Inforum Center for Leadership Presents the Business of Networking

DETROIT, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Learn how to work a room and a lot more. Inforum Center for Leadership, the education and research arm of Inforum, will host Jennifer Maxson, practice group leader, coach and consultant with Varnum Consulting, who will present "The Business of Networking."

This seminar, to be held Feb. 29 in Troy and March 1 in Grand Rapids will teach attendees how to build their business networks; maximize the value of professional and community memberships; and expand social their skills for many different settings.

Participants will:

• Use a self assessment tool to evaluate their current networking skills.
• Learn 3 ways to prepare for networking.
• Learn 5 key networking principles.
• Discover how to make connections and to increase likeability.
• Implement an eight-step plan for effective networking.

Exercises will include:

• Self assessment
• Putting together a plan on networking opportunities
• Preparing and presenting a 30-second commercial

Benefits to attendees and their organizations will include: 

• Understanding of the key success factors in how to work a room and network effectively
• Increased comfort and confidence.
• Increased effectiveness in positioning their organizations

Event Details

Southeast Michigan
Date: Feb. 29
Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Rehmann, 1500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy
Cost: $50 for Inforum members; $75 for nonmembers
To register, click here

West Michigan
Date: March 1
Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: 2330 E. Paris Ave., Rehmann Building, Grand Rapids
Cost: $50 for Inforum members; $75 for nonmembers
To register, click here

The fee includes:

• Continental breakfast
• Instruction and focused coaching.
• All training materials.
• The Business of Networking reminder card

About Jennifer Maxson
Jennifer currently serves as the practice group leader for Varnum Consulting. Jennifer joined Nancy Skinner & Associates in 1996, which was acquired by Varnum Consulting in 2003. She provides consulting services to clients in Michigan and throughout the United States to help develop their leaders. As a coach, Jennifer has been designing and delivering customized individual coaching, executive coaching and group training for clients. Her background prior to Varnum Consulting was in public relations and marketing in the public sector. Jennifer is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and received her bachelor's degree in public relations.

About Inforum Center For Leadership
ICL, the research and education arm of Inforum, is a  a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization established to promote the advancement of women in the workplace by providing education to and about women in leadership positions, business and other professions; provide skill-building, leadership training, mentoring and coaching; conduct and disseminate research regarding the development of women as leaders; and strengthen the network of women business leaders and provide access to community and business leadership opportunities. ICL has a strong track record of implementing first-rate leadership development programs for women in Michigan. More than 800 women have completed ICL's acclaimed Executive Leadership Program since it was introduced in 2002. For a video about the benefits of ICL's Executive Leadership Program, click here: http://vimeo.com/15402959.

About Inforum
Detroit-based Inforum is one of the largest and most prestigious business forums for women in the nation, with more than 1,800 members from a broad cross-section of Michigan's business community.  The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan.  For more information, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

SOURCE Inforum Center for Leadership