Fuse Blog

A Deer Caught in Headlights

Let's face it.  There is nothing natural or highly comfortable about walking into a room full of strangers and introducing yourself, exchanging business cards and promoting yourself or your business.  Networking does not come naturally to most everyone. 

For students, going to an event where they are expected to network can be a scary endeavor.  In the last few months I have coached some college students at networking events.  It's not too hard for me to find the ones who need a little help.  They are the people that look like a deer caught in headlights.

Here are some tips I share with them.  Whether you are a seasoned networker or a first timer, use these tips to guide you through your next event.

• Don't convince yourself that you are new to this or that you have never networked before.  Being in a club or sport, going out on a Saturday, doing group work in school, or even belonging to a church are all networking hot spots.  You just may not have known you were networking. 
• Keep in mind that at a networking event, everyone has the goal of meeting new people -you are not alone in your fear.  It is okay to walk up to two or three people that are already engaged in conversation and when you hear a pause, introduce yourself.  This is not interupting and it is in fact welcomed.
• Ask questions about the other person.  After one or two questions, the conversation will flow quickly.  Start with these; "Where do you work?" "How long have you worked there?" "Do you live in the area?"

Confidecne is important for making a good first impression and a deer caught in headlights does not send a message of confidence.  You may be nervous the first few events you go to and that is understandable.  Just remember, the more you network the easier it becomes. 

80's Child

I am a child of the 80s.  I was born in 81' and remember wanting to watch MTV more than playing outside.  I wore leggings -even in the summer.  I crimped my hair and Madonna was my idol.  Today, I have changed my wardrobe and hairstyle, but I still love to listen to 80s music, watch VH1 Classic and Madonna is still an idol of mine.  

If you love the 80s as much as I do, then you have got to make it to 80s night at Ace's on 29th on Saturday May 30th at 8pm.  See the attached flyer for more about the event.   

Read the full blog to download files

Open House Coming Up for the High Speed Rail Project

If you attended the Topics on Tap in February, you learned about the proposed high speed rail line from Duluth to the Twin Cities.  You also learned that there would be some upcoming public forums.  If you want to get more information and/or get involved check out this press release (thank you Jeff Anderson for passing this on to me so I can share it with Fuse!):

Contact:        Donna Lindberg, Mn/DOT Central Office,   651-366-4268

Mn/DOT seeks public input for freight/passenger rail, transit plans

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Members of the traveling public, transportation stakeholders, transit providers and local government officials are invited to provide input for development of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan and the draft Greater Minnesota Transit Plan at one of seven upcoming open houses statewide.

“We invite the public to attend one of these open houses and give us their ideas about rail and transit issues that affect their lives and businesses,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel.

Public input from these open houses will help Mn/DOT develop a vision for effective use of the state’s rail network and public transportation across Minnesota.

The 2009 Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will:
● Define public and private sector roles for use of rail in the state’s transportation system.
● Identify priority intercity and high-speed passenger rail corridors for travel within and beyond Minnesota.
● Enhance national and international freight access to markets, services and logistics.
● Develop measures and guidelines for public investments in rail assets and services.
●  Outline requirements for Minnesota’s participation in national rail initiatives, programs and resources.

The completed Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will be presented to the Minnesota Legislature in late 2009.

The 2009 Greater Minnesota Transit Plan, scheduled to be completed this spring, will:
●       Provide content and direction on public transit programs in Greater Minnesota.
●       Identify steps for preserving Minnesota’s investment in current public transit services.
●       Look for opportunities to enhance public mobility options.
●       Focus on services for the elderly, low income, disabled and commuters.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mn/DOT transit officials will answer questions and take input on the draft 2009 Greater Minnesota Transit Plan. The plan will be available at the open houses and will be on Mn/DOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/reports.html by April 13.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a brief presentation on the Freight and Passenger Rail Plan planning process. After the presentation, Mn/DOT officials and national rail consultants will be on hand to discuss current and future rail programs, answer questions and take input. For information about the 2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan, go to www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/.

To request these documents or information in an alternative format call 651-366-4718 or e-mail ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.

For more information about these open houses, call Mn/DOT’s Office of Transit at 651-366-4191.

2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan and Greater Minnesota Transit Plan  OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:

ST. CLOUD
Mn/DOT Office and Training Center
3725 - 12th St. N.
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Tuesday, April 21
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

ROCHESTER
Rochester Community/Technical College
Hines Center
1926 Collegeview Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Wednesday, April 22
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

DULUTH
Duluth Union Depot and Transportation Museum - Great Hall
506 W. Michigan St.
Duluth, MN 55802
Wednesday, April 29
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

ROSEVILLE       Mn/DOT Metro District Headquarters
1500 W. County Road B-2
Roseville, MN 55113
Thursday, April 30
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

RED WING
Red Wing Main Library
Foot Room
225 East Ave.
Red Wing, MN 55066
Wednesday, May 6
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

MANKATO
Best Western N. Mankato
1111 Range St.
Mankato, MN 56003
Wednesday, May 13
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

MOORHEAD
LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED
Thursday, May 14
4-5 p.m. Transit Plan
5-7 p.m. Rail Plan

(For more information about open houses, call Mn/DOT’s Office of Transit at 651/366-4191.)

To request an ASL interpreter at an open house, call 651-366-4720. To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718; the Minnesota Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711, or e-mail your request to ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.

New Fuse Duluth Desktop Design

Check out the new Fuse Duluth desktop now available for download. See attached for the new design. Add this to your computer to show your Fuse pride.  Another great idea… use it as your background on your Blackberry or iPhone.  Every few months a new design will be made available.  FYI: This and other Fuse Duluth desktop designs were created by Martin Sawinski of 3FIVE Designs, Inc.

Read the full blog to download files

10 Things to Do In Duluth for Under $10

Are you bored? Are you financially strapped? Are you new to the area or maybe a lifer and stuck in your ways? Check out my personal top 10 favorite things to do for under $10 in the Duluth area.