ncccc june2014 business matters

A Publication of New Castle County Chamber of CommerceJune 2014

Economic conditions in Delaware areslowly improving, but many businesses

are still struggling and very cautious abouttaking on new spending or hiring addi-tional employees. Slow economic growthhas also had a negative impact on staterevenue at a time when there is an in-creasing demand for state services (par-ticularly social programs like Medicaid),and when there is a need for additionalinvestment into the transportation infra-structure. The Governor and the GeneralAssembly have been trying to find polit-ically acceptable ways to generate addi-tional revenue.

There are four primary ways the statecan generate new revenue to cover stateoperating costs and provide additionalfunding (other than debt financing) toinvest in highway and public constructionprojects. (1) Increase the rate on existingtaxes, (2) Implement new types of taxes,(3) Cut spending and reallocate the funding,and (4) Enact policies and legislation whichwill generate economic activity that willprovide additional revenue from existingtaxes at existing rates. Up to this point in

time, there has not been a focused effortto implement legislation and policies thatwill support business growth. Instead, thefocus has been on taxes and spending cuts.

The New Castle County Chamber ofCommerce believes that the General As-sembly can help stimulate economic ac-tivity by passing laws and enacting policiesthat will help promote businessgrowth, which will in turn generate addi-tional revenue for the state. The Chamberhas identified eight pieces of legislationthat would go a long way in promotingbusiness growth and we encourage theGeneral Assembly and the Governor tosupport these bills.

Workers’ Compensation Reform Medical costs have long been a driver

of the high workers’ compensation ratesin our state. This proposed legislationwould implement the recommendationsof the Health Care Advisory Panel andsubstantially lower workers’ compensationcosts. Many of the recommendations fol-low the examples of numerous otherstates with substantially lower workers’compensation rates than Delaware.

Eight Ways to Stimulate the EconomyHelp for Delaware Businesses

w w w . N C C C C . c o m

Angel Investment Tax Credit (HB 330)

This legislation would encourage expandedearly stage investment of capital into targeted Delaware businesses, therebyassisting in the creation of jobs. The Actauthorizes $500,000 of state income taxcredits within a period of two years fromthe passage of the Act. A qualifiedinvestor may then make an investmentof $25,000 to $50,000 into the qualifiedsmall business and receive a tax creditfor Delaware income tax. This will po-tentially generate up to $2.5 million ofprivate investment into qualified smallbusinesses.

Downtown Development Districts (SB 191)

A small number of areas in our cities,towns, and unincorporated areas will beable to qualify for development incentivesand other state benefits. Under the Act,investors (both non-profit and for-profit)who make qualified real estate improve-ments in a District would be entitled toreceive Downtown Development District

Continued on page 4.

This Edition

2 - 3 I Chamber Events Matter

3 I Education MattersNew Education Program Underway Business and Educators Working for a Better Tomorrow (continued)

4 I Legislative ConnectionEight Ways to Stimulate the EconomyHelp for Delaware Businesses

5 I Economic DevelopmentWilmington Business Leaders Network: 5K in 5 Years

6 I Calendar of Events - June Networking, Business Education, Legislative Events & More

7 I Membership MattersNew Member Listing

Save the Date for July events

8 I Member ProfileExcel Business Systems

9 - 10 I Networking 101 Tips

11 I Ribbon Cuttings

See page 4 for details

A sold out capacity crowd enjoyed being a partof the winning speeches and award presen-tations at White Clay Creek Country Clublast month. Pictured to the right is thenew Entrepreneur of the Year, GerryFrenze with Delaware Express Shuttle & Tours.

C H A M B E R E V E N T S M A T T E R

2 I June 2014 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

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alendar

Chamber Awards Luncheon

Young Professional’s Network Trampoline Happy Hour

The Young Professionals Network spends an afternoon networking at thenew Stratosphere Trampoline Park on the Riverfront. Check out this coolnew facility by visiting their website atwww.wilmingtontrampolinepark.com. For information about the Cham-ber’s Young Professionals Network, contact Emily Taylor [email protected]

Congratulations toGerry Frenze, J. MichaelBowman, Sylvia S. Banks, Dr. Robert J. Laskowski,Reilly Megee and Brooke Grubb-Miles!

C H A M B E R E V E N T S C O N T I N U E D

www.ncccc.com I June 2014 I 3

A great time was had by nearly100 combined Chambermembers from New CastleCounty Chamber, NorthEast Chamber and CecilCounty Chamber. TheWellwood owners werewonderful hosts and plansare being made for the second annual next spring!

Another educational and action-packed day was success-fully accomplished in Washington DC last month with trans-portation by new Entrepreneur of the Year Gerry Frenze ofDelaware Express. Talks by Senator Carper, Senator Coons,Congressman Carney and the Honorable Michael M. Castlewere highlighted as well as a briefing at the NFIB. (NationalFederation of Independent Businesses) Scott Reed, SeniorPolitical Strategist from the U.S. Chamber of Commercespoke at the DLA Piper Global Law Firm before theevening reception in their beautiful atrium. It was anothergreat Chamber-represented day on Capitol Hill!

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A Day on Capitol Hill - Trip to Washington DC

Network at NoonCourtyard Marriott - Brickyard Grille

Bill Sullivan of the Courtyard Marriott graciously hosts our 5th Annual Network at Noon with live music and a phenomenal buffet.

L E G I S L A T I V E C O N N E C T I O N


(DDD) Grants of up to 20 percent of their “hard costs”such as exterior, interior, and structural improvements.There are a number of areas in Delaware, particularlythe proposed Creative District in Wilmington, that havesubstantial promise to generate economic activity. Thislegislation would aid in revitalizing those areas, thusmaking them more attractive places to live and work.

Small Business Collection Assistance (HB 286)Small businesses face a myriad of challenges in the

modern economy. Rising health care, energy, labor andother costs buffet them at every turn. This legislationwould aid in dealing with the problem of unpaid receivables– a major concern for many small businesses – andpromote fairness and payment for goods sold and servicesrendered. This legislation would create a procedure underwhich a business that has obtained a judgment in anycourt in the State of Delaware may have the Departmentof Finance intercept tax refunds and lottery winnings tosatisfy such judgments.

Improve Casino Competitiveness (SB 220)This legislation would implement the recommendations

of the Lottery and Gaming Study Commission and helpmake Delaware casinos compete in the Mid Atlanticmarket. Our gaming venues face greater competitiveand financial challenges now than at any time since thelegalization of video lottery in 1994. This bill would aidin retaining jobs and help these important sources of taxrevenue survive and grow.

Research and Development (R&D) Tax Cred-its for Small Business (HB 318)

This legislation doubles the research and developmenttax credit available to smaller businesses while keepingin place the annual cap of $5 million for the credit as awhole. Currently, all businesses are entitled to a state taxcredit that is equal to half of the corresponding federaltax credit for R&D activity occurring in Delaware. Underthis Act, businesses with less than $20 million average

annual gross receipts for the most recent four years areentitled to a credit equal to 100% of the correspondingfederal credit.

“Right to Work” Zones (SB 213)This legislation would create an attractive incentive to

both small and large manufacturers and provide theDelaware Economic Development Office another toolto aid in revitalizing our state’s manufacturing base. Itwould require manufacturing businesses to hire at least20 employees and it would also exempt those manufac-turing businesses from their gross receipts taxes for theirfirst five years.

Full Funding for the Strategic Fund The Strategic Fund is an essential tool in attracting

companies to Delaware, encouraging existing employersto remain and expand operations, and support job creatingprograms like the Small Business Development Centerand the Emerging Enterprise Center.

Eight Ways to Stimulate the EconomyHelp for Delaware Businesses

Continued from page 1.


E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L

AAA Mid-Atlantic � Aloysius Butler & Clark � AstraZenecaBancroft Construction � Bernardon Haber Holloway

Christiana Care � City of Newark � City of WilmingtonCommercial Industrial Realty Council � Committee of 100

DE Taxes/DE Staffing � Delaware BioScience AssociationDelawareEconomic Development Office � Delaware River & Bay Authority

DelDot � Delmarva Power � DiSabatino ConstructionEmory Hill Real Estate Services � Facility Services Group � Graybar

Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors BureauHarvey, Hanna & Associates � Info Solutions LLCMaritime Exchange for the Delaware River and BayM&T Bank � New Castle County Government

New Castle County Board of Realtors � PNC BankSaul Ewing LLP � Setting Properties, Inc. � TD Bank

The Byrd Group � The Commonwealth GroupUniversity of Delaware � W.L. Gore � Whiting Turner

WILMAPCO � World Trade Center Delaware

For information on joining the EDC, contact Bob Chadwick at [email protected]

Economic Development Council Member List

On Wednesday, June 25th, the Wilm-ington Business Leaders Network

(WBLN) will host a conference to addressthe question: How can we attract 5,000new residents to Wilmington in 5 years?

The Wilmington Business LeadersNetwork (WBLN) is a New Castle CountyChamber of Commerce initiative. Giventhe importance of the City of Wilmingtonto our state’s economy as well as the factthat there are close to 300 Chamber mem-bers with operations in Wilmington, theChamber feels it is imperative that weengage in the many important issuesfacing the city. The Chamber is committedto making sure that Wilmington has astrong future as a vibrant, safe and friendlyplace to live and work. The WilmingtonBusiness Leaders Network is co-chairedby Paul McConnell of McConnell Johnsondevelopment, Hal Real of World CaféLive, and Mark Kleinschmidt, Presidentof the New Castle County Chamber.

The upcoming conference on June25th will be held at the World Café Liveat the Queen Theater and will run from8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The conference willbegin with opening remarks from thethree WBLN co-chairs as well as HaroldGray, Director of Economic Developmentfor the City of Wilmington, and AlanLevin, Director of Economic Developmentfor the State of Delaware. They will befollowed by an overview of Wilmingtoncommercial and residential markets andremarks on incentives to promote devel-opment. Participants will begin to thinkabout the big picture of Wilmington andanswering the question, “how can we at-tract 5,000 people in 5 years?”

Participants will work together to col-laborate and define a clear path forwardfor Wilmington. This working session iscarefully designed to elicit the best ideasfrom every participant. By the end of thesession, WBLN hopes to have have a de-

tailed list of actionsteps to promotepolicy, regulations,and incentives de-signed to spurgrowth in the cityand attract 5,000new residents in five years.

For more infor-mation on ourWilmington Busi-ness Leaders Net-work or to registerfor the upcomingconference visit ourwebsite www.ncccc.com.

Wilmington Business Leaders Network: 5K in 5 Years

Thank you to our sponsors!

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 1 2 3 4 5

Sun M o n T u e W e d Thu Fr i S a t

Sun M o n T u e W e d Thu Fr i S a t

J U N E E V E N T S C A L E N D A R


Save th

e Date!

SummerFest

June 12

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTEDAll events are held at the New Castle County Chamber,12 Penns Way. Call (302) 737-4343 for details.

NONSTOP TOAtlanta • Chicago-Midway • Denver • Detroit • Fort Myers • Orlando • Tampa

8:00 AM – NoonWilmington BusinessLeaders Network

World Café Live at theQueen

8:30 – 11:00 AMFinding Your

Next Customer:Let’s Get Social

[email protected]

8:00 – 11:00 AMFinding Your

Next Customer:What's in a Name?

How to Manage Brand Online

6:00 - 7:00 PMSpain & Portugal Trip

Info Session

5:00 - 8:00 PM2nd Annual

SummerFest Tabletop & Networking ExpoNewark Country Club

(FREE w/ online registration)

Noon - 1:30 PMChamber Orientation atlunchtime, a FREE event(registration required)

6:00 - 7:00 PMChina Trip Info Session

9:00 -11:00 AMNew Castle County Open for Business

DELTECH, Wilm Campus

2:00 - 4:00 PMMid-day Mixer

Woodside Farm Creamery5:30 - 7:30 PMYPN Barbeque at Lums

Pond State Park

SAVE the DATE - July Events


Aerotek

Employment Services(302) 561-6285www.aerotek.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

Non-Profit(302) 998-3577www.bbbsde.org

Brian Frederick Funk, PA

Legal Services(302) 368-6233www.funkattorneys.com

Bright Horizons at Christiana

Child Care/Learning Ctr.(302) 533-6896www.brighthorizons.com/christiana

Bright Horizons at Concord Plaza

Child Care/Learning Ctr.(302) 447-1023www.brighthorizons.com/concordplaza

Bright Horizons at DuPont

Child Care/Learning Ctr.(302) 633-1600www.brighthorizons.com/dupont

Bright Horizons at Prides Crossing

Child Care/Learning Ctr.(302) 368-2576www.brighthorizons.com/pridescrossing

BUKER Limousine & Transporta-

tion Service, Inc.

Transportation(302) 234-7600www.bukerlimo.com

Clear Cut Consulting, LLC

Consultants/Consulting(732) 299-0949www.clearcutconsulting.com

Colonial School District

Education(302) 323-2710www.colonial.k12.de.us

Culinary Architects

Catering(570) 422-6750www.culinaryarchitects.net

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

Travel(302) 444-8447

N E W M E M B E R S M E M B E R S H I P M A T T E R S

Join the Chamber to have your businesslisted here! Visit www.ncccc.com & click‘Join the Chamber’

FastPRO Restoration, Inc.

Environmental Services(610) 948-5565www.fastprorestoration.com

Innovincent, LLC

Consultants/Consulting(302) 566-8008www.innovincent.com

Martel, Inc.

Security Services/Telecommunications(302) 658-5660www.martelinc.com

Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for

Children

Medical(302) 651-4060www.nemours.org

Newark Day Nursery and Children’s

Center

Child Care/Learning Ctr.(302) 731-4925www.newarkdaynursery.org

Organo Gold - Rich

Retail/Wholesale(215) 747-4048www.esterandpaulrich.organogold.com

Connect Save Grow� �

Stapleford Electric

Electrician(302) 999-0412www.staplefordelectric.net

TV Daily Money Management

Financial Services(302) 898-4081www.tvdmm.com

Twisted Hair Designs

Beauty/Haircare/Cosmetic Services(302) 533-6104www.facebook.com/TwistedHD

List complete as of May 23, 2014

Join the Chamber today to build business connections and help your business GROW!

Visit w.www.NCCCC.com or call (302) 737-4343

July 4CHAMBER CLOSED; Independence Day

July 9, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PMSpeed Networking at lunchtime

July 16, 5:30 – 8:00 PM5th Annual Non-Profit Luau with NCCCC and DANA

at Sheraton Wilmington South, Airport Rd.

July 24, 9:00 – 11:00 AMNew Castle County Open for Business: a FREE event; walk-ins welcome

July 29, 8:30 – 10:00 AMChamber Orientation,

a FREE event (registration requested)

July 30, Noon – 2:00 PMNetwork at Noon

at Texas Roadhouse, Bear

Excel Business Systems is an authorized dealer for threemajor office equipment manufacturers: Kyocera, Lanier

and Canon. They sell and service office equipment andprovide customers with the best business class shreddersavailable. Excel has been in business since 1984 with 2offices and services the entire Delaware Valley.

From the creation of a document, through its lifecycle, all the way to its destruction, Excel has theright solutions to meet your needs and the needs ofyour document workflow. Excel has fully knowledge-able teams in Sales, Service and IT Support to ensure

that you get the equipment that is right for your officeand properly maintained. Their technicians are trained andcertified in the latest hardware and software technologiesto provide their customers with the highest quality servicepossible.

Excel has made a commitment to their community andsupports charity organizations such as The American CancerSociety, The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, TheLeukemia Research Foundation of DE, Youth for Christ,Delaware Greenways, and Junior Achievement of DE.

For more information on Excel and their products youcan visit their website, www.exceldigital.com.


M E M B E R P R O F I L E

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ews’

Excel Business Systems


N E T W O R K I N G 1 0 1 T I P S

1. Practice Positive Networking

It’s a brilliantly simple concept thattakes all the pressure off that old-fashionedstyle of hard-sales networking. Networkingis not all about you; it’s discovering whatyou can do for someone else.

Meet Ned (or Nelly). Ned is an AlotaNetworker and darter, meaning a person

who takes your business card, looks at it,decides you aren’t important enough totalk to and drops you like a hot potato.While talking to you, his eyes are dartingaround the room looking for his nextvictim. Ask him what he does and hegives you his ‘infomercial’. The next dayhe sends you the “Dreaded Drive-by”, aform email stating how great it was tomeet you and his sales pitch. Ned’s goalis to find people who can help HIM.Sorry Ned, but you’ve got it all wrong.Positive Networking is not all about you.It’s about discovering what you can dofor someone else. While there is a placefor transactional networking, the majorityof networking opportunities are not aboutclosing a sale but opening a relationship.Because, people do business with peoplethey know and trust.

2. Opportunity is Everywhere

The opportunity to build your networkcan come at any time, in any situation.It’s the difference between saying nothingand being the one to start a conversation– in the elevator, in the registration line-up or your early morning workout. Op-portunities reveal themselves when youstart a conversation.

The biggest challenge at a networkingevent is often the opening line -- what tosay to a stranger that doesn’t sound forcedor awkward. Solution: Attach one phraseto your nametags: "Ask me about..." andthen fill in whatever topic you want totalk about (could be about your kids or amovie you saw, try not to make it aboutyour business but more of a topic that

everyone candiscuss). All youhave to do is askthem about theirtopic and youcan listen andadd in. Anothersuggestion is toask them aboutwhat they do?Where theywork? etc.

3. Avoid Archeological Digs

Before entering a networking eventput your business cards in your jacketpocket. Women: no pockets? Then putthem in an easy-to-access place in yourpurse. Always have at least 28 cards withyou. An important rule of thumb: alwayshave business cards on you everywhereyou go. You never know when you mightneed them.

4. Do It Right Away

The best time to exchange businesscards is when you first meet. Make it anatural part of your introduction so there’snone of the anxiety of wondering whenyou should do the exchange. If you don’treceive a card back (which will happenmore often than you think), simply askfor one.

While it seems that tips about bringingbusiness cards to a networking event maybe obvious, the truth is…

• Half the people you meet at eventsdon’t bring cards

• They don’t bring enough of them

• When they bring them, they don’t givethem out, and

• When you give them a card they don’tgive you one in return

Relax, don’t make a big deal aboutgiving out your business card. Simplymake it a part of your graceful introduc-tion. It’s a way for people to rememberyour name. Now, you’ve just done some-thing nice for someone else.

5. RX for Going Solo

Here’s a prescription for when you ar-rive at an event and don’t see anyoneyou know – just a sea of croaking frogsand a lurking toad or two. Don’t leapinto the room. Stop and take a deepbreath. If you relax and take the timeyou will likely see someone standingalone who you can talk to. Make a beelineto them. If you see no one, it’s time tostep out of your comfort zone. Go up tosome new people and introduce yourself.That’s why you’re here.

6. Do More than Breeze Through

If there’s a trade show, visit it. Manypeople simply do a quick in and out. In-stead, plan to meet three new people andlearn three new things while there.

7. Your 21-Second Tribal Introduction

When someone asks you “so what doyou do” (pretty much guaranteed that’sgoing to happen non-stop at networkingevents) have a compelling Tribal Intro-duction. It’s a short, interesting answerthat begs another question. This is not asales pitch. It’s the best way to brandyourself and your organization. You only get one chance to make that first impression.

Note: Does your significant other have aTribal Introduction? “I’m here with mywife Jane” or “I’m Jack’s wife” simplywon’t do. When tag-teammates don’twork in the business world they may beuneasy about introducing themselves. En-courage them to come up with their ownpersonal Tribal Introduction. “I’m Jane,John’s wife. John and I have 3 boys andI’m very active in the community’s Sciencefor Kids program.” Then add somethingto keep the conversation going… “Thisis my first time in Wilmington. And, you?”

8. Nametags Work – Wear Yours

They simplify the whole name thing andhelp encourage conversations.

9. Shorten a Hanging Nametag

If you are wearing a nametag on a string,shorten the string so people aren’t navelgazing as they lean forward to read yournametag. If the hanging nametag has apocket, stash some spare business cardsin there for easy access.

10. Double Sided

At workshops and breakout sessions thatutilize tent name cards, write your nameon both sides of the name card and uselarge print. At tables during meals, ifthere are preprinted name cards, turnyour around. It helps others rememberyour name.

Networking 101 – Tips

Continued on page 10.

11. The Strength of Weak Links

Most networking gurus tell you that itis your close circle of friends which arethe most important. As counterintuitiveas it may seem, research shows your weaklinks are equally, if not more, important.That’s why it’s so important to treat allyour contacts like gold. Remember, oneperson’s frog can be another’s prince.

In 1973, Mark Granovetter of JohnsHopkins University published a classicpaper on “The strength of weak ties.”In his study, he interviewed indi-viduals who had been able toget a new job as a result of aconnection through a friend oracquaintance. He learned that84% of these people found theirjobs through the weak link con-nections, people they saw only

once in a blue moon. Ongoing re-search has supported this concept. Thoseweak links – acquaintances – may be themost powerful connections in your net-work.

12. The Cling on Factor

On occasion, someone may want tomonopolize your time at an event. If youget stuck…here’s how to get unstuck. Po-litely take that person to meet a newgroup. The wider circle of conversationwill allow you to graciously excuse yourselfwhile helpfully introducing that personto others.

13. The Juggling Act

Juggling a plate of hors d’oeuvres anda drink while shaking hands and exchang-ing business cards is tricky stuff. Net-working and eating are mutually exclusiveactivities, except when sitting down. Doone and then the other.

14. The Step Forward Rescue

This is an essential tool of all tag-teammates. It goes like this: If your partnerdoesn’t introduce you to someone im-mediately, it’s your cue your partner can’tremember the person’s name. Step for-ward, extend your hand, introduce yourself

and get the person’s name. You’ve justsaves your tag-teammate’s bacon.

15. The Glowing Introduction

When with a partner, introduce thatperson to others in an interesting andcomplimentary way: “Our technologyguru” or “Our top performing branchmanager”. It is much easier for you tosing your partner’s praises. Conversationis facilitated and your partner will beflattered.

16. Double Up

When sitting at a table of eight or tenput at least two of people between youand your tag-teammate. That way you’llboth meet four new people not two.

“Business school Dean Dan Muzykaand I were on a high-profile trade missionto Hong Kong with a group of businesspeople and government officials. Afterarriving at our hotel, we went to the re-ception our trade mission organizers werehosting prior to the opening dinner thatnight…As time drew closer to the openingdinner, someone piped up and said: “let’sgo downstairs early so that we can get atable and all sit together.” Dan couldn’tbelieve his ears. “time out, time out,” hesaid, waving his hands. “We didn’t comeall the way to Hong Kong to talk to eachother. Let’s spread out and sit with dif-ferent people.” I don’t know if Dan usesthis as a case study on “how not to net-work,” but it would have been a failinggrade performance in his class. Dan’s ad-vice? Spread out. “

17. A Nap would be nice, but you cansleep when you get home. ..

Too many people arrive just in timefor the networking event and don’t attendthe reception just before the dinner. Theymiss some great networking opportunitiesand end up sitting in the last seats available.

18. The Rescuer

If you walk into a networking eventand see someone sitting alone at a table,go join that table. It’s hard to believe, butpeople often enter a room see a person

sitting alone, and then go sit at anothertable by themselves. You have higher net-work shepa than that.

What is a Sherpa?

The Tibetans term for consciousnessor awareness is sherpa. Positive networkersare always aware that any meeting ofmore than one person is an opportunityto build one’s network and discover whatthey can do for someone else. They havehigh network sherpa.

19. No Shows’ Matter

What’s one of the biggest peeves ofthe folks who have organized the net-working event and footed the bill? It’speople who decide not to attend theevents and dinners that have beenarranged and instead, dine out in town.Think no one will notice; think again.

20. Step Out of the Zone

One of the most powerful ways tomeet new people is to ask a question infront of a large group. It’s a golden op-portunity to introduce yourself to everyonein the room. Here’s how to do it.

• Sit near the front, at the corner awayfrom the podium

• Write down your question and read itif you aren’t comfortable winging it

• Try to be one of the first hands up

• Speak clearly and loudly so everyonecan hear

• You have 28 seconds

• Introduce yourself and your organization

• Ask a straightforward, one-part question

• No personal soapboxes

“I first recognized this power of askingquestions during a session at a conferencein Singapore. Before a group of six hun-dred people, I stood up during the “Q&A”session to ask a question of the primeminister. I introduced myself – my name,organization and country – and askedmy question. Later, at the day’s luncheon,as I walked around the table and intro-duced myself (“I’m Darcy Rezac”), to

my surprise, many people answered: “yes,I know.” Several said they rememberedme from the question session earlier. Inthe corridor, people nodded to me inrecognition. What I realized is that whenI stood up to ask that question, I introducedmyself to 600 people.”

21. Positive Table Manners

At breakfast, lunch, and dinner net-working events make a point of intro-ducing yourself to everyone at your tableand exchanging business cards beforeyou sit down. Then place those cards nearyou in order that your tablemates are sit-ting around the table. It’s an easy way toremember who’s who.

22. Learn more on the Web

You’ll gain a better understanding of aperson’s business and may even find outmore about the person you’ve just metby spending time on their website. Nowstart building that relationship.

23. Keep the Connection

You may have specific things you havepromised to do, so follow up immediatelywith those people. For others, send photosof social gatherings from the event, thegolf tournament or cruise. Keep connectedby putting all your new connections onyour holiday card list. Put their namesand company names on Google Alertand, if anything comes up that’s goodnews, send a note of congratulations.

24. Just the Beginning

Follow-up starts by putting intopractice that most important secret ofnetworking – Discovering something youcan do for someone else. It then requiresthe patience and interest to find out whatthat “something” could be. You are be-ginning that voyage of discovery. What if,the most important person you know issomeone you just met?

Reference: Tip excerpts taken from DarcyRezac’s 28 Positive Networking Tips.www.workthepond.com.

N E T W O R K I N G 1 0 1 T I P S


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etworking

Networking 101 – TipsContinued from page 9.


R I B B O N C U T T I N G S

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Delaware Charter Schools Network’s membership network provides advocacyand essential services to Delaware public charter schools, their boards, leaders,staff, and parents. The Network educates the public, provides assistance to exist-ing and future Delaware charter schools, and serves as a unified voice for the

state's charter schools at the state and national level. Visit www.decharternetwork.org

Villa strives to be the premier fashion retailer by fusing the best of fashion and music into a high energy shopping experience. Villa is committed to delivering superior customer service along with financial support and

volunteer service to the communities we serve. Visit www.ruvilla.com

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