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Course Connections

Launch of 7th Annual Course Connections on May 24th

THE 7TH ANNUAL COURSE CONNECTIONS 2018

NINE and DINE in a New Format!

COURSE CONNECTIONS is a one-of-a-kind event combining the art of networking with the joy of playing golf. Join us on May 24th for the launch of the 7th Annual season of this incredible series.

Newbies! We want you! Driving range practice is one thing. PLAYING is THE REAL THING!

Warm up on the range with Joe Haggerty, PGA Professional at Montclair Golf Club, followed by playing, hacking or just advancing your ball through 9 holes followed by a FANTASTIC Cocktail Hour of networking, light bites and camaraderie on The 19th Hole!

HOW TO MAKE GOLF A NETWORKING TOOL

Consider These 3 Questions:

  1. Have you ever thought that you are you missing out on some great networking opportunities that take place on the golf course?
  2. Have you wondered about the correlation between playing golf to being successful in business?
  3. Would you like to be introduced to or play the game in an intimate, private setting with one of the top golf professionals in New Jersey?

If you have answered “YES” to any of these questions OR are a business professional OR in career transition, then please join me, Susan Ascher and Joe Haggerty, PGA professional at this special event:

COURSE CONNECTIONS DETAILS:

DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 24TH
WHERE: Montclair Golf Club, 25 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ – a Platinum Club of America and one of the top 100 Country Clubs nationally.
ATTIRE: Proper attire for this event includes Bermuda shorts (no more than 2 inches above the knee), Capri pants, or a skort. Shirts may be sleeveless and collared or sleeved and un-collared. Golf shoes or sneakers are required.
CLUBS: Bring your own golf clubs, or we can provide them for you the day of the event. Any questions, please email Susan Ascher at susan@susanascher.com.

If playing golf is not your thing, come join us on the terrace for more great networking, cocktails and light fare after golf!

ITINERARY:

  • 4:00 PM Arrival and Warm-up
  • 4:30 Tee Off with the Pro
  • 6:30 Cocktails, Networking and Lite Bites

COST: 
1 Ticket – $179.00
2 Tickets – $299.00
3 Tickets – $399.00
Includes Golf Clinic, 9 Hole Scramble, Networking, Cocktails and Small Plates

$79.00 p/ticket
Includes Networking, Cocktails and Small Plates Only

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!


Golf & Networking




Networking Only



HERE’S WHO ATTENDS OUR CONNECTION EVENTS:

> Master Networkers
> Accountants
> Attorneys
> Entrepreneurs
>Wealth Managers
> Bankers
> Sales Consultants
>Corporate Executives
> Executives in Transition
> Small Business Owners
> Anyone who wants to learn to play the game of golf
> Anyone who values quality networking

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT COURSE CONNECTIONS:

“Such a beautiful evening! Susan is the perfect host. I can see why she is such a successful life and work coach!!”

“Thank you so much Susan Ascher. Course Connections was so fabulous! I loved the golf lesson and golfing and meeting so many wonderful, accomplished people for the networking cocktail party afterwards. You are amazing at bringing people together.”

“I am so glad I attended this wonderful event. Not only did I get to play golf but I got to meet some amazing and accomplished people. I can’t wait for the next one!”

COURSE CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

 

 

 

 

                                

Mastermind

May Installment of The Mastermind for Masterminds

Now is the Time to Take Your Business to the Next Level With 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?
♦ Do You Want to Increase Your Confidence and Boost Your Positivity?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES, THEN BECOME A MASTERMIND TODAY!

The Mastermind for Masterminds is a meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads. In The Mastermind for Masterminds you will help others succeed and achieve your own goals in the process.

You will leave with important takeaways, such as ideas for the future and solutions to problems you’ve been stuck on. There is no limit to the things you might learn during your time in our Mastermind Group. Join us on Friday, May 11th and broaden your professional horizons.

The May Installment Will Focus on Welcoming New Members and Turning the Spotlight on Our Members! 

May’s Member Spotlight Will Include:

  • Commitment Checks — What have you accomplished in the last month?
  • Wins — What’s working?
  • Blocks — What’s not working?
  • Needs — What do I need from the group?
  • Discussion — Ideas and Suggestions
  • Commitment — What are my goals for the next month?

EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN: Friday, May 11th, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932 www.parkavenueclub.com | (973) 301-8233
COST: $197.00 p/person; Includes lunch.

Reserve Your Spot Today!


Choose Your Ticket



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?

  • 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
  • LASTING 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
Career Career advancement Career coaching Coaching

5 Essential Tips to Advance Your Career

nj career coach

In years past, an employee could start off on the bottom rung of a company, and through hard work and persistence, move up the ladder and eventually retire with a pension and a gold watch. Those sorts of jobs are now few and far between.

Companies employ head hunters to find great employees outside the company, and promotions are rarely based solely on seniority. To advance your career, you’re going to need to do more than just hang around with one company. Use these five tips to start taking action now to advance your career.

Set Career Goals

Deciding you want to advance your career is a start, but unless you move beyond vague ideas, it’s unlikely you will make much progress. Start off by setting concrete goals for what you want to accomplish in your career. Lay out a timeline that details not only the responsibilities you hope to take on, but also your salary expectations at that level. Be as specific as possible, but keep in mind the pace of change in today’s office. Try to spot where the best opportunities will be in the future.

Assess Strengths and Weaknesses

Once you know the path you need to take to advance your career, you need to take an objective look at what it will take to get you there. Friends can be a great source of encouragement, but you will need people who can give you unbiased feedback. Managers and supervisors can often help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide valuable information on what it takes to move to the next level.

Don’t Neglect Soft Skills

career coaching in new jerseyObviously to advance your career, you will need the technical expertise to perform in the position. However, it pays to focus just as much on developing the soft skills needed in the profession. Soft skills include things like leadership skills, training in effective communication, time management skills, and team-working. Often it is not the most technically skilled that advances in a career, but the one who is best able to work with the team around them. Soft skills give you that advantage and will prove invaluable as you move to greater positions of responsibility.

Major in Networking

You’ve heard the cliché that it’s not what you know but who you know. As with most clichés, this is built on some truth. For most people, advancement will require moving from one company to another over time. The key to finding those opportunities is to have a solid network of people you stay in touch with regularly. Many people make the mistake of only developing their networks when they’re looking for new employment. Make networking a priority at all times so when it comes time to find new employment, you’ll already know where to look.

Find the Right Balance

Obsessively focusing on your career leads to tunnel vision and missed opportunities. Many of the most successful people are in very different positions today from their first, second, or even third career. Balancing work and life keeps you open to possibilities you might otherwise miss. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk to move in a different direction than what you envisioned when you created your goals.

Always remember that advancing in your career is not a matter of slavishly devoting yourself to a course set in stone, but a constant re-evaluation of where you are and where you want to be.

Additional Resources:
https://www.thebalance.com/soft-skills-for-managers-2275889
https://www.forbes.com/sites/northwesternmutual/2014/07/10/investing-in-your-life-7-simple-ways-to-advance-your-career/#570682ba5e4c
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/09/20/10-ways-to-advance-your-career-by-going-the-extra-mile
https://time.com/4752677/6-ways-advance-career/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2011/05/02/tips-from-the-trenches-five-ways-to-further-your-career/#653a10b22337

 

Coaching Communication Leadership Leadership coaching

6 Traits You Need to Be a Great Leader

leadership coach

Strong leadership can make or break your team or organization. Great leaders model the characteristics necessary for success. They motivate others to reach their highest potential and help individuals become part of a team. Many leaders are adequate, but the ones who are truly great share some of the same characteristics.

Self-Motivation

Leaders can’t expect their team to show inner drive and motivation if they don’t possess it themselves. They continually push themselves to go beyond expectations, not because they must, but because they are passionate about what they do. They seem to have an extra dose of energy that gets them out of bed every morning and helps them embrace each new challenge with enthusiasm. They don’t see problems as someone else’s job to solve, but as their chance to make a difference.

Contagious Optimism

Effective leaders expect a positive outcome, and their optimism spreads. When budgets are reduced, the flu drastically reduces available personnel, and deadlines keep changing, they don’t panic. They remain sure that with a consistent effort they will reach their goal, and their emotional stability helps those around them feel less stress and frustration. They always have a solution or something inspiring to say. They motivate by encouragement, not criticism.

Empathy

Leaders who are truly great get to know the people who work alongside and under them. They know what’s going on in their lives and care about their concerns, even when they aren’t related to work. They show a high level of emotional intelligence, recognizing both how their emotions impact staff and how to manage the feelings of others.

When there’s conflict, leaders have insight into the factors that motivate it and connect with those involved to help them find solutions. They demonstrate loyalty, showing constant support to the people who work with them.

Accountability

Great leaders take responsibility when tasks need to be accomplished and share credit where it is due. They keep track of timelines, checking on employees to make sure everyone completes their part of the job. They remind staff of company policies and re-train on procedures as necessary. Instead of blaming others when things go wrong, they find the reason for the problem and work with their team to solve it.

Innovative Thinking

what makes a great leaderThe best leaders are extremely organized, but their thinking is flexible. They know the rules, regulations, and potential resources, and they are always working scenarios in their heads. They work a possible solution until they understand it from every angle, then they can clearly communicate it to their team.

Because they see the bigger picture, they can outline the end goal and the strategies that will help reach it. When problems arise, their flexible thinking allows them to quickly adjust and come up with an alternative course.

Self-Confidence

Strong leaders can act decisively because of their self-confidence. While they are generally well-liked and respected by those around them, they don’t need the approval of others. They are continually learning, so their knowledge base gets ever wider. Their confidence allows them to make unpopular decisions, ask difficult questions, and try solutions where others might balk.

Leaders infect others with their passion, enthusiasm, and positivity. They implement processes and build relationships that help everyone who knows them meet personal and professional goals.

Additional Resources:
https://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/sba/traits.htm
https://briandownard.com/leadership-skills-list/
https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/the-9-traits-that-define-great-leadership.html

 

Mastermind

April Installment of The Mastermind for Masterminds

Spring Into Action and Take Your Business to the Next Level With 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?
♦ Do You Want to Increase Your Confidence and Boost Your Positivity?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution:
THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO BLOOM! BECOME A MASTERMIND TODAY!

The Mastermind for Masterminds is a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads. In The Mastermind for Masterminds you will help others succeed and achieve your own goals in the process.

You will leave with important takeaways, such as ideas for the future and solutions to problems you’ve been stuck on. There is no limit to the things you might learn during your time in our Mastermind Group. Join us on Friday, April 6th and broaden your professional horizons.

APRIL’S DISCUSSION TOPICS WILL FOCUS ON CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS

  • Who likes change and who does not and why?
  • What would REAL CHANGE look like for your business and your life? How would they be enhanced?
  • What baby steps do you have to take to make these changes?
  • What do you need to say “NO” to? What do you need to say “YES” to? To make CHANGE?

EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN: Friday, April 6th, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932 www.parkavenueclub.com | (973) 301-8233
COST: $197.00 p/person; Includes lunch.

Reserve Your Spot Today!


Choose Your Ticket



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?

  • 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
  • LASTING 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
Culinary Connections Networking Videos

Why You Need to Attend Culinary Connections

Success is based on the tribe you create, the people that follow you, the people you are able to influence and the people you are able to connect. Culinary Connections is an event that was specifically designed to be your launch pad for achieving this level of success. The caliber of business professional you connect with at Culinary Connections is unlike any other networking event you will attend.

I am blown away by this event. It far exceeded the expectations I had. The connections I’ve made, the opportunities it has brought to my business and the opportunities it has brought to my personal life.

— Judith Spires, CEO, Kings Food Markets Inc.

Watch the Below Video for More Great Feedback on Culinary Connections!

 

About Culinary Connections

An exclusive networking event for professionals from all walks of business who are passionate about making the right connections over great wine and food. Our intimate settings and five-star venues provide the perfect backdrop for lasting connections.

Visit our EVENTS page for the next Culinary Connections!

Sponsors of Culinary Connections Include:

 

Coaching Sales Sales coaching

4 Steps to Becoming a Better Salesperson

sales coaching

The old sales strategies no longer work. Individuals react negatively to high-pressure tactics and throw direct mail in the trash. They are so inundated with ads they almost don’t see them. Sales has always been a challenging profession, and it’s even more so today. Here are some tips for starting conversations, building relationships, and becoming more efficient at what you do.

1. Ask Questions

One thing that hasn’t changed is people’s desire to talk about themselves. Successful salespeople are naturally curious. They genuinely want to discover what matters to their clients. Instead of launching into a list of all the benefits and features of what you’re selling, first find out more about their interests, problems, and concerns. Later you will be more able to match them with the product that meets their needs.

2. Show Courtesy

Clients turn from a potential one-time sale to repeat customers when you treat them with respect. In sales, there is often intense pressure to close the deal, but if you see clients as a number, they will feel it.

Realize each person is an intelligent human. They aren’t likely to fall for your one-time offer if it isn’t really a good deal. They see through sales techniques because they’ve been exposed to them so many times before. Instead, learn their names and use them during the conversation. Ask them if you can share what matters to you and give them worthwhile information in exchange for their time.

3. Offer Value

sales coachWhen you hear someone could sell sawdust to a lumber mill, it means they are a good salesperson, but it’s almost an insult. It seems like trickery to sell someone things they don’t need. Effectiveness doesn’t necessarily rely on smooth talking or tricks.

If you sell ice, don’t go where the Eskimos are, take it to the beach. Identify where to locate customers who will find your product enjoyable or beneficial and offer it to them. Show how your item provides benefits that will make life easier, better, or more profitable. Don’t try to hide potential product shortcomings or claim your product will do something it won’t.

4. Have Patience

While technology has transformed the sales landscape, some parts of the sales process will always remain integral. To be effective, you’ll need to locate those in need of your products or services, find a way to establish contact, and determine how best to interact with them.

How your company continues from there varies and will require frequent adjustment between customers. Before you begin, make sure you understand the process and the reasoning behind each step. Learn how to spot your ideal customer, so you’re investing your time effectively.

If clients don’t immediately respond, don’t apply pressure or walk away in frustration. Find out why they seem apathetic and seek to better understand their current interests. It may take more time to gain their trust before they are willing to listen to you about how your offering solves their problems.

When your clients feel that you’re genuinely trying to help, they’ll respond to your concern. Build relationships daily, and you’ll create a base of contacts that lead to improved results.

Additional Resources:
https://www.retaildoc.com/blog/retail-sales-training-9-ways-to-get-better-at-selling
https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/keys-to-successful-selling-for-the-first-time-sales-rep
https://www.maximizer.com/blog/how-to-sell-without-selling-5-ways-to-be-a-better-salesperson/

 

Culinary Connections Networking

Thank You for an Amazing Power Culinary Connections!

Our inaugural Power Culinary Connections at The Grand Café on Thursday, February 8th was a smashing success! Desmond, Walter and the whole team at The Grand Cafe created an extraordinary evening. From the venue, to the wines, the hors d’oeuvres and the gourmet meal we were served: EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!

Here are just a few of the comments from our wonderful group of attendees:

What an amazing event you hosted this evening! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I made so many friends and connections. What an honor to be included!”  — Judy Spires, CEO, Kings Food Markets

“Thank you so much for inviting me to the dinner last night.  You really know how to put on a nice gathering!!! It was wonderful to meet so many terrific people and to hear all they had to say about YOU!!!  What a testament! I was really inspired by many of the things people had to say about what they’ve accomplished and their aspirations for the future too.  Clearly, with you, we are all in good hands!”  — Susan Rochelle, AIA, Susan Rochelle Architect

“I cannot thank you enough for inviting me to such a wonderful event with such incredible people.”  — Wendy Tait, Managing Director and Sommelier, Park Avenue Club

Truly a POWER CONNECTIONS EVENT. If you are interested in attending our next event, please email Susan at Susan@SusanAscher.com.

View Our Gallery of Images from the Power Culinary Connections

 

A Special Thank You to the Sponsors of Culinary Connections

 

 

Mastermind

March Installment of The Mastermind for Masterminds

Overcome Your Fears and Elevate Your Passion for Life and Work!! Make 2018 a Year of Success!

♦ Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?
♦ Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?
♦ Do You Want to Increase Your Confidence and Boost Your Positivity?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution:
THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS

A MEMBER TODAY, A MASTERMIND FOR LIFE!

The Mastermind for Masterminds is a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads. In The Mastermind for Masterminds you will help others succeed and achieve your own goals in the process.

You will leave with important takeaways, such as ideas for the future and solutions to problems you’ve been stuck on. There is no limit to the things you might learn during your time in our Mastermind Group. Join us on Friday, March 2nd and broaden your professional horizons.

MARCH DISCUSSION TOPICS

  • Who is your tribe?
  • How would you describe or name your ideal customer?
  • What problem do you really solve?
  • What business are you really in?

EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN: Friday, March 2nd, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932 www.parkavenueclub.com | (973) 301-8233
COST: $197.00 p/person; Includes lunch.

Reserve Your Spot Today!


Choose Your Ticket



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?

  • 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
  • LASTING 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
Career Career coaching Coaching Leadership

Handling Your Midlife Career Change

career coaching

It’s common for mid-life professionals to crave a change. Maybe you feel you’ve been stuck in a rut for the past few years or maybe your company does not have any more room for advancement. No matter your reasoning, a mid-life career change is a cause for introspection and careful consideration. Here’s how to approach the decision:

What Do You Want to Do Next?

When making a career change, there are a few different paths you can take:

  • A new job in the same field. If your beef is with your job and not the industry, consider sidestepping into a new career. A new set of coworkers or a new boss may be all you need for job satisfaction.
  • A new career in a different field. If there are certain skill sets that transfer fields, you might want to consider a different industry. This might be the right choice if your industry is becoming obsolete or you simply want a new twist on your old job.
  • A one-eighty. Sometimes, you feel like you need a complete change. Many mid-career professionals want to reinvent their work life completely. This is difficult but achievable.

Get Advice from a Career Coach

midlife career changeIf you’re not sure where to begin, consider asking for advice. A career coach can provide valuable introspection and help you make proper decisions regarding your career change. Remember, change is always scary, even when it’s a welcome change. When undergoing a career transition, a career coach can help you maintain a positive mindset, rather than dwelling on the potential downsides of the change.

By keeping the focus on the positives that lie ahead, you can make a smoother transition to your new career. Career coaching can help you maintain your focus while guiding you through the important decisions that lie ahead.

Consider Taking It Up A Notch

If you’re feeling stagnant in your current position, perhaps it’s time for a leadership role. Leadership coaching can help you develop your natural leader’s talent and groom you for a new role in management or even entrepreneurship. With the right help, any career change is possible. A leadership role can prove valuable to mid-level professionals who want to remain in their company or industry but feel they’ve become stuck on the corporate ladder.

Making a successful career transition requires preparation, introspection, and the right attitude. By applying these tips, you can make a smooth transition into a rewarding new career.

Additional Resources: