Kicking off with the Super Bowl, February and March are great months for sports fans.  It is exciting to watch the Super Bowl and March Madness, but also exciting because it is the one time a year for sports office pools.  In a recent survey by Vault.com I was surprised that 71% of workers say they have joined an office pool.  Office pools are a fun way to boost morale and increase camaraderie in a department.  This is great time for sports fans, as sports are accepted in the workplace, but can be frustrating when the employee who wins picked their teams based on colors or mascots.

Despite the popularity, there are employers who discourage or ban office pools from existing.  Companies feel betting has no place at work and that an office pool based on sports is a distraction.  Others are in fear of employees taking office betting too far (as he House and Senate of Energy and Appropriations Committees did when they created an office pool for how many acres would burn in a wildfire).

Many companies ban it because they question whether betting outside of a casino is legal or not.  As common as they are, are they legal?  U.S. Senator Richard Blimenthal says, “Office pools are generally legal unless they’re done for a profit by the person organizing it.  In other words, if there’s a house, so to speak, or an organizer takes a cut.”  For this reason, it is it is probably a good idea for companies to not organize an office pool, but be in favor of employees running their own.  As said before, they are a great way to interact with co-workers and build morale within the company, but it is important that any money collected be distributed and not held for profit.  Another great idea would be for a company run a contest where the winner gets a prize instead of money or possibly a free vacation day… (hint-hint, Carol)!

Office pools will continue to distract and decrease productivity, but will always be a fun way to bring the office together with friendly competition.  The upside is boosted morale and more positive relationships, which will result in a much more productive and cohesive office.  As it becomes time to fill out brackets …..Good Luck.

AmeriCU Credit Union Downtown Dining Week(s) is from February 15^th-29^th!  Some of Downtown’s favorite restaurants are offering 3 courses for $25 or less.  This year there are also a few new fun features….

• The Clinton Square Ice Rink will be charging ½ price admission when you show your dining receipts.
• Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge will be hosting a “Brew & View” on Sunday, February 19^th and Sunday, February 26^th.
• Catch a “behind the scenes” view of restaurants in Syracusethrough blog posts on www.downtownsyracuse.com.
• Visit www.foodspotting.com and upload/vote on pictures of your favorite Dining Week Dish.
• Or, take part in the Dish Photo Contest!  Just upload your pictures on the Downtown Syracuse Facebook page to be entered.  Winners will receive gift certificates.

No matter what your food preference is, Downtown Dining Week is for you.  Some participating restaurants include: Anthony’s Pasta Bar, Black Olive Mediterranean Taverna, Bull & Bear Pub, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, La Taqueria Mexican Grill, Pastabilities, and Sakana-Ya Sushi Bar.  Do not forget to call ahead and see if the restaurant requires reservations!  Some of the locations also offer different menus for each week – so why not go back for more?

For a full list of participating restaurants and for more information,
please visit www.downtownsyracuse.com

It seems like introverts are getting a lot of buzz recently, from books, to blogs, to Time magazine covers, our society seems to be rediscovering introverts.  This is great news for me and roughly 50% of the population.  I read a great article, The Introverts Guide to Networking, on the Harvard Business Review blog.  The author, a self-professed introvert, discusses how networking has been crucial to her career advancement, and also discusses practical ways to beef up your networking.  Being somewhat of an introvert myself and an Information Technology recruiter I found her insights spot on.  Below are some of my favorite tips from the article and some of my own insights on networking when it doesn’t always come naturally:

Learn to appreciate your introversion:  Because I do need more time to recharge, it gives me time to read, cook, create and explore hobbies.  Not only are diverse interests valuable but they generally make for good conversation pieces.

Seek out conversations with one person at a time:  Especially if I am tired, I find large networking events and parties exhausting and intimidating.  I have found that focusing on having conversations with one person at a time helps make the events more manageable and enjoyable.

Stop being afraid to be the one to reach out:  I am always surprised how once I am the first to reach out, kindness is usually reciprocated.

Leverage Social Media:  Using LinkedIn or Facebook are great ways to reach out in ways that are less intimating.

Prioritize time to re-energize:  If going from one event to another makes you exhausted and less productive – don’t.  Be intentional about scheduling time to unwind and recharge in ways you enjoy.