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Articles ...
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Tap the Root at Open Mic Night
by Jennifer Ross
The "Active on Long Island" video series continues to connect me with remarkable
entrepreneurs and has
definitely inspired new activities into my life. After featuring
ice hockey and figure skating
at the
Long Beach Ice Arena, I was inspired to take my 4 year old daughter ice skating for the very first time.
And, after spotlighting a Team in Training kickoff event for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, I am
contemplating training for a triathlon in the near future - we will see!:) Additionally, this past
month, I discovered two unique and meaningful ways to connect.
Have you ever attended an Open Mic Night? I never did until a few weeks ago.
Canvas, a company focused
on sustainable living, arts and culture on Long Island, hosts a monthly Open Mic Night in their business
office, which also poses as an art gallery.
Being that this was my first Open Mic Night, I really didn’t know what to expect. I have to say that I was
truly inspired by the evening. There was a group of about 40-50 people who attended and it was probably
the most supportive and encouraging group of people that I have been around in a while. There were singers,
poets, musicians, writers, and comic relief that appeared on the stage - all from different walks of life
and professional backgrounds. Although they shared their individual talents, I believe what they truly
shared was their full support and encouragement for each other and excitement about being part of a genuine
community.
Of course, when I got home, I had to email a bunch of people and tell them about my experience, encouraging
them to join the event in January. Canvas, and the inspirational people behind the mission, is unique. They
are truly focused on building and connecting community and Open Mic Night is just one of the ways they are
doing this. Although I am not a singer, songwriter, musician, poet, or comedian, I am encouraged to one day
get on that stage, share something and connect!
On a completely different note, I signed up a few months ago to volunteer for
Taproot Foundation. For many of
you, you might be wondering, “What is a Taproot and what does it have to do with networking?” Well, a “taproot”
is the core root of a plant that gathers nutrients from other roots and delivers them to a plant to enable it
to grow. The Taproot Foundation comprises a team of skilled professionals who are doing pro bono work to help
local nonprofits. Taproot Foundation’s Service Grant program provides millions of dollars worth of pro bono
marketing, HR, IT, and strategy management services. Taproot “sees themselves as the taproot for the nonprofit
sector, drawing nutrients from the community and delivering them to nonprofits to enable them to thrive.”
The training sessions that prep you for the pro bono projects became an excellent networking opportunity.
There were professionals from corporations, both large and small, entrepreneurs, retirees, recent graduates,
individuals in-between employment, and individuals preparing for transition to the nonprofit sector. So,
although everyone was there for the purpose of giving back, one of the major benefits of volunteering was
the networking opportunities with other Taproot volunteers and with the nonprofit organizations that were
being served. Proof that networking comes in many different forms!
So every meeting, training session, game, activity, open mic night…every interaction is an opportunity to
connect with people that can impact your personal life and your business. Get out there and do things that
make you happy and put a smile on your face. Don’t get forced into ‘traditional business networking’ unless
you truly enjoy it! After all, networking is really about ‘tapping’ into the things that you love to do and
trying new things in order to connect with meaningful people.
Have fun and laugh a little... I bet you’ll make some great connections! And here’s a peek at Canvas’
Open Mic… "
I’m Going up North", "
Listen to the Mockingbird", "
Joe Iadanza".
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Jennifer Ross is the President of ActivEntrepreneur® and a strategic marketing professional. During
her career, Jennifer has held senior strategic marketing roles and has consulted for startups, solo entrepreneurs
and large corporations. Jennifer is also certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator, volunteers at
the Stonybrook University Career Development Center and Co-Chairs the Sachem Student Business Alliance. Jennifer
is focused on creating a flexible and successful work life, strives to be active and healthy and continues to
inspire others to do the same.
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"Each meeting is an opportunity to network with some really dynamic people."
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Elizabeth Cassidy, Branching Out Life Coaching, Creative Life & Career Coach
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