Page 4 - Arkansas Career Network August 2016

4M ARKANSAS CAREER NETWORK SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
As the largest broadline food and food-related product distributor in Arkansas, Performance Foodservice — Little Rock is ready to offer careers statewide, including Class A CDL drivers (home every night), warehouse special- ists, commissioned sales professionals and administrative associates. If you have a passion for food, a dedication to service and a desire for a commit- ment to the community, Performance Foodservice is looking for you.
At Performance Foodservice — Little Rock, the foundation of success lies in the diversity of the company’s as- sociates. Each of its associates brings his or her individuality and ideas in- to the organization to help create a meaningful and inclusive work- space. Performance Foodservice — Little Rock won the 2012 Large Cor- poration Philanthropic Award, based on the company’s community involvement and contributions.
As a national organization, Performance Foodservice delivers products to more
than 85,000 customer locations on a daily basis and focuses on serving peo- ple on the front lines of food service. Performance Foodservice not only deliv- ers its products, but works with its cus- tomers to create value-added relation- ships, becoming their trusted adviser.
For more information about Perfor- mance Foodservice opportunities, visit pfgc.com.
Networking is often seen as a means to further one’s career, but developing a group of professional contacts can also be a great way for professionals to stay abreast of the trends in their particular fields. Networking can also benefit small businesses as they look to connect with vendors that can help owners grow their businesses.
A strong professional network is not built overnight, and many professionals spend years nurturing relationships with people in their networks. Individuals and business owners can take several approaches when building professional networks they will rely on for years to come.
• Ask around. Some individuals may hesitate to seek networking advice out of fear of appearing opportunistic. But successful professionals understand the need to network, so your colleagues will likely be glad to offer referrals if they’re in a position to do so. When receiving a referral, ask if you can use the person’s name, which
should help you establish a connection during the introductory process. Resist the idea that using a colleague’s name when meeting a professional you hope to work with is something sinister, as the name will only help you with the introduction. Once the introduction has been made, it’s up to you to do the rest.
• Get active in your industry. Referrals are not the only way to develop professional contacts. Being active in your industry by joining professional organizations and attending seminars and other industry events is a great way to expand your network. Volunteer to work with professional organizations when possible or offer to host information sessions or educational workshops at your business.
• Reconnect with your college or university. Another great way to build a professional network is to reconnect with your college or university. When meeting people affiliated with your alma mater, the