Speed Networking at Bar Louie

By: Sarah Nohr

Networking events can be scary. Especially as members of Gen Y – the generation who tends to always do what our friends are doing. We’re not generally a “fly solo” group. So when we see a sign for a networking event, most of us try to find a couple friends to go with us. Then we end up huddling in the corner talking to each other while drinking the free beer and scarfing down the complimentary apps.

But PRSA Young Pros is doing you a favor. We’re putting all of your friends in one place at an organized speed networking event. We’re removing the awkward step of having to approach a new group of people, a more experienced professional or an admired colleague. It’s actually part of the process to move from chair to chair, hand out your business card and get down to the nitty-gritty right away. Because you only have 5-10 minutes to do it in.

Last year, college students, young pros and experienced professionals alike attended our first Speed Networking event at Mo’s Irish Pub. By popular demand, we’re bringing it back this year. Check out the details below:

Speed Networking With PRSA Young Pros
Thursday, May 22
5:30-7:30 pm
Bar Louie (1114 Water St. – Downtown Milwaukee)

Speed network during happy hour with PR professionals at all stages in their career. Whether you’re looking to build your network in the Milwaukee area, need career advice or love to meet new people, we’ll help you build a well-rounded network in one night. Be sure to bring a fresh supply of business cards.
Don’t fret. Of course there will be FREE appetizers and a cash bar!

I hope to see you there! 🙂 For more information on our upcoming Speed Networking event, visit our Facebook Page or contact Erica Zipp at ezipp@bader-rutter.com.

Sometimes This Is Really Overlooked

Is customer service at the top of your list? If not, you better start thinking about moving it up there. I am hoping we all have learned at some point that it is much more costly to acquire a new customer compared to retaining an existing one. Think about all of the marketing efforts that your company does to get those new “hot leads.” Trade shows, advertising, sales presentations, speaking engagements, RFPs, etc. Granted some of these play into retaining existing customers, most of the effort is focused on getting the interest of a new prospect. So once you have that customer signed, doesn’t it make sense to put THEIR success at the top of your list?

Since getting into the workforce I have had some great experiences with vendors (agencies) and some really poor ones. The ones that have been really horrible with meeting my needs and not making me successful, I will never go back to. But the vendors that are working as hard as I am, and are putting in the extra time and effort I will go back to in a heartbeat.

A company-vendor relationship should be considered by both as a partnership, and if it isn’t you obviously haven’t put your customer service experience at the top of your priority list. You spend so much time and money to get new customers, now it is your duty as a vendor (agency) to keep them happy and make THEM successful in meeting their business goals.