Expand Your Circle

Professional group shows Dallas women how to network like a boss

Think of networking as connecting with like-minded people.

Photo courtesy of Boss Women

Networking is a necessary evil — we all have to do it, and we all wonder if we're doing it correctly. Those who've mastered the art of small talk and self promotion have been able to boost their own professional development through the connections of others.

Turns out, it's all about changing your mindset and approaching networking in a new way. Here are some tips courtesy of Verizon and the Dallas-based professional group Boss Women to help make sure you don't lose out on any opportunities.

Put your best foot forward
When you feel your best, other people take notice. No matter how big or small you are in your career, if you continue to engage and ensure that your strategy is to always make a lasting impression, you will see that people will be more inclined to establish a deeper connection with you. Confidence is contagious, and while it may seem simple, a smile goes a long way.

Nail your elevator pitch
Make it concise and straight to the point. No beating around the bush and no overtly selling yourself.

Engage, but don't be an attention seeker
It's easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn't stop rambling about themselves — don't be that person.

Leave them wanting more
This is why it's important to nail down your elevator pitch and keep it short, clear, and concise. Give people the basics of your story, but leave them wanting more so they are inclined to email, call, or text to get to know you better.

Trade contact information
A good rule of thumb is to make sure you're getting back as many business cards as you hand out. You should always have a stellar set of business cards ready, but really — who keeps up with cards? Instead, use your smartphone to organize the new contacts you make by snapping pics of the cards.

Follow up
Jot down some notes about the person you just met, including one key point from your conversation. It doesn't have to be business-related — just anything to help you remember them when you follow up a day or two later.

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Politics News

Dallas narrows down field for new city manager to 4 candidates

Photo by R K on Unsplash

This is an Dallasite's sign to launch that small business they've been dreaming of.

After six months without a city manager, the city of Dallas has narrowed down the field of replacements to four semifinalists including one serving as current interim city manager, plus candidates from Fort Worth, Michigan, and Georgia.

Dallas has been without a city manager since May, when previous city manager T.C. Broadnax left to take a job with the city of Austin. Since that time, Broadnax's former chief of staff Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has served as interim city manager.

The city retained Baker Tilly, a consulting firm, to recruit and compile candidates. (Baker Tilly famously erred in the brochure it created for the position by featuring a photo of the Houston skyline instead of Dallas; they've since replaced it with Dallas.)

A spokesperson for Baker Tilly did not respond to inquiries but according to D Magazine, an email listing the candidates has been sent to the Dallas City Council.

The semifinalists include:

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas’ current interim city manager
William Johnson, an assistant city manager in Fort Worth
Mark Washington, the city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Zachary Williams, a county chief operating officer in Georgia

All have more than 25 years' of public administration experience and have worked in similar capacities in their respective cities.

Before working in Fort Worth, Johnson was Baltimore’s transportation director and Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer and public works commissioner.

Washington worked in Fort Worth and Austin before becoming Grand Rapids’ city manager.

Williams has mostly worked in Georgia at the county level, including serving as county manager in Fulton County and chief operating officer in DeKalb County.

Tolbert began working for the city in 1998, first as the city manager’s assistant and later in the aviation department. Broadnax hired her as his chief of staff in 2017.

Unlike the Mayor and the Dallas City Council, the city manager position in Dallas is not elected but is instead appointed by the city council, and is tasked with executing policies, overseeing the annual budget, and managing staff at city hall.

The council’s Ad Hoc Committee will choose finalists, introduce them to the public, and make an offer in early 2025.

politics