The Art of Lunch Guide the Discussion and Ask the Right Questions Part 2 of 3

By René Kraus

In part one of this three-part series on the Art of Lunch, we discussed ways to maximize those precious five to ten hours per week by identifying lunch partners who may be able to help you make important connections, increase visibility for your products or services, and who may become your next client. In addition to choosing with whom to have lunch, it is important to match the objectives of the lunch meeting with the appropriate setting - a restaurant that will facilitate your discussion and also matches the mood you want to establish with this prospect, colleague, client or new connection.

With the lunch date approaching, you have determined the most conducive venue, confirmed the reservations with the restaurant, if necessary, and sent a brief email to your invitee reminding them of the lunch, and that you are looking forward to seeing them then.

Chicago. PRNewswire. A new study from CareerBuilder shows perceptions of unequal pay and career advancement opportunities are increasing in the workplace. Thirty-eight percent of female workers said they feel they are paid less than male counterparts with the same skills and experience, up from 34 percent in 2008 when the survey was last conducted, and up from 31 percent in 2003.

Thirty-nine percent of female workers feel men have more career advancement opportunities within their organizations, up from 26 percent in 2008. The survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder from November 15 to December 2, 2010, included 2,274 male workers and 1,636 female workers nationwide.

Perceptions are reflecting reality.

Washington, PRNewswire-USNewswire. For a decade, venture-catalyst Springboard Enterprises has filled the equity capital deal pipeline with outstanding companies led by women. Recently they launched recruitment for their 2011 venture forum program. The global search is on for the next iRobot, Constant Contact, Zipcar or 51job to join the 445 drug discovery, therapeutic, consumer internet and innovative IT companies that are members of the Springboard Portfolio. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2011.

"We fill a void in the market and our track record of connecting great women-led companies to strategic partners and investors who can catapult their businesses is unparalleled," said Kay Koplovitz, Springboard co-founder and Chairman. "It's all about human capital and this year we're taking that to a whole new level."

Are you a Minnesotan with a great idea on the brink of entrepreneurial success? Participating in the Minnesota Cup - a statewide contest designed to seek out, support, celebrate and promote Minnesota's newest and most innovative business ideas - is a great first step.

2009 and 2010 competition finalists have taken their Minnesota Cup experiences and gone on to secure more than $30 million in capital, create jobs and broker numerous business partnerships, collaborations and distribution agreements.

Contest organizers - partnering with the University of Minnesota, Wells Fargo, the State of Minnesota, Arrowhead Growth Alliance and Carlson - have opened the entry period for this year's seventh annual Minnesota Cup.

With four generations in the workplace, flatter organizations, and greater utilization of virtual teams that work across the organization, there will be clashes. How does one lead in this environment? How do you ensure your culture embraces and respects the generational differences while remaining true to your organization's values?

Please join the Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) on Monday, April 18 for a webinar that explores the challenges today's business executives face as they manage a multi-generational workforce that includes Traditionalists (b. 1922-1945), Baby Boomers (b. 1946-1964), Generation X (b. 1965-1980) and Millennials (b. 1981-2000). Each of these generations has its own values and ethics frameworks, work preferences, needs and behaviors. Companies that create a culture that embraces and leverages the dynamics of a multigenerational workplace will have a competitive advantage.

Source:NBC Chicago and Roshini Rajkumar

No matter what you think, the way you present yourself could either make or break your chances of getting a job. For starters, your image in that interview is as important as what you personally bring as a professional individual.

"Wardrobe is really important. I always advice people to wear what I call their power outfit... something that's going to make them feel like a rock star," says speaker and communicating coach Roshini Rajkumar, adding that, "when you're confident, you're going to put your best foot forward."

When it comes to make up, the less, the better. "You want to make... nothing shiny but your eyes and your mouth should pop. Guys, you may not use make up, but you want to make sure everything is clean," says Rajkumar.

ARA. It's no secret: Americans love coffee. Every day it seems a new coffee shop opens around the corner, and it's nearly impossible to walk a block without passing someone with a cup in hand. Despite the rising cost of specialty coffee drinks in these difficult economic times, Americans continue reaching for that cherished cup of joe.

Coffee drinking at work

The positive effects of coffee drinking are felt by hardworking North Americans across the nation leading to increased workplace productivity and happiness.

The SUPERVALU family of grocery stores, along with the Box Tops for Education program, announced that in less than one year following the introduction of the Growing Local Learning program , consumers have posted more than 10 million Bonus Box Tops codes online resulting in more than $1 million dollars being donated to schools nationwide. To commemorate this milestone, both companies will join together for a celebration at a Cub Foods Store in St. Paul.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner, joined Cub Foods Senior Vice President of Merchandising Mike Witt and General Mills Vice President Mark Wilhite to commemorated this milestone at a celebration at a Cub Foods Store in St. Paul. More than $110,000 worth of Bonus Box Tops were submitted by Cub Foods customers through the Growing Local Learning website to benefit Minnesota schools.

The Women's Business Development Center - Minnesota (WBDC-MN) recently honored the achievements and success of its members and supporters of women's economic development at its Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Success. Sponsored by the organization's founding partners, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP and M&I Bank, as well as a number of women-owned companies and corporate partners, the event was attended by over 200 women entrepreneurs, corporate supplier diversity representatives, and local community partners.

Since its launch in 2003, the WBDC-Minnesota has undergone tremendous growth, creating a powerful network of over 300 women's business enterprises (WBEs). With combined revenues of over $2.5 billion dollars, this growing network of women-owned businesses is finding success by targeting Fortune 500 corporations as clients, as well as doing business with each other.

By Marni Hockenberg, Principal – Hockenberg Search

While your resume provides an important initial “snapshot” of you and your professional experience, it’s the in-person interview that is the first real opportunity for you to introduce yourself to a potential employer and “sell” your skills, personality and ability. That’s why it’s so important to prepare in advance, so you can truly put your best professional foot forward, create a memorable first impression and demonstrate with confidence how you and your skills stand out from your competitors.

We have counseled literally hundreds of stellar professionals as they have prepared for first interviews. Following are some tried-and-true best practices for interview preparation.

By Lisa Thomas, M.S., Managing Partner – Change Your Job

The biggest lesson learned over the past three years by millions of people is this:  Don’t be caught so unprepared again! If you experienced job loss, reduced pay, ridiculously long hours and tremendous on-the-job stress, a micro-manager for a boss, inability to land a new job, a shaken sense of confidence and self-worth, financial ruin, loss of your home, or simply too many pressures to cope with at once – you don’t ever want to find yourself in such a position again.

While not everyone dreams of becoming a business owner, there are specific traits or attributes found in successful entrepreneurs that anyone can develop and strengthen within themselves to help buffer against the unexpected.

(ARA) In today’s highly competitive job market, it is imperative for candidates to be fully prepared for an interview. This includes choosing the appropriate interview attire. The idea is to project an image to a future employer that conveys a responsible, hard working and motivated worker. And nothing says that more clearly than what you choose to wear during that all-important first impression.

Debra Pierce, director for career services for Miami International University of Art and Design and Kate Campbell, director for fashion and retail management at The Art Institute of Tampa, help shed some light on dressing for the interview in the new business environment.

By Cheryl Alexander and Tamara Sulistyo – Cheryl Alexander and Associates

We recently attended the Women’s Health Leadership Trust event, “Rethinking Wellness: The Serious Side of the Do.Groove Campaign,” held at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN headquarters. As the presenters reminded us, 80 percent of chronic health problems are preventable if we don’t smoke, maintain a healthy diet and weight and exercise regularly. Although we all know that, most people with serious health risks don’t change their behavior.

Thinking about this event inspired us to re-read the 2005 “Change or Die” Fast Company article by Alan Deutschman. Deutschman cites a wealth of research demonstrating that in order for individuals or organizations to make major changes in lifestyle, health, behavior or operations, four factors greatly increase their odds of success:

A survey by a major staffing firm, Office Team, says that 150 senior executives polled at the nation's biggest companies think almost a third (28%) of meetings are a complete waste of time.*

How many unproductive meetings have you attended lately?

How much work has piled up while you and/or your staff attended unproductive meetings?

Hockenberg Search is engaged on a retained search for an innovative Director of Marketing to oversee the product planning activities for the majority of product lines for two high tech manufacturing sister companies, one in Shoreview, MN and the other in Auburn, IL. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced product marketer to create the vision and make a substantial impact in a growing and profitable privately-held Twin Cities based company.

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