To build a successful business, it is crucial to develop a network of relevant connections. On Wednesday night, August 7, Queens Jewish Link will help business people expand their vital business networks at its annual networking event.
Why is this networking event different from all its other networking events? In the past, the event has been tied to the publication’s anniversary event, with local politicians and rabbis congratulating Queens Jewish Link on another successful year. This event, however, is strictly a business networking event. This time, there will not be a series of long speeches. This one will feature pedestal tables, which typically work better for making connections and social interaction.
The featured speakers for the evening come with a host of business experience. Moishe Bane became president of the Orthodox Union in 2017. He is a senior partner and chairman of the business restructuring department at the international law firm of Ropes & Gray. Much of his time, however, is spent serving the American Orthodox community.
Harold Klein, the creator of TeleTime Video Productions, has created marketing videos for many companies—from billion-dollar companies such as AT&T and BusinessWeek to small and mid-size businesses. Klein’s career has been built upon his ability to package an idea in a way that will inspire others to get on board. He gladly offers his video services at extremely low costs to a variety of Jewish organizations that are close to his heart.
To help make the experience beneficial, consider these tips for successful networking:
1. Push yourself to engage with people you don’t know. If nothing else, this practice will, over time, help to increase your confidence.
2. If you haven’t already, it’s worth spending time to hone your 30-second elevator pitch.
3. First impressions count.
4. When meeting a new person, ask questions and actively listen to their answers.
5. Remember the other person’s name. It often helps to repeat their name a few times (some say at least three) during the course of conversation.
6. Exchange business cards. Where applicable, perhaps you can follow up by connecting on LinkedIn or following them on other social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Or better yet, perhaps you can contact them the next day to set up a time to continue the conversation over coffee or lunch.
7. While it is great to meet potential new clients, having a group of like-minded business owners and entrepreneurs is equally important for your professional growth and ultimately for your business. Solid advice from the right person can sometimes be a critical factor in business and personal success.
8. Mentoring is an important aspect of networking.
The ultimate goal of Yaakov Serle, Naftali Szrolovits and their team in creating the Queens Jewish Link was to help the community. By charging only $10 for entry to this event, they hope to make it accessible to all.
Queens Jewish Link (more recently along with sister paper Bukharian Jewish Link) has successfully joined with local businesses, organizations, shuls and individuals through events such as this; the goal now is to help others capitalize on its connections. The paper has worked in partnership with Step Ahead Networking and Chazaq to build a better networking event for the community. The upcoming Massive Networking Event will help your business climb to new heights. As they say, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
The event will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Tickets can be purchased at www.fidelipay.com/qjlink at $10 per person. Free parking is available, and a buffet dinner will be served. There are a limited number of sponsor tables still available. Please contact Yaakov at 917-549-6145 for additional information.
By Rachel Goldsmith
