The recent article Keeping the Creativity Flowing from Advertising Age’s Small Agency Diary was a good reminder–especially for those of us that are plugged in to our email 24-7.

I’m actually in the “simmering” stage he mentions with a few projects: trying to step back from it, so I can return with a fresh eye. And I’ve always been a fan of detaching myself from phone/email a few times during the day–whether it’s taking a walk or catching up on design magazines.

Anyone have other ideas for keeping the creativity flowing?

1. Switch to CFL bulbs
2. Get a power strip
3. Use reusable cups and utensils
4. Think before you print (if you must print, utilize both sides of the paper)
5. Recycle or reuse packaging (boxes, bubble wrap, mailing envelopes, etc.)
6. Ask your company to recycle
7. Buy vintage or used office furniture
8. If you buy new, look for green materials
9. Buy air-clearing houseplants

Tried-and-true networking techniques used by members

• Look for a connection or way to establish a relationship with a new prospect
• Let people get to know you as a person
• Don’t be afraid to tell people you are looking for new projects or clients
• Follow-up as soon as possible after meeting a prospect: email, call, send an article
• Maintain existing relationships over time: lunch meetings, Twitter, regular emails or calls
• Find a group where you can be a regular, or the “go-to person”
• Approach networking as just a way to meet people or chat
• Be strategic: know who you want to talk to or meet
• Be curious: ask questions when meeting people
• Answer questions on LinkedIn
• Join LinkedIn groups

How to find networking groups

• Reach out to colleagues and/or people you know
• Look outside of your business interests
• Be open to new possibilities

Thanks, Rickey, for referring me to the CW-Network … The Chicago Women’s Network, http://www.cw-network.org/

I attended the CW-Network October meeting, and ran into Amy Zagroba (http://www.linkedin.com/in/amyzagroba), who I had met previously at a BNC (Business Network Chicago) gathering. After the CW-Network meeting, Amy sent me a helpful list of networking groups and resources, which I’m passing along here:

http://www.jacobsohn.com/Home.html - this is a great reference and resource site focused entirely on networking and is run by a friend of mine named Jason Jacobsohn. He has a blog that you can subscribe to (I do) that will give you constant tips and ideas.

http://www.cw-network.org/ - this is another free networking group that is geared towards women. They have monthly networking events - both men and women are welcome. You can sign up for their daily digest which is a great way to get advice, leads, help, etc.

http://www.bnchicago.org/ - this is an organization that was founded in 2001 and has grown to over 2000 members. They have events that are geared towards the entire group and then there are several smaller groups within that are focused on a particular industry (i.e. IT, Venture Capitalists, Sales and Marketing, Entrepreneurs, Healthcare, International, etc.). The smaller groups often hold luncheons and educational events each month as well. Every month there is an evening social networking event that I host - lots of fun!

www.networkingforacause.org - this is an organization founded by a friend of mine, supernode Mark Carter. Designed to help NPO’s create word of mouth marketing by connecting them with socially conscious young professionals. This is also a place for young professionals to learn more about the NPO’s and build business relationships. Mark is Chicago’s networking guru and has been hired by many companies and area professionals to teach networking. If you felt you wanted a networking coach I would be happy to put you in touch with him.

www.gogreenmanagement.com - great group spearheaded by Steve Green. Steve owns Go Green Management which is a marketing and promotions firm. He started holding eco-friendly “green” networking events that have a great turnout every time. His events are always great opportunities to get to know many of the businesses he is working with - you can also contact him about using one of his events as a chance to showcase your business.

www.execulife.com - this is a fairly new group but their events are great. Usually about 150-200 people. Great atmosphere, lots of professionals, fun environment. Definitely worth it!

www.networkingmonkey.com - this is a fairly new site that just launched that focuses solely on networking events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Great for finding some not so traditional networking events/opportunities as well as seminars.

www.speednetworking.com - this is run by master networker Michael Slater and is truly a revolutionary way of networking. Formatted like speed-dating you have the opportunity to have timed, purposeful meetings with people based on the criteria you give in advance of the event. Think speed dating but for business people who want to partner, learn, buy, sell and mingle. You really leave feeling like you have done some solid professional networking.

www.windycitysocial.com - run by networking whirlwind Hope Bertram this is a unique networking group in that Hope holds both professional and personal networking events. It allows you opportunities to connect on whatever level you are looking for whether it be social, intellectual, or professional. She hosts events that are aimed at being truly diverse, different and lots of fun. This is perfect if you are looking to connect with people for many different reasons.

Amy also suggested joining the LinkedIn Chicago group, as they also have a daily email digest along with monthly networking events. Another great resource.

And, she mentioned a really good book on networking that was also recommended to me, which I have read, called “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi. The book gives a lot of tools and advice on building your network.

Amy also recommends reading anything by Tim Sanders - his books focus on self-improvement to build your business and your network. “The Likeability Factor” is very good with lots of exercises to help you improve - it can prove very helpful if you are new to networking.

I’m speaking both literally and figuratively, friends. It’s been two and a half weeks since I shattered my wrist and I’m finally starting to get back to work, albeit hampered by my broken wing.

So what do you recommend as my first steps to ensure the most productive use of my time? What do you tackle first after a long vacation or other kind of work break? I’m eager for your advice.  And I’m sure your ideas will help ALL our members.