WELCOME to our Winter 2009 e-Newsletter. Like many organizations, we are mindful that our global neighborhood is navigating through tough times. As professionals, the best response is to take a ‘deep breath’, and renew our focus on delivering value around core strengths. With this in mind, we’re pleased that AIM has been invited to address key issues that impact a business world in transition, through a variety of initiatives, for example:

• Panel presentation, “Careers in Human Resources”, at Brooklyn College - Jan 15th.

• “Communicating Through a Global Lens” booklet will be part of the curriculum for “Managing Diversity in the Global Economy”, a masters level class at Brooklyn College - Spring 2009.

• Featured author on JP Morgan’s Continuum Alumni Site on an ongoing basis.

• “Work Your Network, Making Impactful Business Connections” will be presented on February 26th in Long Island and on June 11th, via Webinar. Several other presentations are pending confirmation (conference appearances).

• The American Management Association will feature a webinar on our program “TOPS Managing Up” on May 19th.

• Several audio seminars and webinars are planned for 2009; one in March and another in June – we will email you with the details.

• GlobaLeadershipTM Team Assessment will be piloted this year with a volunteer organization / virtual team.

… Stay tuned for future updates in upcoming newsletters.

Yael Sara Zofi, CEO AIM Strategies^®
Applied Innovative Management^®
T: (718) 832-6767 / 6699, F: (718) 832-6660
www.aim-strategies.com yael@aim-strategies.com

Introduction

These challenging times call for creativity, for using your time in ways that may not have previously been on the radar. One activity that lends itself to opening new paths is networking. Last year, AIM devoted two newsletters and published a booklet, Work Your Network, on this important business – and life – skill. Networking helps to maintain a positive momentum, even though appropriate professional opportunities may not arise. You need to put yourself in the most advantageous position possible, and that means methodically reaching out to the ‘right’ contacts, or networking. Networking both inside and outside your organization is critical, as is keeping informed about our global neighborhood.

Here are four ways that we believe can help you network during challenging times:

Information is power. Know what is happening by reading about local, national and overseas events. You never know when a piece of information will lead to a new initiative, a new idea or a new contact. In a time of diminishing opportunities, you want to be in a position to seize one that may come along, and make it work for you. Remember, in a downturn the vehicles of opportunity may be different. Keep abreast of knowledge and trends in your area of expertise so that you have specialized knowledge to offer others in exchange for theirs. This is a great time to attend industry conferences and to take a workshop (or complete a self-study course) to sharpen your skills.

Now is the time to keep ears and eyes open during your workday to keep well-informed about what is happening in your company. What strengths does your organization have compared with the competition? Where are its weaknesses? Such knowledge allows you to offer your own skills in ways that may transcend your current responsibilities. By communicating with others across the company with whom you had little, if any, contact, you may create an opportunity to transfer to an area of growth. Lastly, stay in tune with yourself. Don’t get overwhelmed by negativity, whether it’s in your personal sphere of friends and family, or beyond. Do whatever you need to do to stay balanced.

Networking is a great way to keep your options open. These days, social networks have sprouted up across the web, and vastly increase your ability to communicate (if only virtually!) with a variety of people. Staying in touch is a way to learn about events and ideas that matter to you, and to share information and expertise with others. You never know when someone with whom you have a virtual or face-to-face connection can pay off. Become a viable member of a community of your choice, by joining a professional organization or attending a meeting in your field at least once a month. The idea is not just to soak up information; have something of value to say or contribute. Pick an area that is in demand and become knowledgeable. Share that knowledge with colleagues and other individuals who value it.

Consider joining a social network site like LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace; these sites are growing exponentially in popularity and offer interesting possibilities. At the very least, it’s an easy way to inform many people of your plans, explore potential initiatives and link with others who share similar interests. Don’t be afraid to pursue distant contacts or to reestablish a relationship with an unmaintained contact. You never know – the person you reach out to may be as interested in communicating with you as you are with him or her.

Be disciplined. Make a plan and stick to it. This will keep you in a positive frame of mind and resilient in difficult times that all too easily can sap one’s strength. Decide what activities you need to participate in each week, each month, or any other time frame that you choose. These days, because it is hard to avoid discouraging news about the world economy, you need that extra dose of self-resolve to keep its effects from impacting your own success.

Most importantly, stay focused, stay positive and seek mutually beneficial opportunities across a wide variety of networks.

Written by: Susan Victor, and Yael Sara Zofi
Research: Brian Lucas and Gail Margulis

AIM's services are related to transformational change, including practical consulting, innovative training and hands-on coaching. Find out how AIM Strategies^® can support you (call 718-832-6767 / 6699 or e-mail info@aim-strategies.com). See www.aim-strategies.com for more information about how AIM offers a personal, no-nonsense approach through the proprietary experiential learning methods (FOCUS™ Consulting, 5D's™ Training Methodology and the ACT™ Coaching Process). In upcoming issues of this newsletter, we'll update you on tips and techniques related to raising your innovative management IQ. Please forward this newsletter to your associates!