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Articles ...
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Connecting Cross-County (Part 1)
by Jennifer Ross
Key business connections are made when you least expect them, sort of like meeting that someone
special. A few years ago I was in a Long Island hospital waiting area while my dad was having
hip surgery. It all started when I picked up a copy of People Magazine, looking to be distracted
by some juicy Brangelina gossip! Instead of Brad and Angie, I discovered an article on a company
that lets you 'test drive your dream job'. What a cool concept – actually 'trying out' a career
before taking that terrifying risk and making a drastic life change. -- At that time I had
left my 14 year career at JPMorgan Chase and purchased a local retail sweete shoppe. After 1 year
in the business, I knew that a retail, food business was not the path that I was destined to
follow. But it was the greatest 'real life' MBA ever. I was in the process of closing and
selling the business and working with a coach to figure out what was next. -- I really wanted
to learn more about this intriguing company called
VocationVacations and the extraordinary team
behind this amazing idea.
Upon googling VocationVacations, I noticed that one of the women on the team was from Westchester,
NY (just North West of where I reside) and her background was in Career Development, an industry
that appealed to me. After emailing several times, she encouraged me to contact the Founder,
Brian Kurth, in Portland, Oregon. So I did. I was so intrigued by the concept and wanted to
know more about his vision for the company. I wasn’t looking for work – I was just investigating
and exploring. After having the opportunity to speak with Brian a few times, he revealed that he
needed some strategic marketing and execution support and asked if I was willing to help out.
I welcomed this opportunity to be a part of a growing, inspirational business where I could
lend my expertise – so I happily joined the team!
I connected with VocationVacation’s Public Relations expert, Kelly Shafer,
Shafer Communications,
Fort Worth, Texas. Kelly and I developed an immediate rapport. Kelly’s talents and work ethic
had a tremendous impact on VocationVacation’s press recognition – so much so that I later hired
her to be the PR firm for ActivEntrepreneur and have recommended her firm to many fellow
business leaders.
So why did I take you on this cross-country networking journey? When it comes to
networking and building business connections, step out of your comfort zone, take a leap of
faith, contact someone you read about that inspired you, and go out of your way for a fellow
entrepreneur to demonstrate your support. Build meaningful, lasting relationships--you never
know where they may lead you. I took the time to notice and read the article about
VocationVacations, I followed up and researched the company, I took the leap of faith and
contacted someone on the team who connected me with the founder, I followed up with Brian
right away and built a relationship with him, and I took the time to build a relationship
with Kelly Shafer. Taking that leap of faith does not always work the way you envision it,
but don’t get discouraged. Continue to be proactive. In my case, an inspirational article
led to an opportunity to work with an amazing company and fostered several new business and
personal relationships that now benefit ActivEntrepreneur – a company that did not exist at
that time.
Networking does not need to be limited to the traditional business networking meetings and
groups. Networking does not need to be limited to your email list, the stack of business cards
you collected over the years, or your list of former co-workers, friends and family. If
something inspires, excites, or intrigues you, reach out and meet the people connected to
that topic or business – you never know when that pivotal connection will be made and impact
your personal and professional life!
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Jennifer Ross Jennifer Ross is the co-founder of ActivEntrepreneur and a strategic marketing
professional with more than 16 years experience. During her career, Jennifer has held senior
strategic marketing roles at JPMorgan Chase and has consulted for startups, solo entrepreneurs
and large corporations. Jennifer has also served as a certified speaker with a division of
Monster.com called “Making It Count,” volunteers at the Stonybrook University Career Development
Center and the Sachem Student Business Alliance, and is a certified Global Career Development
Facilitator. Jennifer is focused on creating a flexible and successful work life, strives to be
active and healthy and will continue to inspire others to do the same.
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"ActivEntrepreneur's emphasis on physical activity is clearly reflected
in their business practices."
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Waldo Cabrera, President, MyLITV.com
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