“Don’t lie if you don’t have to.”
—Leo Szilard, American scientist, born February 11, 1898
I got a nice note from somebody about to graduate from Marlboro College Graduate Center with an MBA in Managing for Sustainability. He’s job-hunting, and also asked for advice on how to get started as a consultant. Here’s how I responded:
Apropos of getting started, it’s tough out there: if you have the (financial) ability, I might suggest doing some pro bono work for non-profits in the particular area you’re interested in, get some experience and results, and network like hell. LinkedIn is a great way to grow your professional network, but by all means get out there and meet people in the flesh as well as online. Consulting is a relationship business, and you need to get your name and reputation in front of as many people as possible.
All business is relationship business. Willy-nilly, we are animals who operate in social networks. Improving your connectivity may be the most important thing you can do to “grow your business”, assuming you have integrity and interesting skills to offer. That’s why InCommN is so committed to curating and publishing our business calendar: we want everyone in the community to find opportunities to learn and grow, and we put our money where our mouth is to provide the information.
By the way, don’t forget DELA in Holyoke this Wednesday. Also this Wednesday evening is Valley Venture Mentors’ Monthly Meeting. There: two great ways to get more involved in the Western New England business community, make some new friends, and show the world what you’ve got to offer.
The more we learn about what’s going on in Holyoke, the more excited we are about being part of the next chapter in the city’s history.
Love him or hate him: Ray Kurzweil has some cred when it comes to the future.
Have you read this week’s News From InCommN? If you subscribe, it hits your inbox every Friday at 1:30PM, right around the time you’ll be looking for anything to think about besides work. People say it’s informative and fun to read and look at.
Edison was right: if the only reason you’re doing work is for the money, you’re missing out on the best parts.
Today and Tomorrow in #westernma
| TUESDAY | FEBRUARY | 11 |
| 8:00AM | Agawam | MarketRight |
| 5:00-7:00PM | East Longmeadow | Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts Free Networking Event |
| 6:00-8:00PM | Westfield | Plug Into the Creative Valley |
| 6:30-8:30PM | Agawam | Advanced Quickbooks Workshop |
| 6:30PM | Indian Orchard | The Geek Group of Western Mass |
| WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY | 12 |
| 7:15-9:00AM | Hadley | Amherst Chamber of Commerce Breakfast |
| 11:30AM-1:00PM | West Springfield | Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Lunch and Learn |
| 5:00-7:00PM | Northampton | Northampton Chamber Arrive at 5 |
| 5:00-7:00PM | Westfield | Westfield Chamber After 5 Connection |
| 5:15-7:30PM | Springfield | Valley Venture Mentors |
| 6:00-7:30PM | Shelburne Falls | What You DON’T Know About Your Business (And How to find It!) |
Reading
“Two properties on Appleton Street were readied for marketing. Funding came through to convert the old Holyoke Catholic High School to apartments. Veterans Park was renovated.
Work should begin this year on a passenger-train platform and at least three new businesses plan to open on High Street.
Pieces of the economic development puzzle here are materializing into form, however slowly, officials say.
‘Things have been happening in Holyoke for a long time, but 2014 is poised to be the year that people see it, feel it, and become a part of it. Holyoke is rising, and 2014 will be a year to remember,’ Mayor Alex B. Morse said.”
Holyoke highlights economic development efforts in 2013, plans for 2014
“2017: Self-driving cars…2018: Personal assistant search engines…2020: Switch off our fat cells…2033: 100 per cent of our energy from solar…2040: Stay young for ever….”
Ray Kurzweil—How the World Will Change
The Last Word
“One might think that the money value of an invention constitutes its reward to the man who loves his work. But… I continue to find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success.”
—Thomas A. Edison, American inventor, born February 11, 1847