It is hard to believe that we are nearing April already. We have barely finished our Hamantaschen, and it’s time for charoses already.
Passover is a celebration of spring, birth and rebirth, of a journey from slavery to freedom, and of taking responsibility for yourself, the community, and the world. Yet, strangely enough, none of this taking of responsibility gets done without groaning. It was with groaning that the Hebrews expressed the pain of their ancient enslavement in Egypt more than 3,300 years ago. It was with groaning that they called attention to their plight.
Groaning has become part of our DNA, which is probably why we so often hear a similar level of groaning from JNET members – as if they were being asked to endure the ten plagues – when we encourage them to take advantage of their membership to promote themselves.
We hear the groans when you are asked to sign up for a 10-minute introduction to let us all know who you are, what you do, and how we can support you!
We know the groans happen when you go to fill out your profile information on the JNET website or more of you would have completed the task.
And we suspect that you at the very least grimace when encouraged to upload and post a photo, so your fellow members will be able to recognize you at a JNET Connect.
How Can We Better Support You?
We don’t like to harp on these issues any more than you want to hear about them, but it is a necessary evil if you are going to get the most out of your JNET experience. With 11 chapters to choose from you have entre to an enormous pool of resources, but if we do not know who you are, how can we support you? I am asked every day, "Who do you know that does this or who in JNET has that?" I want to be able to give them your name!
In networking, you suit up, show up prepared to engage with other business professionals to find out how you can better their services and they yours. This is the first step in building rapport and trust. To help members enhance their networking skills, JNET holds Schmoozing with a Purpose sessions organized by our Membership Co-Chairs, Dalia Hayon and Max Izenberg.
The first Schmoozing with a Purpose of 2018 was held at the Pinot’s Palette for new JNET members. It was a wonderful gathering with lots of information and how-tos on getting the best out of JNET and networking in general. It was also a great refresher for guests that were familiar with the networking process but wanted a tune-up to improve their success! Be on the lookout for future sessions are coming soon. I believe wine and cheese may be involved.
So, please get on a speakers list at one of our chapters. If the chapter you desire to speak at does not have an opening, go to another chapter and enjoy making new contacts. You can speak two times in a 12-month period; each time at a different chapter.
The JNET Board of Directors is on a mission to increase our speaker participation by the end of the year. Sign up and be counted!
Please take a moment to View the Chapter Leadership Teams, and email them asking to be a meeting speaker.