Volume 3, Issue 2
Spring, 2009
The National Black MBA
M BA I N S I D E R Association, Westchester/
Greater Connecticut
Chapter Newsletter
Inside Swim, Don’t Sink! Survival Strategies for Your
Business & Career
Annual
Scholarship
WGC Holds Entrepreneur & Job Summit June 25th
3
Awards By Helena Marescot
Back by popular demand, the Westchester/ and follow-up for best results.
WGC Makes Its 4 Greater Connecticut Chapter of the National
(Business) Case Black MBA Association will host its Annual
What Are Employers Looking For? Get feed-
Entrepreneur Summit & Business Services
Showcase—as well as the Annual Professional back from HR executives on how to position
Diversity Career Summit—on June 25th at the your brand to win in the current job market.
New Feature— 5
Holiday Inn in Stamford, Connecticut.
Job Listings! “Massive layoffs and fewer jobs in many indus-
This event brings together small business tries mean it’s more important than ever to
owners, corporate partners, supplier diversity understand what employers are looking for, how
Networking in the 8 skills transfer over to other industries and how to
experts, local government and career minded
Black professionals in an atmosphere that is perfect improve your personal branding statement to
for creating alliances and exchanging informa- potential employers”, said Employment Chair,
MARK YOUR tion. This year, more than ever, it is critical for Victor Essoka. ♦
CALENDAR business people to attend. They will gain _____________________________________
practical advice on how to navigate an Entrepreneur Summit & Business Services
June 25, 2009 unpredictable economy, find out which sectors Expo: 9:00 AM—6:00 PM
3rd Annual Entrepreneur now provide new growth opportunities, and learn
Learning tracks will include the following four
Summit & Business Expo how to stay competitive in the current business
breakout sessions, with the luncheon focusing
3rd Annual Professional environment.
on the Economic Stimulus Recovery Program:
Diversity Career Summit Use technology to reduce expenses and
July 23, 2009 “We are excited about taking the E-summit increase sales
event to the next level and making it practical
Employee Resource Groups: and relevant for small and mid-sized businesses Find and secure capital
Value Adds & Benefits at and suppliers, particularly during these challeng-
SoMa in White Plains How to obtain government contracts at any
ing times when every little bit counts”, said level
July 29, 2009 Entrepreneur Summit Chair, Warren White.
CEO Roundtable How to establish or grow your franchise
August 19, 2009 Exhibitors: demonstrate your products and
The Entrepreneur Summit will supply
Professional Development services; attract new customers; drive revenue!
essential business services to emerging
Workshop business owners and entrepreneurs that will Click www.nbmbaa-wgc.org to register
September 17, 2009 help them generate revenue, increase efficiency
Community Partnership Golf and achieve their goals in spite of a turbulent
Career Summit: 4:00 PM—8:00 PM
Outing economy.
Meet recruiters from some of the nation’s lead-
ing corporations—ready to discuss career
The Career Summit will provide a forum for opportunities with you. Bring multiple copies of
executives and major corporations to network, your resume. Admission is FREE!
and to discuss career goals and potential
employment opportunities: RSVP at employment@nbmbaa-wgc.org
Creative Strategies to Separate You from the
Rest. This workshop will be focused on
techniques to differentiate you from the crowded
job market. You will learn how to develop that
killer resume, network, prepare for the interview,
The National Black MBA Association
Westchester/Greater Connecticut Presents
Swim…Don’t Sink! Survival Strategies for
Your Business
The 3rd Annual Entrepreneur Summit
& Business Services Expo
Thursday June 25, 2009
9:00 AM—6:00 PM
Holiday Inn
700 East Main St. (Tresser Blvd.)
Stamford, CT 06901
203-358-8400
Learn how to:
Increase Revenue
Cut Costs
Create Efficiencies
Execute in a Unstable Economy
Attendees: This year, more than ever, it is critical for business-
men and women to attend. You will gain practical advice on how to
navigate an unpredictable economy, find out which sectors now
provide new growth opportunities, and how to stay competitive in
the current business environment.
Exhibitors: The Summit provides an on-site marketplace for
your products and services. Meet other business owners and
CLICK www.nbmbaa-wgc.org
like-minded individuals who are interested in acquiring the TO REGISTER!
tools, technologies, and techniques that help deliver value to
their
SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE
M B A I N S ID E R Page 3
MBA INSIDER Students Get More than $20,000 at Scholarship Awards
By Margarethe DeVeaux
A quarterly newsletter
published by the National
Black MBA Association, On February 28th, the Inn at these words through its
Inc. Westchester/Greater Longshore in Westport, CT Leaders of Tomorrow
Connecticut Chapter was the setting for a celebra- (LOT) program. The
www.nbmbaa-wgc.org tion of Mardi Gras, and a WGC’s LOT program—a
celebration of achievement. mentoring and professional
Photo by Olivier Kpognon
development program for
Editor high school students— is
Lidj Lewis The Westchester/Greater soon to be the largest in
Connecticut (WGC) Chapter of the NBMBAA.
the National Black MBA Asso-
Officers & Chairs ciation (NBMBAA) hosted its Dr. Randal Pinkett, Co-Founder, Chairman
President 3rd Annual Scholarship Awards and Networking Keynote speaker
and CEO of BCT Partners, and winner of Dr. Randall Pinkett—Co-
Michael McNeil Reception. This year’s theme was appropriately Founder, Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners,
NBC’s The Apprentice.
named ‘Celebrating Change, Fulfilling the and season-four winner of NBC’s The Appren-
VP Administration Dream’. tice—challenged the audience to encourage
Cynthia Mullins these future leaders and to not serve as impedi-
ments to fulfilling their dreams. “[The] ceiling of
The annual event recognizes the achievements what we thought was possible, becomes the
VP Operations of current students, NBMBAA members and its floor for what they know is possible,” he told the
Desmond Scott supporting partners. As Tanya Mahan, Program captivated audience. Additionally, he informed
Chair, said, “WGC embraces [Dr. Martin Luther the students that they might have to forge their
King, Jr.'s dream] and incorporates it into our own path in order to accomplish their dreams.
VP Finance mission and practices.” This was very evident
Arthy Oparaji by the event’s great turnout, many of whom
came not only to eat and dance the night away, The 3rd Annual Awards program was for the
VP Communications but to acknowledge the chapter’s accomplish- Chapter a culmination of the year’s highlights.
Lidj Lewis ments and the contributions of so many people. (In 2008 the WGC won “Chapter of the Year” for
The chapter recognized 16 scholarship recipi- the second year in a row.) Additionally, the
ents this year and raised a total of more than Chapter awards local entrepreneurs, members
Immediate Past President
$20,000, beating last year’s goal. and corporate partners for their dedication in
D. Dayneen Preston
fulfilling not just their dream, but the dream of so
many others. This was best summed up by
Programs Committee It was not difficult to recognize the significance of
this year’s chapter events as they compared to current high school freshmen and LOT team
Tanya Mahan member, Yamin Schachter, who reflected on the
our country’s national events. It felt fitting that
the same local, grassroots effort that elected our election of Barack Obama as President:
Leaders of Tomorrow first African-American president, is being recog- “Martin’s dream, Rosa’s courage, Malcolm’s
Kim Holder nized for all the work that is done in the commu- struggle had all been worth it”. ♦
Ben Jackson nity in the name of change.
See the commemorative video on the home page of
Employment Committee “A diverse business community with diverse the WGC Web site: www.nbmbaa-wgc.org.
Victor Essoka leaders is critical”, said Shanda Hanks, who rep-
Tamara Thomas resented Connecticut Congressman Jim Hines in
his absence.
Scholarship Committee
Craig Woodward The evening’s festivities exemplified the truth in
Entrepreneur Committee Magnificent Woman on the Move
George Boyce
Grant/Fund Development The WGC tips its hat to Ursula Burns, incoming CEO at Norwalk, CT –based Xerox.
Todd Hood The 28-year company veteran will become the first African-American woman to lead a
Fortune 500 corporation when she succeeds Anne Mulcahy on July 1, 2009.
Congratulations, Ms. Burns!
Membership
Andrea Carter —————————————————————————————————————--
And kudos to Cici Holloway—Managing Director, Diversity and Inclusion for the Americas, UBS
Investment Bank. Recognized by the Network Journal magazine (March 2009) as one of the 25
Marketing Services
Influential Black Women in Business.
Deborah Delany
M B A I N S ID E R Page 4
WGC Holds Its the team members were
Richard Moreno and Rupert
First Business Ramharack. Each will share
Case Competition the $2,000 scholarship.
Deborah Boark served as the
By Ben Jackson faculty advisor. Ameil Sloley
was a judge.
The NBMBAA Westchester/
Greater Connecticut Chapter The winning team, receiving a
(WGC) hosted its first Business prize of $8,000, consisted of
Case Competition on Saturday, first year MBA students
May 2nd at the University of Richard Martinez, Katharine
Connecticut’s School of Mongoven, Abiodun Obajinmi,
Business, Stamford Campus. Brian Rozental and
Yingyong Techarungnirun.
Fourteen thousand dollars in
scholarship funds were distrib- The UConn School of Business
Left to right, high school winners Taylor Kennerly; Kim Holder,
uted to the winning teams also sent a competing under-
LOT co-chair; Dane Mellad; Jessica Romeus; and Darlene
($8,000, graduate; $2,000, graduate team with students Andrews
undergraduate; $4,000, high Marina Batt and Jose
school). Caberno. Dr. Mohamed
Hussein, Professor and
Accounting Department Head,
The event brought together was the faculty advisor. Marlys
organization partners that share Rizzi, Program Administrator of
education and leadership devel- the Stamford MBA Program,
opment goals—The National was one of the judges. Both the
Association of Black Account- undergraduate and MBA teams
ants, Southern New England were sponsored by the Office of
chapter (NABA-SNEW); Diversity Initiatives.
Inroads, Fairfield/Westchester
County; and education partners
Monroe College, and the "It was a truly unique experi-
UConn School of Business’ ence for me," said Obajinmi, "At
office of Diversity—to promote a competition of this magnitude, Graduate school winners Stacey Crawford, Richard Martinez,
and produce the day-long I was proud to represent Daneille Jarvis , Deborah Boark, Rupert Ramhatack, and
event. UConn." Martinez also noted Ameil Sloley
the value of the case competi-
tions as they "bring MBA stu-
Day of Service: Feeding 300
The competing teams were dents out of the classroom and WGC Leaders of
comprised of high school Families – The LOT program
into a team environment where
students from the WGC’s we are challenged to apply
Tomorrow: Q1 was awarded a $1,000 Wal-
Leaders of Tomorrow program, what we've learned against Mart community grant that was
and undergraduate and
Summary used to support the Fairfield
other competitive schools." ♦
graduate students from Monroe County Foodbank, complement-
College and UConn’s School of Your chapter of more than 50 ing the Day of Service which
Business. Leaders completed a group of yielded 80 volunteer hours. Ten
workshops and events in the WGC members participated.
first quarter of 2009. Thank you Our Leaders had a number of
The winning high school team to members who helped make choices in which they could
was composed of students from our activities a success. Here spend their time and resources
two high schools in Norwalk are two highlights: for this event. When they rec-
who are part of the WGC ognized the opportunity to
Leaders of Tomorrow program: Presidential Inauguration Trip – create awareness about the
Darlene Andrews, Taylor Eight Leaders and mentors state of food banks—both
Kennerly, Dane Mellad, and participated in an historic day in nationally and locally—they
Jessica Romeus. Each will Washington, DC. The Leaders quickly began planning the
share the $4,000 scholarship were asked to share their collection of food in their
prize. Mentors Kim Holder, thoughts in local media schools and communities. ♦
LOT Chair, and Karl Barham (Norwalk’s The Hour newspa-
and Diane Winston served as per, and ‘Our Lives’, a public Know someone who could be a
advisors and coaches. affairs show on News12, CT) Leader? Have them write to
The winning undergraduate LOT@nbmbaa-wgc-org.
team was from Monroe College,
M B A I N S ID E R Page 5
Take This Job and Love It—A New Section Featuring Employment Opportunities
By Yewande Odusanwo
With Connecticut/Westchester unemployment rate at 7% plus, it is good to know that there are companies in
the area that are aggressively seeking new talent. Most recently, the Westchester/Greater Connecticut
chapter of the National Black MBA Association launched a new product to address the current unemployment
situation and to help facilitate "getting the word out" about available positions.
Starting at the May Chapter Membership Meeting, the organization launched the Monthly Job
Announcement. It will allow the organization to feature key Job Postings from our Corporate Partners, who
sponsor this announcement. At each monthly meeting, the organization will highlight positions in a special
display where attendees can obtain hardcopies of the actual Job Postings. The positions will additionally be
highlighted on the chapter website.
This is our effort at getting relevant information into the hands of job seekers. For the inaugural launch of the
Monthly Job Announcement, several positions available at Pepperidge Farm, voted #1 in the list of Best
Companies to work for in CT, will be highlighted. If you missed it, please come to the next Chapter meeting
and look out for the job posting display.♦
Featured Employer
Click the following link to see what jobs are available:
http://www.nbmbaa-wgc.org/images/Pepperidge_Farm_Job_Posting_May_2009.pdf
SAVE THE DATE
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
WORKSHOP
Wednesday,
August 19, 2009
The National Black MBA Association—Westchester/Greater Connecticut Chapter
Presents
“SWIM, DON’T SINK! -- Survival Strategies
for Your Career"
The 3rd Annual Professional Diversity Career Summit
June 25, 2009
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Holiday Inn
700 East Main Street (Tresser Blvd.)
Stamford, CT 06901
203-358-8400
The Career Summit provides a forum for business professionals and representatives from major
corporations to network, and to discuss career goals and potential
employment opportunities.
Career workshops will take place from 4PM - 8PM. There is no cost to attend;
however, you are required to bring a copy of your resume. Topics covered include:
Creative strategies to separate you from the rest. This workshop will be focused on
techniques to differentiate you from the crowded job market: How to develop that killer
resume, network for success, prepare for the
interview, and then follow-up.
What are employers looking for? Get feedback from HR executives on how to position
your brand to win in the current job market
REGISTER TODAY! Write to employment@nbmbaa-wgc.org
Corporate Partners
M B A I N S ID E R Page 7
Reflections...and the Value of Membership
A special section devoted to members of the WGC, sharing tales of success and rites of passage. What’s your story? Write to us at
info@nbmbaa-wgc.org.
Anthony Stanfield, Member chapter, just as his good friend thankful to the NBMBAA-WGC Join us for our National
Todd encouraged him. for the exposure and for the
inclusive network of business Black MBA Pre-
Manufacturing and Operations professionals who played an Conference Tee-Off!
executive Anthony Stanfield integral role in helping to shape
made the most of his affiliation my career. ♦
with the Westchester/Greater “I ‘m extremely impressed with
Connecticut Black MBA chapter all of the activities promoted by Franck Adjiseqbe
last fall. Anthony joined the the chapter, but more so I ‘m
Stacy Crawford
organization at the urging of his
good friend and longtime Black
impressed with the members SAVE THE DATE!
and the passion they exhibit for Etim Edam
MBA member Todd A. Hood.
helping each other and the Justin Fann
community. If you choose to Community Kathy Gilbert
“Todd had been encouraging
me to join the team for quite a
participate in one organization,
I’d advise you to choose the
Partnership Janelle Harbour
while,” says Mr. Stanfield, “He
knows me well and he knew Westchester/Greater Connecti-
cut Black MBA.”
Golf Outing David Iga-Musisi
that my association with the
Thursday Dorne Massiah
organization would be benefi-
cial.” —————————————— September 17, 2009 Allen McCollumm
Linda Gilmore, Member
Steven Menskey
Todd was right. The night
The Westchester/Greater
Anthony joined, he attended a Patricia Morris
Connecticut Chapter of the
seminar hosted by The Pepsi
Bottling Group and the keynote
National Black MBA Association Anthony Nkrumah Brobbey
(NBMBAA) provides a solid
speaker was their Vice Presi- Allison Price
network of business profession-
dent of Worldwide Operations. Tenisha Ramsey
als whose collective efforts yield
a stronger body as a whole.
“I walked in and was surprised Sarah Thuo
to see that the speaker was an
With increasing competition in
Carolyn Vermont
old high school classmate. We
the marketplace, the exposure
hadn’t seen each other for
to professionals within the
years so we had some catching
organization was a huge asset
up to do,” Mr. Stanfield states,
to me as a business
“We discussed our careers and
professional. As Membership
I commented that if he needed
Chair and VP of Communica-
an operations executive to look
tions, I was able to lend my
me up, and he said that he
leadership and professional
would.”
expertise to help continue the
great work of the WGC, provid- WELCOME
True to his word, the PBG ing access and networking
senior executive called Anthony connections for African Ameri-
within a month to interview for cans in business, education and
an executive level operations the community.
position. Anthony was offered
the job and as of this year, has
At the same time, I mutually
been promoted to his current
benefited from the professional
role with the company in Or-
networking. During a
lando, Florida.
NBMBAA-WGC networking
event, I connected with hiring
Mr. Stanfield now encourages professionals at the Pepsi
all of his friends and colleagues Bottling Group. Within two
to join the Westchester/Greater months of that encounter, I was
Connecticut Black MBA extended an offer to join PBG’s
Atlantic Business Unit as a
marketing executive. I am truly
NEW MEMBERS!
M B A I N S ID E R Page 8
Using Black Professional Organizations for Your Career
By Janice Howroyd
Just the other day, I was speaking tied directly to your career 1. Can you afford the member- what your own time and pocket-
with a previous college classmate growth; and in today's economy ship fees? This is a bigger ques- book can support. Make certain
of my brother. He told me that he career security is job one. tion than it seems, because the that there is enough activity left
had never before fully appreci- flip side is, can you afford to not to afford you a broad opportunity
ated the career value that the join this organization? Many for introductions to people and to
Black Accountants' organization I am not an accountant, but I do organizations have a practice of your interests.
he belonged to could offer him. attend professional accountants' protecting and promoting their
Up until now, he'd seen it as a events because I am in the members. If you are working in a
social networking opportunity business of employing them. You 5. Make a commitment to your-
company that is laying-off self that you keep. Many people
that put him in good company may not be a lawyer or legal
with people who were in his same worker, but attending their events employees or cutting costs ag- join organizations with sincere
"league." He enjoyed attending may help you with career growth gressively, then the right profes- goals and expectations and then
the conferences and even or make great contacts for a ca- sional organization can be a fall into the activity of the commit-
learned to play golf so that he reer change. Pay attention to career connection. tees and awards programs -- they
could "up the ante" of the caliber which organizations are really become process committed
of people with whom he social- doing things in your community. rather than career committed.
2. Determine the professional The awards and events take on a
ized. Knowing that I am in the These are ones who are con- profile of the organization's mem-
business of work force manage- nected to the corporations and life of their own, and some begin
bership Find out how successful to measure their success in these
ment for companies and helping public officials who can be impor- the members are, how many are
individuals find jobs and plan tant to your own career advance- fully employed and their levels of organizations by the number of
careers, he was quite open with ment. Birds of a feather flock plaques they hang or the events
job satisfaction. If the answer is they manage. If this is fully satis-
me about this. together. a lot lower, this may not be the fying to you, and it well may be,
group for you, regardless of how that's fine. If you are truly look-
I asked him why he thought it was Today, many companies are cut- well known it is. Professional ing, be critical and regularly
that he'd never dug deeper into ting back on paid memberships organizations have different evaluate how well you are doing
the advantages of this interna- for employees...and on corporate strengths at different levels and with this. Layering on your com-
memberships in long standing in different regions. Don't fall for mitments could peak long before
tional organization. Quite
profoundly, he said that he had organizations. If your company is the brand name; instead check you reach your career connection
not currently reevaluating out the vitality of the organiza- goals if you are not careful to
never needed to ... before. Even tion's local chapter.
though this particular organiza- memberships, trust that they will. manage yourself to what you are
tion is committed to offering So, it is critical that you make truly measuring. Fulfillment can
yourself known by the folks who 3. Ask for member references. co-exist. You can enjoy doing
career fairs and business semi- great work for the community,
nars, he'd only attended the are driving the programs you This ties into No. 2. Whenever I
have an interest in, and that you join a group or am asked to just be sure that you are still
events for the social networking
are contributing more than your approve a corporate member- achieving your career goals.
experience. I was astonished!
attendance to them. ship, I require at least one or two
If you are like the many African
Americans who think of the vast face-to-face meetings with a local No matter what your reason for
number of reliable and strong My friend Marc Morial, who member to discuss how they've joining one of the many and won-
Black professional organizations heads the National Urban benefited from the organization derful Black professional organi-
and networks as merely social League, is quite ambitious about and how close the organization zations, you are going to meet
making certain that jobs are a stays to its creed and mission. I people who are superstars and
opportunities, you are truly
part of his agenda. The National also investigate the finances. you are going to meet people who
missing the mark. Even if you do
see your association as more Association of Black Accountants This is not a time for you to pay don't put in the effort. The thing I
Inc. (NABA) does a terrific job of entry into an organization that is think is important to take stock of
than a social society, you still may going downhill, unless it is your is: Am I enjoying meeting my
delivering serious employers to
be missing it. intent and desire to be a savior to obligations to my organization?
their career fairs. For a change
from a business career to one in it. If you are looking at your as- Make sure that you consider it a
Here's a question for you: How higher education, nothing beats sociation to bring career advan- privilege to be a part of the group
much homework or research on The PhD Project. The reason I tages, make sure that regardless you join and that the pride in the
your organizations do you do know this is that I do my home- of the financial standing of the partnership is mutual. We can all
regularly? It doesn't matter if you work, and I only associate with organization, the membership do well by doing good.
belong to a fraternity or sorority, those organizations that I believe offers connections that you be-
professional organization or civic are consistent in meeting their lieve can help your ambitions.
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the
group, such as The Urban League mark on employment issues. Founder and CEO of The Act-1
or NAACP. You need to be doing Here are some tips for deciding 4. Join at the right time. Group ( http://www.act-1.com/
your homework on where the which Black professional organi- Many organizations create their ), a
opportunities and connections zations to join and how to get the annual agendas with timelines global staffing provider and a
are to your next career move. best career advantage from designed around holiday func- Women Minority Owned Busi-
Everything you do with regard to them: tions, etc. Check out the calendar ness. Enterprise (WMBE)
your work or expenses should be of events closely with an eye to company.
M B A I N S ID E R Page 9
Corporate Corner
We can all be proud that we are start discussing strate- professional organiza- And even though it's
impacting change…we are gies for 2009 tions. Through last been a tough year for
making differences in individual year's activities they them, others like UBS
careers through facilitating Yes, Praxair set the bar high developed fruitful continue to respond
employment opportunities, in last year, but now, I hope it is supplier relationships when called upon for
education through funding obvious why they are the with WGC entrepre- support, such as for
scholarships, in our community Corporate Partner of the Year neurs, and they met our past Awards Pro-
through empowering youth to for 2008. The following are just candidates for gram
be achievers and believers, in some other examples of the numerous employment
local businesses through facili- opportunities through And finally, WGC
value exchange provided to and members and support-
tating business relationships for through the WGC and our the WGC partnership
commerce, in personal and partners:
professional development
through leadership opportunities For three consecutive
and creative monthly program- years, Starwood
ming…YOU ARE MAKING A Hotels has increased
DIFFERENCE through support- their participation with
ing the WGC! the WGC (in 2009,
they will double their
participation from
Praxair's premier sponsorship
2007)
resulted in them being recog-
nized as Corporate Partner of For three consecutive
the Year. No, the award is not years, Diageo has
provided to the company that hosted and underwrit-
pays the most money, but ten our August devel-
conversely the partner that does opment event, and
the most with the time, talent provides in-kind sup-
and treasure they invest. port for our spirits and
Praxair invested in the following adult beverage needs
ways: for our annual awards ers now purchase
program State Farm and goods and services
Underwrote under- Prudential joined other
graduate scholarships For three consecutive from several WGC
years, The Pitney companies by support- entrepreneurs and
Underwrote graduate Bowes Literacy and ing both the Entrepre- service providers
student scholarships Education Fund has neur Summit and the
supported the WGC Career Summit for a
Underwrote the It is proven, the model
Leaders of Tomorrow full day of develop-
Leaders of Tomorrow works. And with your support,
program with mental programming in
program we will be able to be more, do
$25,000…you don't 2008.
more, and reach more in 2009.
Loaned Praxair have to be an account- Pepsi Bottling Group
employees to conduct If your company is interested in
ant to know that totals has already promoted being a part of a winning
a Leaders of $75,000 already! WGC employment formula, as the Corporate
Tomorrow workshop
For three consecutive candidates that they Relations Committee, we
Hosted an extremely years, Pitney Bowes met and hired in 2007 answer President Barack
successful "Branding Management Services Norwalk Community Obama's call, and we welcome
Yourself" monthly continues to support your call.♦
College regularly
meeting our print and document provides meeting
Hired at least two new management needs space for Leaders of
with quality and Please direct any partnership
employees they met Tomorrow meetings on inquiries to todd.hood@pb.com.
through the NBMBAA- responsive service a monthly basis
WGC In 2008, Boehringer Several employees of
Increased their partici- Ingelheim sourced General Electric and
pation level at the input from WGC reps other local companies
NBMBAA national con- for their diversity give back twice each
ference strategy. They also month to the
hosted an extremely community through
Praxair was the first successful Business mentoring our Leaders
partner to conduct a Symposium with the of Tomorrow
relationship review to WGC and other
Introducing
M B A I N S ID E R
THE
INSIDER
Online Radio Show
The Insider features insightful conversation with
business leaders and industry experts sharing
their perspectives on economic and career trends
in the US and around the world.
Scheduled to air Thursdays, 12:00—12:30 PM at
the WGC Web site: www.nbmbaa-wgc.org
Expand your knowledge base
Facilitate your success
Equip yourself with the technical and social
tools to get ahead
Program topics include:
Career and professional development tips
How to become an “intrapreneur”
Finding a mentor, or becoming one—is it right
for me?
Listen in… and learn!
To hear the pilot, click the link below (allow time to load)
http://www.nbmbaa-wgc.org/images/The_Insider-Demo_MP3_12-2008.mp3
Corporate Partners: associate your brand with
this innovative program by becoming a sponsor!
Contact Todd Hood at todd.hood@pb.com or call
(203) 351-7850
M B A I N S ID E R Page 11
Activity-Based Communications. It’s as Easy as A-B-C
By Todd Hood
In an age of technology, While on an airplane flying
cross-country, what does
SAVE THE DATE!
information overload, and
instant gratification, how do you everyone have equally? Some
get your message read? That
is the question hundreds of
people have more leg room,
complimentary meals and
CEO
marketers, employee communi-
cators, and organizations face
beverages, and the like; but all
have the same amount of time ROUNDTABLE
daily. In prior days, the holy in-flight. Some will use their
grail was to ensure your time to read magazines, work
message made it to the on their computer, watch
recipient. If you mailed a letter in-flight entertainment, sleep, or Wednesday, July 29, 2009
to someone and they received enter into engrossing discus-
it, there was a high probability sions with their neighbors. All
that they would take time to prefer to spend the time being
read it. Even solicitation (or so- entertained according to their
called “junk”) mail was read. At own separate preferences,
those times, mail was distinc- however most open their tray
tive, it was a pleasure to receive tables, receive a napkin and
correspondence from someone become receptive to those place a snack or drink on the
who knew (and appreciated) inputs, even though you tray table. What a fabulous
that you existed. At a later time pass tens of other brands opportunity to deliver
this characteristic transferred to of cars. impressions of a relevant/
email in its infancy. Remember related product or service that
back when you read every addresses a need the traveler is
email before you deleted it? Now, let’s get back to activity- feeling at that time! Now your
based communication. In the job is to look for opportunities to
examples above, you became link your product or service with
Well, these days, both your tuned in to certain inputs the activities of your targeted
mailbox and your email inbox because they relate to an action recipient, and be prepared for
have likely been overcome with you completed, in spite of the the response.♦
solicitations, unwanted commu- fact that they exist in the midst
nications, and even irrelevant of a host of other stimuli. This _________________________
offers. So how does one get is the basis for activity-based
your attention in the midst of all communication. To get your
this clutter? The key…activity- message read, link it to an
based communication! activity performed by your
targeted recipient.
What happens when you
receive a message back
from an email you sent? If you want your targeted recipi-
You read it to find out what ent to buy a car, your message
the recipient said! You will needs to be displayed when
likely read it ahead of the they are doing something that
other messages in your makes them most susceptible
inbox. to buying a car. Would you be
Remember when you more attuned to buying a car
purchased your latest new when your car is being
car? As you drove around, serviced, or when your car is
you noticed all the other running well? Would you be
cars like yours, and even at more attuned to buying a car
times wondered why you when you are stranded on the
hadn’t seen so many of side of the road, or as you are
them before. They were driving along the highway?
always there, your mind Positioning your message
was just not tuned in to that where and when your targeted
channel, but once you recipient is most receptive is
purchased your car, you key.
were then tuned in. You
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