Women’s Networking News — Coffee Talk The Art of Career Development…and more

by Nina A. Koziol

Put yourself out there and network. It’s great for career-building, instills confidence and helps polish your communication skills. Because it’s not just who you know but who knows you.

Networking comes easy for some, but not everyone. “When I started in the industry I thought that by networking you go to an event and you talk about what you can offer and what others can offer you,” said Tina Shaw of The Integra Group, Inc. She didn’t feel confident at those events, but that changed a decade ago when she became active with ILCA’s Women’s Networking Group (WNG).

In June, Shaw led the monthly WNG “Coffee Talk” at Lurvey’s Greenhouse in Des Plaines. These monthly informal meetings provide a chance for attendees to share ideas and solutions and expand their connections. “All these years of networking has made it easier when I need something to reach out and make a call.” When she lost her job, her network became an essential tool.

The group discussed effective ways to deal with co-workers who simply don’t get along and are disruptive to their teams as well as how to handle problematic clients who may not be a good fit. After the meeting, Cheryl Coyne of Lurvey’s gave a guided tour of the retail center and nursery. And who doesn’t enjoy looking at handsome plants?

Expanding Statewide Opportunities

The first Coffee Talk in downstate Illinois was held in Belleville in June. (For the geographically challenged like me, Belleville is 290 miles south of Chicago and near St. Louis.)

“Our main objective was to learn more about the attendees and what made them accept our invitation for this type of gathering,” said Kellie Schmidt, ILCA’s statewide director of development. “We had attendees from Illinois and Missouri—the St. Louis side with one supplier even traveling from Hannibal, Missouri, to join us. It was a nice mix of women from landscape contractors and suppliers.” Over half (continued on page 50)