As we approach the end of the year, many of us are on the fast lane straight to 2022. In our jobs, we are working hard to close out year-end projects before we take much-needed time off for the holidays. And in our personal lives, it’s a race to finish our shopping, wrap our gifts, run our children from one activity to the next, prepare to host family and friends for the holidays, and finish the dozens of other items on our to-do lists.
 
But this holiday season, I invite you to take a pause. Through all the chaos, take a moment to consider those in our community who are less fortunate than us and what their holidays might look like.
 
Thanks to a generous anonymous donation and our community-supported Compassion Fund, Pennsylvania Women Work was able to provide holiday gifts for some of our clients and their children. Volunteers joined us in our office earlier this week to prepare these gifts for delivery, and it was a joy to be able to do something for local women and families who needed a little extra support this time of year.
 
There is still time for you to do good in 2021 and join in the season of giving. I have compiled a list below of some easy ways you can give back this December:

1. Refer a friend to our programs: As we enter the new year and continue to navigate the Covid pandemic, if you know someone who is struggling to find a job or is looking for a better job, invite them to sign up for our free programs. Pointing them in the right direction could be the support they need to change their life.
2. Shop local: If your holiday shopping isn’t quite complete, find a local shop to purchase unique gifts for your loved ones. This is a great way to cross something off your to-do list while also contributing to a vibrant, thriving community. Pittsburgh Magazine provides a list of local shops here.  
3. Clean out your closet: Make room in your closet for your new purchases and gifts and donate your gently used professional attire and coats to Dress for Success. You can find information on how to donate your clothing on their website.
4. Do something kind for a neighbor: Bake cookies for a friend who might not be seeing family this holiday season or shovel your elderly neighbor’s sidewalk the next time it snows. Small acts of kindness can be the lift someone needs to brighten their day.
5. Make a gift to Pennsylvania Women Work. This one might be obvious, but it really is a quick way to make a big difference. We launched a goal on Giving Tuesday to serve 32 more clients in 32 days. Every $250 donated to our organization translates into programs and services for another job-seeking client. When you support someone on their path to finding employment, you truly change their life.

 
I hope over the next couple weeks, you can not only get in the holiday spirit, but give yourself time to get in the spirit of giving, as well. If you have additional suggestions on how to give back this time of year, leave your comments below!

We often hear that networking is important for career advancement, but why it is important and how to network effectively is sometimes not so clear. As a young lawyer I was told to network, but I was lost as to what that entailed. Years later, I’ve learned that it is not only important for those marketing goods or services, but for anyone who wants to advance their career regardless of their industry. I’ve also learned that networking is nothing more than making new acquaintances and strengthening the relationships you have already made in your career.  

COVID-19 has changed how we connect with people. Virtual networking is often the only chance we have to meet new people and make connections. With some planning and preparation, virtual networking can be a successful tool in furthering your career goals.  

The first step in networking, virtual or otherwise, is choosing the right path and developing a plan to meet your goals.  In developing that plan, you should consider the following:

1)  Long-term career goals – where would you like to ultimately be in five or ten years?
 
2)  Goals at your current position – what do I need to do to get promoted or increase my compensation?  

3)  Personal considerations – how much time do I have to network and how much money do I have to spend on networking, either of my own or from my employer?

While virtual networking may be the current best choice, as circumstances change, your plan should include a mix of traditional, nontraditional and virtual opportunities. Traditional networking events, such as industry meetings, dinners or conferences, can be valuable and should be incorporated into any plan. Nontraditional networking opportunities include events we attend every day and can fit into almost anyone’s schedule, such as family gatherings, children’s school or sporting events and volunteering with a community organization.  

The third type, and likely the most important given the current safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, are virtual networking opportunities. Virtual networking can and should include events planned by organizations that will lead to connections that support your goals as well as events you plan yourself, such as a happy hour with past classmates or an afternoon coffee with former colleagues to strengthen the connections you already formed. Despite the ease in locating and attending virtual events, this format can offer its own challenges – but if you prepare properly, you can have a great experience.  

In attending virtual events, you should consider the following:

1)  Prepare for the event:  Learn the names and companies of the organizers, presenters and attendees; review the agenda or itinerary for the event; and research the topic of the event’s discussion. Most importantly, and this goes for both virtual and traditional networking, have your elevator pitch ready, i.e. a sixty second speech about who you are and what you do. This preparation will allow you to carry on an informed conversation and create credibility with fellow attendees.  

2)  Check your technology: Determine what platform is necessary for the event and ensure that any downloads or updates for any applications are completed prior to the day of the event. Make sure your device is charged and you have good cell or data service. Get familiar with the application before the event. Technical issues arise often but taking these steps will ensure that you look prepared and are not fumbling with your computer or phone.  

3)  Look the part: Dress as if you were attending an event in person and make sure your background is appropriate for the event. Wearing a complete outfit is recommended, especially if you might have to stand up unexpectedly – you don’t want everyone to see your old gym shorts! Also, make sure you are located in a quiet, private space to avoid interruptions.  

4)  Follow-up is key:  Keep a notepad or tablet available to write down names and/or contact information of the event organizers and any key attendees. Asking for the spelling of names and for email addresses is not rude when done so at the proper moment – making connections is the point of these events. Follow up shortly after the event, even if it’s simply to say you enjoyed meeting the person virtually. 
 
5)  Stay focused: Keep the conversation and your comments focused on the topic of the event or career related topics. Be a good listener and ask others about themselves which will make you and your new connection more comfortable. Virtual events sometimes lose the personal connection we have at live events. People come from a variety of backgrounds, and a virtual event is not the time or place to introduce topics that might be considered controversial. Focus on your goal to meet people and advance your career.    
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Finally, remember, networking should not be stressful and can lead to great success if you take the time to plan, follow these tips, and set yourself up for success.