**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting via email.** 

Learn the importance and value of building a professional network. It goes beyond LinkedIn and large gatherings of people with stickers that say “Hello my name is…” Although we are taught to control what we can control, the stark fact is that much of our success and satisfaction cannot be done alone. Let’s concentrate on what can be controlled in our immediate environment. We need a sphere of influence to get past the potential roadblocks in front of us. Participants will walk away knowing how to make genuine connections, not name-gathering or meeting checklist accomplishments, that will spur future relationships to advance their careers. Participants will learn key concepts of professional networking: (1) Influence key decision-makers; (2) Drive your own career; (3) Allow the network to do much of the work; (4) Break out of traditional hierarchical business models; and (5) Networking is not as hard as you think.

Led by Tom Dowd, a prize-winning speaker, award-winning author, and trainer—all spurred by his need to be more than a painfully shy and introverted individual on a rollercoaster ride of success. He found this success by taking control of his personal and professional life. He is a member of Toastmasters International, the National Speakers Association, Maine Career Development Association, and the Maine Adult Education Association. He's is the author of five professional development books on public speaking, professional transformation, job-seeking strategies, and time management; all available on Amazon under the name Thomas B. Dowd III at discounted prices. He has been in the banking and customer service industry for over 30 years. In 2013, he lost his job due to cost cuts but landed a better job in 59 days using strategies from his book, "Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job."

Register directly on Zoom HERE. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.