the way to build Your network With community Journalism

this article will show how to use a network journalism (additionally referred to as participatory journalism) platform to construct and preserve a community by the use of the internet as an average of verbal exchange between its participants.

Why is network building crucial?

we're all part of communities whether or not we comprehend it or no longer. we've got our local network, country wide network. some are members of clubs or corporations. a few are fans of a band or play hockey. colleges, colleges, universities and workplaces also are communities.

Having a closer and extra committed groups may want to gain us all. reflect onconsideration on big corporations. In such places of work people hardly ever understand each other at the same time as they have a lot in common. A tighter community within the workplace will make humans experience greater connected. convey higher conversation and extra productive family members among exclusive departments, branches or even humans on the same room.

stronger communities additionally provide reliance whilst instances gets hard or when crisis hits. The more potent the community is, the higher the hazard it's going to paintings collectively to solve troubles and analyze from beyond mistakes.

The internet is the closing community constructing tool

a terrific network wishes a relevant location where community contributors can meet, speak with each other, show thoughts, share reviews and sound their voices.
A community mag is the right suggest of communique and has severa benefits as a network assembly region.

right here are a number of these blessings:

1) reachable to everyone from anywhere at any time

A network internet site is accessible from almost everywhere, network reporters and different individuals can take part at their personal loose time with out constraints of time and place.

2) Democratic and empowers the character

all of us can explicit their opinion and publish their own content material. it's the glue that continues the community together. The truth that everyone has a voice is key.

3) freed from charge

web sites like http://www.comagz.com provide a few groups with their own community mag that's unfastened and does not incur operation fees.

4) requires minimal moderation or interest

systems like comagz.com offer the whole community participants with the ability to publish content and decide which content material need to be promoted and shown on the the front web page as an example while throwing out inadequate content.
All this is accomplished through a balloting gadget and set of rules which manages the content in step with the reader's votes.

What are the ingridients of an awesome community mag platform?

o an internet mag appearance and feel with first-class layout.

o Sections for information, articles, recommended links and private columns

o flexible categories for smooth browsing

o clean submission of items by all participants

o computerized management of content objects in line with customers votes

o forums for discussions and search for finding old posts.

o publicity of the content material to all primary engines like google and weblog aggregators

Conclusions

constructing or imposing a community and tightening the relations between its contributors can be both fun and useful. The internet is a terrific enabler for network constructing. community contributors can serve voluntarily as citizen journalists and write for the network blog or magazine. putting in a network mag is straightforward and fee free. So what are you awaiting?

test http://www.comagz.com/webmagazine/ for an example of a CoMagzine.

Nir Ben-Dor is the founder of CoMagz.com and a beliver in citizen journalism. CoMagz community magazines [http://www.CoMagz.com] is a platform which offers groups with their online magazine.

Linkadelic mag [http://www.comagz.com/webmagazine/] is the first CoMagazine. It focuses on whats interesting on the internet. link pointers, information, stories and columns.

Share:

Read More

Aspiration and Aspiration Pneumonia

Your health practitioner or speech-language pathologist may additionally have advocated an instrumental swallowing evaluation ( video-swallow observe or fiberoptic evaluation of swallowing), be conducted to higher investigate the electricity and efficiency of muscle tissues worried in swallowing, and the capacity of your vocal folds to protect you airway from aspiration. (aspiration is while secretions, meals or liquid enter into the airway passing via the vocal folds). Aspiration usually triggers a cough, a protecting reaction to cloth threatening the airway. lamentably, if the larynx has misplaced ordinary sensation, or cough power is weak, aspiration can also arise with out a cough, and we call this "silent aspiration." The primary symptom whilst aspiration is "silent", therefore, may be a fever, signaling the improvement of aspiration pneumonia, a severe illness, requiring antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization. If aspiration pneumonia is recurring, a belly feeding tube can be recommended, as a method of presenting secure nutrition.

you may surprise: does absolutely everyone who aspirates increase aspiration pneumonia? the quick solution, would be no. Like a tropical depression developing within the Atlantic, the proper situations want to be in region for the improvement of a storm or "perfect hurricane." For a typhoon to broaden, conditions encompass: the temperature of the water, the course of the winds, and the land mass the typhoon travels over. The "best typhoon" of aspiration pneumonia additionally includes conditions inclusive of:

•A severe infection or recent surgical treatment
•Weakened or deconditioned muscle mass shape ailment or disuse as when improving from a latest surgical operation
•negative oral hygiene ( now not brushing teeth or dentures) and micro organism from the mouth travels on secretions into the airway
•bad cough effort or energy which reduces the potential to clean material from the higher and lower airway
•long periods of being mattress bound and unable to feed oneself or move oneself
•The fabric aspirated can also be a aspect, with water aspirated in hint amounts being less harmful to the lungs than meals debris.

So, why perform a little people aspirate small quantities while consuming or drinking and but by no means broaden aspiration pneumonia? perhaps, they're immune to the improvement of pneumonia because they have prepared their body for the approaching "storm". a few characteristics of those people might be:

•they've reinforced and fortified muscular tissues, along with throat muscle mass with exercise
•they have accomplished respiration strengthening exercise to improve their cough electricity or energy
•If hospitalized, they have got worked with nursing, bodily therapy, or speech therapy soon after surgical operation to regain muscle electricity and cough energy
•they have brushed their tooth or dentures every day
•they're non people who smoke

Your speech-language pathologist/swallowing therapist may additionally offer you with particular sports or swallowing techniques supposed to reduce your danger of growing aspiration pneumonia. Adhering to the ones guidelines is crucial, and may be your best defense in opposition to developing more extreme contamination or assist you with further recuperation if already recognized with aspiration pneumonia.

The facts contained herein ought to now not be construed as clinical recommendation, and is not meant to replace the clinical advice of your doctor or other certified fitness care issuer to your state. You must retain to consult your doctor for matters concerning your fitness

Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist, certified nurse, and national seminar leader, with guides on the subject of patient education and Ethics. Voice Aerobics, LLC, is a personal practice imparting speech-language pathology remedy and domestic programs for improving voice, speech, and swallowing for individuals with Parkinson's and different neurological disorders. Voice Aerobics DVD(TM) and Voice Aerobics Grand Slam (TM) are two of the goods supplied.

Share:

Read More

Acer Aspire 2920 computer evaluate

Do you want to buy a laptop with excessive cease features at a low budget? then you definately need to stick to Acer's Aspire no matter looking all other laptops. really this may be the first desire to all users as basically the pc is very cheap, light and that made an clean transportation for public. virtually Acer Aspire 2920 is the one that you are looking for and it will fulfill all the purchaser's requirements.

This strong frame of stylish Acer's body work been superb and BMW layout works is usually part of it for this achievement. The chance of having scratches on this Acer's glossy is comparatively less. but nevertheless we want to hold an eye on it. This computer weighs handiest 2.1 kilograms and is very cellular. It also got a extremely good battery life of 192 mins.

Keyboard and Touchpad of the Acer Aspire 2920

Are you wishing for an clean available keyboard and touchpad? Then just have a glance on the proper hand aspect as the buttons are smaller than the same old one's. however you'll get larger and smooth important keys at the keyboard. This touchpad is never worthless as it makes you to have an clean motion which makes you to function without difficulty.

Acer Aspire screen

Acer Aspire is presenting you most effective a 12.1 inch display which can be pretty a disappointing however still it has a extremely good picture exceptional. This laptop is greater beneficiant as it brings you a remarkable-TFT coating on its sleek which clearly facilitates in bringing you the higher color and contrast of the display, eventually that is beneficial in trendy picture enhancing. human beings could genuinely love to watch movies and are extra enthusiastic on doing their spreadsheet works because the widescreen definitely attracts them.

Ports at the Aspire 2920

The Aspire 2920 tells you in reality of ways these ports absolutely paintings. however the 3 USB ports in this pc are absolutely marked with none confusion and clearly that enables the customers to have an smooth examine VGA and S-Video as well. but then again they did not offer the outdoor virtual show.

Sound on the Aspire 2920

This Acer Aspire 2920 provide you amazing Dolby virtual surround Sound technology already installed on it and this sound era is unbelievable as customers might imagine that this computer has extra speakers than the 2 which are gambling. do not get excited with the software program that is mounted due to the fact this is a common function that is furnished through all different computer business enterprise's as nicely.

Aspire 2920 hardware

to begin with it has the Intel middle 2 Duo Processor with 2048 megabyte of memory. this would actually help you to run the installed packages in an green way. but ensure that you do not run multi programs at a time as it can sluggish down the laptop. This laptop is presenting you extra than sufficient area of 260-gigabyte hard power. It additionally offering you a 5 in a single card reader with a dual format DVD rewriter and that would help you to move all the documents in camera on your computer, imparting returned up onto CD and/or DVD.

Aspire Extras for customers

The person has capacity to perform device management jobs. this is because of the Aspire this is set up with Proprietary Acer packages and Microsoft Works at the initial ranges it's self and runs while customers utilize it.

pointers for the Acer Aspire 2920

So average do you believe you studied that Aspire 2920 went past than different laptops with the functions found in it? simply not however still this computer drags the user's attention because of its usual performance. Businessmen and travelers are equally likely as domestic customers to buy this computer because of its mild weight which makes very easy for transportation. The greatest factor approximately Acer Aspire 2920 pc furthermore to its capabilities is the budget which could be very affordable.

To discover extra about the new Acer Aspire 2920 pc, check out our full Acer Aspire 2920 [http://www.internet-laptop.co.uk/acer-aspire-2920-review] pc evaluation for extra details. you may fee and write your personal overview of Acer Aspire 2920 computer in our laptop evaluations website.

internet-laptop.co.uk is the UK's pc evaluations site. We features the state-of-the-art critiques and gives at the quality buy laptops in the united kingdom. visit our uk pc critiques web page now to find out greater about the modern pc and netbook opinions in addition to computer buying courses: take a look at out the brand new Samsung NC10 assessment [http://www.internet-laptop.co.uk/samsung-nc10-review] - the sector Lightest Netbook

Share:

Read More

What is Your Aspiration?

existence isn't always constantly how we want it to be. there are many usaand downs. now and again we pursue profession alternatives, that are distinctive from the ones, which we had imagined, or people who our parents would really like us to be.

In nearly ninety% of the instances, most people soak up a career via twist of fate. that's probably the first process that they landed up with. Then they determined to hold on within the process or the career till they retire or die.

it's now not usually that they appreciated the process or the career course that that they had selected. however the fear of the unknown kept them from changing over. higher still, it became the very best issue to do. change of a profession turned into uncertainness and the existing process provided safety if no longer any factor else.

things are actually changed now. Many people are choosing careers, which may have seen unreasonable in advance. earlier they might have chosen their own family professions due to the fact really that was the manner out. ultra-modern changing global has thrown open many alternatives for anybody. The requirement to be triumphant to modern selected profession is the "will" to do something as well as perseverance and tough work.

there are so many opportunities, some take the crushed course, even as others pick the unusual professions. a number of the careers that you'll be able to pick from are:

film / tv/ song Video Director
Make up artist / beauty salon expert
author (Fiction / Non - Fiction
stock marketplace and economic analyst
Banker / Economist
track Composer / Pianist / Cellist etc.
Scriptwriter for television and movies
fashion Photographer
fashion fashions
internet internet site creator / proprietor / internet master
Speaker
politician
Publicist
Actor
customer suggest
software Developer
indoors designer / Architect
shoes / Jeweler / garments clothier
television information reporter / presenter
electricity broking / Lobbyists with various governments
consultants for diverse sorts of jobs
Airline pilots / air hostesses / stewards
Restaurateur
puppy salon proprietor / keeper
luxury goods salesman / owner / manufacturer
task capitalist
This list is an countless one, however you can still get a reasonably trendy concept as to what possibilities are available nowadays, which have been now not there in advance. every other predominant factor is that now folks who provide you with new ideas are the pioneers in the enterprise and might speedy taste the fulfillment as compared to folks that would pick out the properly-overwhelmed course.

There are positive elements, which assist you to to differentiate your self from the group, whether or not you are taking the well-overwhelmed path or otherwise. those critical factors are:

1. Creativity - individuals who are creative can create something precise. this is what differentiates them from the others. those who are painters, dancers, and musicians are commonly greater creative than others and this comes across in their work. but those in mundane jobs can also be innovative to cause them to stand proud of the relaxation of the humans.

2. Time schedules are bendy - human beings are certain in a 9 -5 job. In truth their careers are such that they are able to paintings at some stage in ordinary hours too (of path completing the activity on its scheduled time). this is in particular useful for authors, mothers with young kids etc.

three. Adaptable competencies - the talents are such that they may be transferred from one career to every other or from one profession to some other. Then there are some essential capabilities like time control, which are required in all professions.

4. excessive price and coffee volume - there are numerous professions, that have excessive cost and can be generated thru few clients. such as fashion designers. Many have few selected clients who purchase their highly-priced creations.

five. generation usability - technology performs a primary role in modern day global of interconnectivity. Leveraging the generation allows a commercial enterprise to run extra smoothly. easy jobs may be computerized hence allowing human beings to concentrate on extra urgent matters.

6. some jobs can be finished with the equal productivity from anywhere inside the global. as an instance writers and authors can function from just about any a part of the arena.

Share:

Read More

Roadmap to a profession As a fashion Photographer

it's miles going to take plenty greater than simply wishful wondering to show right into a wealthy style photographer nowadays. Breaking into the industry requires a wonderful deal of dedication, tough work, and probably even more vital, a good roadmap for achievement. with out this type of roadmap, you would essentially be taking pictures in the darkish and hoping that sooner or later, you get fortunate.

Steps to turning into a style Photographer

The system of becoming a complete-time style photographer isn't always a mystery, but it does require some in-depth discussion. one of the differences is that in the fashion photography world, you'll, at some point, be handling individuals who will not be present in your shoot. Of path, just because they won't be present does not mean that they aren't important or vital to the enterprise. but unlike different genres of professional photography, with fashion pictures it is possible you may be operating out all the information of your shoot having never talked to the character within the shoot. manifestly that is exceptional from different pictures industries consisting of wedding photography or own family pictures; and it's an essential distinction to make. It way that you are going to must take a one of a kind tack if you want to make the sale. it's miles less in all likelihood that you are going so that it will attraction to the decision-maker's emotional side, and more likely that they will look at this as an analytical commercial enterprise decision. so you must modify your sales pitch as a result.

A fashion Photographers' Portfolio

every other step within the roadmap to being a fashion photographer is gathering together a portfolio. Having a portfolio is not unusual in many photographic industries, but the style industry has a few pitfalls of its very own. One trouble you is probably going to run into is the reality that few parents will need to lease you must you have got an incomplete portfolio. So starting out is probably specifically difficult. With different styles of photography, it might be a little easier because a few human beings may be inclined to just accept your services for free with the intention to build your portfolio. Of direction there are always aspiring fashions who will paintings with you in this "time for print" state of affairs, however there are still issues you'll need to paintings through. Having garb for the shoot goes to be one of the problems you are going to run into. keep in mind, the photography inside the fashion enterprise is not approximately the version; it is approximately the apparel. Having said all of that, that is how I got my start within the style images enterprise. i would pay fashions for his or her time and set up for an expansion of apparel for the shoot. Having an investment in my destiny is what i used to be most involved approximately, so it wasn't that good sized of an issue for me.

hard paintings will pay Off

once you have a terrific beginning to your fashion portfolio, you can begin approaching publicists and organizations and asking to photo their lower-tiered skills. recollect, modern day decrease-tier talent are the next day's future stars. One photographer who got his ruin this way became famed celebrity photographer John Russo. one in all his first lower-tiered fashions was Josh Hartnett and that picture shoot sooner or later rocketed his career into the stratosphere. Of direction, there was an in depth schooling and portfolio at the back of Mr. Russo's good fortune. but he didn't have the inside track till that picture shoot. And don't forget, that shoot did now not pay off for him until years later.

Share:

Read More

An Interview With David Herlihy, author of "Bicycle - The records"

David Herlihy's ebook, Bicycle: The history, turned into the primary and handiest ebook on bicycles which made it to the maximum outstanding display stand at my local Barnes and Noble. posted in 2004, it's been a stunning fulfillment, bringing the records of bicycles to tens of hundreds of people in several one of a kind languages. The e-book is wealthy and colourful, both in its photographs and its words.

I met David whilst i used to be in university in the Eighties. He changed into making a bit of extra cash via buying stunning, slightly used street motorcycles in Italy (DeRosas, Cinellis, Tommasinis and so on) and then promoting them at remarkably less expensive costs to cyclists inside the usa. This allowed him to indulge his love of travel, play with brilliant bicycles, and convey joy to people on each facets of the Atlantic. Come to think about it, his books on cycling do pretty much the identical matters...

Q: Bicycle: The records changed into a large fulfillment. How has this success changed your life?

A: thanks, Forbes. "big" is a relative (and really flattering) time period. but if I may additionally brag a chunk, because it got here out in fall 2004, Bicycle has bought over 20,000 copies, typically hard covers. that is a pretty giddy determine for a book of this nature, published by means of an academic press. i am certain it is plenty extra than even Yale had predicted. From what I pay attention, it's now certainly one of their all-time bestsellers (there are even editions out in Russian and Korean).

All that is notably enjoyable, as changed into all the eye it obtained within the press, which include critiques in prestigious publications like the Economist and The big apple times evaluate of Books (I ought to credit score my fantastic publicist, Brenda King, for engineering a good deal of that). most have been quite favorable and smooth to digest (some had been less gratifying, but I managed to recover from them pretty quickly).

And, yes, I relished my fifteen mins of repute. It became extremely good fun visiting and selling my book, even supposing I needed to cowl my very own costs for the most part. I enjoyed giving slide lectures and signing books, and assembly cycling fans of every type. certainly one of my maximum memorable moments was at a bike show in Edison, New Jersey, in which I had a table. After one guy showed that i used to be in fact the author, he form of misplaced it. He had his image fascinated with me the use of his cell phone. I felt like a rock megastar.

Getting lower back to reality a chunk, I cannot say that the book has significantly changed my existence or way of life, as a minimum not yet. however it's been a very positive revel in and i think it has opened up new artistic opportunities.

For starters, it became a high-quality alleviation and pride to ultimately flip a decade plus of research into some thing concrete that could supply me a few reputation and in fact generate a touch sales to maintain frame and soul collectively (not to say helping to pay for all that studies, which protected a couple of journeys to Europe. now not that i'm requesting sympathy, thoughts you!) and i ought to say, in my protection, that a lot of my first-class material surfaced closer to the stop of my inquiry. Had I posted the book even a few years earlier, it genuinely might now not were as colorful or as rich.

now not only changed into I able to percentage many interesting discoveries, I additionally got to air a few deeply held convictions. I assume there are a whole lot of misconceptions accessible about bicycle history, mainly in regards to the invention and early development. The kick-propelled Draisine of 1817, in particular, was now not a bicycle in line with se and, as it became out, it did now not lead immediately to the authentic bicycles of the 1860s (though it turned into arguably the primary concept). i have also concluded that the Scottish precedence claims springing up for the duration of the increase of the late nineteenth century are dubious at excellent. And of course the first-rate contribution of Pierre Lallement, the authentic bicycle patentee, has lengthy been overshadowed by using the Michaux name, which likewise shrouded the function of the Oliviers, the actual industrial pioneers.

In a few experience it could be a dropping conflict to insist on all these points-myths are cussed things. however at the least now i've spoken my peace and i will circulate on to other exciting tasks with a bit extra monetary stability and a bit extra credibility and clout.

Q: What are a few different tasks you are running on?

A: over the past few years, i have persisted to offer lectures right here and there for numerous cycling agencies and academic packages. next month, as an instance, i'll take part in a panel discussion at the unveiling of the fundamental Taylor memorial in Worcester. And on may also 24 i will deliver a talk at the Museum of the metropolis of new York. we're starting to talk approximately putting together an exhibition at the records of cycling in new york, in conjunction with-appropriately sufficient-bike new york, (sponsors of the once a year five boro journey that attracts 30,000 cyclists).

i've additionally achieved numerous tasks with Velopress of overdue. I translated a extraordinary e-book on the history of Paris Roubaix through the editors of l'Equipe. it is a lovely espresso-desk e-book with appropriate pics. And i have to mention the textual content is also pretty attractive! I also translated a e book at the Alpe d'Huez degree by means of my suitable buddy Jean-Paul Vespini. it is coming out in some weeks and i am definitely searching ahead to pawing via it. I just saw a few proofs and the photographs are eye-popping. Plus the writer did a exceptional task overlaying the records of this phenomenon now not only as a decisive level inside the excursion however also as a colourful cultural rendez-vous.

and i simply signed a settlement with Houghton Mifflin to write a ebook on Frank Lenz. researching his fascinating but forgotten tale has been my attention for the past few years and will remain so into the foreseeable future.

To summarize: in can also 1892, on the cusp of the bicycle growth, Lenz set off from his fatherland of Pittsburgh to circle the globe on the modern day "safety" bicycle with inflatable tires.  years into his adventure, after crossing North america, Japan, China, Burma, India, and Persia, he mysteriously vanished. Investigators later traced him past the Persian border, into Turkey and the foreboding land of the Kurds. sarcastically, trip mag, Lenz's sponsor, despatched any other American "globe girdler," William Sachtleben, to locate Lenz dead or alive. It grew to become out to be a completely horrific time to go to Turkey, with massacres of Armenians unfolding earlier than his very own eyes. Sachtleben himself turned into lucky to return domestic alive. He firmly believed he had resolved the thriller, however his failure to discover Lenz's bones or bicycle, or to comfortable quality convictions for homicide, left the problem festering. Lenz's heartbroken mom in the end acquired an indemnity from the Turkish government, however his legacy quick faded in the twentieth century as the general public misplaced interest in the bicycle. i will speak Lenz's background and persona, and what stimulated him to move off in this dangerous journey. i'll also hint the experience in element, placing a effective spin on it. eventually, i will take a hard study Sachtleben's findings and attempt to parent out what surely passed off to poor Lenz.

Q: Do you continue to have time to ride your bike?

A: I confess that i have the time in concept. And the motorcycles. but I don't do as a good deal leisure driving as I ought to (and it suggests, i'm afraid!). lately, i've normally performed organized rides every now and then. motorbike new york has grow to be a way of life every may, and it's a blast. I additionally did part of Cycle Oregon a few years returned, and some different group rides considering then. however mostly I cycle within the Boston location, simply to get around. I simply obtained a brand new motorcycle Friday, which I nevertheless want to collect. I expect to trip lots greater after that. I would really like to get again into road driving, too. In idea I may want to use certainly one of my vintage Italian racers, however I would really like to get some thing more contemporary. And maybe a mountain motorbike too. got to get this ebook executed first, even though, so i have some discretionary budget.

Q: Your ebook made it clean that you love bicycles. Do you love anybody type of bicycle greater than others? Is there a selected type of bicycle that is nearest and dearest on your coronary heart?

A: i might have to say the classic mild weight avenue motorbike with thin tires continues to be my favorite. but i'm additionally into the concept of bicycles as fundamental transportation, specially in these times. The motorbike Friday gives a tremendous aggregate off both driving satisfaction and practicality. I can not clearly talk to mountain biking as i've never really indulged in that recreation. however i have buddies who're sincerely into it, and that i realize in the future I must truely supply it a strive.

Q: You used to carry excellent used road motorcycles back from Italy. Do you still have connections over there?

A: In theory, sure, although i have never offered any motorcycles over there in pretty some time. I spent some of years in Italy developing up, and i nevertheless cross at the least as soon as a 12 months. So i'm nevertheless fluent in the language. there has been a time when I went often to the Milan alternate display. and i were given the threat to fulfill and interview a few legendary names like Cino Cinelli and Valentino Campagnolo, after I wrote for Bicycle manual. but i have never stored up my contacts in the motorbike enterprise, i am afraid. recently while i've long gone over it's been greater studying, dining, traveling, and socializing. In that order, of path.

Share:

Read More

Clever Ways for College Students to Develop Their Networks among Peers

As college students, most of us are accustomed to meeting new people each semester. With a few exceptions, college students usually end up spending each semester with a mostly unfamiliar group of students. In most circumstances, the extent of the relationships shared by many of these students includes collaborating on dreaded group projects or studying for an equally dreaded final test.

Usually, once that class is complete, the four month long affiliation between many of those classmates reduces to a head nod of acknowledgment as they past one another on campus until they finally graduate.

I’ve mapped out the typical evolution of classmate relationships over a semester because I think our lack of regard for our fellow classmates allows us to waste valuable opportunity. The college setting is the perfect environment to build a strong professional network among peers. As proactive public relations students, we look for conferences and other forums organized by professionals in our field to do networking. Our campuses and classrooms provide ideal circumstances for exiting college with strong relationships and contacts, yet we often overlook them. Below are a few ways college students can develop their peer networks before even graduating.

Exchange Business Cards

If you’re anything like me, you have purchased 250 or more business cards for a conference or networking event you attended and have barely put a dent in them. The beginning of the semester, complete with a fresh set of future colleagues, is the perfect opportunity for you to put those business cards to use. Let’s face it—not every classmate is going to become a close friend but many can become contacts. Exchanging business cards with a fellow classmate could make them want to develop a professional relationship with you.

Inquire About Internship Experiences and Relevant Opportunities

We attend colleges and universities with thousands of students who filter into the city and partake in unique opportunities that relate to our field. We can gain a lot from simply engaging in conversation with the person who sits next to us about what they’ve been able to learn in their past experiences. You never know! Your classmate could help you learn about relevant opportunities that you never previously considered pursuing. Simply engaging in conversation with a colleague can be an enriching exchange that encourages you to seek greater opportunities. Furthermore, sharing about hobbies and personal projects can help us better connect with our peers and even develop relationships that double as professional contacts and new friends.

Ask for Referrals to Past Professional Experiences

Once I apply to an internship or job opportunity, I usually file through my contacts to identify if I know someone who is already a part of that organization that may be able to help me get in. We all know that who you know can often be more valuable than what you know. Many college students may not have extensive connections with public relations professionals, but more often than not, a peer of ours has some affiliation with a professional that we wish to know. If we develop our peer network, we can utilize their professional network to gain new relationships and great opportunities. Personally, my past three public relations opportunities were landed largely because I was referred by a fellow student.

Join Professional Organizations Together

Professional organizations like PPRA or PRSA can provide invaluable opportunities to network or meet industry professionals, but it can be very intimidating for college students to immerse themselves in environments completely populated by people who already have well established careers. If students develop their peer networks, they can accompany one another in emerging into these professional organizations.

Don’t allow the opportunity to develop a strong professional network pass by you. Get rid of those unused business cards, spark up a few conversations, and finish up undergrad with numerous contacts and a strong network.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Jameeda Rucker. 

Share:

Read More