Networking no-nos
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Networking no-nos

Cultivating contacts with care By Leslie T. Snadowsky According to LinkedIn, 85 percent of jobs are obtained through networking. That means whether you’re at a happy hour event, a career fair, a regional conference or a splashy convention, you need to network if you want to get ahead. But there is a lot of “work”…

Branding that makes scents
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Branding that makes scents

How AlphaGraphics’ rebranding appeals to all five senses The long-awaited re-opening of Sprout Momma is any day now. Sprout Momma won LOCAL Biz’s Business Makeover Contest presented by AlphaGraphics.  As part of the grand prize, AlphaGraphics is refreshing the Sprout Momma brand, including logo, graphic assets, menus, in-store graphics and more. Barry and Rita Wilson,…

Strategic alliances
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Strategic alliances

Catapulting to a new level of success By Lucy G. Rosen Whether you are looking to share risk, resources or expertise, a strategic partner might be what your company needs to grow. Getting an edge on a competitive marketplace is usually the reason that people form strategic alliances. They are different from networking relationships, although…

An elevator speech
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An elevator speech

Short and clear. That’s the winning combo By Lucy Rosen An elevator speech is a short, concise message that sums up who you are, what you do and what makes you unique.  Developing an effective elevator speech is crucial for networking, job interviews and other professional interactions.  Developing an effective elevator speech is essential for…

Meeting someone for the first time is only the first step.
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Meeting someone for the first time is only the first step.

The real networking happens with the follow-up By Lucy Rosen  Networking events are a great way to expand your professional network and meet new people. However, the true value of networking events lies in the follow-up.  Following up with someone you meet at a networking event is essential for building a strong professional relationship. By…

Striking oil
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Striking oil

Renaissance man markets olive oil to millennials By Leslie T. Snadowsky Tommie Williams grew up on a farm in Georgia but fell in love with Italian olives in the 1970s when studying abroad in Tuscany as an art major at the University of Georgia. “I just loved the tree and the fruit and the oil…

Internal combustion
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Internal combustion

Three mistakes that can destroy your family business By Hannah Massen While many entrepreneurs dream of building a lasting business that becomes part of their families’ legacy, family businesses have low survival rates beyond three generations. Data suggests that around 70 percent of family businesses fail by the time the second generation comes into power,…