a monthly e-newsletter of the Young Professionals Network   |   JULY 2011

WEBSITE REVIEW LinkedIn: Are you really LinkedIn? LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 100 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. Many of us have dabbled in social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. As young professionals, LinkedIn should also be added to our arsenal of networking sites. But how well versed are you at LinkedIn? Here are just a few quick reference points to showcase what each section means: HOMEPAGE: This is your professional dashboard that gives you the following: • News and updates from your connections, invitations to connect, and messages • Opportunity to share content and links to inform and update your networks • People You May Know • Profile Stats – shows who has viewed your profile   PROFILE: This is your first impression that showcases who you are • Represents your career accomplishments and opens the door to new opportunities • Helps control your professional identity online JOBS: Explore your career options by searching for jobs and post an opening • Search for open jobs by location, company, date posted and more • Post your job to receive applications from high-quality applicants • Upgrade to find your ideal job or talent for your open positions GROUPS: Engage with other professionals that have your same interests • Quickly discover the most popular discussions in your professional groups • Have an active part in determining the top discussions by liking and commenting • Follow the most influential people in your groups by checking the Top Influencers   board or clicking their profile image to see all their group activity • See both member-generated discussions and news in one setting • Easily browse previews of the last three comments in a discussion • Find interesting discussions by seeing who liked a discussion and how many   people commented “Online social networking may not always be separate from traditional networking since one so often leads to the other. A job seeker uses the Internet to track down former associates or acquaintances and then reaches out to them in person” –Carl McVey, Vice President of Career Management at Right Management   SUMMERTIME PARTY IDEAS Do you love entertaining for family and friends, or wish you could throw a party but not sure what you would do? This summer, enjoy the weather and have your party outdoors. Emilie Bay, event/wedding coordinator, shares some easy ideas that will make your party one to remember. 1. Guests enjoy being part of the party whether it’s bringing a dish or their favorite drink. Keep it interesting by choosing a type of food such as a Fiesta Party. The host can provide the meat and create a fajita bar and have guests bring the sides and toppings. If grilling out is not an option and you still want to have an outdoor party, pick an ethnic inspired cuisine. Tell your guests and have them bring a dish. 2. Keep conversations interesting by creating conversation cards! This is a great way for people to get to know one another and or find out new interesting facts! If you are hosting a potluck ask guests to create a few index cards or send you the recipes so you can create recipe cards for other guests to take! 3. Why go to the vineyard to have a wine tasting party! Bring the wine to you! Ask your friends to bring their favorite wine or beer and create a tasting station. The host can provide appetizers to enjoy! This is a cost effective way to enjoy your guests and keep it simple! 4. For a more intimate outdoor dinner party, create your own oasis. On your patio or in your yard create a dinner table for 5 to 20 guests. Create place settings with your own dinnerware or check out www.partycity.com for decorative paper ware. Use items in your house to decorate. Gather your unused vases, buy a couple bouquets of flowers and create your own center pieces. If you want smaller centerpieces take empty candle holders and use as a vase. Wine glasses can also make a great vase. Add candle light by using tiki torches and votive candles. 5. Theme parties can be fun! Remember its summer so keep it cool with themes such as Caribbean Nights, a White Party, 60’s Party and of course, a Beach Party!! Themes help determine food and how to decorate! 6. For great recipe ideas go to www.allrecipes.com. Pick the recipes that have many responses and it’s sure to be a hit! For party ideas and invitations, check out www.evite.com. 7. Outdoor parties are always fun! Make it more memorable by adding your own special touches and providing great food! It will leave your guests wanting more! Soon your house will be the location everyone wants to hang out! Just remember to relax, have fun, and do the dishes in the morning! For help planning your next event or wedding contact: Love Always Events Emilie Bay 812-459-9454 lovealwaysevents.webs.com     Upcoming Events   Executive Conversations Karen Barnett – Valley Screen Process Co. Thursday, July 21 | 4:00 p.m. Chamber Briefing Center Complimentary If you would like to be a part of this roundtable discussion, please RSVP to events@sjchamber.org by e-mail or call 574-400-4032. REGISTER   Culture Shock: South Bend Civic Theatre Performance of Hairspray Thursday, August 4 | 6:00 p.m. – Preshow Networking at the Vine 7:30 p.m. – Show Time (SB Civic Theatre) $14/person - Special YPN Rate For tickets and more information: COMMUNITY CENTER Urban Adventure Games - July 30 Volunteers are needed! Sign up to race or volunteer today: UrbanAdventureGames.com. Foodstock 2011 Saturday, July 30 | 5:30 p.m. Beutter Park, Mishawaka $10 plus bring non-perishable foods to donate For more information, please visit us facebook.com On the River Friday, August 5 | 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Teen Night Saturday, August 6 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Family Day 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – 21 + Beach Bash $5 to $15/person Visit, ontheriverfest.com Downtown South Bend First Fridays – Dog Days of Summer August 5 | 5:00pm Bring Fido to downtown South Bend for plenty of dog and family friendly activities. For a complete list of participating businesses and their specials during DTSB First Fridays, visit dtsbfirstfridays.com   Then & Now: A Downtown South Bend Architecture Walking Tour August 13 & 20 | 7:00 p.m. To reserve a spot on the free tour, call 574.282.1110.   Outdoor Movie on the Gridiron: Back To The Future August 13 | at dusk (approx. 9:00 pm) Bring your blankets and enjoy a free screening of this classic on the College Football Hall of Fame Gridiron field, courtesy of DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and Downtown South Bend, Inc.

Young Professionals Network
The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County
401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 310, South Bend, IN 46617