It was nearly 30 years ago that, then-San Diego Deputy Mayor Bill Cleator committed a faux pas when he lightly touched Queen Elizabeth's back while guiding her on a tour during her visit to San Diego, yet that mis-step was all the press talked about.  Fast-forward to today and we find that international etiquette has undergone a transformation; the “rules’ are more relaxed…or are they?

During a recent presentation I was asked about the nature of women (and she was speaking of herself) to gravitate towards non-business topics; kids, the home  life, etc. Then she asked, “Is that allowed?” My answer was that she may discuss anything she wanted to. However, what is her reason for being there? Is it a social event or had she invested money in the event to advance her business/career?

Perhaps talking about family is more comfortable for her than “talking shop”. Women are business professionals but also wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. It’s all a matter of balance and priorities. If it is a business function, be mindfull of that fact.

What kind of group are you looking for? A weekly Referral Club? A Happy Hour Group? Speed Networking? Business Association? A Chamber of Commerce? A group focused on Job Searches? Learn the Lingo, so you known & understand when industry terms (Jargon) is being used. 

For the networking newcomer – Here are the most common types of organizations you’ll encounter. We categorize events by the type of group hosting the event. You will see these choices in the search functions and on the calendar:

By Staci Clarke

As we look forward to this new year, there is an opportunity for you to decide to more deliberately design the life you have. I want to share an exercise that I often have clients do to help them jumpstart their successes.

Taking the time to visualize and plan for the year will put you far ahead of those who don't take the time to do this. 

Besides setting parameters and guiding strategies that you will implement throughout the year, the creative juices will begin to flow in abundance. 

This is applicable to every area of your life and can be applied to Networking and other areas of your professional life.

One of the ways I like to look forward is to look back.  Creating a Reflection/Projection Map is a great way to do this.