Testimonials

We can tout a great program but without concrete results, not much else matters. See what past participants of the Networking Naturally Program have to say about the value they received. As the saying goes, "the proof is in the pudding."

What Small Business Owners Are Saying

“I have enjoyed this seminar very much and received tremendous value. I'm implementing in an almost unconscious way what you have been teaching and delightful surprises are happening in my professional and personal life. My practice is picking up. I have reconnected with an old friend from 12 years ago and we are talking seriously about expanding our businesses in ways that include each other. Thank you!”

Joanna Poppink

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

www.eatingdisorderrecovery.com

"The Networking Naturally program started me thinking much more positively about networking. Shifting away from the "transaction" model allows me to feel successful even if I've just made a nice connection with someone, and nothing more. Being reminded that relationships develop over time and lead in unexpected directions takes the pressure off of having to or trying to make something happen."

Marie Carija
Owner, MAC Integral Design
www.macintegraldesign.com

"Before the Networking Naturally program came along, I thought networking skills were something you had to be born with. They didn't always come naturally to me, even though I am in the communications field. I was thrilled to learn that networking is something that can be learned and systematized. Once you harness the power of networking, it is extremely effective. Plus, it brings great people into your life!

Carol Ross has done everyone a huge service by preparing this program so thoughtfully. She did an outstanding job of breaking down and explaining each step of the process. The workbook materials were very helpful, as were the interactive elements of the program. I would recommend this to anyone in any industry. I'm happy to have Carol in my network!"

Lisa Jevens

Writing, Editing, and Marketing Communications

www.jevensinc.com

"I just wanted to thank you. I've had occasion to try some of your ideas over the last few weeks. Really a help. To my surprise, I have two new clients, who will possibly also become friends (I hope, I hope!), and the possibility of two additional. And it all feels natural."

Lynn Pearson
Lynn Pearson Graphic Art Services
www.pearsonandgraham.com

“I loved the Networking Naturally Program.  For a shy, new business owner, it was wonderful. Made me feel much more confident! Thanks, Carol!”

Amy Lemen

www.ALLInOneMarketingUSA.com

What Business Professionals Are Saying

“The Networking Naturally Program has shown me that networking is not "going into a room where I know no one to do nothing" but rather an opportunity--in any social or business gathering--to get to know people and have them get to know me.

A few weeks ago, I exercised my new networking skills on a train that was already late and promising to become even later. The man seated next to me said that he would be late for a medical tradeshow downtown, so I mentioned that I worked for the American Dental Association and asked if he had ever attended a dental tradeshow. He answered "no, but that is just the type of market that I would like to explore." We exchanged business cards and both discovered more about other businesses than we had known before.“

Margaret Ring Gillock
American Dental Association

“At first I was somewhat skeptical about signing up the Networking Naturally program, thinking that it might be a 101 introduction.  After attending the first session, I was relieved and excited.  The program intertwined fundamental networking principles with cow analogies, which made the learning memorable in addition to fun.  The time allotted for real life examples was very valuable.  I was able to relate to other participants’ experience as well as hear different perspectives about how to get back on track when things went astray.  I highly recommend this course to mid career professionals who are life time learners and who want a refresher course.” 

Bonnie H. Chan, CPA, CIA, CISA
Director of Finance, Sara Lee Corporation
MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
MPA, McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin

“I am extremely impressed with the Networking Naturally Program.  I have trouble starting conversations with people. Your program gave me the confidence to make the move and start networking with people.  In the past couple of weeks, I have put some of the Principles of Networking Naturally to work in two networking settings. I plan to use these Principles regularly to network in a variety of settings.”

Keith, Attorney, Chicago, IL

"The Networking Naturally Program was very well done.  I did try out the new techniques I've learned over the past few weeks, particularly at a career fair event last week. I found it enlightening to "listen" to the interviewers and to ask them questions about themselves, rather than just spewing all about myself.

I've also learned that networking can be as easy as breathing, I can do it wherever I am. If I find an event that I'm truly interested in attending, then I can try better to treat that as being natural as well because of my interest in whatever the subject matter is.

I feel more enlightened on this topic and not as fearful of networking as I was before. I feel that I'm armed with better tools that I can go out and use now. Thanks for offering the Networking Naturally Program!"

John Bartucci

Product Management Professional
Kellogg School of Management, Class of 1998
www.linkedin.com/in/jbartucci

"Thank you for the seminar. I was quite skeptical at the beginning, but
at the conclusion, surprised myself by my answers to the self-assessment. I was delighted to see there had been a shift in my opinions about networking."

Kimberly S. Owens
Associate General Counsel
TIAA-CREF

“Very insightful program!  Great tips you can implement as you progress in your career and social life. From a broad perspective, I learned a "strategy" of networking and gained confidence by realizing some of the challenges are common challenges for everyone. This course is really making a difference in people's lives!”

Sudip Bose, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Emergency Medicine Physician, Advocate Christ Medical Center
Associate Clinical Professor in Emergency Medicine
Former Major, US Army,  www.SudipBose.com

"The Networking Naturally Program has been a worthwhile experience.  Both seasoned and novice networkers will benefit from the 14 Networking Principles.  These principles provide a powerful framework for not only successful networking, but they can also be applied holistically in our roles as spouse, parent, friend, or colleague."

Don Nelson

“As a former school teacher turned lawyer, I have not yet figured out how to best utilize my skills and knowledge to work in a meaningful way in this second profession.  I realized that networking skills are a vital part of accomplishing this task, and that is what prompted me to sign up for the Networking Naturally Program.  I have not become a good networker yet, but I do feel that I learned some tools from the Program that will help me.  Thanks again!”

John Chadwick
Employment and Civil Rights Lawyer
La Grange Park, IL

“The Networking Naturally program addresses the challenges of networking on several fronts. First, what’s going on in our minds when we engage in networking. Secondly, by providing practical tools and practice that help build the confidence needed to network effectively. This program has allowed me to turn chance encounters into opportunities, as well as enriching my life through the new relationships and interesting people I have met. Networking is a permanent and valuable part of my life.”

Laura Drury
www.inspiredleadership.typepad.com
www.linkedin.com/in/lauradrury

"Prior to taking this course, I would not have described myself as someone who was afraid or shy about networking....just not terribly experienced or practiced at it.  Having recently left a job that I held for 24 years, I felt that I needed some help with making the most of my networking skills and learning to create opportunities for networking.

 
I got all that I hoped for and more with Networking Naturally!!  I learned that networking can be done at any time, in any place, with anyone....and that many people have remarkable stories about the wonderful things that can occur with good networking!!  I believe I've already had positive results, not only in my job search, but with personal relationships, which is an added bonus!
 
The best "kernel" I took away from Networking Naturally is to always remember, with any interaction, to approach it from the perspective of  "what can I do to help YOU?".  This perspective helps you to learn more about others and enriches every connection that takes place. VERY POWERFUL!!
 
I highly recommend Carol Ross and Networking Naturally!"'

Nancy Gallagher

Commercial Real Estate Professional

"As a professional career coach, helping people improve their networking skills is one of my central tasks – and one I thoroughly enjoy. In fact, I’m always learning about networking (both online and face-to-face) by reading and discussing it with colleagues. So, when I learned about the Networking Naturally Program, from Carol, I realized this would be an opportunity to learn from one of the best networkers and coaches I know!

What I most loved about this program is the emphasis on becoming more of a “natural” at networking by understanding and applying 14 principles in a way that works with your own personal style. As well, I love the fact that Carol and Ellen have provided ongoing resources and established a learning community – a key step in helping people with their ongoing development of this key set of skills for success at work and in life!

I’m glad this will be offered again! This is a program I highly recommend"

Walter Akana

Threshold Consulting

www.threshold-consulting.com

“Thank you both so much for the Networking Naturally Program! The discussions changed my attitude and I feel more comfortable now approaching people and continuing the conversation. I did not realize how much my perceptions have changed until after I had to complete the self-assessment. I feel confident recommending it to friends. Thank you!”

Vessi Kapoulian, International Finance, Los Angeles, CA

“The Networking Naturally Program delivers the "How To"s of networking in an up-to-date and easily recalled format.

The "cow" metaphor used by the Networking Naturally Program offers easy-to-remember, actionable guidelines for networking.  The Program speaks to the spectrum of personality types from extroverted sales folks to reclusive engineers.  Real-time coaching with participants offers reminders of how everyone can benefit from reviewing their networking habits. 

Professionally, I renewed my commitment to utilize networking skills as a regular part of my professional life, rather than just during a position search. 

Personally, I found it beneficial to remember that networking is a two-way street:  Listening and giving pave the way to successful networking. 

If you need a jumpstart to your networking efforts, the Networking Naturally Program is for you.”

Chris Rademacher
Strategy & Product Development Professional
www.LinkedIn.com/in/ChrisRademacher

"I enjoyed the Networking Naturally Program.  I picked-up several important tips that I have been using now that have helped me become much better at networking.  Doing more giving, reaching out, for example.  I even sent two articles to a contact at a major consumer food company, which seemed to help foster the relationship.  All good stuff.“

Lynne Nigro
Marketing Professional
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lnigro

“Before taking this class I thought networking was attending a one day event, or asking a friend if they’d heard anything about a job.  So I have learned a lot!  I’ve got lots of practice ahead of me.  Thanks to you, I will go forward not quite so blindly into the networking world.”

Julie Blanchet

“Networking Naturally provided the insight and direction I needed to realize that it's O.K. to talk to strangers in person and online.  I'm listening to the moos and following Carol's other principles, finding it easier to reach out to more people professionally, socially and purposefully.”

Bridget Wright
Director of Training
First National Bank of LaGrange (Illinois)

“All of the sessions were well-planned and included a very helpful study guide for each session.  The instructors were great about responding to questions received both during the session and those posted on the interactive web site.  The tools made available to participants are relevant and are something I intend to refer back to frequently as I continue to practice my networking.”

Krista, Northern Virginia

What Young Graduates Are Saying

“I've always thought of myself as a good networker, but it wasn't until I enrolled in the Networking Naturally Program that I was able to objectively evaluate how good of a networker I was. Through Carol and Ellen's lessons and coaching, I was able to go from being a good networker to a great networker. I now feel comfortable asking for help, connecting one contact to another, and most importantly, seeking out an opportunity to network whenever possible. I strongly recommend this program for people in any industry or profession who sincerely want to improve their networking skills.”

Gregory Lane
Student, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine