Archive for May, 2011

Bolder Boulder and Contributing to the Community

Justin Kraft, Marketing Specialist
May 27th, 2011
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This coming weekend is the 2nd largest 10K race in the United States, the Bolder Boulder. This will be my first time running this race, and I felt it necessary to write a little about why I am running, and how to give back to the community. Not only do such activities provide us with health benefits, but they can also provide community contributions.

It feels great working for a company that gives back to the community! Many companies have ways of giving back, but as an employee do you give back? BSI and BP2 are involved with a great charity called “There with Care.” As my employer, they have set the tone for our culture. They inspire us to give and come up with ideas to help. My way to give back is to run the Bolder Boulder and take sponsorship donations going toward There with Care.

This forum allows me the opportunity to express my desire to get as many people as possible involved with charities. Whether you have time to volunteer, or just give donations, it is important to help those less fortunate. Maybe you can eat out one less time and give that $5 to a charity. It’s so simple if you think about it, and you will feel better for doing it.

We would love to hear of some ways that you give back to your community.

If you are interested in sponsoring my running in the Bolder Boulder please go to my donation page. Make sure that you put ‘Justin Kraft’ in the tribute information section so that we can track what we raised.

Posted in BP2 News and the Economy, BSI News and Economy, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

In Person Networking is as Useful as Ever!

Justin Kraft, Marketing Specialist
May 19th, 2011
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We all know the importance of social media, but there is still no better way to connect with people than to meet and converse with them in person.  Yes, I just said ‘in person.’  As Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of online networking become increasingly popular it is important not to forget about taking time to go to job fairs or networking events to forge long lasting relationships.

Roughly 70% of communication between two individuals is verbal.  This leaves 30% for non-verbal communication such as gestures, body language, facial expressions, and voice quality or tone. These forms of communication cannot be developed in online social media/networking.  My intention is not to downplay the importance of networking sites but to make sure you are using all of the tools in your toolbox to reach your desired objectives.  These objectives can be anything from building business relationships to finding a new career path.   Because so many people rely heavily on the internet for new connections it is important not to forget about refining ‘in person’ skills.  So here are a few easy to remember items I have used when going to networking events or job fairs:

  • Be friendly and responsive to everyone

You never know who you are talking to and what might come of the conversation.  Even if the person you are conversing with is not your primary target they may know someone who is.

  • Don’t spend more than 8 minutes with any one person or group

If you are in a room with 400 people you typically want to make more than one or two connections.  Many of these events only last a couple of hours so time becomes important.  Remember, they are there to network as well.  If you have spent sufficient time with someone it is okay to excuse yourself from the conversation and move on to the next.

  • Don’t sell!!!!!  Listen!

Even if your purpose is to search for a job a huge mistake I always see is that people talk about themselves and don’t ask questions.  If you ask a potential client, business partner, or future employer about their company how much more likely will it be for them to be interested in you?

  • Make sure you get their contact information and follow-up

There’s nothing more frustrating than making an amazing connection with someone and forgetting to exchange business cards.  These new contacts now know you in ‘real life’ and can become a great asset in your internet job search.  Find them on LinkedIn, send them an email, or even tweet about them.  They will appreciate it and you will further solidify your new connections.

Posted in BP2 Tips and Tricks, BSI Tips and Tricks | 3 Comments »