South Florida, a popular spot for JCI IVPs this time of year

While on her way to the JCI Global Partnership Summit in New York, 2013 JCI International Vice President (IVP) for the Americas, Lilian Graciela Rolón Flecha, stopped in Miami for a short visit with local South Florida chapters including the North Miami Jaycees, JCI Miami, and the Hollywood Jaycees.

After a sightseeing tour of Miami on Sunday, Lilian was treated to Miami-style hospitality at a home style dinner with board members from each of the local chapters. The menu included a variety of appetizers, warm spinach-artichoke dip, short rib ragu over pasta, Greek salad, and homemade oatmeal cookies. Board members talked with IVP Lilian about her experiences in the countries that she serves and discussed ways to translate that knowledge to local projects.

Recognition by the City of North Miami

On Monday, IVP Lilian was recognized by North Miami Mayor Lucie Tondreau and City Councilman Philippe Bien-Amie for her work with JCI, and then proceeded to meet with Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado to discuss opportunities for working more closely with JCI Miami to provide opportunities for young people to make positive change.

Meeting with Miami Mayor Regalado

After a hectic day of meetings with South Florida elected officials, IVP Lilian was the guest of honor at a cocktail reception hosted by JCI Miami at the Grove Spot (their meeting headquarters). There, local members and JCI senators from throughout South Florida had an opportunity to meet our special guest and to enjoy networking with each other. Attendees were even treated to a surprise visit by 2013 International Vice President for Europe, François Bégin, who was vacationing nearby. He serves JCI chapters in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Catalonia, and the Netherlands, and was the 2012 JCI National President of Canada.

IVP Lilian holds a degree in architecture and works as a construction overseer in her own architectural firm, Level Architecture. She served as the JCI National President for Paraguay in 2007 and as the JCI Americas Development Council Commissioner in 2012 . In addition to the United States, she serves JCI chapters in Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Why “Real Talk” is Still Important in an E-Based World

Texting, emailing and social media – oh my! If you are like one of the billions of people that are online every day, whether for business or personal use, you have probably grown accustomed to meeting, conversing and doing business electronically. While the young professionals at The Junior Chamber concede that conducting business online makes life easier, there is no electronic substitute for face time (no, not even Facetime on your Mac) with your customers, colleagues and clients. What are the benefits of actually attending a meeting in-person rather than one over Skype or email?

• Making an impression. How can you compliment someone’s new office building or give a solid handshake over a Google Hangouts meeting? Without face-to-face meetings, we miss out on different conversation starters that are likely to leave your client or customer with good memories and lasting impressions.
• Create connections. Business calls are just that – business. We might go through the motions of the niceties: “Hi, how are you? Good, me too.” Sound familiar? When you meet someone in person, you naturally cement relationships with small talk that is much more personable and effortless than the white noise you may find in emails or calls. Notice some sports memorabilia in a new client’s office? Nothing can start off a great relationship like some friendly rivalries.
• Body language is king. Forbes Magazine has recently reported that over half of our communication is nonverbal – stemming specifically from our body language. We’ve all dealt with clients that may tell you what you want to hear, only to ask for something different in the end. If you had an in-person meeting could you have saved a lot of time and money by reading their body language? Perhaps.

Innovation is what keeps the world going round and many members of The Jaycees will be the first ones you know with the latest and greatest in technology. While we embrace it, none of it can completely replace what you can get out of human contact. Do you prefer to conduct your meetings in person or electronically? Visit our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to let us know which you prefer and why!

Free Webinar: New Member Orientation

Hosted by: NVP Tracy

We will discuss the history of our organization, Active Citizenship Framework, how to make positive change in your community and be an active member of our organization.

Date:     Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Time:     8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT  

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:  

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/657337278

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Getting What You Give – Being a Member of the Jaycees

Being a part of a professional networking organization is more than just meeting people and trading business cards. Members of the Jaycees are pillars of their communities and successful professionals. And with a little help from our organization, we can help you reach your full potential through the networking and personal growth opportunities we provide for all members nationwide.

The young professionals involved in the United States Junior Chamber have learned that you get what you put in – don’t expect just to join the Jaycees to boost your social life. Our members are active in their communities – supporting not-for-profit organizations in their community, directly helping individuals in need, mentoring younger professionals and more. By practicing these skill sets and pairing them with the networking opportunities available to them, our members develop the variety of skills necessary to become civic leaders.

The mission of our young professionals group – The Jaycees – is “to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.” If you are looking for an opportunity to make a change within your community while bettering yourself at the same time, consider a membership with our organization. Visit our Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and YouTube pages, or our website to find out more about us and chat with current members to hear firsthand what we are all about.

Fundraising in the Digital Age

Oftentimes, Jaycees are also involved in other nonprofit organizations – serving either on executive boards or as volunteers. In the past, volunteers spent time making direct phone calls, organizing letter-writing campaigns and even going door-to-door – all in the name of fundraising. It’s no secret that people spend millions of dollars online every year, but now organizations are hopping on the bandwagon and taking advantage of the ease of fundraising online.

In an age where interest in direct mail is waning insignificant and more ever people than have an online social media presence, it would be impractical not to take your fundraising efforts digital. Whether you have a direct site that donations can be made to, like The Salvation Army or WWF, or you have a special project in mind for Kickstarter, billions of dollars are raised by online campaigns every year. Not only is it an easier practice, it also saves your organization expensive overhead costs.

Are you looking for a way to increase your online contributions? You don’t have to have a mainstream cause to create interest. Check out this article from online digital resource Mashable for some inspiration on starting your online social media fundraising campaign. Are you a Jaycee that participates in local fundraising efforts? Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to help kick off your fundraising efforts!

Free Webinar: Building a Cohesive Team

Hosted by: NVP Monica Riggs (JCI Louisiana)

This training will focus on what a leader should do to put together a great team and how to develop that team. Picking the right people, and proper team building, will lead to success.

Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Time: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/234441686

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Florida Jaycee Has Her Eye on the Miss Florida USA Title

Brains, beauty, and heart of gold…she’s got it all, and she’s hoping she has what it takes to become Miss Florida USA 2014. Her name is Ashli Marie Wright, and at just 21 years old she’s “living life to the fullest”. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, when she moved to North Miami, she filled her days with the most challenging of academic coursework, extracurricular clubs and activities, scholarship pageants, and even a role in local government as a member of the City of North Miami’s Youth Opportunity Board.

Now in college at Florida International University, she’s focused on her goal of becoming a women’s health professional. And, as a new North Miami Jaycee, Ashli is “delighted to be part of such a wonderful organization that provides so many opportunities for young people like me to be involved in making their communities great”.

The Miss Florida USA Pageant finals will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 8pm at Bailey Concert Hall in Ft. Lauderdale. Even if you are not in South Florida, you can cheer Ashli on to victory via live webstream at www.News4Jax.com or you can visit http://www.missfloridausa.com/new/tv-listings.html to see if and/or when the pageant will be televised on a station near you.

I hope all Florida Jaycees will join me in wishing the best of luck to Ashli Marie Wright, Miss Hollywood USA, and hopefully the next Miss Florida USA!

Free Webinar: Passport to Civic Leadership

Hosted by: Program Manager Jennifer Salmon (JCI North Carolina)

Passport is a membership activation tool, designed for members wanting to achieve maximum value from their Jaycee Membership.  This training is appropriate for new members as well as experienced members that need clarification between the "old" degrees method and the new Passport method.

Date:     Thursday, July 11, 2013  

Time:     8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT  

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:  

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/976747358

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

5 Keys to Successful Networking

It's not just about exchanging business cards

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While that might not be entirely true, it is common knowledge that networking with your peers can help you gain an extra leg up on the competition when a new position opens up. Making these connections with your colleagues, associates and clients can give you support throughout your career that you might otherwise be missing out on. So what are the keys to becoming a professional networker?

1.       Practice makes perfect. We know that intimate social activity does not come easy for everyone. That just means you need to practice with those you feel comfortable with until you’ve got it down! If you are an ultra-introvert, start by building an online presence to help you branch out while still feeling comfortable. Attend events with co-workers or friends in the same industry to learn the dance of these networking gatherings. 

2.       Fake it ‘til you make it. Hold your head high, walk with a purpose, speak clearly and own your work and you are guaranteed to make a good impression on those with whom you have a conversation. Don’t feel all that confident at these kinds of events? Don’t worry – no one but you can tell you’re nervous! 

3.       Don’t lose touch. Once you start to build your extensive network, remember that it is not a collection to be put away on a shelf. Be sure to interact with your new and old connections often. If you are in the forefront of your contact’s minds, whom do you believe they will think of when a new opportunity arises? 

4.       Do unto others. Hate when your phone calls aren’t returned? Still waiting for that LinkedIn recommendation? Did you give awesome advice that wasn’t followed? All of these scenarios are situations that can annoy any professional. When it comes to networking, you get what you put in – make sure you aren’t burning any of your newly-constructed bridges. 

5.       Networking is important. And don’t you forget it! In a market where entry-level jobs are paying less and requiring more experience, never underestimate the power of making beneficial connections in your industry. You can gain relevant information, ideas, job leads, mentors and referrals, all from taking timeout of your busy schedule to slow down and just talk.

Sometimes the qualifications and accomplishments of young professionals are just not enough to get your foot in the door. Pair those with a gleaming recommendation or referral from a colleague and you will be well on your way to a bright and successful career.