Featured Coming Attraction
From the NFL to the Boardroom - Engage Charlotte luncheon
August 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Charlotte City Club
A career reinvention story of NFL player to successful business and community leader from retired Carolina Panthers: Muhsin Muhammad, Colin Branch and Steve Israel. Post NFL careers they could have lived anywhere, why did they choose Charlotte? Learn their thoughts on what they think the Queen City has to offer and what we can do to attract more young professionals. Sharon Smith, anchor of WBTV, will moderate the panel.
Cost (includes lunch):
member YPs - $10 online, $15 at the door
non-member YPs - $15 online, $20 at the door
at-the-door seating not guaranteed;
capacity is limited; please pre-register
Special Note: former Engage Charlotte luncheon panelist Damian Johnson of No Grease Barber Shop along with several former professional athletes and the IT Factor Media Group are sponsoring "Cuttin Class" on August 22. They'll be giving free haircuts, schools supplies and 1,000 book bags to school children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. If you'd like to participate, you can bring new school supplies or book bags to the luncheon on August 17.
Upcoming Charlotte Chamber Events
The Charlotte Chamber has many great events for you to attend:
Independence Blvd. Plan: NCDOT Experts Answer Your Questions
August 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., SMS Catering Services
Business After Hours
August 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation
Enhancing Your Business Results with Customer Service
August 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grimes Lounge - Johnson C. Smith University
Expanding Education in the Center City
August 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Westin Charlotte
A.M. Biz Leads
August 24, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Sam's Club University City
Visit www.charlottechamber.com/events to view more events and to register.
Diversity
Let's assume you are one of the following:
- A foreign corporation trying to understand Charlotte’s consumer base and buying trends.
- A new emergency care physician in search of a diverse North Carolina location densely populated with high-income and injury-prone YPs.
- Someone who has an unexplained compulsion to spend time checking out cool stats on your new IPad 2.
Which are you? Probably C, right? Regardless of which you chose, you should probably spend some quality time with The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Census briefs, all of which are relevant in developing an understanding of the changing demographics of the U.S. In particular, I think you would benefit from reading Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin: 2010 and 2010 Census Shows America's Diversity. Both explore our nation's changing racial and ethnic diversity and provide a snapshot of the racial and Hispanic origin composition of the United States. One of the key points you will note in the sources above is that the 2010 Census demonstrates that numerically and proportionally the non-Hispanic white population is largest major race and ethnic group in the United States, but it is also growing at the slowest rate. In comparison, the Hispanic and Asian populations have grown considerably.
Networking 101: Networking for Introverts
If you are shy or introverted but recognize that networking is a must do for your career, considering these tips.
- Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic. Successful networking not only requires an exchange of information about job skills, contact information and interest but also involves building trust and relationships and seeing how you can help others.
- Put quality interactions first. In a large group setting, circulate and meet people, but don’t try to talk to everyone. It’s better to have a few meaningful conversations than 50 hasty introductions.
- Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Be prepared to response to questions like what you are looking for in a client or what your ideal referral might be.
- Be professional. Ask your networking prospects for advice and try to connect with them on a personal level. Start off any introduction or conversation with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile. Focus on asking for one thing at a time.
News
Mortgage Rates Remain Steady
"Long-term mortgage rates are in a holding pattern amid mixed signals about the housing market, according to Freddie Mac." Read more in the Charlotte Business Journal.
Engage Charlotte Blog
Interested in joining the dialogue on the Engage Charlotte blog? We're looking for interesting, intelligent, constructive guest posts about the Charlotte area or for local young professionals. If you would like to contribute, submit your entry to engage@charlottechamber.com. If your entry is selected, we'll email you to let you know when it will be published. Be sure to include a title for your post, your name, organization and your job title.
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