I just finished up the bulk of the heavy lifting on a site for the Young Professionals of Central Virginia. In addition to working with YPCV on the site, I’ve been getting more involved with their “Connect” initiatives as a way to get others 20-30 somethings informed about what’s happening and getting us all linked together. I think this organization is more than overdue for this area and I’m thrilled that Region 2000 and The Regional Chamber of Commerce have been behind the scenes putting this group together.

Take a look at the website by clicking here.

Join us Thursday at Macchu Picchu Peruvian restaurant for August’s 5:35 event. It’s going to be a great time and I expect a BIG crowd. Door prizes abound… email your RSVP to events@ypcentralva.org

Today at lunch kicked off Marcus Buckingham’s first of six conference calls that give an in depth view on his most recent book, Go! Put Your Strengths To Work. I’ve been a fan of his previous books (First, Break All The Rules, Now, Discover Your Strengths) and I think that his work as a pollster with the Gallup Organization is incredible. It has shaped my thinking on getting people plugged in and creating complex networks in organizations.

If you’ve ever been or seen someone who is working from their current strengths, it’s an incredible thing. From a business perspective or an human resources account this is a crucial piece to seeing your business succeed. When your subordinates/colleagues are working from their strengths the satisfaction in their own lives goes up and thus the overall health/morale of an organization skyrockets.

This is a great idea to round the edges or to personalize the information. Buckingham is a super threat in the book writing world because he can convey a point effectively. So many times when I hear an author talk about their recent effort they drone on about their book or worse read directly from the text.

I don’t think it would be appropriate to tell you the main points from todays call because you’re smart and if you’re interested in this topic, you would want it from the source. Fortunately Buckingham is archiving the calls and they are available for download. Get them here.

The strengths issue is so big to impacting business culture in your organization whether your working in a giant conglomerate or in a small non-profit. Also a few recommendations of authors who are worth checking out on their book tour, books on tape or DVD trainings. Authors like Jackie Frieberg (Guts, Nuts), Tim Sanders (The Likeability Factor, Love is the Killer App), Mike Garrison (Truth or Delusion), and Patrick Lencioni (The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Death By Meeting) are worth your time in helping your businesses development.

There is still room for you on the conference call and it’s absolutely free. Sign up here.

(Disclaimer: The picture above is a remnant from last years Mustache May, which is strongly being debated for this year. Please sound off on your take on mustaches in the comment area. Based on your response will be whether it’s a go or not. I can trust you, you’re nice. If you’re interested in seeing the rest of the photos from last May’s facial hair debacle just click here.)

This afternoon I had the pleasure of joining the Young Professionals of Central Virginia for their monthly meeting. This is a group that I’ve been a part of (ie. Attended events) for the past several months.. actually maybe a year. Well, the moved their meeting time to accommodate those of us who couldn’t join an 8AM meeting due to a conflict. So… today was the day, and I was really looking forward to it - to roll up my sleeves and help give life to this bunch. What really attracted me was the term “young” (on the fence if I qualify anymore) and “professional” (which also up for debate) plus the fact that many “professional” things involve a lot of stuffy highbrow bull crud and I figured that the Young part (read immature) would over rule all of that.

Todays meeting was great because there is a ton I found out that is going on in the next month and I thought you may want to know about it. I thought that because I know my readers are A.) Young and professional and B.) Like to do fun things. So with that here’s what I’ve learned:

3/15 - Connection Trade Show - The single largest networking and business option in Central Virginia. This year to be hosted at Liberty University (that means no drinks, people) As part of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce this is a great day of getting to know business professionals and seeing who’s new on the block. More info Here.

3/15 - 5:35 - A Young Professionals of Central Virginia Original - This months 5:35 meets at Buffalo Wild Wings to catch all the March Madness.

3/28 - Big G Conference with Rebecca Ryan - 11:30-1 at the Kirkley Hotel - I’m told that this conference focuses on the generational gap and breaks down the needs and expectations of each generation (including the Young professionals - who would’ve thought) “Rebecca was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship” - so that’s ok… I mean if you’re into that kinda thing. Sign Up Here

3/30 - March Business Luncheon - Held this month at Randolph-Macon Womens College. This months topis will be on finacial planning with guest speaker Christine Smith of Beacon Financial. Cost is $15 Sign Up here.

5/23 - United Way Day of Caring - A super cool time to grab a few friends and volunteer in the community, with projects ranging from painting and clean up to reading (except for me.. that illiteracy thing. Irony anyone?)

So that’s what I’ve got on being professional, young and located in Central Virginia. I’ll be at most of these events in the next few weeks so for my internet stalking friends you know where to find me, the flip side of that is if you’re a decent internet stalker… you already know that.

PS. I got to finish the evening by putting together a lego behemouth with my young cousin. We jammed to Creedence because you’ve got to start musical proficiency at a young age.

On the most recent episode of the Biz Ops podcast Tim Grahl and I discuss several keys to put into action at the end of the year to bring your business in the best position possible as we look to 2007.

Download the Podcast here.