Get Ahead: Walk - Don't Run - To Your Next Business Opportunity

Published: Jul 2, 2007

STROLL to success

The Get Ahead crew could stand to lose a pound or two. OK, more. Of course, as model Americans, we're blaming everyone but ourselves. So far, our list of culprits includes (a) the people who keep stocking the vending machines in our office with Oreo cookies; (b) whoever invented the McGriddle sandwich; and, (c) the entire Krispy Kreme organization.

Fortunately, the folks at Giovane Clinic and Tampa Bay Health and Fitness are providing business-minded folks a chance to burn off a few calories while networking and making new contacts. The organizations host a free walk Saturday mornings along the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Hillsborough County.

The walk is a healthy alternative to networking meetings held over lunches, dinners or drinks, said Mark Young, general manager of Tampa Bay Health and Fitness.

The walking group meets at 7 a.m. Saturdays at the Circuit City parking lot on Gunn Highway near the Veterans Expressway. The walk is free, and pets and children are welcome.

PLAN for disaster

We're not going to give you a good reason to go to the USF Small Business Development Center's Disaster Planning Workshop on Friday, July 13, in Tampa.

We're going to give you six good reasons: Andrew, Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina.

The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m., and the program and materials are free. Go to sbdc.usf.edu or call (813) 905-5810 for information and reservations.

MAKE the most of your internship

The Get Ahead crew wishes it had these tips from MonsterTRAK when we were a summer interns eons ago at the Slate Rock and Gravel Co:

•Say yes: Don't turn down a task, even if it seems trivial.

•Show up on time: It's not about punching the clock; it's about being professional.

•Take initiative: You're not in a classroom. Don't wait for projects to be assigned to you.

•Speak up: No, you don't have as much experience as your co-workers but, yes, your suggestions do have merit.

•Be visible: Meet as many people as you can, and participate in industry events.

MonsterTRAK is Monster's service for college students and young job seekers. Go to Monster.com for more intern resources.

SHARE your thoughts

What's the worst thing that ever happened to you on an internship? What is the best thing? Share your experiences in the Business & Finance forum at TBOforums.com.