Speaker - December 2010

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Casting a reality check on real-world conundrums
Starting over

First, meet the neighbors. Ask them for ideas and advice. Second, check the paper and the web for events where people meet: bookstores, pick-up basketball, quilting groups, garden clubs, hikes, volunteering to feed the needy, etc. Third, RSVP and show up! Tour the neighborhood and your new city. Where’s the best hardware store? Coffee shop? Mechanic? Museum? Talk to people as you explore, and smile to appear more approachable.

“Besides church and synagogue, I recommend researching charity and civic groups that fit your passion and purpose. Rotary Clubs and similar groups meet weekly, so it is easier to get to know people. If you volunteer for a charity, make sure the volunteer opportunities are frequent and consistent. Another option is participating in group fitness classes or sports, where you will see the same group of people on a weekly basis.” —Debra Fine Denver, Colo.

—Susan RoAne Greenbrae, Calif.

You’ve just moved to a new city where
you don’t have any connections. How
do you make friends and business
contacts quickly?

“Form a “Meet Up” for speak-
ers or meeting planners—or
attend other meet ups with
people you want to know.
Volunteer for committees,
particularly the “sign in” com-
mittee. Also, seek mentors and
ask for help. Introduce yourself
as a newcomer to people you
encounter and tell them you
would like to meet people.”
Do a search on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn before
you move to see who lives in the area and reach out to them.
If there’s a local Welcome Wagon, contact the person in
charge. If you purchased a house through a real estate broker,
ask that person to help you make new acquaintances. If you
have a medical challenge, join local support groups. If you
have children, go to school functions.

When i moved from australia to the united states., i gave toy koalas with handwritten notes to my neighbors to let them know an aussie had moved in. i Googled women’s networks and attended, searched the nsa website for local speakers and had coffee with them, attended local nsa meetings, joined the Chamber of Commerce, and researched every local event i could find. i made friends quickly, built strategic relationships and gained new clients!

—Robin Jay Henderson, Nev.

—Heshie Segal yardley, Pa

—neen james, Csp Doylestown, pa.

What Would You Do? is a regular column that presents a real-life dilemma faced by professional speakers. NSA members are encouraged to submit a dilemma for possible discussion in this column. Please submit dilemmas to ethics@ nsaspeaker.org. NSA reserves the right to edit submissions for length and style. All dilemmas will be anonymously attributed. opinions expressed are those of the individual respondents, not NSA.

attend meetings of business or professional organizations you belonged to in your former city. if your college has an alumni club in the area, go to its events. after you’ve made some friends, invite them to a dinner party at your home. if you don’t cook, learn! or cater the dinner. it’s not about the food, it’s about the conversations.