No, it doesn't relate to your computer's internet connection.
It's a new way for business professionals to meet and network - and that's what
they did recently at Warren Township Library.
The library hosted its first speed networking seminar
where job seekers and business representatives got the chance to mingle,
exchange cards and possibly get a leg up in their career.
"You're not looking for the love of your
life," said Cathy DeBerry, receiving some chuckles from the group.
"You're looking for someone to make a business connection with."
The participants -
from the township's Mayor Carolann Garafola to a Liberty Mutual employee
to individual job seekers - had four minutes with each person before the bell
rang signaling the move to the next person. Before the networking began, Garafola welcomed
the attendees and noted that the township has created a Business Development
Committee to advise the governing body on issues facing the business community.
 |
| (L-R): Todd Buckelew, Luann Ladley &Diane Liang enjoy a laugh. |
Diane Liang, a real estate agent from Green Brook, said
this event was beneficial, echoing the sentiments of other attendees. "Every time you go to a seminar, you always learn
something," Liang said.
 |
| Mayor Carolann Garafola & Ralph Garafola (to her right). |
"I think the Somerset County libraries do an
absolutely fantastic job at providing tools and services to the communities
they serve," wrote a participant in a survey after the event.
Several attendees enjoyed the experience so much, they said they would attend another networking session.
But it's not just the networking event that's important,
it's what you do afterwards that matters, advised Career Coach Lisa Chenofsky Singer.
"This is a great way to meet a variety of
people," said Singer. "The key is how you do your follow-up."
The networking session also offered a glimpse at the
features of Microsoft 8 and the Surface Tablet and door prizes donated by local
businesses. Prizes included two gift certificates to local coffee
establishments, a wireless mouse (donated by Staples), two copies of Windows 7
the professional version (courtesy of the Microsoft Store), 30 minutes with a
career coach to review your resume (donated by Singer) and an hour instruction with a
librarian on the topic of your choice (offered by the county library system).
Visit our Facebook page or this site for news on other programs for the business community.
 |
| (foreground) Suzanne Rich, at left, speaks with Shailesh Chirpurmar as part of the first speed newtorking event at the Warren Township Library. Others making connections: (sitting at left) Shaheed Rogers to Aida Soriano and (standing at left) Lisa Chenofsky Singer speaking to Victoria Mahon |
