Session 4A - Savvy Socializing: How to Advance Your Institution

and Yourself

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Description: As Donor Relations professionals we are often challenged with the practical side of socializing.  Not only are we meeting total strangers for personal conversations about their alma maters or institutions, but we are also required to mix and mingle at large social events and professional conferences (sometimes while planning and executing them!) with the ease of seasoned veterans.  This program is targeted at specific areas that are often stumbling blocks for people: entering and leaving conversations, facile introductions, what to talk about, how to effectively work a room, how to segue to new topics smoothly, how to initiate and build a valued relationship with constituents.

Sector: Higher Education
Expertise Level: Newcomer (0-2 years), Midlevel (2-5 years)
Shop Size: Suitable for any size shop
Subject Focus: Professional Development

Speaker Bio: Merrilyn Lewis

Merrilyn Lewis is a born teacher, and after working in schools, she had a successful career training would-be celebrity chefs in media and presentation skills. Merrilyn's third career has been at Smith College, where she engages donors every day using Savvy Socializing. Merrilyn mentors students and colleagues as they develop presentation skills, and teaches Savvy Socializing to college, high school, and middle school students regularly.