A Festive Night with Culinary Connections

culinary-connections-thank-you

A Great Way to Usher in the Holidays!!

First let me thank our Culinary Connections sponsors – Christal McElroy, EisnerAmper; Karolina Dehnhard, Budd Larner; and Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards. Our sponsors understand the power of making the right connections over great food, wine and conversation!

And many thanks to our wonderful team at The Highlawn Pavilion – Chef Pascal, Kurt Knowles and Christopher Gellings. I hope you all had a chance to meet Chef….he is very entertaining and a true gourmet! Think of having your next meeting in The Wine Cellar, or better yet, taking your sweetheart to lunch or dinner over the holidaze!

A special thanks goes to our photographer, Mahvash Saba of MahvashSabaPhoto.com. Mahvash is a Kodak International Award winner and does all of our events and headshots. She can do yours too! Her clients include organizations such as Leading Women Entrepreneurs and B.I.G, and her ability to capture the essence of a person or an event is remarkable. Hope you will have her photograph your next headshot, family portrait or event!

An Impressive Group of Connectors!

My heartfelt thanks to all of YOU for joining last Thursday’s Holiday Kick-off Culinary Connections! I am always so impressed by the diversity and high quality of the connectors that join us for Culinary Connections. I have heard from many of you that a lot of great connections were made! Please let me know of any great connection (business or personal) that you made and I will share!

View Our Gallery of Connectors at December’s Culinary Connections at The Highlawn Pavilion

Save the Date

Our next Culinary Connections event will be held at the very elegant Grand Café in Morristown, date TBA shortly. Desmond Lloyd and I go way back, and I am excited that he will be sharing his beautiful setting and fabulous food with us. Please have a look at the website here: www.thegrandcafe.com.

We are always looking for sponsors for upcoming events. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring one of our upcoming Culinary Connections events! A great way to get your name out there. Please email or call me for more info!

Thank You!

Thank you again everyone. You are an awesome group and I am thrilled that you came. And please don’t forget to send me details on any great connections you have made!

Susan Ascher

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

“Thanks for another great evening. I have been to all five of your Culinary Connections and what I love is how each one has its own personality based upon the venue and the folks who attend. At each event, I have made new connections that I know will be lasting ones; yet, at the same time, I reconnect with people that I am so grateful to see again. Last night’s intimate setting allowed me to connect with most of the room and still have meaningful conversations with those that I was looking forward to seeing again.”

CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

course-connections-sponsors-9-27-16

Coaching Communication Leadership News Workplace

Communication Skills Vital to the Workplace

Regardless of the Industry, Communication is Vital to Keep Your Team Running Smoothly.

Everyone in your office should be able to effectively address managers, staff, and colleagues. They also have to reach across multiple platforms, including email and social media.

7 Skills You Need To Communicate Effectively

1. Listen well. Paying attention to others is half the conversation, so you need people who can truly listen.

2. Read/display nonverbal cues. Being able to decipher and project silent cues is important – it’s why some people seem so approachable and others are intimidating.

3. Speak with clarity. Employees need to be able to convey their points quickly and clearly. Rambling can cause the listener to lose interest or become confused.

4. Project confidence. There needs to be a feeling of comfort in every conversation. Employees should exude confidence to foster the best communication.

5. Be friendly. Employers greatly prize this skill. When you can greet others with an encouraging presence, you’ll foster all sorts of communication.

6. Be flexible. Part of good communication is a willingness to reconsider, change, and approach issues with an open mind.

7. Feel sympathy. It’s not enough to listen to another person’s situation. Your employees have to bond emotionally if you want the best communication.

4 Ways Good Employees Become Better Communicators

Your employees don’t have to be distinguished at communicating from the get-go. There are ways people can learn to share their feelings and ideas more effectively through practice and hard work. If workers want to get better, they should:

1. Set a clear idea for every conversation. When they know the desired outcome, they’ll be able to present themselves as effectively as possible.

2. Craft a reputation by communicating. Trust is something one must build, and engaging with other employees regularly is a great way to foster that feeling.

3. Stay humble. Your employees should never flaunt their advantages, no matter what they are. Instead of bragging about money/possessions/position, etc., they should leave their egos behind.

4. Think about timing. There are opportunities for everything. Employees should be able to decipher moods and decide if a conversation is a good idea.

Communication skills and a willingness on behalf of your employees to learn the best approaches are truly valuable assets to your business. The more successful they are in communicating with your prospects and clients, the more successful your business will be in the long run.

Additional Resources:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/effective-workplace-communication-skills/
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/09/03/how-to-be-a-better-communicator-in-the-workplace

Career Coaching News Sales

Six Traits to Look For in a Good Sales Rep

It’s Only Natural to Want the Best for Your Business.

It can be hard to determine just what that entails though, especially when you’re working with people. Sales representatives are a crucial part of your team, but how do you know if you’re hiring someone who will perform well? Turns out, the best sales reps consistently display the following traits:

1. Levelheadedness

Dealing with customers can be challenging and stressful. People treat sales reps poorly on a daily basis, and it takes a special kind of person to cope with that stress. Your team members need to think clearly and keep their cool no matter what the business brings. Choose candidates who consistently think fast.

2. Confidence

When a sales rep is self-conscious, it’s distracting and presents a poor image of your company. You want to choose individuals who don’t falter in the face of strangers. They should also be able to rebound quickly from difficult customers. There’s no room for bashfulness or inhibition on a top sales team.

3. Efficiency With Time

Sales representatives should be some of your boldest, most energetic employees. Never hire someone who’s lazy or uninvolved, or you could be wasting money with every shift. Find prospects who know how to divide their time intelligently, such as people who automate repetitive tasks as much as possible (like emailing and answering calls).

4. Memory

Your sales reps should be able to familiarize themselves with your products and services. They need to know features, applications, tips, and more. A rep has to be sharp-minded in order to keep up with the demands of a business.

5. Willingness to Learn

There will always be new technology to discover; there will always be new competition and adjustments to make. The best sales employees are not only able to adapt to the changing environment – they’re enthusiastic about it.

6. Persistence

Being part of a sales team takes tenacity. When you’re trusting your brand to these people, you want them to be dedicated. Eighty percent of sales take five follow-ups, but about half of all reps will stop after one. If you want to see maximum gains, you need a team that will keep pushing.

If you keep an eye out for these traits while choosing your sales team members, you’re sure to find the best possible candidates. Look for dedication, enthusiasm, and intelligence, and you’ll see the difference.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239465
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4173-personality-traits-successful-sales-people.html

Career Coaching Entrepreneurs News

Critical Mistakes When Building Your Online Presence

An Online Presence Used to be Optional, But Not Anymore.

If you want your company to be a success, you have to pay special attention to how potential customers or clients will view your business online. Unfortunately, simple mistakes often get in between a business and prosperity. Don’t miss your chance at greatness by making one of these common errors:

Not Having a Vision

You can’t just slap together some ideas and hope they’ll take off. You have to look far into the future and think about what your company wants to accomplish. Don’t just think about the monetary gains, either – think about the problem your products or services can solve. Thinking long-term will provide a much more stable foundation for success.

Not Finding a Unique Name

With so many companies out there, you have to be able to stand out amongst the competition. Choosing the right name is one of the most important parts of crafting that image. Find something unique and exciting and then make sure no one else has it. You want your website’s domain name to match, too, so keep doing research until you have something 100 percent available.

Trying to Build Your Site on Your Own

Even if you’re pretty good with a computer, it’s usually not enough. Sure, you can figure out the basics with a premade website template and some copy and pasting, but that’s not how you find success. Enlisting professional help means you’ll have a truly unique website that’s ready for search engine optimization (SEO).

Not Having a Backup Plan

Data loss can cripple a company, especially when its presence is mainly online. Don’t settle into complacency, thinking it won’t happen to you, because it can. Fires, floods, even viruses can destroy valuable information. Be prepared with backup solutions at all times.

Not Being Consistent

One of the worst things you can do for your company is to present a jumbled image. You need to provide relevant information and support every time. For example, liking a bunch of Facebook pages in hopes of getting more exposure could send contradictory messages to your clients.

If you want the best chance of being successful in your business, remember to use your common sense, plan ahead, and always do what you can to stand out.

Additional Resources:

https://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/10/17/11-common-mistakes-must-avoid-when-building-your-online-brand.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231966

Career Entrepreneurs Mastermind Networking News

Are You Ready for The Mastermind for Masterminds?

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

WHEN: Monday, December 12, 2016, 8:30-11:30 am

WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932

COST: $97.00 p/person; includes Breakfast

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Why Should You Attend?

You want to tap into the experience and skills of others!
You are “stuck” and need a new perspective which can come from brainstorming with the group!
You need to increase confidence in your decisions!
You need to validate that you are taking the right actions to achieve your goals!
You need or want to find an instant and valuable support network!
You want to find a sense of shared endeavor with others in the same position you find yourself in!
You need to find new ways to jump-start your business!
You want to boost to your everyday positive mental attitude!

Who Should Attend?

Sales Consultants
Realtors
Accountants
Lawyers
Small business owners
Consultants
Fund Raisers
YOU
And anyone responsible for driving their business!

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

New connections with a supportive team of Mastermind partners
Relationships with like-minded professionals who want to MEET or EXCEED their goals
New ideas for REAL CHANGE to get you where you need to be
Elevating your passion for life and work to overcome the fears that are holding you back

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.

Join Us Today!

Career Coaching News Solopreneur

The Best Benefits of Being a Solopreneur

solopreneur tips

A business owner who runs and works his or her own business is a powerful person, indeed. Solopreneurs are becoming more and more popular across the country. Individuals are jumping at the chance to claim the associated benefits for themselves.

So what’s so great about being a Solopreneur? Plenty!

Here are Just a Few of the Benefits:

• Work as much as you want. Some careers don’t offer enough room for workaholics to grow. When you’re behind the wheel of your own business, you expend all that energy and enthusiasm for the good of your brand.

• Keep all the profits. Once taxes are out of the way, you won’t have to share your money with anyone else. You’ll have no employee payroll, no greedy investors – just big opportunities for financial success.

• Be in charge of all the hiring. Whether you need a seasonal contractor or temporary guidance from an advisor, you get to make all the decisions for yourself. You can be as selective as you like – without having to consult a committee.

• Be able to run at maximum efficiency. When you’re the only one on your team, you’ll never have to guess whether your employees are performing up to par. Solopreneurs can experiment with automation and outsourcing to create the most streamlined business model possible.

• Feel more fulfilled. Few things in life are as exciting as carving out a place in the world for your business. The risks and rewards are so much greater than the regular corporate grind. Solopreneurs have the opportunity to experience hard-earned success in a way most of us never will.

• Be able to change at the drop of a hat. Solopreneurs can switch the course of the entire company with only themselves to consider. They can remodel the business and pivot with an agility that’s truly unbelievable.

• Have a company that’s 100 percent yours. Making decisions can be overwhelming. For solopreneurs, it’s exhilarating. When you travel the business road alone, you’ll be able to decide every single detail.

• Have whatever schedule you like. If you’re a night owl or early bird, you can work when you want to work. When you craft every detail of your company, you can choose how long to work to fit your life best.

Being a solopreneur is a challenge unlike any other, but the rewards can far exceed your expectations.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251738
https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/9-exciting-advantages-of-being-a-solopreneur/

Culinary Connections Networking News

December Installment of Culinary Connections

culinaryconnections-holiday

You are Cordially Invited to Attend the December Installment of Culinary Connections!

Join us December 1st as Culinary Connections celebrates the holidays. Culinary Connections is an exclusive networking event for professionals from all walks of business who are passionate about making the right connections over great wine and food. Take your networking skills to the next level and join us for a night full of connections, opportunities and fun.

No special skills required: just a love of great people, great wine and great food in a beautiful four star setting.

The Wine Cellar at The Highlawn Pavilion

highlawn

Join Chef Pascal as he creates some fabulous holiday fare. Then leave with the recipes so you can duplicate the same great dishes for your holiday entertaining!

The Wine Cellar, located on the lower level of Highlawn, is the perfect choice for those seeking a truly unique dining experience in the most private of settings. Built directly on top of “Eagle Rock” (the rock is the eastern wall of the room), there is nothing quite like it.

There is no finer place to celebrate the holidays. Highlawn Pavilion’s acclaimed cuisine, diverse wine program, sophisticated service, and incomparable ambiance set the stage for an unmistakably unique culinary adventure.

EVENT DETAILS:

Small Plates Dining, Hors d’oeuvres & Networking at The Wine Cellar at Highlawn Pavilion

WHEN: Thursday, December 1, 2016• 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: The Wine Cellar, Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ 07052, www.highlawn.com.
DIRECTIONS: If using Google Maps Navigation, please use this address: 1 Crest Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052. If using traditional GPS, please use this address: 381 Eagle Rock Ave.,West Orange, NJ 07052.
COST: $99.00 per ticket

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

course-connections-sponsors-9-27-16

Here’s What People Are Saying:

“Thank you for having me last Wednesday! I really enjoyed the culinary portion of the event as well as the networking.”
– Richard Sodeke, Media Sales Associate at Felix

“What a lovely evening last night. I loved that we were standing in the kitchen watching the handsome chef with his adorable French accent, cooking delicious food that we could eat immediately. How often does one get that opportunity to see behind the scenes, other than on television where it sometimes seems scripted? The event was beautiful, the location was stunning, and the camaraderie in the room – priceless!”
– Eileen Berman, eileenbergman.com

“Great event last night, truly. Thank you! When I hit the road and sat in the driving rain and traffic coming from Newark, I thought about how nice it would be to go home! Boy am I glad that I made the commitment to you (and to me) to come because I would have missed a wonderful time meeting great folks.”
– Lori Chapin, Attorney, Sedgwick, LLP

“Thank you for a great event! I adored your friends and clients.”
– Denise Gaffney, Area Development Manager, Etcetera; Regional VP, National Association of Professional Women

“The Restaurant Serenade installment of Culinary Connections was excellent – great food and wine as well as great new faces to share it with. I look forward to the next Culinary Connections event in April and joining the Course Connections group in the spring.”
– Marty Eide, Attorney, Markel Corporation

Career Coaching Entrepreneurs Leadership

Business-Building Tips for First-Timers

Starting a Business is Very Exciting!

It has the potential to be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do and could dramatically change the course of your future. Of course, beginning a company comes with countless questions and decisions. While many of them will be specific to your niche, there are certain tips that support the core of every new company.

If You’re Beginning the Life of a Business Owner, Heed the Following Advice:

1. Choose a business about which you are knowledgeable and passionate.

It’s difficult to build a company from scratch, and nothing gives you a better chance to finish it than personal enthusiasm and desire. Always start with something you enjoy.

2. Make sure your business has opportunity.

Some companies simply can’t survive in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – no matter how much you love them (VHS rentals, for example). Start with something that has the opportunity to grow.

3. Dive in with full pockets.

Starting a business is costly, so you should be prepared. Gathering startup financing can be arduous; you should be ready to supplement with as much of your own money as possible. Lots of development, production, and marketing costs can plague new unprepared companies.

4. Do your homework.

Know who your closest competition is and why people love them. If you can find a weak spot in their plans or take your services beyond what they do, you’ll be in a better place to rake in the customers.

5. Create a solid pitch.

Before you start sending your advertisements into the world, you need to have a clear mission statement. Take time to think about what problems your services or products eliminate and then think about whom such issues affect. Build goals and compelling descriptions (especially before you search for investors).

6. Find worthy employees.

Many companies will fill positions with the cheapest possible workers. Instead, make sure your new employees are a match for your products and all of your goals. The more passionate they are about the business the better they’ll perform.

If you’re starting a business of your own, take these tips to heart. With a bit of extra preparation and common sense you’ll be well on your way to a successful company in no time.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245697
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/203254

Culinary Connections Networking News

A Delicious Start to Culinary Connections

cc-thank-you

The Power of Great Connections

First let me thank our Culinary Connections sponsors: Christal McElroy of EisnerAmper who was represented by Bret Boivin, (a GREAT new addition to our community); Karolina Dehnhard, Budd Larner; and Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards. Our sponsors understand the power of making the right connections over great food, wine and conversation!

And many thanks to our wonderful team at The Park Avenue Club: Nicole Marucci, our event manager; Chef Arnold Kruck, who needs no introduction; and Greg Smith, PAC’s Executive Director. A perfect experience is their mission, and they never disappoint. Please feel free to contact me if you are thinking of having your next event here, and I will gladly make the introduction!

A special thanks goes to our photographer, Mahvash Saba of MahvashSabaPhoto.com. Mahvash is a Kodak International Award winner and does all of our events and headshots. She can do yours too! Her clients include organizations such as Leading Women Entrepreneurs and B.I.G, and her ability to capture the essence of a person or an event is remarkable. Hope you will have her photograph your next headshot, family portrait or event!

Great Friends & New Connectors!

And thanks to all of YOU who joined last Wednesday’s Culinary Connections! I have heard from many of our connectors that a lot of great connections were made! And we had some new connectors join us: Bret Boivin of EisnerAmper, Martha Samuel of Carlisle Collection, Maribeth Eckert of Amari Event Planning, Virginia Liberato of Restoration Hardware and Tricia Ott, CAP. Happy also to see Andrea Noyes of The Noyes Insurance Agency, Marj Manning of Morgan Stanley, Lori Chapin of Sedgwick LLP, Tami Pichardo of Elite Rhythms Entertainment, and Rich Robitaille, Berkeley College, all Connections returnees! What an amazing group of professionals and world-class networkers!

group-photo-10-26-16-culinary-connections — Connectors at October’s Culinary Connections at The Park Avenue Club

Save the Date

Don’t forget to Save the Date for our next Culinary Connections event scheduled for Thursday, December 1st at The Wine Cellar at Highlawn Pavilion, where we will celebrate the holidays! This will be a sold out event, as I already have 10 spots filled. We will cap at 40 so please be sure to respond early to avoid disappointment.

We are always looking for sponsors for upcoming events. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring one or all of our upcoming Culinary Connections events!
A great way to get your name out there. Please contact me or call for more info!

Thank you again everyone. You are an awesome group and I am thrilled that you came. And please don’t forget to send me details on any great connections you have made!

Susan Ascher

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

course-connections-sponsors-9-27-16

Entrepreneurs Mastermind Networking News

Next Installment of The Mastermind for Masterminds

— INTRODUCTORY SESSION —

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

WHEN: Monday, November 14, 2016, 8:30-11:30 am

WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932

COST: ** Introductory Price ** $59.00 p/person; includes Breakfast

Reserve Your Spot Today!

You want to tap into the experience and skills of others!
You are “stuck” and need a new perspective which can come from brainstorming with the group!
You need to increase confidence in your decisions!
You need to validate that you are taking the right actions to achieve your goals!
You need or want to find an instant and valuable support network!
You want to find a sense of shared endeavor with others in the same position you find yourself in!
You need to find new ways to jump-start your business!
You want to boost to your everyday positive mental attitude!

Who Should Attend?

Sales Consultants
Realtors
Accountants
Lawyers
Small business owners
Consultants
Fund Raisers
YOU
And anyone responsible for driving their business!

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

New connections with a supportive team of Mastermind partners
Relationships with like-minded professionals who want to MEET or EXCEED their goals
New ideas for REAL CHANGE to get you where you need to be
Elevating your passion for life and work to overcome the fears that are holding you back

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.