M.O.D. Success

The First Annual SHU Connect Networking Event, which was held on Thursday April 12th at Sacred Heart University, was a great night of networking and learning. Talking Finger, a CT Social Media Company, presented ”The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media for College Students and Alumni”.

Erik Granato stressed the importance of having a clean Facebook page. He showed examples of unflattering photos that people had posted on their pages and expressed that even if these pictures are of friends of friends that it still can reflect negatively on you. He also mentioned that if you are looking for a job you should establish a presence on multiple social media sites such as Twitter, Blogs, YouTube, and Pinterest.

MOD Success, YEP and Pulse, were all in attendance. A representative from each Young Professional Group spoke about what their organization had to offer and shared some helpful tips, that were beneficial to them, with the future graduates. The key to future job hunting is learning the in’s and out’s of networking and social media before you have to look for a job. Lindsey Ault Authier, of MOD Success, stated “Make sure you have a Linkedin Profile. Two out of my four jobs came from my Linkedin connections”.

The “Building Your Financial Future” panel discussion with guest panelists Terence Floyd, Vice President and Affordable Lending Manager of the Residential Lending Department of People’s United Bank, Douglas Shackles, Investment Advisor Representative of Equity Services, Inc. Securities and Delila Forehand, Senior Loan Officer for the Housing Development Fund of Stamford, CT on Tuesday, March 20 at Butterfield 8 Lounge & Restaurant. The panel provided young professionals an in-depth view of financial milestones and planning for their future.

Terence Floyd and Delila Forehand spoke about the home buying process and programs available to assist first time home buyers including how long the process takes, what to expect and how to prepare. Floyd stated, “The process takes about 6-12 months from the time you prepare the work, get a lender, and find the right house and close. Be sure to have all your finances in order, know your credit score and credit history.” Forehand added, “HDF provides programs and will work with individuals throughout the entire home buying process.”

M.O.D. Success held a November Networking Happy Hour event at Black Bear, in Stamford, CT. We had a fantastic turnout with over thirty new and familiar faces. We enjoyed appetizers and drink specials while enjoying great conversation, new networking opportunities and relationship building.

There were a few new attendees who were very receptive and excited to hear about the
organization, what it has to offer to young professionals and what our plans are for the future. We learned that some of the new attendees have relocated to the Stamford area and MOD is exactly what they’ve been looking for.

Our recurring were excited to attend another event and inquired further about M.O.D. and why they should join and even purchased memberships. The organization also raffled off memberships to three of the attendees.

Currently, our limited time only, membership cost is forty five dollars for a full year of
membership which includes the following:

•Free access to all M.O.D. Success panel discussions, keynote sessions, and Happy Hours (Each event is $10 for non-members and space is limited; All must RSVP toattend).

• Gain valuable networking and leadership skills that will contribute to your personal development and professional success.

• Meet and interact with prominent business and philanthropic leaders in the community.

• Members will be able to join different committees – involvement allows each member to take leadership roles in the community.

• M.O.D. Success will honor one member each month on our newsletter as the “Young
Professional of the Month” – The individual will be selected based on the community and
involvement with the group, volunteer activities and professional accomplishments.

• Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities to participate

If you missed this event, sign up for our newsletter or Like us on Facebook so you don’t miss the next one! More pictures after the jump.