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Across the Fence:  Question of Mannerly Networking  |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 12 2014 : 1:20:38 PM
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Hello ladies!
First off, let me just say that I admire good manners. The classic, popped-out-of-I-Love-Lucy kind. But I am young, and we didn't really learn classic mannerisms in school or at home... My mom taught me manners, but I was 8ish, so these manners were restricted to the basic table-manners, yes ma'am, and no sir.
I am trying to break my own bad mental habits by putting myself out there and attempting to network with others.
A friend of DH's suggests that it is always a great idea to personally know people such as the mayor of a city you're living in. I agree it certainly has it's perks, but how does one go about politely requesting such an introduction?
I would greatly appreciate if someone could sort of verbally walk me through this... Thank you.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2014 : 2:52:27 PM
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Start by attending city council meetings and events and meeting others who attend them. In chatting with people you know, you can often find a connection with local officials: goes to the same church, belongs to the same clubs, lives in the same neighborhood for example and would introduce you.
A lot of times there is info online about local officials, even campaign info can tell you what their interests, duties and concerns may be.
Put your own concerns to use, contact them about what matters to you like a safer school crossing, changing regulations about allowing backyard poultry, something that concerns you and them. Being involved yourself is the best bet.
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2014 : 3:05:23 PM
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Is it ever polite to contact them myself? Minus the prior meeting attendance? Our mayor has posted his email address and office number on his profile at the city council website.
DH's friend knows the mayor personally. Is it ever polite to request an introduction from a mutual friend?
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2014 : 9:18:09 PM
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Yes, Of course you can contact them yourself. If the contact number is available they will expect calls. Some only list their office number rather than their home number. I'd suggest something like thanking them for their service to the community to start the conversation.
Of course you can ask a friend for an introduction.
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
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churunga
True Blue Farmgirl
3986 Posts
Marie
Minneapolis
MN
USA
3986 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2014 : 08:10:55 AM
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Most of all, when you are out connecting with the community, speak about what your passion is and be genuine.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2014 : 09:42:58 AM
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Will do! Thank you :)
Hickory actually provides an excellent opportunity for this. The city "motto" is 'Life Well Crafted'. The only issue with that is that there are so many people here who craft or do handmade for a living, so there's tons of competition. However, tons of competition means a lot of people to learn from. If I use my time here wisely, it will benefit me for a lifetime elsewhere.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 11:47:00 AM
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Great news! He replied!!! *pauses for newbie-to-city-council-networking-hyperactive-excited-dance moment*
Phew! *spins, stumbles* I'm okay!!
What now? He thanked me for my comments. Signed off using his name and including his personal cell number. And the icing on the cake was that he included his assistant in the email, asking that he forward my comments to the "department heads and council members".
Do I write back again? Call? Take a breath, remain calm, and be proud of the email I wrote until a more appropriate time?
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com
Follow me on Twitter: @lalauland
DH and I share a blog: http://wesubtleties.tumblr.com
Follow on Twitter: @wesubtleties |
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Across the Fence: Question of Mannerly Networking |
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Question of Mannerly Networking
