It's a new year and you made it past all the shopping, gift wrapping, family visits and holiday merry making. If you're like most business owners, you woke up on January 1 with a few resolutions targeted to growing your business. You're probably already busy filling up your calendar with many new networking events to attend in 2009. But, are you really ready? If you haven't taken a close, honest look at how you are presenting yourself, now might be the right time. Dana Persia of DP Image Consulting offers the three "A's" of how to shine at your next big networking event.
 
Ask Someone You Trust
Sometimes we can't evaluate our own behavior and appearance honestly, because we are too close and our egos can get in the way. Ask someone you trust and respect to offer an honest assessment of your personal style including clothing, hair and grooming.  Roll play as if you just met and ask for feedback. Remember to accept both positive and negative feedback with grace and humility. What you learn could mean the difference between getting that new client or not.
 
Always Dress Your Best
If you do plan to step up your appearance with changes to your wardrobe, make sure to think ahead and dress appropriately before attending that next cocktail party or networking breakfast. Choose classics like a black pant suit and white blouse if you are a woman adding colorful accessories for variety. For men, check your shoe shine and if your ties have seen better days, do a little shopping.
 
Advance and Conquer
Don't wait for someone to approach you-as long as a fellow networker isn't caught up in an intense conversation, walk over, introduce yourself with a smile and shake hands.  Remember don't worry about talking too much about yourself. There's time for that. Be warm and show interest in the other person. Always have three questions at the ready to ask and genuinely listen. People never forget it and ultimately, never forget you!
 
Being unforgettable is a key to successful networking and business development. Whether you are attending a 7:00 am breakfast roundtable or simply standing in line at a cocktail party buffet, your image is absolutely everything. This year, let yourself shine!

 

January 2009

Jan 9
Local Monthly Satellite Meeting
Center City NAWBO
9:00 - 10:00 am;
The Fork Restaurant, 306 Market Street, Philadelphia
Roslyn Pilla
888-977-3873
roslyn@pillacreative.com
 

Jan 12
Jennifer Lee, Project Manager, Biohitech International, Inc., "Food waste, the environment, and your bottom line." Jennifer will introduce you to a product that quickly eliminates organic wastes using microorganisms that convert the waste into liquid.
 
Jason Hodlofski, Sales Manager, Hoover Industrial Supply, will talk about Green Switch, a wireless energy control device that manages energy in guest rooms.
 
Allyn Feldman, Northeastern Regional Broker for 360 Vodka, will be talking about this sustainable spirit. He will also discuss current trends of restaurants and hotels in regard to environmental initiatives in the wine and spirits industry
 Francine A. Cohen
Executive Director

Philagreen Hospitality Association's mission is the greening of Greater Philadelphia's hotels and restaurants by helping you save time and money while maintaining a competitive edge.   
 
Seminar 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
Washington C Room
Third Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
 
For more information on how Philagreen helps you support the environment while increasing your bottom line, please visit: www.philagreenhospitality.com 
 

Jan 13
Welcome-
Connect!  Succeed!  Lead!
Women's Referral Network
11:30 am - 1:30 pm;
The Inn at Chester Springs, 100 N. & Gordon Drive, Exton, PA
610-639-9776

Jan 14
Network Present:  An Accounting Workshop for Retailers
The Enterprise Center
6:00 - 8:00 pm;
The Enterprise Center, 4548 Market Street, The Magic Johnson/HP Computer Lab, Philadelphia
Andrew Toy
(215) 243-4101
andrewt@theenterprisecenter.com
 

Jan 14
Had Enough?  Get Sensibly Organized!
eWomenNetwork
Philadelphia
11:30 am - 1:30 pm;
Union League, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Michele Giletto
610-769-5313
michelegiletto@ewomennetwork.com
 

Jan 14
The 21st Century Society
presents
Cocktails and Composers
Champagne and Chopin
 
The night will feature free Champagne, appetizers by Raw, and a short performance of a Chopin classic by Philadelphia Orchestra musician, Daniel Han, violin and Natalie Zhu, piano.
 
Boyd's on Chestnut Street
1818 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
6:00PM - 8:00PM
$20 for Members
$25 for Non-Members
 
Reservations must be made in advance. 
Please contact Melissa McCarten at 215.875.7698 or MMcCarten@philorch.org to reserve your spot.
 

Jan 15
Strategies to Accelerate Your Success
Presented by Joan Walsh
Women in Insurance & Financial Services
7:30 - 10:00 am;
Pyramid Club,
1735 Market Street, Philadelphia
610-918-4734
sclarkson@finsvcs.com
 

Jan 17
 THE bridal styling event in Philadelphia
"Soiree in The City"
 
158 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
2-8pm
Check out this link for details. 
You must RSVP!!!!
www.soireeinthecity.com
Hosted By:
www.LauraEatonPhotography.com
 
P.S. Do NOT forget to check the "NEWS" section at www.DawnLewisDesigns.com as often as possible!

www.DawnLewisDesigns.com
 

Jan 21
WBF Annual Winter Social
Women's Business Forum of Bucks County
6:00 - 8:00 pm;
Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Union Square, New Hope, PA
Janine Carroll
social@womensbusinessforum.org
 

Jan 21
EWI January Lunch
Executive Women International
12:00 pm;
Penthouse at Residence Inn by Marriott
Christy Barilotti
610-660-7698
christy@barilottiwealthstrategies.com
 

Jan 22
Designing the Best Plan for YOUR Small Business
National Association of Women Business Owners
6:00 - 7:30 pm;
Margolis, 401 E. City Line Avenue, 6th FL, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Jane Barr Pino
215-628-3875
nawbophl@barrpino.com
 

Jan 22
BiMonthly Meeting
Greater Philadelphia Business Leaders in the Community
4:00 - 6:00 pm;
Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street, Philadelphia
610-453-7215
info@greaterphilbusinessleaders.com
 

Jan 27
A Conversation with the Governor
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
4:00 - 6:30 pm;
Kimmel Center , Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
215-545-1234

Jan 27
Eye on the Region with Mayor Nutter
Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
11:30 am - 2:00 pm;
The Mendenhall Inn, 323 Kennett Pike, RT 52, Mendenhall, PA
Olivia Hecksher
610-725-9100 X12
ohecksher@cccbi.org
 

Jan 28
A GREEN Brown Bag Braintrust
 CCPA
Presented by:
Fred Glick
U S Spaces, Inc
 
Fred Glick is the President and CEO of U S Spaces, Inc, a Triple Bottom Line company that brokers real estate transactions and is involved with developers, home buyers and home sellers helping them make their properties greener. Fred is also the Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Board of REALTORS® Technology and Green Committee for the last 2 years. 
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM   
CCPA's Conference Room
1528 Walnut Street, 12th Floor
Free for CCPA Members
$10 for Non-members
 
Space is limited. 
RSVP:  215.545.7766

Jan 30
2009 Alegria Ball
Argentina:  Noche de Tango y Vino
Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
7:00 pm - Midnight;
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Sara Ramos
215-790-3852
sramos@greaterphilachamber.com