Cloture Girl: Networking & Budgeting in DC

Thanks for everyone’s email questions. This week we’re taking a look at Networking, Budgeting in DC and things to do during August.

Dear Cloture Girl,

I am new to the DC area and am looking for various ways to meet new and influential professional individuals which may be able to assist in my future endeavors.

- Networking Newbie

Cloture Girl

Dear Networking Newbie,

You are not alone. There is a continuous stream of people who are new in town trying to network and meet new people. Here are a few tips that will help get you on the right track:

- Use Social Media to Your Advantage: We live in an ever increasing wired world and the possibilities are endless. You can find jobs on Twitter or follow groups on Facebook and Linkedin. We Love DC is a good resource for all things DC and of course you can always head over to Cloture Club for our weekly listing of events around the city.

- Get Involved with Networking Groups: There are a million different opportunities for networking in this city and networking groups are a great start. A couple of my favorites are Ladies DC and the Women’s Congressional Staff Association.

When I first moved to DC a friend of mine suggested Ladies DC as a resource for housing opportunities, but it’s so much more! Ladies DC is a women’s professional networking group that helps women advance personally and professionally through a motto of “Women Helping Women.” The group has expanded to New York, Texas and California and connects women through information sharing and monthly events – dinners, brunches, charity events, panels, speaker events, etc. Women from all over DC are included – on the Hill, those who work for non-profit organizations and in the private sector so there are a variety of women to connect with. I actually found my apartment through the group. If you’re a woman living in DC, and you aren’t already, join this group! A bonus: it’s free to join.

The Congressional Women’s Staff Association is a great opportunity for those who work in the House or in the Senate. It’s an official, bipartisan congressional staff organization dedicated to promoting career development and mentoring opportunities for female congressional staffers.  I was a participant of the annual leadership conference a couple of weeks ago and it was fabulous! Panelists discussed negotiation outcomes, women in the press and finding your leadership niche. We also had the opportunity to have “speed mentoring” chats with successful women from on and off the Hill to discuss their tips on making it in the city. There is a membership cost for those who join, but it’s definitely worth the investment. They also have a great list of professional resources to check out.

Other groups to look into: the State Societies for your home state, political minded groups like Network for Progress (To be non-partisan, there is also First Fridays, the Conservative happy hour)or DC Career Progress, and the Washington Post has a list of good groups as well.

Remember! It’s All About Attitude, And Your Business Cards: Sometimes, the easiest way to get into those exclusive events is a flash of your business card. So always carry them with you. If you’re not on the list just walk with purpose, flash that card, and a big smile, and you can usually get into any event you want. Now, I’m not condoning a Salahi-esque State Dinner crash. But if there’s event that’s RSVP required, just try it. The worst thing you’ll get is a no. At best, you’ll get in and will be able to schmooze your little heart out.

Dear Cloture Girl,

Negotiations about our national debt have me thinking about my own budget, especially living in DC, a very expensive city. Any tips on budgeting in DC?

- Budget-less

Dear Budget-less,

I am also terrible with my personal budget. The first time I created a personal budget was when I moved here. With the high cost of living in this city, I’ve learned the importance of making a budget. Lots of banks now have a way to create your own budget on their online banking sites. Once you opt-in to the online system, it keeps track of your monthly spending and allows you to modify your budget based on your averages in categories like restaurants, rent/mortgage, and department stores. This has become my best friend – especially with the endless supply of brunches, happy hours, and late night dinners. The biggest key to any budget though is sticking to it – if you plan on spending no more than $100 on eating out, you have to stick to that.

Dear Cloture Girl,

It’s August and it’s not only hot, but all of my colleagues and friends are traveling on business back in their state, or are taking time off. I feel like its summertime and all my friends are at summer camp. Help.

- Lonely Girl  

Dear Lonely Girl,

I understand completely. My office seems like a ghost town. You can do a few things. One, go to work, then go home, eat leftover mac ‘n cheese by yourself, then go to sleep and repeat. Or you can get out there to keep yourself busy. Go to a networking event or happy hour – re-read my response to Networking Newbie – or join a gym. Take a salsa class or art class. This is Washington, D.C. and the possibilities are endless! Just don’t be afraid to get out there by yourself. You’ll have fun, will learn new things, will meet new people or will be able to show off your new salsa dancing skills when your friends do come back to town. Check out Living Social and Groupon for the latest deals and specials in the area – so you’re also working on saving some of your hard earned cash.

xoxo CG

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