NETWORKING – 10 TIPS FOR INTROVERTS

September 22, 2011 by Leave a Comment

By: Valerie Freeman, CEO

1. Go to professional meetings where you are likely to know someone or where you are likely to find people in your same industry or share your same interests, i.e. college alumni meetings.

2. Go to events or meetings where the program is interesting to you – meeting people and enjoying the program is preferable.

3. Ask a friend to go with you to a meeting so you don’t have to carry the conversation.

4. As you converse with individuals, think of ways you can help them – givers get.

5. Follow up on people you meet with an invitation to LinkedIn or to coffee, lunch or a business/social event.

6. Start your own networking group by first asking friends and then adding to with their contacts.

7. Experiment with several events/meetings to see which ones might benefit you the most.

8. Be patient as it takes about 6 months for people to start recognizing you.

9. Realize that many of the people you meet are as uncomfortable as you – it’s a good conversation topic

10. Adjust your attitude – it’s not so much about being an introvert as it is about accepting the concept and practice, practice, practice.

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How to Increase Your Likability

August 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people often wonder how to make themselves more attractive, interesting, or noticeable in the workplace, at an interview, or in a social setting. Basically we all want to increase our likability. Want to know how? Check out this infographic by Guy Kawasaki.

Enchantment - Increase Likability

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“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”

August 4, 2010 by 1 Comment

Brook Hamrick, Imprimis Sales and Steven Tyler

Imprimis’ very own Brook Hamrick posing with Aerosmith’s Lead Singer Steven Tyler while she was “Livin’ On The Edge” at Truluck’s in Uptown.  Now we just need to tell him to “Walk this Way” and call Imprimis for staffing his crew!

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From Imprimis Intern to the Cover of the Dallas Business Journal

June 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Akilah Ferguson

Recently one of Imprimis’ former Interns was honored in the Dallas Business Journal’s special section “40 Under Forty”.  Akilah Tyson Ferguson, Supplier Diversity Manager for Ericsson Inc., started her career at a young age working as an Intern for Imprimis Group while she was still in high school.  She worked as in Intern for two summers with Imprimis preparing her for life in the real world. Akilah attended The University of Texas, Arlington where she received a degree in International Business. “It was at Imprimis where I was taught at such a young age how to deal with various types of people in the professional world in a professional way.  I learned the etiquette of the business environment, from how to hold a conversation to learning how to dress appropriately”, said Akilah in a recent interview, “When all of my friends were babysitting or working at a local store, I was getting up at 6am and putting a suit on.”

Ferguson is a very ambitious career driven woman.  After graduating from college, she worked for American Airlines as a Contract Negotiator for One World Carriers. Akilah notes that one of her biggest career accomplishments was helping close the deal between American and Japan Airlines.  After serving seven years at American Airlines, Akilah receive an opportunity to join Ericsson Inc. as a Contracts Manager to negotiate third party contracts.  She was promoted to her current role of Supplier Diversity Manager after only one year of service with Ericsson.  Currently she is focused on building the Supplier Diversity Program at Ericsson and striving to make it a Best in Class Operation.   Clearly her work ethic is paying off and we would like to think that Imprimis got her started on the right foot.

Congratulations are extended to Akilah and all of us at Imprimis Group wish her the best of luck!

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Breaking Through The Glass Ceiling

June 18, 2010 by 1 Comment

Post Written by Valerie Freeman, CEO of Imprimis Group

Since there is still gender disparity in the workforce, what can be done to help women overcome barriers to achieving top leadership positions in corporate America?  I have discovered in the membership of the Executive Women’s Roundtable to which I belong, that many of our executive women are the “only woman at the top” of their companies.  At least they have made it to the top.  For many corporations in Dallas, there are no women at the top.  In looking at research and articles on the subject, it seems that companies are not doing enough to transition women into the C-Suite.  Best practices include:  Providing professional coaching and mentoring; providing assignments which promote growth and development; planning, tracking and managing the process.

Finally, the disparity may have something to do with perception:  A recent study by Bain & Co. showed that only 48% of men felt that gender parity to be a workplace imperative compared to 83% of women.  To me this indicates a need for continued chipping away at the status quo.

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Networking is an Investment

June 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Post Written By Valerie Freeman, CEO of Imprimis Group

Networking is something I’ve done all my working life.  It’s second nature to me after all these years.  I know, however, that many people equate networking with a waste of time, a nuisance, meeting people you have nothing in common with, etc.   But connections give you opportunities you would not have otherwise – and career capital that can rocket your own potential.  Experts agree that a broad network of people in your own field as well as diverse fields can keep you well rounded and up-to-date on business issues, can provide quicker ways of getting things done, and can provide both a fun and interesting outlet from the day-to-day stresses of your job.  Throughout my career, I’ve been a part of hundreds of professional associations, civic groups, charitable groups, conferences, etc.  It always takes a while to get to know people and develop those relationships.  I’ve dropped out of some over the years, some have gone away, and some I’m still very involved in – through it all I’ve come away with lifelong friends and contacts who  have helped me through some of the toughest times in my personal and business life and have helped me grow as an executive.  Connections make the world go round and I highly recommend networking outside your own company and job – it’s an investment.

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