September Business Expo

Tomorrow we will be having a double event--- a Business Expo AND the Grand Opening of Wilmington Furniture and Mattress Company! Check out the Facebook event page here.

We'll be at Wilmington Furniture and Mattress Company at 806 S. College Road from 5-9pm.

I'd like to take a moment and highlight the sponsors that you'll see tomorrow!

Active Care Chiro

Active Care Chiropractic is owned and operated by Dr. Eric McGraw. They use a combination of chiropractic care and Active Release Techniques (ART).info.

They're located at 5814 Oleander.

Check out their facebook and website for more info.



Mattress Capital

Mattress Capital has four locations in the Wilmington area. They supply a wide range of mattress brands for all of Wilmington's needs, including Tempurpedic, Simmons Beautyrest, Natural Living- an organic line, and their own direct brand.

Visit them at 5111 or 6213 Market Street, 2804 S. College Road, or 5101 Southport Supply Road.

For more info, visit them on facebook or their website.




Josh Parker Photography

Josh Parker Photography covers all Wilmington's photography needs from weddings, events (has done WYP a few times!), kids, portraits, business card photos, fashion, and more.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so check out his work on his facebook and website.



Michelle Sumrall and Brianna Mayor with Body by Vi 90 Day Health Challenge!

Michelle and Brianna will be teaching us about their 90 Day Health Challenge!

Careful ladies, young professionals like a challenge:)

Learn more here: http://sumrallmichelle.bodybyvi.com/




Wine and Design

You bring the wine, they've got the rest. They get you started on your own painting... all you have to do is bring the wine!

They help you design a fun and memorable night out. :)

Read and see more... Facebook and website.

Located at 3342 Wrightsville.







Wine Shop at Home- Chantal Hayes

Your own wine consultant. Meet her tomorrow night-- she'll be doing a wine tasting for us and educating us on some of her favorite wines!

http://www.wineshopathome.com/chantalhayes




Carolina Mattress Guild

Since 1991, Carolina Mattress Guild has been dedicated to producing innovative, luxuriously comfortable bedding using a combination of hand detailed artisan craftsmanship, and highly advanced production equipment. They work closely with Mattress Capital, fellow sponsor for the event.

They'll be giving away a queen size mattress set to a lucky winner tomorrow night!

See them on facebook or their website.

See everyone tomorrow!

Thanks and happy networking :)

Jackie Willse
Wilmington Young Professionals

How to Network if you are SHY

I hear at least once or twice per event "I've been a member of the group for a year now, but haven't ever mustered up the courage to come until now."

The thought of networking can definitely be intimidating if you've never been before... especially if you are normally shy. GEEKS... yes, I'm talking to you.

So how do you overcome your shyness to be an effective networker?

1. You are not alone!
Everyone else is there to network, too! They are all there to talk... so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Don't let the people that look like "regulars" intimidate you. Most of the Wilmington Young Professionals Events have averaged 25% new people.

2. Pick an event that suits you.
Are you a wine enthusiast? Go to a networking event with a wine tasting. Do you feel more comfortable at seminars where you can reflect and discuss with others afterward? Maybe there's a restaurant that you love to go to... even the venue can help put you at ease.

3. Bring a friend.
Most newbies tend to bring a pal. Makes complete sense. If a friendly face is already with you, you'll be more comfortable.

4. Talk to the host!
If I ever look lonely at the front waiting for new people to arrive, PLEASE come talk to me. :) Your host can introduce you to members and sometimes, even people that will benefit your business. There's no rule that says you can't ask the host for "help." They usually know the majority of attendees, so they're a good tool to have.

Looking forward to meeting some new faces at the Dirty Martini on June 30th.

Wilmington Young Professionals Business Expo
June 30th
5-9pm
The Dirty Martini

Thanks and happy networking!

Jackie Willse
WYP

[life:affirmed]:

Wilmington Young Professionals has been invited to attend "[life:affirmed]" on Friday, April 29th!


The mission of [life:affirmed] was to create a collection of original photographic portraits of cancer survivors for public exhibition to raise awareness of the various forms of cancer while portraying an optimistic view of the fight against cancer.

One of Wilmington Young Professionals own, Josh Parker has teamed up with Britt Motorsports and Cancer Connects to create this event.

The exhibit will be on display at Britt Motorsports, Wilmington from 6 PM to 9 PM on April 29th and will be available to travel to hospitals, clinics, charitable events, support groups and cancer awareness events across North Carolina.

I am happy to invite the WYPs to such an inspirational event (and to give us a networking option on a Friday night, which so many of you have asked for!)

See everyone there!

Jackie

How do WYP events work?

With all of the new faces that I've seen at events and with all of the new members joining on FB, I thought I would make sure everyone knew how Wilmington Young Professionals events work.

There are NO dues to join. A lot of networking organizations charge dues, but I believe that these events should be free and provide a service to local businesses. Sponsors help cover our costs for food and other expenses. If members want to purchase beverages or additional food, then they may.

For the Business After Hours events:

1. RSVP on Facebook, then show up! That's all you have to do to be a "member."

2. Bring business cards!

3. You can invite whomever you want. ALL are invited. Anyone who can benefit from business networking is invited. WYP was founded and is run by young professionals, but people of all ages are allowed.

4. If you're new, introduce yourself to the redhead at the sign-in table. She'll get you acquainted. :)

Hope this helps answer any questions looming around out there.

See everyone on April 28th at Level 5!!

Thanks and happy networking,

Jackie

WYP Business Expo Sponsors!

A little about the sponsors you'll meet at tomorrow's Business Expo!


SENCASPA
Southeastern NC American Society for Public Administration

" We're a professional organization for public and nonprofit professionals looking to spread the word about what we do and recruit more members."

ASPA is the leading public service organization that:
* Advances the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and non-profit administration.
* Promotes the value of joining and elevating the public service profession.
* Builds bridges among all who pursue public purposes.
* Provides networking and professional development opportunities to those committed to public service values.
* Achieves innovative solutions to the challenges of governance.

Follow them on Facebook or visit their website.


Idle Hands Designs

A local company that invents unique and artistic jewelry.

"My design career began at the age of 5 when I peeked into my mother’s jewelry box and redesigned her engagement ring by "retrofitting" it to my tiny finger. So began my life-long love for jewelry, art and design. Today, I bring that same passion to my new creations. I love feathers, vintage materials, and rusty metals. I use some parts of existing materials in my pieces and I recycle jewelry into new one of a kind designs. Each durable piece is hand-crafted from supplies gathered from around the world and always with an eye to reflecting the re-claimed beauty of a vintage artifact."-- Jessica

I will be sporting my new feather earrings tomorrow :)

Check out Idle Hands Designs on Facebook or visit her website.




Alliance Credit Union

Our purpose

Alliance exists to help our members and individuals in our communities build a sustainable financial future. We do this by:

• Providing value and developing trusted relationships with our members and the communities we serve.
• Helping individuals achieve their financial goals whether those goals are short- term, long-term, big or small.
• Providing products and services that are in the best interest of the member and meet his/her personal desires.

For more info... visit their website.

Bangz

"Bangz Hair Salon has been providing Wilmington with a full range of beauty services since 1990. It is our goal to create an environment of caring professionalism to enhance your salon and spa experience. We are also know in the community for our continued involvement in various charitable events, including the NHRMC hospital gala and Pink Ribbon."


VOTED BEST SALON IN WILMINGTON 2010!!!!!!

Check out their facebook or website.




See More Tile

SeeMoreTile.Com is your online source for wholesale tile & stone products. Local to Wilmington, NC, we have been installing only the highest quality tile and stone at the lowest prices for 20 years.""

SeeMoreTile.Com will be doing a drawing tomorrow night for a free kitchen backspash or a free fireplace surround and other prizes.

Find them on facebook or visit their website.


The Wilmington Young Professionals Business Expo will be tomorrow, Thursday, March 31st at 5pm. Drawings start at 6pm. RSVP --It is a free and open Event. See all of you there!

Jackie
WYP

Local Business Highlights!

One of my favorite things about Wilmington is the culture's desire to buy local. This Thursday, Wilmington Young Professionals is hosting our Second Annual Business Expo at Front Street Brewery. Our monthly business after hours has been amped up to display local businesses to give our members a chance to mingle and get to know them.

A few of the "sponsors" for this event:

Nsalo Salon!

Not your granny's beauty parlor!

Located in downtown Wilmington (212 N. Front Street), Nsalo Salon aims to be a specialty salon where your experience can't be duplicated. All appointments start with a thorough consultation focused on you and your lifestyle, your hair and personal style.


I am proud to have Nsalo showcased at the Expo this week because not only are they unique in what they do, they also work hard at giving back to Wilmington. "Work doesn't end for us when the lights go out. We are constantly thinking of ways to contribute to our community. We host an annual 'Arts for the Art's' hair and fashion show, donating all proceeds to to Kids Making It and non-profit children's organization dedicated to the arts. And with the great success of our "Toys for Boys and Girls benefit, collecting gifts for toys for tots.

Check out their website: www.nsalosalon.com or find them on Facebook.



First Federal

Owned by First Financial Holdings, Inc., First Federal is headquartered in Charleston, SC, and operates 66 financial centers that provide banking, trust and pension administration services in the Charleston metropolitan area, Horry, Georgetown, Florence and Beaufort counties in SC and in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties in coastal North Carolina. The Company also provides insurance and brokerage services through First Southeast Insurance Services, The Kimbrell Insurance Group and First Southeast Investor Services.


Check their website for a location near you. I used to work with a lot of these people-- great folks!


Megan Masser Events


Megan Masser Events offers: Wedding & Event Planning, Full Service Wedding Planning, Day-of Wedding Coordination, Parties, Anniversarys, Sweet Sixteen, Engagement Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, etc.

"Enjoy the party while I take care of the details!"

Check out her website or find her on Facebook.

Let the party begin... check out Megan Masser Events to take the stress off of your celebration!



Glynne's Soaps

Another successful local company specializes in making all natural soaps for dogs and people.

Simply free of artificial colors, artificial scents (also known as fragrance oils), preservatives or harsh chemicals, each of Glynne’s Soap’s all natural products is the result of a perfect collaboration with Mother Nature and provides you, our valued customer, with the best possible all natural skin care essentials.

They even team up with Front Street Brewery to create Beer Soap! My favorite: Scottish Ale Soap!

I would also recommend the Java Scrub... hints of coffee and leaves your skin smooth and refreshed.

Find them on Facebook or visit their website.




More sponsors will be announced before the event... In the meantime, check out these four businesses. A few tables are still available for the event. Contact me if your business is interested!

Thanks and happy networking,

Jackie
wilmingtonyoungprofessionals@gmail.com

Networking: TOO Much Follow-up?!

We know we want to keep contact with those potential business prospects... but what is too much?

We have all had it happen. That person that calls your cell phone every few days asking to meet, sign on their services, etc. They may THINK that they are super organized and following up effectively, but YOU-- their prospective client-- think that they are harassing. You may even goes as far as to tell people to NOT do business with this overachiever.

If you're new to networking/ following-up, here are some tips that may help:

1. Think about HOW you follow-up. Make sure that you're not just pushing your product in your follow-up. Build rapport by asking about their business or perhaps some other things you discussed while meeting them. Taking notes on the back of their business card after your first connection is a great way to remember talking points. People will be more likely to get back to you if you seem to have an interest in them that is more than merely selling your own services.

2. Respect the way they want to follow-up. Email is always a good starting point. Phone calls can be too aggressive, so if you're not sure which is their preferred communication-- go with email. Now, if you add someone to a newsletter, make sure that they have a way to opt-out.

3. Know when to call it quits. If someone is not getting back to you... it means they're probably not interested! Don't take it personally... perhaps they already have a hair stylist or interior decorator. You can't win them all. You should lay off on the emails and phone calls, because you don't want to alienate them. If you do follow up with them again... keep it personal-- perhaps ask what networking event they're going to next. Help out their business. Who knows... perhaps their situation will change.

4. Oh, Facebook... Facebook is a GREAT way to have that follow-up connection without picking up the phone. Send them a message via FB or friend request. Now keep in mind, not everyone wants to use their facebook for business, so respect that and don't be offended if they don't accept your request. If the event was publicized on FB, write on the wall of the networking group, so that the people that you met might want to friend you. It's also a great way of reminding potential clients what you do with business related posts without singling them out directly.

Happy Networking~