Make connections with speed networking

Doug Nelson is the metro D.C. director of client relations at Business Health Services (BHS), which provides “solutions for a healthier workplace.” Specializing in employee wellness initiatives and assistance programs, BHS gained national prominence following 9/11 with crisis intervention counselors who assisted in New York City and Washington, D.C.

“I joined the Chamber in fall 2008 when transitioning from a clinical role at BHS to business development.” Doug’s purpose was to meet business owners, CFOs and HR leaders who can utilize BHS products and connect with other professionals to network and grow their respective books of business. An active Chamber member, Doug often facilitates CAGLCC’s “Speed Networking.”. Recently, effective networking skills set in motion a string of referrals, leading to the purchase from the US Travel Association of a series of wellness seminars.

“The best decision in my career was pursuing my counseling degree,” Nelson said. ““My clinical background is greatly valued by clients.”. An Arlington, Va., resident, Nelson learned a valuable lesson as an athlete: to sustain his business ethics even when the competition is providing inaccurate data about BHS. Visit bhssolutions.com for more information.

Gregory Jones, 29, is a clinical psychologist with District Psychotherapy Associates. A Shaw/Logan resident, Jones holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Nova Southeastern University, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard University, where he pursued training in eating disorders and LGBTQ mental health.

“The hardest professional lesson I have learned is the art of self-care. If I am not taking care of myself, I do not have the strength to give,” Jones said. His how-to list includes healthy eating habits, exercise, spending quality time with friends and soon-to-be husband Jonathan Howard. To keep a competitive edge, Jones is contnuously constantly engaged in continuing education. In the upcoming months he plans to start a gay men’s group therapy service.

A new CAGLCC member, Jones joined as a Business Member, a category that includes a listing in the business directory, an online referral source. As a result, he is now working with a new patient. Visit districtpsychotherapy.com for more information.

“People are their own worst enemies,” says CAGLCC member attorney David Taylor of Right Size Law PLLC. Getting business, asking for business, going out and meeting people are not easy tasks. Taylor says that although he enjoys CAGLCC’s monthly Networking Thursdays, sometimes it is difficult to walk up to a new person and introduce yourself.

“If you don’t,” Taylor said, “you won’t get the work.”

CAGLCC member, Nancy Wigal of Search Engine Academy agrees. Wigal says she likes the structure of meeting many people without worrying about the awkwardness of getting out of a conversation, and the fact that everyone is there for the same reason: to network, find work, job opportunities, new clients and business.

In some ways it is like speed dating — you have a few minutes with each person, and you find common ground where you can potentially partner. Plus you get each other’s business cards so you have the opportunity to connect afterwards.

“Because of the time limit, everyone puts forth their most compelling side,” says Wigal.

CAGLCC’s next Speed Networking event is July 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Beacon Hotel. Attendance is open to all. Register at caglcc.org.

CAGLCC member news
• Estate planning attorney J. Max Barger of Ackerman Legal PLLC (ackerman-legal.com), presented a continuing education program, “”Planning for Unmarried Couples”” to the McLean Estate Planning Council.
• James Cummings,- architect, and Joe Kolb, -graphic designer, collaborated on a renovation project for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (jamescummingsaia.com).
• Are you the next LGBT Business Owner of the Year? NGLCC & Wells Fargo & Co. Ooffer $5,000 to winners of the LGBT Business Owner of the Year Award Are you the next LGBT Business Owner of the Year? (nglcc.org and wellsfargo.com).
• Enter to win the perfect business tool, an iPad, at caglcc.org.