Why should you join your college alumni network?

 Joining your college alumni network can offer numerous benefits that can positively impact your personal and professional life. I have had the privilege of being involved with my alma mater Northeastern University, which has been instrumental in introducing me to many successful professionals and guidance in my career journey.

Here are several compelling reasons to become an active member of your college alumni network in your local area or worldwide:

1. Professional Networking

Alumni networks provide access to a vast pool of professionals across various industries. This can be incredibly valuable for career advancement, job opportunities, and mentorship. Connecting with alumni can help you get job referrals, learn about new career paths, and gain industry insights.

2. Mentorship and Guidance

Engaging with experienced alumni can offer mentorship opportunities. They can provide guidance, advice, and support in navigating your career, continuing education, and personal development. Learning from those who have walked a similar path can be immensely beneficial.

3. Social Connections

Alumni networks are great for building and maintaining friendships. They offer social events, reunions, and gatherings where you can reconnect with old friends and make new ones. This sense of community can enhance your social life and provide a sense of belonging.

4. Continued Learning

Many alumni networks offer workshops, seminars, webinars, and lectures on various topics. These opportunities for lifelong learning can help you stay updated on industry trends, develop new skills, and continue your personal and professional growth.

5. Giving Back

Being part of the alumni network allows you to give back to your alma mater. You can participate in fundraising efforts, volunteer your time, or contribute your expertise to support current students and the institution. This can be a fulfilling way to stay connected and make a positive impact.

6. Exclusive Opportunities

Alumni networks often provide access to exclusive events, job postings, and resources that are not available to the general public. These perks can include discounts, travel opportunities, and special programs designed for alumni.

7. Career Services

Many alumni networks offer career services such as resume reviews, interview preparation, and career counseling. These services can be invaluable whether you're looking to make a career change or advance in your current field.

8. Reputation and Credibility

Being an active member of a strong alumni network can enhance your personal brand. It signals to others that you are committed to maintaining professional connections and continuing your development, which can be attractive to employers and peers.

9. Access to Resources

Alumni often have access to the college's resources, such as libraries, research facilities, and online databases. These resources can support your ongoing education and professional needs.

10. Staying Informed

Alumni networks keep you informed about the latest news and developments at your alma mater. This can include updates on campus expansions, new programs, faculty achievements, and other significant events.

Conclusion

Joining your college alumni network is a strategic move that offers a multitude of benefits. From career advancement and lifelong learning to social connections and opportunities to give back, being part of this network can enrich your life in many ways. Embrace the chance to stay connected with your alma mater and leverage the power of your alumni community. I am so happy I did.

What are The Benefits of Building a Community via Professional Networking Events?

 Building a community through professional networking events offers several benefits:

1. Networking Opportunities: These events provide a platform to meet like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, mentors, and industry leaders. Networking can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, or career advancements.
2. 
   
3. Knowledge Sharing: Professionals from various backgrounds come together at these events, offering diverse perspectives and insights. Discussions, panels, and presentations facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and industry trends, fostering continuous learning and growth.

1. Career Development: Engaging with professionals in your field or industry can provide valuable career advice, guidance, and mentorship. Networking events often feature speakers who share their experiences and offer career tips, helping attendees navigate their career paths more effectively.
2. 
   
3. Visibility and Brand Building: Attending and actively participating in networking events can enhance your visibility within your industry or profession. It's an opportunity to showcase your expertise, establish yourself as a thought leader, and promote your personal brand or company.
4. 
   
   
   
5. 
   
6. Building Relationships: Networking events allow you to build genuine relationships with peers, clients, and potential collaborators. Strong professional relationships can lead to referrals, recommendations, and long-term partnerships, ultimately benefiting your career or business.
7. 
   
8. Staying Informed: In rapidly evolving industries, networking events provide a valuable source of information about emerging trends, technologies, and market developments. Staying informed can help you anticipate changes, adapt quickly, and stay competitive.
9. 
   
10. Support and Encouragement: Building a community through networking events provides a support system of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and opportunities in your field. Sharing experiences, successes, and setbacks with peers can be encouraging and motivating.
11. 
    
12. 
    
    
    

Overall, professional networking events offer a platform for professionals to connect, learn, collaborate, and support each other, contributing to individual growth and the collective advancement of the community.  Be sure to check out our Mass Professional Networking Group for future community events!

So You Are Thinking About That Second Career? Stop Thinking and Just Do It!

We have all been there. We go to a job in a career we don't like or are suffering from burnout and lack in interest. Eventually some event happens that is out of your control and instead of going back to the same 'ol same 'ol, you start thinking, what makes me happy.

The majority of professionals simply go back to their misery but really what is more important? Money or happiness? It is actually your health and without great health, does it matter how much money you make?

Check out my video on my DeSocial Connector You Tube Channel about my journey into a new career and why you should stop thinking and come up with a game plan and just do it. In the meantime, here are some tips for making a career change at 50 - Think about more than money - Avoid fear - Be realistic - Update your skills - Be open to working with younger people - Perform a self-assessment - Determine the career you want to pursue. - Identify the requirements of the new career. - Just do it.

AIMC Entrepreneur Tip - So You Are Thinking About That Second Career? Stop Thinking and Just Do It! -

You Can Do Anything You Set Your Mind To - How Networking Can Help

 In a traditional sense, when someone says that you should be networking, the first thing that comes to mind is that you only network when you need something, like a job or new clients for your business. 

 Once you get what you need, you stop networking and only turn it up again when you need something new.   The real concept of networking and helping each other out gets lost.  For example, life gets in the way and the follow-up, a key component of networking, becomes less of a priority.   You already got what YOU need, why do you need to network anymore?

I am writing this blog for you to look at networking from a different perspective and to use networking to your advantage.   

You may have an idea and want to start a business and wondering if it is a good idea.

You are thinking of a career change and want to get feedback.

You are thinking of moving to a new city, state or even country, and want someone's feedback if it is the right thing to do.

You wanted some leadership advice.

You are trying out a new marketing campaign and want feedback if it would work.

The best place to begin is to find the people that have been there and done that, the professional business networker!

The demographics of attendees of networking events and/or members of networking groups are there for a reason, to help others.  They are positive, ambitious and well connected.   If you are thinking of doing something different, there isn't a better person than a savvy networker to ask for advice and if the person that you talk to can't help, they may know someone who can.

Let me focus on another angle on the positive energy of networkers.

Have you had a bad day or just don't feel ambitious or are constantly around people that tell you that you are crazy and you will never reach your goals?   We have all been there, and in fact I have been there.   You have heard this before that you need to rid yourself of the negative forces in your life.  You are brought onto earth to contribute to society and help others and most experienced networkers understand this mindset.  So what I suggest is to use networking and connect with like minded professionals that are on the same wavelength as you.   They will cheer you on and help you do anything you set your mind to.   

A suggestion I have the next time you are at an event, instead of asking the traditional "What do you do?" , ask the person, "Can I run something by you?"  Ask about their thoughts about that career shift or business idea.  Chances are that they went through the same thing or knows someone who did.

One last thought about networking is that no matter your background, everyone is a professional and is there for the same reason, so I encourage you to attend the next event, to reach out to people and connect to those that can help you take it to the next level and for you to do the same.  You will always get a nugget or two after a great conversation.  Together we can all do it and the world will be a better place.

Are you Busy or Productive?

 What was your answer the last time someone asked you, “How have you been doing?” If you said, “Busy,” you’re certainly not alone.  We hear it more often than not, and to be perfectly honest, we often feel the same way.

But here’s the deal: There’s a tremendous difference between being busy and being productive. Even more, there’s a big difference between productivity and focused productivity.

As the quote above suggests, being busy and productive without clarity about your priorities and a focus on what’s most important is useless. Heck, you could argue that it’s worse than useless; it’s potentially harmful and damaging.

So, how can you avoid the “productivity trap”? Here are a few ideas:

• Make a “not-to-do” list. Write down all of the things you’re currently doing that aren’t worth the time and effort you’re spending on them. Delegate them, if possible, or…
• Let go of the rest. Focus on the essential items, and if something is not important and not urgent, get rid of it. If you need help with this, check out Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism.
• Plan ahead. Once you know what you will and won’t do, prioritize your to-do list. Some people do this weekly, but most people do it daily, mapping out their agenda for the next day the night before.
• Do a daily recap. While you’re doing your nightly line-up for the following day, do a daily recap to see how you did. What went well? Where can you improve?
• Clear the clutter. Clutter on your desk, your office, your inbox, etc., can be very distracting. Make sure you set aside time weekly to tidy things up. This not only helps keep things clean, it also helps you from getting sidetracked with spontaneous house cleaning.
• Put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes the most daunting step is the first one. But rather than paralysis by analysis, just take one step—in any direction.
• Batch similar tasks together. When you’re putting together your daily line-up card, batch similar tasks together whenever possible. Set aside dedicated time for emails, phone calls, projects, meetings, etc., rather than sporadically spacing them out. Every time you change tasks, there’s an opportunity cost; that’s right, we’re suggesting that you don’t multi-task.
• Set a timer. If you have trouble being disciplined with your time, use a timer. This is an incredibly useful tool for most people. It helps create a sense of urgency, it can alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed, and it creates a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
• Schedule mini-workouts. Physical activity boosts energy levels, helps manage hunger and blood sugar levels, improves cognitive function, and boosts productivity. Schedule 5- to 10-minute micro workouts during your work day.
• Improve your communication. If you’re too wordy, you can be leaky valuable time and creating confusion. Keep things as simple as possible and focus on answering questions—not creating new ones.

When you combine productivity with focus, well … that’s where the magic happens.

Hope this helps!

AIMC Business Entrepreneur - Opportunity to be an Unfranchise Owner - 2020

We are in a different world today where no job is safe and we always have to think ahead and make sure we have the financial security throughout life.   The sad fact is the 97% of people continue to struggle and complain about their job and life.  Then there is the 3% that are always looking to excel and work toward their financial security.  They are the ambitious, the successful, and are who we like to partner with.  

If you are the 3%, please read on.

We are looking to partner with successful professionals that can help evaluate our Unfranchise Business and be able to provide a referral of a qualified business professional to partner with our team in our growing organization of entrepreneurs based in Massachusetts.

Here is a quick nine minute overview of our business concept - https://bit.ly/3o8RKgQ.

Here is a great video why starting your own network marketing business is important - https://bit.ly/3jXUprJ.

Our candidate profile/qualifications:

- Based the United States.

- Previous sales or service experience (direct sales experience a plus)

- Are teachers, trainers or coaches or simply inspire to help others succeed.

- Owns or have owned a business in the past and understands business operations

- Entrepreneurial and has a great business mind and is open to opportunity.

- Positive mindset and likes being around positive successful people.

- Relationship builder and a connector/social butterfly/ knows a lot of professional people. Understands social media and how to connect with the right people.

- Are financially stable or are looking to become financially stable.

- Can commit to a part-time business alongside their day commitments.

- Can commit at least 8 hours per week toward building their own business alongside their other commitments (day job/ family etc.). The commitment would include trainings, including some out-of-state.

About our Company:

- 29 year old company based in North Carolina with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and the only Two time Torch Award winner w/ BBB ever for ethics, integrity and performance.

- Internet Marketing and Product Brokerage Business w/ opportunities in the following divisions. The links below direct you to the landing/e-commerce website for each division.

– Cosmetics/Skin Care

–Health/Wellness

– Digital Marketing/Business Services

– Financial Services

- Energy (New)

Just think you or someone you know can have their own e-commerce business!

To summarize our company and why this is an ideal opportunity.

- Creator of the Shopping Annuity which is a revolutionary concept that helps smart shoppers convert their spending into earning through SHOP.COM.

- Ideal opportunity for Fitness Trainers/ Health Professionals/ Spa-Salons/ Stay-at-home Parents, Teachers or any other professional with fluctuating income over the course of the year. Anyone can excel in our business, all it takes is dedication and drive!

Next steps:

- If you know of a qualified candidate or are qualified yourself, either contact Jeff at jeff@aimcbizsolutions.com or complete the contact form - https://bit.ly/33RzxvB - to set up a call to learn more and discuss collaboration opportunities and join the AIMC Business Entrepreneur Facebook Page. We look forward to meeting you.

AIMC Entrepreneur Tip - Business Ownership, Sales

Business Networking 101 - How To Network At An Event

AIMC Business Entrepreneur – Opportunity – Unfranchise Owner

We are looking to partner with successful professionals that can help evaluate our Unfranchise Business and be able to provide a referral of a qualified business professional to partner with our team in our growing organization of entrepreneurs based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Our candidate profile/qualifications:

- Based the United States.

- Previous sales experience (direct sales experience a plus)

- Are teachers, trainers or coaches or simply inspire to help others succeed.

- Owns or have owned a business in the past and understands business operations

- Entrepreneurial and has a great business mind and is open to opportunity.

- Positive mindset and likes being around positive successful people.

- Relationship builder and a connector/social butterfly/ knows a lot of professional people. Understands social media and how to connect with the right people.

- Are financially stable or are looking to become financially stable.

- Can commit to a part-time business alongside their day commitments.

- Can commit at least 8 hours per week toward building their own business alongside their other commitments (day job/ family etc.). The commitment would include trainings, including some out-of-state.

About our Company:

- 28 year old company based in North Carolina with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and the only Two time Torch Award winner w/ BBB ever for ethics, integrity and performance.

- Internet Marketing and Product Brokerage Business w/ opportunities in the following divisions – Cosmetics/Skin Care –Health/Wellness – Digital Marketing/Business Services – Financial Services

- Creator of the Shopping Annuity which is a revolutionary concept that helps smart shoppers convert their spending into earning through SHOP.COM.

- Ideal opportunity for Fitness Trainers/ Health Professionals/ Spa-Salons/ Stay-at-home Parents, Teachers or any other professional with fluctuating income over the course of the year.

Next steps:

- If you know of a qualified candidate or are qualified yourself, contact Jeff at jeff@aimcbizsolutions.com to set up a call to learn more and discuss collaboration opportunities and join the AIMC Business Entrepreneur Facebook Page. We look forward to meeting you.

Why the Fitness Club is Better Than the Nightclub

It is hard to believe I turned the big 5-0 last month considering how I do not feel old at all and have a zest for life and am excited for what is ahead.   I am involved with a lot of side hustles and run professional networking events in the Boston area and the majority of the attendees are younger and serious about their career and life which is enlightening.  Hanging with so many successful young professionals has had an amazing positive effect on me that I feel like I have just turned 30 instead!

I remember back when I was in my 20s, it was all about partying till 4am at the various nightclubs in Boston, Providence and even the occasional trip to a warm climate.   My colleagues had the day job, then went out till 4am, got up at noon and may hit the gym to sweat out the hangover.   Fitness was important but not the center of life then.  It was all about how hungover you can get.

As I got older, the nightclubs started to close and more fitness clubs were opening.   I remembered a time when Rte. 9 in Framingham was a strip of nightclubs whereas today it is dotted with fitness clubs.   The fitness club was becoming the new nightclub where people congregate, shared workouts and diets and even met their significant other.   I was pretty amazed when I went to the gym on a Friday evening recently and it was packed.  Back in 1995, you went to the gym on a Friday night, you were a loser.

Today, people are healthier than ever.   With yoga, SoulCycle, Crossfit and your basic free weights, it is cool to be into fitness, and not cool to smoke cigarettes.    That is why of all of my business ventures, my health/wellness business is my baby.

So why is the Fitness Club Better Than the Nightclub?

1)  Being active in a Fitness Program is an Investment in Your Health whereas investing in a cocktail at a Nightclub will only result in a headache and oversleeping the next day.   You feel amazing after a workout and are ready to tackle the day.   After a big night out, the only thing you are tackling is your pillow.

2)  People are positive and happy at the gym.  You notice that people encourage you at the gym and smile (well except for those that overdid it with some of  those supplements).   There is no drama at the gym, it is all business.   At a nightclub, it is all about drama.   Well look at her or why is the bartender so slow.   Why are there so many brawls and bad stories at the end of a night out?   Don't see that at a fitness club.

3) Successful people tend to congregate at the gym.    I met a lot of entrepreneurs and forward thinkers at the gym, even on a Friday night.   Refer to #2, nightclubs tend to congregate people that have no direction in life.   It is all about who you  hang with, right?

So hopefully, you will join the fitness revolution and get strong, feel great and look great!   I am rooting for you and want you to think 50 is the new 30 and 60 is the new 40.   It is the best de-aging process there is, so let's rock, at the fitness club.

The Business Networking Toolkit – Cheat Sheet

The Business Networking Toolkit – Cheat Sheet

By Jeffrey DeSocio – AIMC Business Solutions/Mass Professional Networking

I have been networking full-time since 2007 and have been running a successful business networking organization called Mass Professional Networking since 2013 and have recently expanded to the Sunshine State and started the Treasure Coast Florida Professional Networking Group in 2018. 

Through the years, I have learned a lot about what works with business networking and what doesn't work.   The following is a reference about why professional networking is important today, how to research and prepare for an event, what to do at an event and the importance of follow-up.    Enjoy!


Why is Professional Networking Important Today?

• Networking can help you start your own business, climb the career ladder.
• Networking is a long-term investment, leads to lifelong friendships.
• Business people that network are usually great positive influences to be around.
• Increase in confidence as you push yourself to talk & connect with new people.
• Expand you sphere of influence and practice & perfect talking about your business, use this in your marketing.
• You can ask questions at business networking opportunities as a form of market research.
• You will meet people that you don’t normally come across in your everyday life.

PLAN - What to Do before the Networking Event:

• Get your business cards ready
• Eat first, since it is awkward eating food while socializing
• Know your Goals and Purpose
• Understand the Dress Code
• Remember Everyone Is There for the Same Reason
• Get Your LinkedIn Profile Ready to Network – How to Have An All-Star LinkedIn Profile?
• Start with A Professional Profile Picture – Of Course!
• Professional Header With Targeted Keywords
• Concise Summary With Media Links
• Don't Be Shy With Experience for each Job
• Complete Education Section
• Practical Examples & Recommendations
  

ACTION - What to Do at the Networking Event:

• First, get to the event on-time
• If you are shy, ask the host to help introduce you to people
• When meeting someone, use eye contact and repeat their name
• Ask questions, and do not pitch and/or have a roving eye
• Questions to Ask To Engage in Conversation.
• What is your biggest professional accomplishment and how did you achieve it?
• Who is your favorite business mentor, whether it is a colleague or a celebrity?
• What is your favorite business book, show or podcast?
• What is your biggest challenge in business?
• Who is your perfect client and who can I introduce you to, that will help your business?
• What is your top marketing and networking strategy?
• What social media platform do you use the most to market your business?
• What is your favorite business networking group?
• What other talents do you have? For example, do you play a musical instrument
  

FOLLOW-UP – What to Do after the Networking Event:

• Send a “Nice To Meet You Email – Personalize it and mention something you chatted about
• Connect on LinkedIn and review profile in anticipation of a follow-up meeting.
• After initial meeting whether on phone or in person, set up your calendar to reconnect
• Remember events such as birthdays and anniversary events for business or career milestones
• Give Give Give First. Be a resource forever for your new connection.

Need more guidance to kick-start your Business Networking? Ask us about the “Networking & Personal Branding Toolkit” by contacting us via email at jeff@aimcbizsolutions.com. Also join Mass Professional Networking on LinkedIn and Facebook.