Star Wars, The Dip and The Mothman

I was watching the Star Wars special on the History Channel (yup, big nerd) and they talked about the Jedi masters and how important the mentorship was to their padawans. It occurred to me that Latino mentorship is not something that gets discussed much. Sure it gets talked about a little, but maybe not enough. HPNG will add that to its arsenal of tools to offer Latino professionals (more on that soon).

Also, Seth Godin was presenting his new book The Dip at a live seminar on Tuesday, which I attended (yup, SUPER big nerd). I do love all things Seth. His books, his blogs, his advice and insight. Hmmm...kinda like a Jedi Master...

Here's the cool thing about The Dip. I got 5 books with my admission. Yes, 5. Since Seth signed one to me, I will give away the other four (which is the point of getting 4 additional books, that Seth is genius I tell you). Send me an email if you'd like to get one or put a post on the HPNG forum that you'd like one and how to reach you.

And speaking of Jedi Masters, Leslie Sanchez was in town last week to speak to the ladies of ALPFA. Great event, great people and of course a great delivery from our favorite Republican. (is she the only Latin Republican?) She and I ditched work the next day to frolick in the W. Village and that's where I met the Mothman. Jeff Rudell (former Martha Stewart Apprentice participant) told me the great story of the storytellers, The Moths.

And speaking of stories, I can only imagine that ones that will surface on Friday after the HPNG May Networking Event and 4 Year Anniversary Party. We are waaaaay over capacity, but hey, the more the merrier right?? See you then!

More Mariela! (Is There Ever Enough?)

Mariela Dabbah's workshop on networking skills was a success mostly because of the way people felt after the event was over. Empowered, confident and ready to network productively.

I say productively because as Mariela points out, if you go to a "networking event" and you walk away with a stack a cards, is that really productive? It would be, if you're able to follow up with all of them. If you can remember who they all were.

Instead, getting to know a few people and really finding out what they're about is key. Not just to get something from them but to see what you can do for them. I know, it will take a while to get used to. Resource Networking is the concept of getting to knowing people beyond the transactional aspect of the relationship. It doesn't happen overnight and there isn't always an immediate payoff, but eventually there is one. Rod Colon refers to it as the "Known Network." Same idea. More on Resource Networking soon.

Mariela's workshop on Networking Skills showed us how to use our Hispanic-ness to our advantage. HPNG is planning on a follow-up workshop with Mariela soon. This time it will be an evening event instead of a half-day morning event. Stay tuned, make sure you're on the HPNG mailing list.

Check out the video with workshop highlights: http://www.marieladabbah.com/reel/index.htm

Also directly on Mariela's website

Nice Resource for Entrepreneurs

You know that business question that needs an answer, but you're too embarrased to ask your advisor?

Al Berrios may offer a solution to the dilemma. Kind of like SCORE...but cooler.

Check it out: Conxulting

What Do You Do??

4 years and counting...

HPNG celebrates its 4th Year Anniversary on May 31st. How it all began is detailed in a previous post. Why it will continue is posted here.

Sometimes it begins as an accident, sometimes as a premeditated action. In HPNG's case, a little of both. But as it grows, you ask yourself, "should I continue?"

I was once asked if I ever thought of just quitting HPNG because producing an event, month after month can be a hassle. I said, "every month." But as I discovered, I don't just produce networking events, I empower Latinos.

HPNG speakers don't always just "do" their job, it's about something bigger altogether. Tapping into that purpose is what gets you through the day. Juan Guillen doesn't just publish a magazine, he's actually brought sexy back (just look at April's cover of DTM Magazine). Mindy Figueroa didn't just propose the direction that an animated children's show should take. She created a platform that allows non-Hispanic children to project themselves in a new way and in a new language.

My deepest thanks to the past speakers who will join us for our 4th year anniversary celebration. It's what you do that inspires and empowers the rest of us.

So...what do you do?? (dig deep, it's in there...)

HPNG MAY NETWORKING EVENT

Who Is Frankie Negron??

A week late, but I still want to congratulate the Hispanic Federation for an outstanding job with their Gala at the Waldorf=Astoria.

Of course in my usual way of not knowing Latino singers, I met Frankie Negron and had no idea who he was was. Shameful, yes. I did promise him however that I would Google him and look up his videos on YouTube. I did.

Thanks for being such a great sport Frankie, your salsa music rocks!

One person I did know at the gala was Tommy Hilfiger and I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a pic. (I was wearing Calvin Klein, but didn't tell him that.)

Next year I'm hoping to wear Repulica Trading Co. (Rafael, a tux line maybe...?)

Latino Agent Recruiting

Mr. Rey Polanco of State Farm and I talk to Hispanic MPR about our joint recruiting efforts.

New York, New York - The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG) partnered with State Farm Insurance to promote career recruitment for Hispanics in New York City and Miami. The first happening of the yearlong initiative will be a State Farm Latino talent recruitment meeting May 8, 2007 in New York. The next event will take place June 21, 2007 in Miami. The events are free, but pre-registration is required. Organizers will limit admission to 25.

“This partnership is an extension of HPNG’s efforts of bringing career development and networking to Hispanic professionals,” said Ali Curi, president, HPNG. “Showcasing entrepreneurial opportunities is an alternative to the corporate options Hispanic professionals currently explore.”

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click here for AGENT RECRUITING EVENT INVITATION