cost: $69

Register today:

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Must have internet access to attend this session. Drawings will be conducted for a $25 American Express Gift Check, a copy of the book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers, and 1 free networking coaching session with Adrienne Graham. Event will be recorded.

 

The New Girls Network? What the….

OK, I’m used to people falsely calling me a sexist against men. *yawn* I had to laugh at this email I received from a guy who apparently has a problem with me championing women (actually he called me a racist and a sexist because of my Empowered Latina and Empowered Black Women networks under Empower Me). I generally ignore the very few email I get in that tone but I had to address it this time. I’m not going to sit here and defend myself against those idiotic claims of racism or sexism as those who know me or have read anything from me know my true heart.

So I get an email chastising me regarding my perceived “Old Boys Network Bashing”. I had to laugh. The gentleman said he felt that by encouraging women and writing a book dedicated solely to women and networking made me a sexist. He said I was ushering in the New Girls Network that kept men out. He went on to say that we all, men and women need to move forward and network with one another. I agreed with that. My question is, when did I say men and women can’t network together? Look at my own network and you’ll find men and women from all races, countries, industries, stations in life and career, etc. As long as a person can be comfortable in a mutually beneficial networking relationship, I don’t care if they are pink with polka dots from the moon. I will network with them with no hesitation or problem.

I have been very vocal about women being careful about focusing too heavily on the OBN. Yes, to some degree, it does still exist. But the difference is that today, in 2008, it is no longer the barrier it once was. For one, men are a lot more progressive these days and open to doing business with women. There are a lot more women in power positions than there were 20 years ago. And finally, I believe this generation of business people are moving beyond gender as long as a business idea (or relationship) makes sense. I also agree that there are instances where women do need something of their own. I mention in my book that sometimes it’s good to have a network within your own (gender, ethnicity, industry, etc). I also said not to make them your primary network.

I don’t know about you, but I look forward to a day where diversity is a given, not a mandate. I align myself with people who fit in line with my business and professional objectives. I open myself to learn about other businesses, countries, cultures, practices, etc. So for someone to call me a sexist or racist is laughable at best. This is a global society. Anyone who limits themselves to their “own” (gender, ethnicity, sorority, fraternity, economic class, etc) is doing themselves a grave disservice. So yes, while I did write a book targeted to women (gee I AM a woman…go figure), the principles in the book work from men and women and I stated this. We need to be focusing on how to work together, not looking for ways to exclude. We need to focus on building solid relationships and learning from one another. Not whining that a group is exclusive. If it’s really that exclusive, do you really want to be part of it to begin with? We all need to recognize that at times, it makes sense for people to want to congregate with people like them. But we can’t read too much into it. Recognize it for what it is and keep it moving. I mean really, I’m half black and half hispanic. Are you seriously telling me that I’m not allowed to join groups for either ethnicity without someone reading more into it than they should? Just because I’m a woman, does this mean it’s wrong for me to join a women’s group just so I don’t offend men? Seriously. As long as it isn’t an inflammatory or vindictively exclusive group, I say do what you do and forget what other people think.

So there may or may not be a “New Girls Network” out there. If there is, more power to them. People, let’s focus on real issues and stop trying to make something out of nothing. It’s insulting that I even have to address this in 2008.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham
International Networker

 

REMINDER: Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers Webinar & Book Release- Online

Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking

By popular demand, Go Ahead is now available online! No matter where you are in the world, you can now participate in this very important workshop.

Let’s face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street’s powerhouse companies like Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, we never know when our cushy job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you in landing your next opportunity? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.

Go Ahead Talk, to Strangers, based on the book written by Adrienne Graham, gives you the foundations of becoming a fearless networker. In this session, some of what you will learn includes:

* Branding yourself

* Build, communicate with and tap into your network

* Networking with top executives and key decision makers

* Making a memorable impression on the people you meet

* Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert and an asset

* Being a fearless networker

* Navigating and tapping into traditional and social networking

* Using networking to advance your career or build your business

Don’t miss this dynamic session that prepares you to become a powerful and empowered networker. Your real networking experience begins at this seminar. Adrienne Graham gives attendees a look into her own networking journey, shares her experiences and best advice on building your own network from a position of confidence and strength, and gets the audience involved in interactive networking exercises. Graham will also read a chapter from the book.

Date: November 22, 2008

Time: 11 AM- 2 PM

Location: Online- log in information provided after payment is received.

Cost: $69

Register today:

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Must have internet access to attend this session. Drawings will be conducted for a $25 American Express Gift Check, a copy of the book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers, and 1 free networking coaching session with Adrienne Graham. Event will be recorded.

 

Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers Webinar

Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking

By popular demand, Go Ahead is now available online! No matter where you are in the world, you can now participate in this very important workshop.

Let’s face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street’s powerhouse companies like Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, we never know when our cushy job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you in landing your next opportunity? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.

Go Ahead Talk, to Strangers, based on the book written by Adrienne Graham, gives you the foundations of becoming a fearless networker. In this session, some of what you will learn includes:

* Branding yourself

* Build, communicate with and tap into your network

* Networking with top executives and key decision makers

* Making a memorable impression on the people you meet

* Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert and an asset

* Being a fearless networker

* Navigating and tapping into traditional and social networking

* Using networking to advance your career or build your business

Don’t miss this dynamic session that prepares you to become a powerful and empowered networker. Your real networking experience begins at this seminar. Adrienne Graham gives attendees a look into her own networking journey, shares her experiences and best advice on building your own network from a position of confidence and strength, and gets the audience involved in interactive networking exercises.

Date: November 22, 2008

Time: 11 AM- 2 PM

Location: Online- log in information provided after payment is received.

Cost: $69

Register today:

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Must have internet access to attend this session. Drawings will be conducted for a $25 American Express Gift Check, a copy of the book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers, and 1 free networking coaching session with Adrienne Graham. Event will be recorded.

 

Networking Don’t Work for You? You’re Probably Doing it Wrong!

What’s the purpose of networking if it doesn’t work for me? That’s what I was asked last week.

I posted a comment in the Answers section of Linked In asking for advice on a cover for my new book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers- The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Network. A woman commented that she wouldn’t buy a book on networking because she had done it all and tried it all and networking doesn’t work for her.  To each his or her own and I respect her comment. But it made me wonder what was it that she thought she was doing that she considered it to be networking and did she have that same negative attitude that came through very loudly through my computer screen?  I sent her a private note because since I didn’t know her situation I didn’t want to comment publicly. So far, she has not responded.

Now I get the fact that networking doesn’t come naturally to all people.  But come on.  It’s about relationship building.  I keep drumming that point home every time I speak about networking.  There are a lot of people out there who think showing up at a networking event, introducing themselves to a few people and exchanging cards is networking. Or that connecting to a bunch of people on Facebook or Linked In is considered being “well networked”. They think that sending out their resume to everyone they know announcing they need a job or a resume critique (when you haven’t heard from them in ages) is networking.  What amazes me is when they have the nerve to get mad when they get no or minimal response.

Let’s face facts, networking is a contact sport. It only works when you are actively engaged with other people and GIVING BACK.  Your network is not there to serve you when you happen to be in a bind.  It is there for your to grow and cultivate. People like to help or do business with people they know.  Until that is ingrained in your mind, you will never be able to network effectively. Stop blaming it on other people.  It’s all you. If you are serious about becoming an effective networker, be prepared to learn about the process and step out of your comfort zone. Start learning to hold yourself accountable and make the effort to get to genuinely know people.  Don’t assume because someone knows you that they owe you something.  They don’t. And finally don’t just reach out to people when you need something. Keep those lines of communication open during good and bad times. Make sure you are keeping in touch with people even when you’re not looking for anything to let them know what you’re up to.  But most importantly see what you can do for someone else.

So to all of you who claim networking doesn’t work for you, I challenge you to step back and look at yourself and resolve to find another way to make it work for you. If you don’t know how, make sure you buy my new book. 😉

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham