networking | Kaira Rouda

31 08, 2009

Real You: Five Common Networking Mistakes

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:20:39+00:00August 31, 2009|business, networking|Comments Off on Real You: Five Common Networking Mistakes

Whether you’re looking for a new job or not, you need to get out there and network! You can build new business, find possible colleagues and learn a lot from other people in your industry and beyond. Check out these common networking mistakes to avoid at your next luncheon. Mistake 1: Waiting for the right time. There is no right time to start networking and making connections. It’s much easier to say, “I’ve been in X industry for five years, and I love it” vs. “I recently lost my job, and I’m looking for a new opportunity.” Get involved now. Google your industry plus your city and see what comes up. There are many general networking groups out there as well. Mistake 2: Arriving without an elevator pitch. Be prepared with a three-minute pitch about yourself. Who you are and what you do is a [...]

8 07, 2009

Should You Network Via Email?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:26:47+00:00July 8, 2009|business, business relationships, networking|Comments Off on Should You Network Via Email?

I received a question from a woman asking: “Is it okay to network via email?” I wish I could start every relationship face-to-face, but it’s just not possible. In this day and age, it’s not uncommon to correspond with individuals who live on the other side of the country—or even in another part of the world—without ever meeting them in person. Thank you, Twitter! Relationships grow and people conduct business this way every single day—and it works. That being said, when you have the opportunity to meet someone in person, do it. This is your opportunity to put your best foot forward. After the relationship has been established, corresponding via e-mail, and even social networks, is perfectly acceptable. Always ask, what’s the best way to communicate? According to the Meta Group Survey, 80 percent of people prefer typing to talking. Think about the number of [...]

8 06, 2009

Finding the right entrepreneurial community for you

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:45:40+00:00June 8, 2009|connections, e-newsletter, friends, membership, networking, women's communities|Comments Off on Finding the right entrepreneurial community for you

Finding a women’s community that is just what you’re looking for can often take some time. To help you out, I’ve listed a few different online women’s communities that I think are fantastic. Startup Princess—Startup Princess is a community where women can grow together while learning from one another. If you are looking for a fairy godmother (mentor), this is the place. The site is full of stories from women just like you. Features on the site include a blog, directory of women-owned businesses, videos and more. They recently featured me in a blog post. (Thanks, Kelly!) Savor the Success—Here women come together and share trials and tribulations about business and life. You can connect with other members through blogs, message boards and events. For those living in the New York or California area, there are chapter events you can attend. Find a chapter near [...]

1 06, 2009

Real You in the Workplace: Act Your Gender

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:46:12+00:00June 1, 2009|attitude, gender, networking, Personality, women in business|Comments Off on Real You in the Workplace: Act Your Gender

Women in the workplace often try to act like men in order to get ahead. However, this can sometimes backfire and cause more damage than it’s worth. Women just aren’t wired like men. And when women approach others with a male attitude, it can be a turn off. Instead, I strongly encourage you to be yourself. Don’t put on a male front. We need to be strong and stand up for ourselves, but in the appropriate manner. It’s really the only way that people will take us seriously. Women also need to remember we are natural networkers. So don’t isolate yourself—even if you are in a position of authority. Ask questions and get involved with mentors and other people in a similar line of work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In addition, don’t hesitate to ask questions. And definitely don’t live in a [...]

8 05, 2009

Tips for young professionals entering the work force

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:47:43+00:00May 8, 2009|communication, connecting, networking, personal brand, volunteer, young professionals|Comments Off on Tips for young professionals entering the work force

As summer approaches and graduating caps and tassels begin to fly, many young professionals are entering the workforce. So to all you young professionals, congrats! You have made it. You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Now that you are in the workforce, there are multiple ways to start rising to the top. Start building your personal brand. Your skill set, attitude and social aptitude make up your product—you. After all, you had to “sell” yourself to get this job. Now it’s time to think about how you’ll get to the next level. So, here are a few things to consider as you move forward. Identify the top five things you want your superior to say about you in a reference letter. Then, strive to be those things. Be personable and connect with others. Email is obviously an efficient way to communicate, [...]

7 04, 2009

Building a Professional Network

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T01:51:59+00:00April 7, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, leadership, mentors, networking, social media, success, women|Comments Off on Building a Professional Network

We always hear that building professional networks is vital to success, but it should also be noted that your network should reach beyond family and friends. Family and friends are great, and most of us would be lost without them. They create a great support system in a wide variety of situations—including helping you fulfill your dreams. However, if you’re talking business, you really need to expand your network. Most women rely on family members as their primary network, but these individuals don’t always have access to meaningful business information—like new leads, business experts or financial advice. Your contacts should be people who will help you develop your competitive advantage. You need diversity of opinions and backgrounds, so as you build your network, try to include individuals with varying backgrounds and expertise. Ideally, it should be people who don’t work for you. That way you [...]

9 01, 2009

Tweeps & Business Pages vs. Networking Parties & Business Cards

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:10:58+00:00January 9, 2009|facebook marketing, networking, Rouda, social media, twitter marketing|Comments Off on Tweeps & Business Pages vs. Networking Parties & Business Cards

Are you feeling the pressures of networking through social media but don’t really know what that means, let alone how to do it? If so, you are not alone. Just be honest about it. I love it when people are honest. It’s great to be able to admit both your strengths—and your weaknesses! And learning to incorporate social media into your business’ marketing plan in the New Year is a great step. If you entered the business world before the Internet, you know and feel the dramatic changes that are occurring almost daily. Every industry is facing these changes and the challenges and opportunities that technology brings. The key to social networking is to apply it to your business in a genuine fashion. Women are natural social networkers. We always have been. We build and maintain communities across the country through volunteerism. I don’t know [...]

4 12, 2008

Benefit from Networking Events

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:12:25+00:00December 4, 2008|business card, business relationships, marketing, networking, Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Benefit from Networking Events

With limitless networking opportunities, it is important to understand how to benefit from them. Whether it’s online, at a volunteer meeting or at a formal networking event, here are a few important tips to remember. It is critical to network with different people— people who you don’t work with, who are at different experience levels and have different backgrounds. This will help give you diverse perspectives. You have to approach them; don’t expect anyone to come to you. If approaching someone you don’t know is difficult, try practicing. Write it out, talk to a mirror, video tape yourself—whatever works for you. Remember, people respond best to authentic conversation. Have your elevator pitch ready, but genuinely mention your business in conversation. Follow the basic rule of conversation: Give and take. Ask open-ended questions and truly listen. People will remember those who take the time to care. [...]

17 09, 2008

Never leave home without a business card

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:16:59+00:00September 17, 2008|business cards, networking, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker, Wexner Center for the Arts, women, women in business|Comments Off on Never leave home without a business card

You’ve heard it said that first impressions are everything, and in many cases, it’s true. When you’re out there pitching your business and selling yourself, you need to be prepared to articulate your message on a moment’s notice. Having your business card handy will simplify the process. In the meantime, practice what you want to say the next time you need to ask for business. Keep it short, perhaps a sentence or two, and be sure to include the key points—your name, your company name, what service you provide or what product you sell, and finally, how people can find you. That’s where the card comes in. Have it ready—always! Hopefully you were able to attend last evening’s RYI event at the Wexner Center when I hosted a panel of professional women from Central Ohio, and together we discussed how women have a unique ability [...]

28 08, 2008

Finding the right professional organizations for you

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T02:17:57+00:00August 28, 2008|networking, passions, professional organizations, Real You Incorporated, Rouda, speaker|Comments Off on Finding the right professional organizations for you

Connecting with like-minded individuals is a great way to grow your business and your personal network, but we all seem to be strapped for time with work, family and other activities. That’s why it’s best to only join organizations that have meaning to you. Start by visiting several groups so you can determine which ones are right for you. Then be selective, because attending too many meetings, or joining a long list of organizations, is the opposite of real. Once you find that perfect fit—an organization that turns out to be exactly what you’re looking for—volunteer your time as a leader. Why? Because you’ll get the most out of it that way—and so will the organization. Leaders who give their time this way quickly learn that the benefits far outweigh the input. Check out this website for great professional organizations in your area! Have you [...]