UMSL Speed Networking

(2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019...and we're back)

The University of Missouri in Saint Louis (UMSL) has become a sort of home away from home for me. My good friend Perry Drake Ph.D. made a connection with me when he we re-establishing himself in our little big town around 2013. I am proud to note that Drake listens and more. He had taken a few bits of my wisdom and spun them into gold with his action-orientation and enthusiasm. Case in point: The American Marketing Association of Saint Louis periodically ran speed networking events where professionals could connect and practice their best elevator speeches, meet and great. I have been a member of AMA for 20+ years. One such speed networking event took place in the middle of Historic Old Webster at Llywelyn's Pub in 2012.

One of his students, who was majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing and international business was determined to make this kind of event happen at UMSL hosted by the marketing club of which she was a leader. Perry Drake and I met with Breanna at Kaldi’s Coffee on De Mun Avenue. Suffice it to day, we had all the ingredients necessary to start a tradition that is now in its fifth year at UMSL.

15-20 professionals are assembled to test the grit of students willing to subject themselves to the naturally uncomfortable situation of a mock interview situation again November 13, 2018. Students have only 4 minutes to make an impression. It is wonderful practice for what will be real life soon enough.

Give a few extra moments at the mic at the latest UMSL Speed Networking, Mark LaRocca of Casino Queen indicated that he was struck by three Ps essential for success in interview situations (Planning, Practice, Purpose I think). Michael Lamb of native Msg added a few comments too. Not to be outdone, I offered the following TEN nuggets.

• You decide what WINNING is
• Keep your eye on the PRIZE
• Have a little AUDACITY
• Say THANK YOU often
• Love the JOURNEY
• KINDNESS (be a bucket filler not a dipper)
• ASK for help
• Be a FEARLESS biller (do not undervalue what you do)
• Do not DEFINE who you are by what you do
• It's not about you (EVER)

I am proud to have participated in all five of these remarkable events at the J C Penney Center on campus and the more recent location in the new Anheuser-Busch building. Thanks to all the professionals who contributed. Thanks also to the students who have taken the time to exercise being uncomfortable as part of their respective journeys.

Photo above: Speed Networking at UMSL at Anheuser Busch Hall in November 2019 (and I was proud to be a part of it again)

The tradition continues. This year (November 17, 2021) students lead by the marketing club participated in a Speed Networking event. My advice hasn't changed much: I distilled my suggestions to four parts. 1. Think about how you might answer an opening question like: So, what do you want to do? 2. Don't be afraid to ask for a courtesy interview. 3. Consider yourself a marketable product and create your own "board of directors" to guide you. 4. Follow Up. 

1.