The Adrian Noon Rotary Club hosted the 4th annual Art of Mingling event following their regular meeting on Thursday, February 22nd. Melissa Growden, Director of Career Services at Siena Heights University took time during the regular meeting to brief those of us who were staying around to help out as “Table Hosts”. Melissa also led and presented the formal program in the larger dining room at the Country Club to approximately 40 students representing Siena Heights as well as students from both the LISD and Lenawee Christian. Noon Rotarian, John Bartoszewicz, Director of the Adrian Chamber was emcee of the event. Sharing the podium with Melissa was SHU senior from Romeo, MI Kevin Ketvitis and Michael Orlando, Dean of Students.

A fair amount of time was spent discussing the “30 second Commercial” and its importance. The students were asked to build their commercial by concentrating on where they wanted to go, not where they’d been; concentrate on skills, not job titles; use statistics; have a punch line and keep it to about 30 seconds.

The commercials would prove important to them when they would be expected to introduce themselves at meetings they’d be attending. They were also trained on using “Informal Commercials” – oftentimes used in social settings such as trade shows, chance meetings, and where contact is one-on-one. Students also learned many critical business principles in addition to important networking skills which were reinforced throughout the presentation with role playing and written exercises.

Prior to the programs’ conclusion, students were given an opportunity to put the skills into action by “mingling” with others while practicing the interpersonal skills that were presented. Thanks, Melissa for an awesome program. We thoroughly enjoy helping you each and every year.