Engage Charlotte Blog

As I looked out over the city from my office window on a 75-degree February day, all I could ask was how quickly I could get outside. I am so fortunate to be in a city where there is an abundance of things to do, especially when the weather is favorable. I know this weather might be a little bit of a tease, but there is no time like the present to talk about a sampling of things you can do outside.

From boating on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie to soaking up the outdoor music at Pops in the Park there is something available for everyone’s interests. Personally, I am counting down the days until the spring league begins for softball. Interlink Sports offers a league for almost every sport, whether you are a passionate athlete or just looking for fun! Don’t worry if you don’t have enough people to form a whole team. (I actually think it is better if you don’t.) Interlink will match you up with a team as a single. If you are new to the area, there is no better way to meet people. I can’t begin to tell you how many people I have met from joining a random team, even my current roommate! You can find more information at www.interlink-charlotte.com.

I have a feeling the patios will be full this afternoon at many of the popular watering holes. A few of my personal favorites in the city for sipping a cocktail have to be Brio Tuscan Grille, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Mac's Speed Shop, and Icehouse South End. Each of these restaurants has ample room to relax and the perfect atmosphere to take the beautiful weather in.

Before I can enjoy that cocktail though I must make sure my pup has her outdoor time! Charlotte has several dog parks located all over the metro area. To find one in your area visit charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Parks/DogParks/Pages/Home.aspx.

Charlotte has so much to do I could write about it for days! Bottom line, get outside and take it all in!

So I was asked to put together a short blog entry about anything I’d like. I’m completely new to the whole blog arena, but I hear it’s just like pouring out your thoughts. Since this is our wonderful Engage Charlotte group, I figure I’d touch on the whole concept of networking.

I’ve been a fixture at many "networking" events in the Charlotte area over the last few years, and I’ve learned several things. For starters I’ll tell you what I’ve noticed about the scene in Charlotte. And I’m sure it applies anywhere else.

1. There are many folks out there that see networking as a way to sell a product or service immediately. I will call these folks the “lurkers.” These are the folks that will hand you a giant flyer or sheet of paper at an event. I hate to admit it, but those flyers never make it back to my office.
2. There are the serious folks that just make you nervous the entire time. I understand it’s a business event, but I am actually a person, and you can talk to me as such. I’m not interviewing you, and I’m certainly not a client yet. These are what I call the “stone faced cats.”
3. The third and probably the furthest from the concept of networking are the folks that call you up and try and set up a time to meet. That’s perfectly fine with me, but when they say “I’d like to network with you,” it really creeps me out. I thought we were just going to meet up and get to know each other, but the person on the other end wants to do something called "network" with me.

Enough with the ranting. I’ll change my tune a little. (Besides, that’s about as worked up as I get.) There are many things I love about networking. I can honestly say that getting out in the community and connecting with like-minded folks has been the catalyst for my success in my current role. There are times where I will trace back certain deals and partnerships that occur and realize that they started with a handshake at an event.

Your network is your true insulation. It is something you can take with you regardless of the career you pursue or avenue you’d like to take. Here’s an interesting story to make my point.

So my wife works for a local homebuilder. I’m sure most of you are aware of the state of the local real estate industry. (It’s not good.) Her company filed for bankruptcy about a year ago. It was no surprise for us; she had many months of preparation and was waiting for this particular day to come. Our conversation that night was kind of glum, but she had an inkling of hope. She said to me, and you will love this, “Hey Ollie, you know everyone in Charlotte! Can you just hook me up with a job?!” I didn’t want to be a jerk, and don’t get me wrong, I would love to help out my wife. But the first thing that came to mind when I heard that comment was OLLIE knows everyone in Charlotte. She doesn’t know everyone in Charlotte. I wasn’t trying to be selfish. I just realized one hugely important thing: you are the only one who can build your network!

No one is going to take the time to make connections for you. It’s not even possible. You create this network of folks, not to make a sale today, not even tomorrow, but you create the network to insulate yourself for the future.

So needless to say, I did my best to hook my wife up with a gig. After reaching out to many different contacts she ended up staying with the same company. So I guess it all worked out.

The snow and ice in January may have slowed things down a bit in Charlotte. For all of you reading this blog today, however, one event delay in January is now giving you a second chance to sign up to make a difference with Citizen Schools on February 1!

“Six Degrees of Charlotte” is a special event held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You are invited to join me and your fellow Engage Charlotte Members in a unique networking event that will introduce you to other professionals from across the city while you create an inspiring and unforgettable evening for a group of local eighth grade students. Read more below and RSVP today at 6degreesofcharlotte.org.

Event Description:
Six Degrees of Charlotte uses the power of online and in-person networking to help kids achieve their college and career goals. Sixty eighth grade students will learn that they have the power to build and leverage their own network in order to achieve their college and career goals as they transition to high school. Our eighth grade students will put the Six Degrees of Separation theory to the test as they join Citizen Schools in hosting a networking reception that will connect them to Charlotte community professionals representing their preferred career fields.

Event Details:
Tuesday, February 1
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Nascar Hall of Fame
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
No Cost to Participate

About Citizen Schools:
Citizen Schools works to ensure low-income children across the country develop the academic and leadership skills they need to succeed in high school, college, the workplace, and civic life. The 6 Degrees event is the culmination of a year-long "academy" program for our 8th grade students.

During the holiday season all of us look forward to catching up with family and friends and taking advantage of long awaited vacation days.  Along with the excitement comes the anticipation of having a few seasonal ales and perhaps a variety of other holiday spirits.  Unfortunately, many times when drinking is involved one drink leads to two, and two leads to too many.  We’ve all heard the standard PSA’s about drinking and driving, however it’s not often mentioned how it can impact a person on a professional basis.  Whether you’re staying local or traveling back to your hometown, every state has its own DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) laws but there are some general implications that can be detrimental to your career.

Termination of employment

An associate could potentially be terminated due to a person’s illegal actions whether or not he or she incurred the offense during or after work hours.  When applicants apply for a position, background checks may also be used to screen candidates who have incurred a previous offense.

Transportation

In Charlotte, NC, it may be a few years longer before the light-rail corridor stretches to NoDa and the University area.  Depending on the specifics of the DUI/DWI offense, one may be reliant solely on other people or public transportation to make it into their day-to-day job.  If an associate is a driver for a company where travel is an essential function of their role, a DUI/DWI can hinder job performance and even result in job loss if the employer makes a business decision that the associate can no longer serve as a represented agent of the company due to the offense. 

Time off work

Any DUI/DWI offense stretching from first timer to repeat offender can result in missed time from the workplace and could hinder your career.  This involves the initial arrest, meeting with legal representation, court appearances, and potential jail time.  These have to be scheduled around work and as a result a person may arrive late and/or use personal, vacation, and leave of absence time approved by your supervisor.  Even calling and scheduling case arrangements involves being preoccupied and distracted at work.

Ongoing Costs

Anyone who has talked to a person involved in a DUI/DWI or experienced one firsthand knows that this offense never comes without a price.  A DUI/DWI could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Court costs, legal charges, towing and impound fees, traffic fines, insurance deductibles, health costs, etc can accumulate and hit you financially.  These costs can even charge up credit cards, hurt your credit score, and be escalate to impact other things in your life including but not limited to those mentioned in the items above.

North Carolina has geared up for its heightened drunk driving checkpoint program during the major holidays of the year called “Booze It & Lose It”.  South Carolina has a similar program called “Sober or Slammer”.  In addition to taking a cab or public transportation, a few alternatives to making it home safely if an unintentional situation arises are:

1. AAA “Tow to Go” Program – From December 17 and January 2, 2011.  A free tow for both AAA members and non-members for the owner and his or her car to get home safely. 

http://www.charlottecentercity.org/news/article/280/aaa-carolinas-budweiser-offering-safe-rides-home/

1. Zingo - A service to transport you and your car 7 days a week; 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.  Their motto: “Less than a round trip taxi; ALWAYS cheaper than a DUI”.

www.zingocharlotte.com

1. M.A.D.D. – Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  “Give the Gift of a Designated Driver”.  A creative way to appoint yourself or another person before the evening begins. 

http://www.madd.org/feature-stories/november/give-the-gift-of-a-designated.html

Hopefully these are a few new points or at the least good reminders that you can have a fun night out but please be safe at the same time.  If you are traveling outside of Charlotte I encourage you to take advantage of similar and helpful transportation programs in your area if the need arises.  I wish everyone the best this holiday season and great success in the upcoming year ahead!

Early in September, I blogged about Citizen Schools and Junior Achievement – two incredible non-profits in Charlotte that are giving community members, including young professionals, opportunities to make an impact on students in this area.

I would first like to thank all of you who have taken up the call and started making a difference in classrooms and after-school programs in your neighborhoods.

I would also like to invite all of you who are reading this to commit to spending your evening on January 11 with your fellow Engage Charlotte members and other professionals from the community at “Six Degrees of Charlotte,” a special event organized by Citizen Schools. Read more below, and RSVP today at 6degreesofcharlotte.org.

Event Description
Six Degrees of Charlotte uses the power of online and in-person networking to help kids achieve their college and career goals. Sixty 8th grade students will learn that they have the power to build and leverage their own network in order to achieve their college and career goals as they transition to high school. Our 8th grade students will put the Six Degrees of Separation Theory to the test as they join Citizen Schools in hosting a networking reception that will connect them to Charlotte community professionals representing their preferred career field.

Event Details
January 11, 2011
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Charlotte, NC
No Cost to Participate

Come inspire our students to think about different college and career pathways with 100 other Charlotte area leaders and show them the power of networking!