Use Networks & Increase Net Worth!
BPRSNY: Connect >> Communicate >> Collaborate

While social networking is a popular phrase, do you really understand the power of who you know?

Know this: Black Public Relations Society—New York (http://BPRSNY.org) is the premiere industry network for marketing communications professionals! Visit our website; be a part of this fast-growing communications advocacy and education association.

Last evening, BPRSNY hosted a festive summer mixer at Manhattan’s 230 Fifth Avenue’s fabulous Rooftop Café. While the Manhattan wraparound views from the 20^th floor of 230 Fifth Avenue were stellar—the camaraderie, conversation and connections between PR pros in attendance was even more memorable!

We know your time is valuable and you have scores of options. Consider:

> All present exhibited a sincere passion for the marketing communications profession

> Seasoned media, entertainment and corporate professionals enthusiastically networked with newbies who wish to enter profession (always share what you know, it strengthens the network)

> Our marketing mix includes independent practitioners, agency heads, government execs, authors, corporate/legal executives, and communicators deft in digital and graphic design

> Members hail from Harlem to Hoboken, and all points in between

> Colleagues share stories about account changes, career opportunities, advocacy work, alumni associations and “for impact” organizations they support

> Positive vibes resulted in a new colleague from Delaware being offered a fantastic new NYC career opportunity (mum’s the word, I’m a journalist at heart and know we can’t post info online until she formally accepts the new gig … just received an email … so exciting!)

> Conversation and connections stimulated fresh perspectives and spurred us all to think in broad directions, using our leadership skills in exciting, new ways

Always try to learn more about who you know. Ask about their interests; figure out what makes them tick. Explore how you can help take their business to the next level. Discuss synergy and how you can grow together.

Don’t forget to take the time to make new connections. Never discount how a colleague may be able to help you. Gravitate to those younger … and older … than your contemporaries. Avoid cliques. Master the art of conversation. Mentor, and manage your associations to make a lasting impact.

Effectively “work” your network to systematically increase your net worth over time!

Special thanks to BPRSNY VP Renee Foster and Visual Historian Gerald Peart, who led the charge for this event and long-time org ambassadors Pauline Barfield of Barfield Public Relations and C. Adrienne Rhodes, Host/Executive Producer of complimentingVIEWS, an international/intergenerational program committed to informing, empowering and uplifting the masses.

And to our new friends, “all the very best until next time,” to quote Mike Millis, VP Special Events/Diversity. All board members, including Program Director Atiya Butler and Membership Director Kimberlee Bradshaw, look forward to your continued support and participation.

Leadership Lessons

To add value on an individual or collective level, BPRSNY shares these lessons as we fervently work to connect, communicate & collaborate:

> Quality usually reigns over quantity

> Keep it simple … don’t make things hard

> Think location, location, location* … which nearly always guarantees a good turnout and good time ... always keep your eyes and ears peeled for fantastic sites

*Our featured networking venue, the Rooftop Cafe, is conveniently located, has no cover and welcomes intimate gatherings and large corporate functions, with the capacity to expand to meet a robust RSVP list

*For great event sites in NYC and other cities, visit http://bizbash.com – a valuable and reliable online resource for locations and event suppliers

> Like the Nike slogan says – Just do it!

*Don’t over think it

> From concept to completion, we raised the roof and orchestrated a memorable networking event in less than 48 hours

-Board meeting & consensus (mid-June)

-Event format, invite copy approval (1 day)

-Distribution & RSVP’s via Evite* (1 day)

*continued for 3 week period

-Ongoing promotion & publicity … this is what PR pros do best : )

*Strategy: Evite & Excite (via word of mouth /repeat process often)

-Event execution and SUCCESS!

Networking Tips

As you develop a grassroots networking strategy for a client, corporation or “for impact” organization or professional association, remember:

> Folks appreciate the opportunity to share ideas, energy, insight

> Mentoring is valuable ... encourage colleagues ... embrace an "each one teach one mentality"

> Do something! Action motivates and generates momentum, which stimulates ongoing visibility, value and excitement. It's dangerous to stand still.

> “Keep on keeping on” and defy the naysayers, to quote Master Networker & BPRSNY Co-President Gordon Balkcom*!

*As BPRSNY Co-President, I truly understand and appreciate the value of effective audience/community relations. Know this … Gordon is my “go to” person when I need to know what’s going on in the communications industry.

*Word to the wise: your list of “go to” professionals should constantly expand throughout your career.

Mark Your Calendar
BPRSNY Human Resource PR Panel
Sept. 18 (Tuesday, 6-8 PM, NYC)

Meet representatives from leading agencies and corporations; Burson-Marsteller, 230 Park Avenue South. If you’re in career transition or ascending the ladder of success, you don’t want to miss this event! For cost and confirmed panelists, visit http://bprsny.org.

BPRSNY and PRSANY Join Forces

Always leveraging the power of professional networks, BPRSNY recently forged an alliance with the Public Relations Society of America—New York chapter. Check out http://prsany.org/diversitycentral; together we’re taking a leadership role in mentoring and training the next generation of communications professionals, particularly those of color.

>> MI