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Send 2-3 sentences to robbie @ robbiesamuels .com [remove spaces]
Testimonials:
My big take-away from Robbie's informative and interesting session is to go into networking situations with specific goals in mind. This will help me to prepare for the event, have a focus during, and also provides a means for assessing whether I was successful. Thank you, Robbie!!
I thought Robbie was extremely energetic and knowledgeable on the topic being presented. He made the material accessible for learning styles, which to me is a mark of good presenter. I am already using the tips that he shared with us in that session and sharing them with my students that I work with.
Robbie's Art of the Schmooze gave me tangible tips to take with me into any social setting. His advice on foot-placement, body language, and ways of starting and stopping a conversation have made me more confident while networking, and people I talk to seem to be more at ease in my presence. Schmoozing is certainly an artform, and I'm glad to have learned from a pro.
"The Art of the Schmooze" taught me valuable lessons about body language cues better ways to open the lines of communication with potential funders. As a result, I feel more confident and less awkward about navigating fundraising events.
Got some great tips in just a short while at the "Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking" workshop. I got back from the training and went right to work, using the tips I learned in our organization's phone-a-thon. I was able to be friendly and confident, unruffled by folks who said no, and was our top fundraiser!
Thank you very much for your presentation yesterday. Your positive approach to networking is really refreshing. I am a consummate networker and really enjoy being a connector when and where I can. Your presentation introduced me to new and creative aspects in networking that I look forward to trying out and sharing with my friends and classmates.
Write a testimonial and you will receive 25% off consulting or a training session. You may share this offer with a friend.
Email your testimonial
Send 2-3 sentences to robbie @ robbiesamuels .com [remove spaces]
Testimonials:
My big take-away from Robbie's informative and interesting session is to go into networking situations with specific goals in mind. This will help me to prepare for the event, have a focus during, and also provides a means for assessing whether I was successful. Thank you, Robbie!!
Lee Forest
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
I thought Robbie was extremely energetic and knowledgeable on the topic being presented. He made the material accessible for learning styles, which to me is a mark of good presenter. I am already using the tips that he shared with us in that session and sharing them with my students that I work with.
Cornell Woodson
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
Robbie's Art of the Schmooze gave me tangible tips to take with me into any social setting. His advice on foot-placement, body language, and ways of starting and stopping a conversation have made me more confident while networking, and people I talk to seem to be more at ease in my presence. Schmoozing is certainly an artform, and I'm glad to have learned from a pro.
Adam Jahr
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
"The Art of the Schmooze" taught me valuable lessons about body language cues better ways to open the lines of communication with potential funders. As a result, I feel more confident and less awkward about navigating fundraising events.
Melissa Moore, We Are Family Executive Director
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
Got some great tips in just a short while at the "Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking" workshop. I got back from the training and went right to work, using the tips I learned in our organization's phone-a-thon. I was able to be friendly and confident, unruffled by folks who said no, and was our top fundraiser!
Samuel Lurie, Outright Vermont Board Member
(1/12 Fundraising training at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
Thank you very much for your presentation yesterday. Your positive approach to networking is really refreshing. I am a consummate networker and really enjoy being a connector when and where I can. Your presentation introduced me to new and creative aspects in networking that I look forward to trying out and sharing with my friends and classmates.
Rebecca Darling
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Creating Change '12 in Baltimore)
Robbie’s skillshare the Art of the Schmooze was a brilliant event. Robbie shared the ABCs of how to network, why to network, and how to do it with grace and warmth. He gave me the tools to engage in a easy conversation, including techniques to manage awkward pauses, conversational boredom, handshakes and business card etiquette, to name a few. Robbie is a skilled presenter- in a short amount of time he packed in an immense amount of material with precision and clarity, including time for a practice session where the participants got to implement what they learned. I am so grateful for all of the tips that I learned from Robbie. I feel prepared and inspired to build a robust network and to be more proactive in social settings. Thanks Robbie!
Dawn R. Quirk
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Socializing for Justice)
What a pleasure to attend your seminar "The Art of the Schmooze" last night. I have been going to trainings and seminars for longer than you've been alive and your event was fantastic! You were smart, funny and you gave even an old timer/extrovert/happy-in-front-of-a-crowd attendee some great takeaways. You modeled what it's like for all kinds of people to interact in a networking or social situation. You were compassionate, yet uplifting and energetic with the introverts. I would highly recommend "The Art of the Schmooze" to anyone who meets new people in their lives on a regular basis, e.g. everyone.
Joanne Dougan
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Socializing for Justice)
I had fun at the training class. The class was a way to analyze ideas I had concerning what would be appropriate when meeting people. Putting into perspective the "Win Win" of moving onto the next person, should definitely take care of the guilt argument. The most important concept was in organizing yourself so that you are confident, when meeting new people. When you have a game plan, you are more likely to be prepared for any surprises....always have an out. By using these tools in meeting new people, there should be less conflict and more happiness. Learning to take charge of yourself and not leaving to much to chance builds confidence. There is always room for improvement and if not then the true constant of change is never too far away.
Anna Dubrowski
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Socializing for Justice)
I got some great insights and some new skills to practice to help me with my networking. Robbie's presentation was lively, engaging, informative and very applicable to a wide range of situations where people aim to connect with others. Highly Recommended!!!
D.J. Perez
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Socializing for Justice)
As a recent college grad, the process of networking can seem like a chore and more daunting than necessary. These were my reasons for attending a recent SoJust Skillshare on Networking. I expected to be lectured on basics of networking. This turned out to be completely untrue, as Robbie was hilarious, engaging, and informative for all levels. Overall, I had a great time and walked away feeling confident about future networking events.
Ashley Brown
(1/12 Art of the Schmooze at Socializing for Justice)
Robbie was informative, engaging and entertaining as he shared great ideas around fundraising, which is all about developing relationships and engaging people, something he is a master at. One cannot help but come away wanting to hear more, work directly with Robbie, and be as passionate and excited as he is.
Thank you Robbie for an inspiring, educational evening. Robbie designed a training called "Perfecting Your Pitch" for our Career Labs for Women in Theatre. This combined elements of "Art of the Schmooze" and "Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking" but he also did his research to make sure all of his examples were applicable to the theatre community and our particular challenges. He broke down the elements of networking, which can be hard to figure out on your own, into simple achievable steps. The participants raved about it, and I learned a lot as well!
The Art of Schmooze given by Robbie Samuels was a great presentation that I would highly recommend. I found Robbie very animated and enjoyed that he got the group involved during and after the presentation practicing the tips. I attended with one of my fellow classmates who was very nervous walking into the room but by the end of Robbie's presentation she was much more comfortable.
Rhode Island's grassroots conservationists were treated to Robbie's interactive, entertaining and USEFUL workshops at the 2011 Land & Water Conservation Summit. Robbie warmed up the group with "The Art of the Schmooze", sharing tips for how to meet (and even enjoy) people at those uncomfortable networking events. He then presented "Grassroots Fundraising", showing participants how to use their new relationships to build support for their organizations. I highly recommend these excellent workshops!!
I would recommend this training to anyone with any fear of interacting with others and networking! Robbie’s training is fun and funny, and gave me some great tips to use personally and professionally. I went into the session totally nervous, and sitting alone and I left with a hilarious and informative handout, a few pages of notes that were chock full of tricks and ideas and several new contacts and acquaintances. This is a must!
Thanks for a very fun, engaging and useful "Art of the Schmooze" workshop. As an experienced networker and trainer, it was a refreshing change for me to get tips to improve my skills. I plan to put the tips to work right away, especially noticing and adjusting my stance to be inviting to people joining the conversation and asking more questions of and about the people I am meeting. I recommend this training to anyone wanting to be more effective at making connections with new people.
As someone trying to break into the development field, Robbie's 'Art of the Schmooze' workshop gave me concrete tips on how to increase my effectiveness at reaching out to people. I immediately started consciously using the tactics that Robbie taught me.
I'm generally skeptical of networking events, but Robbie -- through his "Art of the Schmooze" training -- teaches strategies and techniques to build actual relationships from these types of events. His tips on how to have genuine and fruitful interactions are very helpful. And as an introvert, I appreciated his recognition of the different needs and concerns we have!
As an undergraduate at Boston University, I didn't know what I could get out of a presentation about schmoozing. Yet from the moment Robbie started presenting, I realized I was listening to someone who really gets people. His tips on how to connect with people in a room, including follow ups really hit home. I found myself nodding at a lot of things he suggested. I walked away feeling much more self-aware and comfortable in a crowd of strangers.
Since the first time I met Robbie and saw his networking skills in action I've thought 'I want to be more like Robbie.' When I saw that he was presenting a skillshare called The Art of the Schmooze I couldn't pass up the chance to learn from the master and I wasn't disappointed. Robbie's approach to making connections is just so very human. I've seen many presentations on networking and Robbie has an authentic, fresh approach. I took away several valuable reminders and some tips that I had never heard before.
I recently had the opportunity to hear Robbie speak at the Ethos Roundtable. He isn't just charismatic, he understands his content and he provides substantial and important information. Further, he clearly understands the big picture of how to organize for social justice, and how connecting people at a person level is crucial to the process. I went home and joined SoJust.org immediately!
My first time at Ethos Roundtable brought a delightful surprise. When inclement weather kept the scheduled speaker away, and the moderator, Deborah Elizabeth Finn saw Robbie Samuels of SoJust.org in the room, she invited him to speak on his fast growing social network. Robbie spoke with passion about Socializing for Justice, the social network of cross-issue progressives he and others are building in the greater Boston area. They “put the social back in social justice.”
Now a person can speak with obvious passion on a subject and still have you fighting sleep. This was the opposite experience. Robbie is a thoroughly witty speaker, and until he explained that his training was fundraising, I wondered if there wasn’t some standup comedy in his background somewhere. I didn’t ask, but I don’t think so, where would he have found the time? He seems to be involved in several projects at once, and I get the impression that this has always been the case. More importantly, to me in any case, he spoke cogently about the ideas that have inspired SoJust, like bringing people of separate causes together so that they could get to know one another, opening avenues for their disparate causes that previously may have been closed, while opening minds. OK, he expressed that last idea a great deal more clearly than I, so you’ll have to take the opportunity to see him for yourself if you want the full effect.
Another reason one has to hear Robbie is his extraordinary ability to take those big ideas and connections he has made and give solid examples that challenge the listener to think about those concepts in new ways. He speaks not just of sexism or racism, but of being mindful of differences and hidden power issues when we speak to others. Where others may have stopped after drawing attention to larger issues and connections; Robbie peppers his talk with thought provoking examples that surprise. Chatting after the talk, for instance, about power issues he said something like; when you are at a restaurant and you ask the waiter about his accent, you may want to remember that your tip is paying their wages; this may compel them to speak with you about it. One can argue that some folks like to talk about where they are from, as happened during the conversation. But anyone who has spent time waiting tables can tell you; those tips really are the wages, and the fact remains that the power relationship is real. A thoughtful person will want to keep this in mind. So, Robbie may be a witty and charming speaker, and completely entertaining, but what I found most compelling is his thoughtfulness. It permeates his entertaining talks, and seems to propel his work with SoJust. I’ll have to go to one of these events to get the full effect of the network, and you should, too. But don’t expect to hear him speak there; most events are just for socializing.
I attended Robbie's Art of the Schmooze workshop and both enjoyed it and learned some great tips. If you've met Robbie, it won't surprise you to know that he's extremely charismatic, personable and a great speaker. More than that, however, he knows his subject. As an experienced networker himself, Robbie explains some of the more difficult steps including how to follow up, how to enter conversations and, even more difficult, how to gracefully exit conversations. I wholeheartedly recommend Robbie's workshop.
Robbie is engaging, entertaining, and insightful. His Art of the Schmooze workshop was highly interactive and informative. The best part is that Robbie is committed not to 'networking', but to building a community and a movement. I highly recommend his training.
It was a great pleasure to work with Robbie Samuels to offer Art of the Schmooze at the NonProfit Center in Boston. Robbie was knowledgeable, dynamic and highly encouraging for participants at all levels of networking skill. Robbie also designed terrific opportunities for participants to connect and engage using their newly learned communications skills, skills that will build relationships and capacity in support of mission and progressive social change.
Robbie is a dynamic facilitator who gets the whole room engaged. In "Art of the Schmooze", he teaches networking and community-building skills that are valuable in any context, be it professional or purely social.
The "Art of the Schmooze" was eye-opening: it gave me a new way of thinking about how people interact in social settings, how to feel more control, how to make spaces more inclusive. Plus, Robbie was a delight: fun, funny and friendly. These tools could help any progressive networker to become more savvy.
Feedback from the group: folks were really into your presentation. They enjoyed your honesty, and how graciously you were able to slim down your workshop into half the time. People were especially into the "bagel/croissant" idea, as it relates to making spaces more inclusive! Speaking personally, this was a total revelation for me. There was also a lot of excitement about your suggestion to ask a conversation partner: "Who else here should I know? Would you introduce me?" Lots of pens were wagging. And also to set goals for meeting multiple people, to push ourselves out of corner conversations. All in all, a very good time with very good learnings!
We talked for 4 hours straight! Robbie's enthusiasm, passion and expertise for networking and supporting people to share what they are passionate about with others (online and off-line) was exactly what I needed. He answered my questions, gave me lots of new ideas and supported me to take action on some of my own that I had been putting off. I highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in putting a fire in their bellies to move what they have inside them out into the world.
Your workshop was fabulous – I feel much more comfortable about networking/schmoozing now. I’d love to get my Board on board, and I’ve already been telling colleagues about bagels vs. croissants.
I thought your presentation was fantastic! Definitely the best session I attended at the conference and I did make note of that in my survey.
I thought your workshop at the AFPMA conference was really helpful and engaging, definitely one of the best that I attended all day!
I found your workshop very useful and you were entertaining and engaging as well.
I really enjoyed your workshop, and I plan to share a lot of what you said at my next department staff meeting.
I just wanted to let you know again how great I thought your presentation was and what a pleasure it was to meet you. Your session had all the best ingredients; informative, great take-aways AND fun!
I really enjoyed your presentation. Thanks so much for a great end-o-day workshop that was really fun! I have to do a mini presentation on one of the workshops that I learned the most at a meeting tomorrow morning first thing. I chose yours!
Thank you for the workshop. I did enjoy it - I found it to be useful and informative, and I really appreciated the hands-on participation (something I wish more presenters would integrate into their workshops).
Robbie was informative, engaging and entertaining as he shared great ideas around fundraising, which is all about developing relationships and engaging people, something he is a master at. One cannot help but come away wanting to hear more, work directly with Robbie, and be as passionate and excited as he is.
Debra Tanner, Executive Director
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers
(10/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking at RI Foundation)
Robbie is a dynamic, honest, and witty speaker. He went out of his way to work with our organization, GAN-e-meed Theatre Project, to create a unique workshop specifically for our attendees who walked away laden with resources and new information. He did his homework, responded to specific scenarios, and never missed a beat. I would recommend any of his workshops without hesitation.
SerahRose Roth
Producing Artistic Director
GAN-e-meed Theatre Project
(11/11 Perfecting Your Pitch)
Producing Artistic Director
GAN-e-meed Theatre Project
(11/11 Perfecting Your Pitch)
Thank you Robbie for an inspiring, educational evening. Robbie designed a training called "Perfecting Your Pitch" for our Career Labs for Women in Theatre. This combined elements of "Art of the Schmooze" and "Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking" but he also did his research to make sure all of his examples were applicable to the theatre community and our particular challenges. He broke down the elements of networking, which can be hard to figure out on your own, into simple achievable steps. The participants raved about it, and I learned a lot as well!
Jen Alison Lewis
Director of Career Labs
GAN-e-meed Theatre Project
Director of Career Labs
GAN-e-meed Theatre Project
(11/11 Perfecting Your Pitch)
Robbie Samuels' Perfecting Your Pitch workshop, hosted by GAN-e-meed and Stage Source, was just what I needed at this present moment in my career. I could have listened to the useful information Robbie presented for days on end. The information he shared with all of us was clear, inspiring and connected to each one of our questions, concerns and needs. It was insightful for me to also hear each participants questions and how Robbie specifically responded to them. I came away feeling invigorated with new ideas and strategies to employ as ‘hands-on right now’ impacting the success of my current theatre project. Robbie is great! I highly recommend everyone to sign-up for his Perfecting Your Pitch workshop, no matter if you are just starting out in theatre or you are a seasoned ‘Pro’. Robbie will pin point where you need to adjust your focus and how to speak with a clear passion of your project enabling you to succeed. Thank you, Robbie.
Karen McElvain, Producing Artistic Director
The Open Road Theatre
(11/11 Perfecting Your Pitch)
The Open Road Theatre
(11/11 Perfecting Your Pitch)
The Art of Schmooze given by Robbie Samuels was a great presentation that I would highly recommend. I found Robbie very animated and enjoyed that he got the group involved during and after the presentation practicing the tips. I attended with one of my fellow classmates who was very nervous walking into the room but by the end of Robbie's presentation she was much more comfortable.
Mary A. Burley, student
Lincoln Technical Institute
(10/11 Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie breaks down the Art of the Schmooze into edible pieces that can be adapted for both introverted and extroverted people who want to get their mission heard. From body language to becoming a 'connector,' I learned the steps it takes to become the networker I want to be. I especially appreciated the experience Robbie brings to the table about Networking and the ways it can lead you to be a success in the non-profit sector.
I always thought that networking was something that just came natural to those who are good at it. After taking The Art of the Schmooze with Robbie Samuels at The Heller School, I realized it is actually a skill that anyone can master! Even though I enjoy talking to people and learning of their interests, I learned how to capitalize on those skills to make them useful for my present situation as a student, and in turn, preparing me for my future. I highly recommend Robbie's presentation for anyone, introverts and extroverts alike, looking to enjoy social events instead of stressing about them. I know that now that I have some tips and tricks up my sleeve, I will be able to keep myself in the present and make the best of the event, which is really what networking is all about!
Alicia R. Atkinson, M.P.P. Candidate 2013
Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
I always thought that networking was something that just came natural to those who are good at it. After taking The Art of the Schmooze with Robbie Samuels at The Heller School, I realized it is actually a skill that anyone can master! Even though I enjoy talking to people and learning of their interests, I learned how to capitalize on those skills to make them useful for my present situation as a student, and in turn, preparing me for my future. I highly recommend Robbie's presentation for anyone, introverts and extroverts alike, looking to enjoy social events instead of stressing about them. I know that now that I have some tips and tricks up my sleeve, I will be able to keep myself in the present and make the best of the event, which is really what networking is all about!
Jamie Minton, M.P.P. Candidate 2013
Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
I serve as a Board member of The History Project (THP) that documents and preserves Greater Boston's LGBTQ history. Robbie Samuels recently conducted Art of the Schmooze for our Board and the Advisory Committee members. This workshop is an effective way to learn about the finer nuances of the craft of networking. Robbie not only highlights common external errors we make when meeting people in a formal and informal environment, he also offers insights into the inner workings of human psyche in social settings. As a presenter Robbie is engaging and funny. He is not just a workshop conductor, but he is an educator- and a memorable one at that. I would recommend this workshop to any individual or organization seeking to hone their networking skills.
Mesma Belsare, History Project Board Member
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie is an amazing workshop leader, and Art of the Schmooze was full of useful suggestions that I started putting into practice at the next event I intended. He brings an extraordinary degree of energy, insight, and emotional intelligence to his work – it’s a privilege to be in his presence and partake of his wisdom. We will undoubtedly look to Robbie for help with our internal fundraising training as well.
Neal Kane, History Project Board Chair
(9/11 Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie lets you know that you are not alone; there are few naturally born schmoozing superstars. With practice and Robbie's helpful tips in your arsenal anyone can become more comfortable doing what is naturally uncomfortable: meeting strangers and carrying on a conversation. Robbie keeps his talk relevant, informative and infused with laughter; the time flew by. UPDATE: Since the Wonder Women training you spoke at, I made the leap of opening up my own office.
Julianne Parolin
(8/10 Art of the Schmooze)
I am a firm believer in sales training. I have attended dozens of training sessions. Read many, many, books. Listened to DVDs and designed training courses myself. Being a good trainer is an art. You have to be able to capture your audiences attention with your delivery and maintain it with your message. Robbie Samuels is a master at the art of training. I highly recommend attending his fun and helpful seminars.
Justin Berke, Partner
Commonwealth Financial Group
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
Thank you so much for the workshop yesterday. It was helpful, encouraging and empowering! I left wanting to ask everybody for money :).
Tre'Andre Rivera-Valentine
Community Programs Coordinator, The Network/La Red
Community Programs Coordinator, The Network/La Red
(4/11 fundraising coaching session)
Thanks for the workshop! So far, my grassroots group is funded completely out-of-pocket...we're all dedicated, and we have no problem asking people to volunteer, but we've had a hard time getting our heads around asking people for money. With some tips gained at your workshop, we've started to get past the fear of asking and develop a sustainers program!
Reed Miller, Black & Pink
(3/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking)
I've been networking for the past four years and wish I would have taken the Art of the Schmooze before now. Robbie's presentation is enlightening, humorous and engaging. I had an event to attend the day after I heard and participated in Robbie's presentation. I found myself incorporating the tips he had and watched my body language and how I placed my feet. . And for the first time, had graceful exit strategies in ending a conversation. I also looked for the croissant. Curiosity piqued? You will have to hear Robbie for yourself to know what that means.
Mary McManus
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
I was really impressed with the Art of the Schmooze presentation. I got affirmation for what I was doing right, and learned some tips and techniques to improve what I needed to work on. I feel so much more confident for my next networking event.
Laura E. Days, Esq.
Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC
Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
Recently attended an Art of the Schmooze event. Robbie held a great workshop that a new networker and long time networker would benefit from. Robbie really broke down how to network in an easy to understand language.
Sasha Liang
Assistant Manager, BrooklineBank
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
Assistant Manager, BrooklineBank
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
Robbie Samuels' interactive workshop was terrific. He used humorous examples and great physical delivery. Robbie focused on the need for people to be authentic and aware of body language. He had everyone identifying with his effective and humorous observations of networking and group dynamics. Robbie offered great examples and solutions to avoid unwittingly projecting vibes that say, "don't come near me" when in fact, if you are networking, the opposite is desired.
Martha Huntley, Home Renovation Coach
Room for Change, LLC
Room for Change, LLC
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you so much for bringing The Art of the Shmooze to The Brookline Chamber of Commerce. What better testimonial than to run into one of last night's attendees this morning and have him greet me with "grip, grin and go"? You kept a room full of busy business professionals at rapt attention and they all took something away from your presentation.
Lea Cohen
President, Brookline Chamber of Commerce
President, Brookline Chamber of Commerce
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
It was a pleasure you at the Brookline Chamber event. Your presentation was entertaining, informative and an insightful peek at human nature. I particularly enjoyed the portion of your presentation regarding body language and the dynamics of a group of people standing around speaking with one another. Will try to keep in mind your points on how to make it more inviting for others to join the group.
William J. Dempsey Jr., President
Commonwealth Property Management LLC
Commonwealth Property Management LLC
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze at Brookline Chamber)
Rhode Island's grassroots conservationists were treated to Robbie's interactive, entertaining and USEFUL workshops at the 2011 Land & Water Conservation Summit. Robbie warmed up the group with "The Art of the Schmooze", sharing tips for how to meet (and even enjoy) people at those uncomfortable networking events. He then presented "Grassroots Fundraising", showing participants how to use their new relationships to build support for their organizations. I highly recommend these excellent workshops!!
Meg Kerr, Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
(3/11 Land & Water Conservation Summit)
In just a few hours I went from being shy to ask for a $5 donation to being confident asking for a $1,000 contribution for my cause. Now that is skillsharing that pays! Thanks so much for the great presentation, Robbie.
Shara Drew, SoJust Skillshare attendee
(3/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking)
Robbie is a great speaker and engages the audience really well. His workshop on “The Art of the Schmooze” was fun and informative. Yet, the best word to describe the entire session is ‘relevant’. What you learn applies to networking, but also overall to learning how to build relationships and understanding social cues and even your own body language. Of all the workshops and trainings that I have attended, this was one to remember.
Charity Tubalado, Development and Research Manager,
City Year Inc.
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze)
City Year Inc.
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze)
The Art of the Schmooze is a top notch networking training. Breaking down the basics of social cues and handshakes has the potential to be tedious, but Robbie's quick wit and dynamic training style keep participants engaged. Extroverts and introverts alike will walk away with a fresh look at networking and a few tools for their next event.
Leigh Wilson, Training Project Leader
City Year Boston, Americorps
City Year Boston, Americorps
(3/11 Art of the Schmooze)
Haven't needed to fundraise in a while, so I thought I'd come for a refresher. Not only was I reminded of tips and techniques I'd packed away in my mental attic, but Robbie added valuable insights from his hands-on work in the field. Certainly a fitting first foray into SoJust and I look forward to more to come.
Todd, SoJust Skillshare attendee
(3/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking)
It was very informative and useful. I learned a lot. I especially liked it because I feel like I can apply these skills to other aspects of non-profit work, outside of fundraising. Robbie is a fantastic teacher and he clearly knows his stuff.
Ryan, SoJust Skillshare attendee
(3/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking)
Robbie has a dynamic and humor-infused style that makes for a engaging presentation. The way he reframed how and why we ask for money gives me more confidence to try out my new asking skills.
Alison, SoJust Skillshare attendee
(3/11 Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking)
Robbie's "Art of the Schmooze" event completely changed my attitude about networking. He gave me a lot of solid tools to improve my networking skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Every time I go to an event I remember what Robbie had to say; I feel more confident and prepared in networking situations, thanks to his help!
Leise Jones Smyrl, participant
(8/10 Wonder Women of Boston)
(8/10 Wonder Women of Boston)
I would recommend this training to anyone with any fear of interacting with others and networking! Robbie’s training is fun and funny, and gave me some great tips to use personally and professionally. I went into the session totally nervous, and sitting alone and I left with a hilarious and informative handout, a few pages of notes that were chock full of tricks and ideas and several new contacts and acquaintances. This is a must!
Liz Elsen, M. Ed, Resident Director
Babcock-Carr-Saunders and Intersections LLC
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(2/11 Creating Change session)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(2/11 Creating Change session)
Beth Hastie, MPH
Director of Community Organization and Development
(2/11 Realize Resources training)
Director of Community Organization and Development
(2/11 Realize Resources training)
As someone trying to break into the development field, Robbie's 'Art of the Schmooze' workshop gave me concrete tips on how to increase my effectiveness at reaching out to people. I immediately started consciously using the tactics that Robbie taught me.
Michael Spivak, J.D., attendee
(2/11 Creating Change session)
I'm generally skeptical of networking events, but Robbie -- through his "Art of the Schmooze" training -- teaches strategies and techniques to build actual relationships from these types of events. His tips on how to have genuine and fruitful interactions are very helpful. And as an introvert, I appreciated his recognition of the different needs and concerns we have!
Pem Brown, New Leaders Council Fellow
(2/11 fellow-led presentation)
It was a great pleasure to work with Robbie to present "The Art of Schmooze" to the graduate community at Babson College. Robbie was great from the moment we reached out to him; from coordinating the event through his presentation. At each step, Robbie was charismatic, knowledgeable, and dynamic in providing his insights and listening to our needs. With this collaboration, the event was relevant to the students and faculty who remarked how great and helpful the presentation was to them. Enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and genuineness are demonstrated qualities that Robbie shares with his audience both as a group and on an individual level. We all enjoyed and learned from Robbie through his entertaining and informative approach to teaching us ways to build relationships and work a room from his expertise. On behalf of all of us, thank you Robbie!
Alli and Amanda, Co-Directors of CCD Relations
(1/11 BAWMBA Babson Association of Women MBA’s)
Robbie came to Realize Resources to what had to be the toughest possible audience ---one dozen professional training facilitators! The Art of the Schmooze was considered a big hit by my team. The presentation was delivered with wonderful humor and pizzaz. More importantly each of us walked away feeling energized and ready to practice new found skills.
James A. Figueiredo M.Ed., Director
(2/11 Realize Resources training)
I have attended many a networking training. But none have been as engaging, informative, and so darn practical as Robbie's. I am still amused and impressed by Robbie's ability to get us down to the basics of how to meet, greet, enter, and walk-away from conversations/interactions. I never thought about the placement of my feet, how I carried my business cards, how I ordered the business cards I collected, etc.--until now! At the Network/La Red, we're doing a lot of thinking about how to engage the communities we work with, build solidarity with allied movements/organizations, and generally, build more community. Practical tips on staying present and building connections from a grounded centered way seem absolutely necessary for any community/solidarity building effort. Thank you for meeting our group where we were, challenging us to push our skills further, answering our questions thoughtfully and thoroughly, and doing so with a whole lot of humor!
-Hema, Director of Community Engagement
(2/11 The Network/La Red)
I have always felt awkward at cocktail parties and other social gatherings where networking is the order of the day (or evening). I have watched others 'work the room' and wondered where they learned to do that--and why I never learned how.
"The Art of the Schmooze" by Robbie Samuels is just what I have been looking for. In 90 minutes with Robbie I learned more than I learned from the several books I've read on the subject.
"The Art of the Schmooze" is full of practical suggestions and tips on every aspect of networking: the tools you need; how to prepare beforehand; how to get started once you're at the event; how to start, conduct, and end each conversation; who to talk to (and who not to talk to) and what to talk about (and what to not talk about); and how to keep track of it all so you can follow up later.
Robbie's charming and witty presentation makes the idea of schmoozing seem fun instead of intimidating, and there's even a chance to practice what you've learned with other seminar participants. Highly recommended--high-quality, useful presentations like this are why I keep coming back to the Creating Change conference!
Steve Lenius, "Leather Life" columnist, *Lavender* Magazine
Author, *Life, Leather and the Pursuit of Happiness*
(2/11 Creating Change session)
Robbie's Art of the Schmooze training totally blew me away. First of all, it must be said-- Robbie is VERY FUNNY. In fact, the workshop felt almost more like a comedy show than a skill-building workshop. It was awesome. Apart from being highly engaging, Robbie was also insightful, informative and wonderfully practical. As someone who often has trouble getting out of dead conversations, I felt like I came out of the workshop with concrete strategies for how to wrap up and end a conversation BEFORE it dies. On the flip side, Robbie also has a number of great stock comments/questions to help keep conversations from prematurely dying. Now, I consider myself an extrovert but it is still extremely helpful to get such a clear explanation of what kinds of questions help deepen connections, and which kinds of questions one should avoid. From handshakes, to body stances, to where to keep your business cards, Robbie knows the ins and outs of how to make connections and keep them. I got so much out of this workshop. I only wish I could sit through it again (and again and again...)
Beck Epstein, attendee
(1/11 The Network/La Red training)
The Art of the Schmooze is an absolutely GREAT topic/workshop, and a must attend for anyone who needs an extra boost when it comes to networking, on both a professional and personal level. Robbie's energy and knowledge is vast, and I gained a lot of awesome nuggets that I intend to use and add to my networking toolbelt. Thank you so much for putting on a great skillshare event!
Kaitlin Hasseler, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie Samuels's approach to networking, which he teaches through 'Art of the Schmooze' is original and powerful given his emphasis on *authentic* interaction--in which the people engaged in a conversation draw out one another's unique strengths. In the workshop, he also wisely encouraged us to bring plenty of genuine positive energy when looking to connect with new faces.
Anne Sargent, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie gives a great presentation! Good schmoozin' can seem like a very abstract concept, but Robbie sets out practical, simple skills with which anyone can be a great schmoozer!
Winter, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
Robbie is an excellent speaker. There were so many great tips it would be impossible to not walk away with something useful.
Karen, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
As an undergraduate at Boston University, I didn't know what I could get out of a presentation about schmoozing. Yet from the moment Robbie started presenting, I realized I was listening to someone who really gets people. His tips on how to connect with people in a room, including follow ups really hit home. I found myself nodding at a lot of things he suggested. I walked away feeling much more self-aware and comfortable in a crowd of strangers.
Jason Burack, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
Since the first time I met Robbie and saw his networking skills in action I've thought 'I want to be more like Robbie.' When I saw that he was presenting a skillshare called The Art of the Schmooze I couldn't pass up the chance to learn from the master and I wasn't disappointed. Robbie's approach to making connections is just so very human. I've seen many presentations on networking and Robbie has an authentic, fresh approach. I took away several valuable reminders and some tips that I had never heard before.
Karen E. Glover, attendee
(1/11 SoJust Skillshare: Art of the Schmooze)
I recently had the opportunity to hear Robbie speak at the Ethos Roundtable. He isn't just charismatic, he understands his content and he provides substantial and important information. Further, he clearly understands the big picture of how to organize for social justice, and how connecting people at a person level is crucial to the process. I went home and joined SoJust.org immediately!
Christine Ellersick, attendee
(1/11 impromptu presentation @ Ethos Roundtable)
(1/11 impromptu presentation @ Ethos Roundtable)
My first time at Ethos Roundtable brought a delightful surprise. When inclement weather kept the scheduled speaker away, and the moderator, Deborah Elizabeth Finn saw Robbie Samuels of SoJust.org in the room, she invited him to speak on his fast growing social network. Robbie spoke with passion about Socializing for Justice, the social network of cross-issue progressives he and others are building in the greater Boston area. They “put the social back in social justice.”
Now a person can speak with obvious passion on a subject and still have you fighting sleep. This was the opposite experience. Robbie is a thoroughly witty speaker, and until he explained that his training was fundraising, I wondered if there wasn’t some standup comedy in his background somewhere. I didn’t ask, but I don’t think so, where would he have found the time? He seems to be involved in several projects at once, and I get the impression that this has always been the case. More importantly, to me in any case, he spoke cogently about the ideas that have inspired SoJust, like bringing people of separate causes together so that they could get to know one another, opening avenues for their disparate causes that previously may have been closed, while opening minds. OK, he expressed that last idea a great deal more clearly than I, so you’ll have to take the opportunity to see him for yourself if you want the full effect.
Another reason one has to hear Robbie is his extraordinary ability to take those big ideas and connections he has made and give solid examples that challenge the listener to think about those concepts in new ways. He speaks not just of sexism or racism, but of being mindful of differences and hidden power issues when we speak to others. Where others may have stopped after drawing attention to larger issues and connections; Robbie peppers his talk with thought provoking examples that surprise. Chatting after the talk, for instance, about power issues he said something like; when you are at a restaurant and you ask the waiter about his accent, you may want to remember that your tip is paying their wages; this may compel them to speak with you about it. One can argue that some folks like to talk about where they are from, as happened during the conversation. But anyone who has spent time waiting tables can tell you; those tips really are the wages, and the fact remains that the power relationship is real. A thoughtful person will want to keep this in mind. So, Robbie may be a witty and charming speaker, and completely entertaining, but what I found most compelling is his thoughtfulness. It permeates his entertaining talks, and seems to propel his work with SoJust. I’ll have to go to one of these events to get the full effect of the network, and you should, too. But don’t expect to hear him speak there; most events are just for socializing.
Mary Celeste Brown, attendee
(1/11 impromptu presentation @ Ethos Roundtable)
I heard Robbie speak at an Ethos Roundtable session. When I walked into the meeting I had my heart set on hearing another speaker, on a completely different topic. Robbie gamely stepped up to the plate, without notes, slideshow, or handouts.
At first I thought he would bore us with a survey of SoJust's website features. But when Robbie started to talk about starting up SoJust.org about diversity of interests and backgrounds coming together and finding common cause, my ears started to perk up. I had no idea the roots of the organization run so deep in radical notions of inclusivity, equality, and community building.
Robbie's passion was impressive. I was keeping pace for most of the presentation, but I got on board-- literally, I signed up online as he spoke-- when he talked about how SoJust's organizational and funding structure reflected its understanding of social change. Relying on small donations from its members rather than grantmakers and major donors, it has the freedom to cut its own path towards social change.
I left convinced that SoJust.org is an effective model grassroots organizing, one worth supporting and one worth emulating.
Althea Chen, attendee
(1/11 impromptu presentation @ Ethos Roundtable)
I attended Robbie's Art of the Schmooze workshop and both enjoyed it and learned some great tips. If you've met Robbie, it won't surprise you to know that he's extremely charismatic, personable and a great speaker. More than that, however, he knows his subject. As an experienced networker himself, Robbie explains some of the more difficult steps including how to follow up, how to enter conversations and, even more difficult, how to gracefully exit conversations. I wholeheartedly recommend Robbie's workshop.
Holly Klose, Boston Career Counselor
(1/11 Wonder Women of Boston)
Robbie is engaging, entertaining, and insightful. His Art of the Schmooze workshop was highly interactive and informative. The best part is that Robbie is committed not to 'networking', but to building a community and a movement. I highly recommend his training.
Kate, participant
(1/11 Wonder Women of Boston)
It was a great pleasure to work with Robbie Samuels to offer Art of the Schmooze at the NonProfit Center in Boston. Robbie was knowledgeable, dynamic and highly encouraging for participants at all levels of networking skill. Robbie also designed terrific opportunities for participants to connect and engage using their newly learned communications skills, skills that will build relationships and capacity in support of mission and progressive social change.
I had the good fortune to participate in Robbie Samuels' Art of the Schmooze workshop recently. What a treat! Robbie is an engaging and skillful presenter. He provided great information illustrated with entertaining stories about applying them and provided meaningful ways for us to practice these new skills. Robbie is one part expert and one part entertainer. That is the recipe for a winning presenter and Robbie is exactly that. Planning an event? Want your team to be ready to win the guests? Prep with Robbie! You will be so glad you did!
Paula Coyle,
non-profit/youth development leader
(8/10 Wonder Women of Boston)
Robbie is committed to using professional networking to advance social justice and build community. He expresses these values by creating a friendly environment where everyone is welcome.
Kat, participant
(8/10 Wonder Women of Boston)
Robbie is a great speaker and trainer who engages everyone to learn. In "Art of the Schmooze", he teaches creative networking and fundraising skills that are invaluable in the nonprofit and social impact space. Robbie is a pleasure to work with and I have asked him to be a speaker at my upcoming seminar I run every year! I would recommend him highly for your next event or conference.
Mark McCurdy, The Nonprofit Career Coach
(5/10 Boston Skillshare attendee)
As a performer I cannot thank you enough for the knowledge and skills I gained from your workshop, The Art of the Schmooze. The day after I went to your workshop I attended a fundraiser for an organization in a town I have never been to before. I was there with a friend and began networking using the skills I had gained from your workshop. Not only was I able to make connections with the board of directors of the organization, but I actually scored an impromptu show on the spot! I ended up closing out the presentation for the organization with a song, something that never would have happened without your workshop. I look forward to many more gigs in the future based on the skills I have acquired. Thanks so much for the help!
- Kalil Cohen aka Metahuman
(6/23 US Social Forum, Detroit)
Robbie is a dynamic facilitator who gets the whole room engaged. In "Art of the Schmooze", he teaches networking and community-building skills that are valuable in any context, be it professional or purely social.
-Leah, Young Jewish Leadership Council,
a project of Combined Jewish Philanthropies
(5/10 Art of the Schmooze)
a project of Combined Jewish Philanthropies
(5/10 Art of the Schmooze)
The "Art of the Schmooze" was eye-opening: it gave me a new way of thinking about how people interact in social settings, how to feel more control, how to make spaces more inclusive. Plus, Robbie was a delight: fun, funny and friendly. These tools could help any progressive networker to become more savvy.
-Beth, JOI Fellow
(5/10 Art of the Schmooze)
Feedback from the group: folks were really into your presentation. They enjoyed your honesty, and how graciously you were able to slim down your workshop into half the time. People were especially into the "bagel/croissant" idea, as it relates to making spaces more inclusive! Speaking personally, this was a total revelation for me. There was also a lot of excitement about your suggestion to ask a conversation partner: "Who else here should I know? Would you introduce me?" Lots of pens were wagging. And also to set goals for meeting multiple people, to push ourselves out of corner conversations. All in all, a very good time with very good learnings!
-Beth, JOI Fellow
(5/10 Art of the Schmooze)
We talked for 4 hours straight! Robbie's enthusiasm, passion and expertise for networking and supporting people to share what they are passionate about with others (online and off-line) was exactly what I needed. He answered my questions, gave me lots of new ideas and supported me to take action on some of my own that I had been putting off. I highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in putting a fire in their bellies to move what they have inside them out into the world.
-Tiffany, Teacher & Bodyworker
(3/10 Event Promotion one-on-one client)
Thank you so much for meeting with us. We were truly inspired...you didn't just give us tools, you reconnected us with our own values and spirit...we truly believe in the abundance of community and you are helping to connect us with tools and processes that reflect that belief.
Mallory, Reflect & Strengthen
(2/10 Grassroots Fundraising Training)
Your workshop was fabulous – I feel much more comfortable about networking/schmoozing now. I’d love to get my Board on board, and I’ve already been telling colleagues about bagels vs. croissants.
~J. H., Director, Public Relations & Fundraising
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I thought your presentation was fantastic! Definitely the best session I attended at the conference and I did make note of that in my survey.
~B. J.
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I thought your workshop at the AFPMA conference was really helpful and engaging, definitely one of the best that I attended all day!
~A. B., Events and Special Projects Coordinator
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I found your workshop very useful and you were entertaining and engaging as well.
~ A. T., Senior Catering Sales Manager
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I really enjoyed your workshop, and I plan to share a lot of what you said at my next department staff meeting.
~A. A.
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I just wanted to let you know again how great I thought your presentation was and what a pleasure it was to meet you. Your session had all the best ingredients; informative, great take-aways AND fun!
~C. E., Executive Director
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
I really enjoyed your presentation. Thanks so much for a great end-o-day workshop that was really fun! I have to do a mini presentation on one of the workshops that I learned the most at a meeting tomorrow morning first thing. I chose yours!
~K. K., National Director, Corporate Development
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
Thank you for the workshop. I did enjoy it - I found it to be useful and informative, and I really appreciated the hands-on participation (something I wish more presenters would integrate into their workshops).
~C. M., Foundation Relations Manager
(AFP '09 conference participant)
(AFP '09 conference participant)
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