2010 marked my first year as a full-time professional at Borshoff. I learned something new every day, developed my communications and business skills, and discovered personal and professional strengths—as well as areas of improvement.

With a year under my belt and 2011 upon us, I know exactly what my 5 PR resolutions are for the new year:

1. Meet my professional network. As an active Twitter user, I wish I could put names and faces together more frequently. On occasion, like at Hoosier PRSA luncheons or social media breakfasts, I see someone’s nametag and put two and two together. The relationship grows once you have both online and face-to-face interactions. This year, I plan to be more intentional about meeting my growing professional network in person and further developing these important relationships.
2. Speak up. Although I’m a young professional among many accomplished veterans, I plan to be more proactive in sharing my thoughts, concerns and ideas. It’s important for my colleagues and clients to know I’m thinking proactively and outside the box. And who knows? Perhaps my idea may be one that others have never considered.
3. Get involved. Borshoff is big on community involvement, and it’s important to me too. Whether I decide to join a not-for-profit board or committee, volunteer or attend events, I want to be active in my community.
4. Become an expert.  It’s vital to be excellent at a lot of things in our field: writing, proofreading, project and time management, and problem solving. In 2011, I resolve to dig into something I know little about or don’t know how to do. I might just master the flip cam or learn a software program that I can teach my coworkers.
5. Find balance. As many full-time employees have already discovered, often the workday goes well beyond 5 p.m. While it’s essential to keep promises and maintain responsibilities, it’s also important to do something for me outside of work — whether it’s exercising, trying a new Starbucks drink or taking a 20-minute power nap (outside of office hours, of course). When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better able to serve  your clients.

If I accomplish these 5 resolutions, I know that 2011 will be just as great as 2010. Now you know my goals for the new year, what are yours?

College students may keep in touch with their friends and family via Facebook and Twitter, but when it comes to networking for jobs, there’s nothing like an old-fashioned meet and greet.

While the theme of my presentation at the University of Indianapolis’ guest lecture series on Tuesday, Feb. 9 was “Careers in PR,” students really wanted to learn about networking. After all, while the 40 or so students were there to learn more about my career, the majority just wanted to know how to land their first job in our down economy.

Ron Dow, assistant director for the university’s Institute for Emerging Careers and the driving force behind the guest lecture series, said he can lecture all day about face-to-face networking, but an 11-year working professional holding out business cards poses an opportunity too good to pass up.

The impressive collection of students listened attentively, and many waited afterward to talk to me. My advice? Ask for help if you need it; every working professional had to land his/her first job. We really will take a few minutes to talk with you. (But also understand that we receive a lot of requests for informational interviews and unfortunately can’t honor every one.)

My networking connections so far from students at UIndy?

• Zero old-fashioned phone calls
• One business card (yes, for a student!)
• Two very well-written e-mails
• One resume

Now I’m just waiting for my new [Twitter] followers and [Facebook] friend requests!

I attended the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Schmooza Palooza event last week at Conseco Fieldhouse. The social event featured entertainment, refreshments, networking opportunities – and lots of exhibitor booths.

The best booths were the ones that engaged the attendees. Offering a branded giveaway drew people in to talk with the organization’s representative. I received a coaster from a staffing company and microwave popcorn from a mortgage lender.

Some exhibitors engaged the crowd with games and activities. Cornhole or bean bag toss was popular with a few exhibitors. Ruth’s Chris featured a spinning wheel similar to Wheel of Fortune, and there was a line of people waiting to spin.

The exhibitors who offered food samples were a hit, too. I appreciated the restaurants that offered a treat and a coupon, like Paradise Bakery & Café. Offering a coupon is a great idea for two reasons. First, the recipient has an incentive to patronize the business. Second, the organization can monitor its marketing and advertising investment by marking the coupon and tracking when it is redeemed.

The number one “must have” for exhibitors: outgoing and knowledgeable representatives.  The giveaways, games and food can draw a crowd to the booth, but once people are there, the exhibitor must engage them with useful information.

Networking events can be productive – and profitable – when done right. I recently attended the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce HobNob event at the Indiana State Museum, and I observed good, bad, and yes even ugly networking techniques. To optimize your networking experience, I recommend the following tips.

Introduce yourself and wear a nametag if available
Never approach someone and ask, “Do you remember me?” That puts both parties in an awkward situation. Make others feel comfortable by introducing yourself and the organization you represent. After introductions, offer a conversation starter. For example, if you are familiar with the person or his or her work, mention that you have seen their new advertising or read about the company online or in the paper. If you are not familiar with the individual, simply ask more information about his or her company.

Have your business cards ready
Keep your business cards in a professional business card holder so they stay clean and crisp and to avoid rummaging through your purse or wallet to locate a card. I use a gold Colts business card holder because whether someone is a football fan or not, the NFL-branded holder creates another topic to initiate conversation. Something as universal as your favorite sports team or your alma mater provides an easy ice breaker. Plus, when you’re ready to end the conversation, requesting to exchange business cards is a polite way to wrap up your discussion.

Be conservative when consuming food and drinks
The event may feature refreshments, but that is not a free pass to over indulge on complimentary items. Appearing intoxicated or gluttonous in front of colleagues and potential business contacts is not professional and reflects poorly on your image and the organization you represent.

Follow up with the people you meet
Review the people you met, and follow up with the most appropriate communication. LinkedIn and Facebook are simple online ways to connect to new contacts. Note that LinkedIn is business-oriented, and Facebook is socially oriented; however, more organizations are using Facebook pages for professional events and networking. If it makes sense to send an e-mail and a link to a Web site or article you discussed, click send. If a hand-written note on your company’s stationery, along with collateral information about your organization is the best follow up, put a stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mailbox.

If you’re from Indianapolis and missed HobNob, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce hosts many valuable networking events. Coming up soon is “Schmooza Palooza,” the Chamber’s biggest party of the year, featuring food, drinks, interactive exhibits and live music. The event is scheduled from 5 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 24 at Conseco Fieldhouse. The event is free if you or your employer is a member of the Chamber and $10 for non-members. To check if your company is a member, go to www.indychamber.com and click on Member Center to search for your organization.