In this month’s soapbox, we have a session on networking conducted by Miss Vanessa Tan, a finalist in Singapore Universe 2006.

Date: 15 October 2011
Time: 3pm
Venue: NUSS Guildhouse Suntec City
Fee: Free for members and one guest. Additional guests will be at $5/person.

Please register using the form at the end of this page.

You have probably been to one of those networking sessions where the people are not genuine and are only interested in pushing their products and services to you. The truth is that people can sense insincerity faster than a forced smile. At the end of the day, the likely scenario is that your namecard will be bundled together with an elastic band and stored in a drawer where it will never see daylight again. Are you letting this happen in your networking efforts? Don’t fall into the trap of networking failure typical of a novice networker. Get networking tips from Vanessa Tan, the founder of Vanessaism Inc and the newly crowned Mrs. Singapore World 2011, and learn the secret of how she networked her way to success both in her business and personal relationships.

Objectives

In this hands-on workshop, you will find learn 5 lessons from the former President of the United States, Mr. Bill Clinton and how he networked his way to success. You will find answers by learning the art of networking, business or otherwise! Be prepared to get your hands dirty and practice how to network your way to a dream job, a double promotion or even a brand-new business!

You will practice how to:

- Create a positive and memorable first impression with anyone you meet;
- Increase your likeability factor which will lead to more personal & business opportunities;
- Network with busy professionals and get into their inner circle;
- Connect with strangers and leave them wanting more of you;
- Make small talk that leads to meaningful personal or business relationships; and
- Build a network of fans who loves you and will go the extra mile to help you succeed!

Vanessa Tan is best person to consult if you want to wow your business contacts with more confidence and charisma. Founder of Vanessaism Inc. and the Master Trainer of her signature series of programmes – Be The Right You™, she delights the people she meets with her contagious charisma and authentic personality.

A successful businesswoman and a professional networker, she has demonstrated wonderful networking skills that has also helped her win several titles in the pageant industry including: Mrs. Singapore World 2011, Miss Tourism Metropolitan 2007 and as a finalist of Miss Singapore Universe 2006.

Registration is now closed.

Mensa Singapore has been actively involved in reaching out to the those in need through numerous collaborations with organizations like North Light School, YMCA etc. To extend our effort in helping those in need, Mensa Singapore is planning to work with CARE Singapore, where our members volunteer their time on mentoring the students at CARE’s centre.

We have invited Mona Thyagarajan, Manager of Community Relations at CARE Singapore to speak at the upcoming soapbox on CARE’s programmes and how Mensa members like yourself could volunteer your time to steer the at-risk youths to the right direction. Come, learn more about CARE and how you could impact the lives of these youths.

Date: 17 September 2011
Time: 3pm
Venue: NUSS Guildhouse Suntec City
Fee: Free for members & friends (unlimited)
* Refreshments (coffee/tea/water) and chicken wings will be served.

About Care Singapore

Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association (CARE Singapore) is a registered charity dedicated to helping at-risk youths. Initiated in 1997 by a group of concerned professionals, CARE is built on the premise that “It is far easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. CARE is also an NCSS-appointed Centre of Specialisation for Youth Empowerment. Besides recognition of our expertise and experience, we are tasked with developing service quality and standards for youth work practitioners working with at-risk youths in Singapore.

CARE’s approach is upstream preventive and works with schools to reach out to youths at risk of academic failure, who display behaviour problems, emotional maladjustment, suicidal tendencies and juvenile delinquency. We re-direct young people from destructive choices and lifestyles by motivating, training and providing them with necessary life skills. Our speciality is in helping challenging youths turn their lives around.

All children can succeed, and by being there for those who need a little more support, we help them create a future with hope.

CARE’s Vision: to raise RIPE young people who are:

Resilient: Will thrive despite setbacks or disadvantages
Involved: Will give back and contribute to the community
Purposeful: With a sense of direction and hope
Empowered: With life skills to turn dreams to reality

Registration is now closed.

National Day Tea 2011. Come and join Mensa Singapore to celebrate Singapore’s 46th birthday. There will be sumptuous food and joyous games awaiting you. Have fun and bring home sweet memories for the weekend.

Date: 20 Aug 2011 (Sat)
Time: 3pm
Venue: NUSS Guildhouse @ Suntec City (above Carrefour)
Activities: Food, Games and Mensa Certificates Presentations
Cost:
Free for Mensa Member & $8 for Guests (register by 17th August)
$2 for Mensa Member & $10 for Guest (walk-ins)

Registration is now closed.

Mr Tan Kin Lian was at our June Soapbox yesterday to give a talk on financial planning. The turnout for the event was almost a full house with more than thirty people attending.

One reason could be due to the topic he was covering and his credentials in that subject matter. It had been a while since we have invited an ex-CEO of a prominent organization to give a talk.

Another reason could be due to Mr Tan’s decision to stand for the Presidential Election. We did not actually planned for that as we had invited Mr Tan a couple of months back, before he had announced his intention to contest the elections. Regular visitors to Mr Tan Kin Lian’s blog will be familiar with some of the subject matter that he covered.

One thing that he felt strongly against was investing in unregulated investments like land banking and wine.

The average consumer will have little or no recourse should something bad happen. MAS will refer you to the police (CAD) as the products do not fall under their regulatory purview. CAD will refer you to a private lawyer as they will deem it as a private investment. And the high legal fees will usually make it unfeasible for most investors to pursue further action.

There’s one other party he didn’t mention which you might be referred to – CASE. Not that it makes a difference anyway as they will also turn you away because they do not deal with investment products.

Another thing that I agreed with was his view on property. High property prices lead to high rentals and inevitably, a higher cost of living. As an example, a hawker at his office premise was paying rental of $6000 and had no choice but to charge $6 for a plate of lunch.

So higher property prices might not necessarily benefit you if you had only one property.

During the talk, Mr Tan also gave everyone present a copy of his Shape Quiz and explained the reasons he was running for Presidency.

Note: This is an extract of the review. The full version of this article can be found in the MeNews for July 2011.

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Chong Su Lee is a trained Chemist who has more than 20 years experience in the Specialty Chemicals industries ranging from Coatings, Home & Personal Care to Food, holding senior corporate positions. She is now a Nutrition Coach whose passion is to transform lives through the right nutrition.

Date: 16 July 2011
Time: 3pm
Venue: NUSS Guildhouse Suntec City
Fee: Free for members, $5 for non-members