In Boston’s business and nonprofit communities, there’s such a plethora of professional, networking, and fundraising events to attend, even a savvy social networker can’t get her calendar straight. Every day, as I peruse through my emails, facebook and twitter feed, I check out all kinds of functions that I’m interested in for professional development, philanthropic interests, social networking, and just plain fun! But like many ONEin3ers, as a “young professional” I rarely have an extra $100 to spend on one event-Its a constant challenge (and frustration) to pick and choose the events that will hold the most benefit- whether my purpose is for the job search, advancing my knowledge on niche topics of my profession, or supporting a cause that I care about. Well, I must let you in on a clever little tip to get your “ticket” to events that won’t break the bank. VOLUNTEER FOR THEM! Offer to help out the event organizers. They will appreciate and usually take you up on the offer. (Don’t make the ask on the day of the event, ask them in advance-any good event planner will have it covered by day-of-event. ) You can meet the same people, enjoy the same content, (lest a few hours in your shift of holding down the registration and name badge fort, giving directions or any other assigned volunteer task) ….and achieve the same overall benefit (or more!) than you would if you were simply an attendee! This is especially important for a job searcher, as you can make great professional contacts with event organizers, keynote speakers, and fellow volunteers.
Let me tell you about some awesome volunteer gigs I have coming up, that you should DEFINITELY plug into your calendar, for attending OR volunteering! Next week on Thursday, November 18th, I am volunteering for the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) Interactive Awards. By helping out at this event, I’m going to get the chance to meet a ton of achieved professionals, see the work of some great innovative companies, and work with the awesome staff that run the MITX organization! So thats great news for me, but I have great news for YOU- They are still looking for volunteers! So if you’re interested, email Lindsey Thorne-Bingham at lindsey@mitx.org. She’ll get you set up, and you can help run the show with me!
But not so fast, there’s another event to get on your calendar, which I’m really excited for: On December 9th, the MA Conference for Women will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center! Its an annual convention that brings together thousands of women for a day of networking, mentoring, and learning in professional and personal development workshops and seminars led by successful female leaders in many different industries. There’s also a mentor session, career fair, and exhibition style event showcasing various women-focused businesses. Lady ONEin3ers, I highly suggest that you register for this event- its an amazing opportunity to hear from some of the women that we have careers and personal success for which we aspire. You’ll find me with the volunteers, but I’ll be having just as much fun and leaving with new wisdom, new professional contacts, and new friends. Come say hello!
