HR Soapbox Blog

(Published June 29, 2009)

For the past few years now, I've climbed atop my soapbox at the end of June and encouraged employers to embrace national "Take Your Dog To Work Day," if possible. I'm not going to do that this year, though. I'm simply going to explain why bringing Benny, my six-year-old furry baby (a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix), to work with me was such a success this year and in years past. Benny has been accompanying mommy to work on "Take Your Dog To Work Day," as well as various other days throughout the year, for the last three years.

• My co-workers love him (really, what's not to love?!?). I am fortunate enough to work in a small company comprised of animal-friendly individuals. This year, a few co-workers asked in early June when "Take Your Dog To Work Day" was. When they learned it wasn't until the end of the month (it was the 26th, to be exact), they asked me to bring him in earlier too because they needed a "Benny Day." I was more than happy to oblige, with approval from the company president, of course!
  
  
• Benny has a calm, laid-back demeanor. He doesn't run wild around the office (much to some of my co-workers' dismay; they would love him to visit them in their offices). He's content to just hang out in mommy's office curled up on his blanket on a chair. Plus, Benny's not a barker. Sure, he's barked a few times, but I can count those times on one hand.
  
  
• I know my dog. For example, he doesn't like when people, aside from mommy and daddy, put their faces directly in his face. He's never bitten anyone who has done this, but I know it causes him to tense up, so I remind my co-workers not to lean in, no matter how tempting it is to plant a kiss on his adorable head.
  
  
• I have my own office, which allows me to close my door when necessary, such as when I need to use the restroom or need to make copies in the supply room. Whenever I close my door, I post a note stating: "Dog inside. Please do not open." That way, no one opens the door and either startles him or gives him an opportunity to roam the halls searching for me.
  
  
• There are adequate facilities to walk Benny. Our parking lot is surrounded by a grassy, woodsy area. And, yes, I always clean up after him!
  
  
• I get my work done. I'm just as productive on the days Benny is here as I am on the days he's not. In fact, I'm sometimes more productive because he has a calming effect on mommy. A quick Benny hug melts away all of my stress.

I am well aware that taking your dog to work will not work in every organization and that not every dog's demeanor is conducive to spending time in an office. But in those workplaces where the two come together, I think everyone benefits...at least, here at AHI they do.

Melissa V. Pomerantz
Editor

(Published June 22, 2009)

Facebook. LinkedIn. Twitter. The press is all in a lather about the popularity of these social networking sites and their usefulness as business networking tools.

Despite this, a recent poll conducted by SHRM revealed that friends, relatives, and colleagues easily remain the most popular means of professional networking. However, online networking sites did prove to be more popular than such traditional means as job fairs, alumni associations, and mentors, signaling a possible paradigm shift for the future. After all, Gen Y is already known for heavily favoring electronic communications over face-to-face interaction with other people. Conceivably, 20 or so years from now, the art of networking in-person could be lost, dismissed as "quaint" and unnecessary in an electronically-based business world.

That would be sad, wouldn't it? But, just as I'm getting ready to climb up on my soapbox and encourage everyone to continue to rely on old-fashioned networking, I am embarrassed to realize that meeting new people for the purpose of forging new business relationships isn't really among my strong suits. Is it one of yours?

Maybe we need a refresher. Here are some tips we can use to help us feel more comfortable "working the room" at professional networking events.

• Remember that almost everyone there feels just as uncomfortable as you do.
  
  
• Have a goal in mind before you arrive (e.g., collecting 10 business cards, asking for a meeting with someone from a particular company, finding at least three prospective recruits for your own organization).
  
  
• Remember that this is primarily a professional, not social, event. Watch your alcohol intake, use of salty language, flirting, etc.
  
  
• Wear your name tag near your upper right shoulder (making it easy to see when you extend your hand for a handshake). Seek out other people's name tags when meeting them and greet them by name.
  
  
• Approach a person standing alone (easier than trying to break into a group who might already know each other). Have a couple of standard conversation openers ready (e.g., "What organization do you work for? How long have you been there?" or "Is this your first time at an event sponsored by this group?")
  
  
• Be a good listener. Ask follow-up questions. Most people love talking about themselves, and they'll appreciate your giving them the opportunity to do so.
  
  
• Remember to smile. It's not a funeral!

Of course, once you've attended a networking event, the real key is following up with any connections you've made. (This is where I tend to drop the ball!) It's at this point where online communications can prove valuable. Drop them an e-mail with a relevant professional article attached or asking for their input on a project you're working on, or reconnect periodically on social networking websites.

Good luck! Maybe I'll see you at a local networking event — you'll know me right away by my properly placed name tag, my fearless approach towards loners, my handy conversation openers and probing follow-up questions, and my big, bright smile!

Eileen Mager
Writer