Blog | Mandatek

Golf Event to Benefit Habitat for Humanity Illinois

June 30th, 2010

Takin’ It to the Links: A Golf Event to Benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Illinois

Join the Linked Local Network as we support the Habitat for Humanity of Illinois. This is the first charity golf outing supported by the members of the Linked Local Network. While started as a digital community, the Linked Local Network strives to help its members develop relationships and partnerships in the real world. Come out and support our efforts to help our community and build a better world.

Where: Klein Creek Golf Club, 1 N 333 Pleasant Hill Rd, Winfield, IL

When: August 11, 2010

Reservations: Golf per person with cart, light snack and evening BBQ- $115.00

Schedule:

10:30am- Light Snack and Check-in

11:45am- Tee Off

6:00pm- BBQ in the air-condition pavilion with all your favorite summer foods. Includes networking, awards and speaking by Deborah Ford, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Illinois.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Email patty@mandatek.com

General inquiries: Email habitatlinks@mandatek.com

Thanks to our ever growing list of Sponsors:

Ballydoyles

Specialty Premium Group

Hinckley Springs

Weiss Insurance

John Hancock Financial

The Irving Press

Mandatek LLC

Morris Graduate School of Management

True Image & Marketing

The Habitat for Humanity of Illinois partners with the 52 Habitat affiliates in Illinois, building homes with limited-income families who currently live in sub-standard housing and need safe, decent, affordable housing.

Approximately 100 Habitat houses are built annually in Illinois. After investing 500 sweat equity hours working side-by-side with volunteers, a Habitat family buys the house with a 0% interest Habitat loan, becoming a homeowner, often for the first time.

Habitat for Humanity of Illinois is comitted to eradicating poverty housing, improving people’s lives, and strengthening Illinois communities.

Your support will amplify the efforts of thousands of dedicated Habitat volunteeers who are chiseling away at inferior housing, fortifying communities, and giving families a hand up, not a hand out.

The Linked Local Network is working to provide its members with greatly enhanced opportunities to build their connections and networks and improve their businesses. We welcome all members who are committed to participation and therefore superior results from their networking efforts. The Linked Local Network has groups and members in 4 states so far. Check out http://www.linkedlocalnetwork.com for more information on groups and future events.

The Linked Local Network is co-founded by Mike Boehler and Fred McMurray of Mandatek.

Share

Hide Sites

Tags: BBQ, benefit, Digital Marketing, golf, golf club, golf event, golfing, Klein Creek Golf Club, Linked Local Network, LinkedIn, networking, Winfield
Posted in News and Events | View Comments

The Recommendation Age

June 2nd, 2010

Recently my stepdaughter, Sarah, asked me to come along with her to shop for a wedding dress. I was honored. Sarah is 24 years old, very bright, and like most people her age, totally at home in the online world. When I asked her which bridal shops she had chosen to visit, she told me that she had selected them based on the reviews she had read online. If a bridal shop had more than 1 or 2 negative reviews, she crossed it off her list. Likewise, if a bridal shop had good recommendations, she moved it to the top of her list. (And most surprising to me, if a bridal shop was not listed on any of the review sites, then it didn’t make her list at all.) In the course of our conversation, she told me that all of her friends looked to the review websites such as Yelp.com and Kudzu.com, as well as social networks like Facebook, to find restaurants, clubs and fitness centers (not a surprise), as well as doctors, dentists, hair salons, and yes, bridal shops (more of a surprise).

Our conversation opened my eyes to the power of reviews and recommendations, especially among people in Sarah’s age group (and younger). Even though I am constantly online throughout the day, my first inclination in choosing a bridal shop would not have been to go to the review sites. I would have done a Google search for nearby shops and then checked out their websites. After that, I might have thought about checking reviews, but it wouldn’t have been my first inclination. And it certainly wouldn’t have been my first thought when looking for a doctor, but that’s exactly how Sarah chose hers. Apparently I’m a bit stuck in the Information Age, while Sarah is at home in the Recommendation Age.

Business owners take note: If you aren’t paying attention to your digital presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and so on, someone like Sarah is. Or not. We have entered the Recommendation Age where it’s not who you know, but who knows YOU and is willing to recommend your brand, product or service.

-Michele Rempel, Mandatek

Share

Hide Sites

Tags: Facebook, LinkedIn, social media, Twitter, Yelp
Posted in Digital Marketing, social media | View Comments

Networking and Schaumburg Flyers Baseball- June 22nd

May 27th, 2010

Join the Linked Local Network for a great evening of networking and Schaumburg Flyers baseball on June 22nd!

The Schaumburg Flyers are generously providing a tent on the 3rd base side for us to meet and network, so come and join us for the ultimate summertime networking event!

Details:
June 22nd, 2010 at Alexian Field

Gates open at 5:40pm, game starts at 7:00pm.
Tickets are available online for $7.00 at http://www.flyersbaseball.com or by phone at 847-891-2255. Use Promotion Code LLS10 to receive $3.00 off the normal $10.00 price.
Purchase tickets on the 3rd base side in the Brown sections (if looking at the ticket map online).

Our tent will be in the picnic area on the 3rd base side.

A cash bar will be located by our tent. The drink special that night will be $2.00 Miller beverages. Wear orange!

A big thank you to Jim Idstein, CFO of Kayhan International, for his time and efforts spent on organizing this event!

See you all at the ballgame on June 22nd!

-Mike Boehler and Fred McMurray, Linked Local Network

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in News and Events | View Comments

Event- The Business of Social Media

April 15th, 2010

Embracing Social Media is no longer an option; it’s a requirement for business survival and growth. Come and learn from some of social media’s best and brightest minds, including Mike O’Neil and Lori Ruff, authors of Rock the World with Your Online Presence. This extremely valuable afternoon of workshops and panel discussion is open to the public at no cost. Register now!

Presenters and Panelists:

Mike O’Neil, LinkedIn Rock Star and co-author of Rock the World with your Online Presence, partner at Integrated Alliances in Denver, CO
Lori Ruff, LinkedIn Diva and co-author of Rock the World with your Online Presence, partner at Integrated Alliances in Denver, CO
JD Gershbein, LinkedIn Profile Writer, Trainer, Speaker, Strategist, Business Cartoonist and owner of Owlish Communications
Scott Bishop, Social Media Strategist, Author of Real-Time Marketing Blog
Jason Jacobsohn, Co-Producer at Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza, Networking Speaker and Author, Jacobsohn.com, Director of Venture Development at AEGIS Professional Services
Michele Rempel, Social Media Strategies Advisor at Mandatek, LLC

Sponsors:

Event Schedule:

2:00-2:15 Keynote speaker

2:15-3:00 Presentations with JD Gershbein and Michele Rempel

3:00-3:45 Social Media Panel Discussion

4:00-4:45 Presentations with Mike O’Neil/Lori Ruff and Scott Bishop

After this event, please join us at the Cyber to Real World III event at the Alumni Club Schaumburg. http://cyber2realworld3.eventbrite.com

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in News and Events | View Comments

Out of the Cyber World & into the Real World III- Networking

April 9th, 2010

The Linked Local West Suburban CHICAGO group and Linked Local Schaumburg groups, in association with Country Financial and Mandatek LLC, are hosting the third ”Out of the Cyber World and into the Real World” networking event at The Alumni Club Schaumburg. This event gives its members a chance to strengthen relationships they have built online as well the opportunity to meet new partners and prospective clients. Be sure to visit the marketing stations of our sponsoring businesses.

The Alumni Club will be offering $1.00 drink specials and 1/2 price appetizers to our attendees.

Please visit http://cyber2realworld3.eventbrite.com for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Check out our YouTube videos from the last event: http://www.youtube.com/westburbschi

Bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to network!

Questions should be directed to info2009@mandatek.com.

For information on marketing stations, contact the email above.

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in News and Events | View Comments

Groups are Golden on LinkedIn- Here’s Why

March 18th, 2010

When I meet with people who feel that they aren’t getting much use out of LinkedIn, I will generally discover that they either haven’t joined any groups or they joined a few groups but do not participate in any of them. In some ways, this would be like going to a big networking event, dropping business cards into the raffle bowls at every marketing table, and then leaving without talking to anyone.

Groups are important to your business development because they allow you to express your opinions, show off your knowledge of a particular subject, and most importantly, develop RELATIONSHIPS (that can lead to more connections and new business). They are also important because you have an opportunity to learn from others in your area of expertise or interest. You can ask questions, answer questions, read news articles and blogs, and find out about events, seminars and webinars. Many groups, such as the Linked Local Schaumburg group (in suburban Chicago), hold their own real-life networking events so that its members can strengthen the relationships built in cyberspace.

Thinking strategically about the groups you join is smart. If you like Jeeps, there is a Jeep group (or two) for you. Groups don’t have to be business-oriented. In fact, an accountant who is passionate about Jeeps can probably do more business and relationship-building with other Jeep enthusiasts than in a group of mostly accountants. If you’re the only Jeep-loving accountant, you’ll stand out more. Putting some thought into the groups you join can make all the difference in your business development activities.

At this point, LinkedIn allows you to join up to 50 groups. I always encourage people to join at least 20 and make sure that they contribute to several on a regular basis. If you aren’t taking advantage of the power of LinkedIn groups, start now. With over 550,000 of them, I am sure you’ll find at least a couple that meet your needs.

-Michele Rempel, Mandatek

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in Digital Marketing | View Comments

Interaction is Key for Business Development on Twitter

March 10th, 2010

People are always saying to me, “I don’t get Twitter. It seems so pointless and I don’t see how I’ll make any money from it.”

I understand this line of thinking, and in a way I agree. Most people don’t make money on Twitter. I’ll probably get some arguments from this, since there are ALWAYS exceptions, but most of the people who are making money on Twitter are the same ones who are making money selling products or services in all those emails you delete. You get my drift.

But Twitter isn’t pointless, even if you aren’t probably going to make money directly from it. The way to give Twitter value in business development is to interact with your followers, or even people who aren’t following you. You can’t really expect to send out 10 tweets per day and think that someone is going to buy your service or product. It happens, but it happens rarely. It’s like going to a networking event. You can hand out your business card all day long, but you’re probably not going to make a sale until you follow up with the people who took your business cards and start building relationships by offering to help them or finding out more about who they are, etc.

The beauty of Twitter for business development is that you can tap a ton of people with your brand and personality. And the way you show people your personality is to interact with them. Retweet their clever quotes, ask others to follow them, get into the culture of Twitter. It takes time, and you might want to consider hiring someone to do it for you. But if you do it right, your brand will get attention. And increasing your visibility is the name of the game.

-Michele Rempel, Mandatek

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in Digital Marketing | View Comments

Out of the Cyber World II- Networking Event- March 10th

February 17th, 2010

The Linked Local West Suburban CHICAGO group (a Linkedin.com group), in association with Mandatek LLC, is hosting its second “Out of the Cyber World and into the Real World” networking event at Venuti’s Ristorante & Banquets in Addison, IL. This event gives its members a chance to strengthen relationships they have built online as well the opportunity to meet new partners and prospective clients. Last time we had almost 300 people attend- let’s blow the doors off! To purchase a ticket, visit: http://cyber2realworld2.eventbrite.com/ Tickets are $5.00 in advance (online) and $10.00 at the door.

Be sure to visit the marketing stations of our sponsoring businesses.

Members and non-members are welcome.

Bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to network!

Check out videos from the last event- http://www.youtube.com/westburbschi

Questions should be directed to info2009@mandatek.com.

For information on available marketing stations, contact the email above.

Share

Hide Sites

Posted in News and Events | View Comments

Mandatek Co-Sponsoring an Opportunity Seekers Event for Professionals in Transition

February 5th, 2010

The Linked Local West Suburban Chicago group, in association with Mandatek LLC and the Morris Graduate School of Managament, and sponsored by Pepsi Co., is proud to present the Opportunity Seekers event on February 22nd from 1:00-4:00pm at the Morris Graduate School of Management. This event is for professionals in transition who are looking for a new or different career opportunity.

To RSVP and reserve a ticket: http://opportunityseekers.eventbrite.com.

Attendees will have an opportunity to gain helpful information for their job search. Topics include:

How to prepare an effective resume for 2010
Continuing education opportunities
Using social media to increase visibility
Utilizing video for networking and job search
Government assistance for start-up business owners
Information on how to own a business franchise
Tips on working with HR departments to increase your chances of landing a job

Workshop space for some of the topics above are limited; seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, recruiters will be on site to speak with prospective employees during networking and workshop times.

Event Schedule:

1:00-1:15pm Keynote Speaker**

1:15-1:30pm Networking

1:30-2:30pm Workshops

2:30-3:30pm Workshops

3:30-3:45pm Networking

3:45-4:00pm Endnote Speaker

**Keynote Speaker: Jim Treleaven, PhD, former CEO of Devry Chicago Metro and founder of ViaStrategy Group, LLC.

Speakers:

Kris Fay, SBA and Center for Entrepreneurship at College of DuPage

Michele Rempel, Partner, Social Media Division, Mandatek

Carlos Vale, Director of Morris Graduate School of Management

Julius Rhodes, SPHR, Founder of MPR Group, Providing HR Business Solutions

Share

Hide Sites

Tags: career, Jim Treleaven, LinkedIn, Mandatek, networking, Pepsi, unemployment
Posted in News and Events | View Comments

Mandatek

Golf Event to Benefit Habitat for Humanity Illinois

Networking and Schaumburg Flyers Baseball- June 22nd

Event- The Business of Social Media

Out of the Cyber World & into the Real World III- Networking

Groups are Golden on LinkedIn- Here’s Why

Interaction is Key for Business Development on Twitter

Out of the Cyber World II- Networking Event- March 10th

Mandatek Co-Sponsoring an Opportunity Seekers Event for Professionals in Transition

Archives

Categories

Useful Links