Lambda Chi Business Network

[GammaZeta]

As most chapters, many of my brothers from Gamma Zeta have gone on to become successful in their chosen career path. My taxes were a little more complicated than a 1040 this year, so the first person I called up was my brother from GZ that specialized in taxes and hired him to do them.

That got me thinking. There are probably 100's, if not 1,000's of LXA's all around me not from my chapter who run small business or specialize in their careers or offer goods or services that may be of use to me.

How am I to find these brothers? I would much rather give my money to a brother than some random company. After all, you can usually find another brother to say if the brother is any good at what he does (or to stay away from him).

Now, I know we have the C + C and separate chapter updates, etc. But say I needed a plumber quickly. Or maybe I need a will drawn up. Or my office needs a network specialist for a week. I don't have the time to browse years worth of C + C.

What would be great is if there was a LXA Business Directory. Maybe like a yellow pages for our organization available online. Something where I could type in the occupation or service needed, and the state, and a list come up.

[Tom Earp]

GammaZeta, that is very interesting and being a total PC Dummy there should be a way for it to be done!

It is one heck of an idea! A+++ Idea in fact!

If a set up for mentoring then maybe this can be set up the same way!

I know many Brothers deal with a Dentist and Oral Surgeon and some who do Legal work, CPA, home improvement.

I have used a Brother for work on my will and he had the nerve to charge $75.00!

Well, if anyone knows, a will costs more than that to be done!

Maybe it will be heeded as an excellent idea!

[GammaZeta]

Really, if I have the choice between giving my money to a stranger, or a stranger in LXA, I'll chose the stranger from LXA.

I'm thinking it could be a very easy website to navigate and would be maintained by the members. A LXA who is a plumber could simply upload his info: place of business, number, address, specialty, etc., and just post it online himself.

Keep the categories simple: Legal, Electrical, C.P.A/Accounting, Food, Advertising, Plumbing, and on and on.

I think we can do a better job networking our skills and occupations on a national level. For instance, I know that if I need electrical, legal, taxes, buying a used car, making a retirement account, buying stock, need a mortgage, I know at least one brother from GZ that can do that. However, if I needed a plumber, I would have no clue since I don't know a GZ brother that does plumbing.

I think it would also be a chance to market LXA as a true network that can help when you are an alumni. Being a LXA puts you into that easily accessible network.

[JonoBN41]

You should organize (or join) an area/regional/sectional/city alumni association and assemble a local professional directory. Contact Josh Lodolo to get started.

It will be a lot of work, but in the end you might be able to find a plumber with a "crescent" wrench (I couldn't resist).

[GammaZeta]

Well Jono, where I live there aren't any organizations like that.

Something like this may be better on a national level, in one directory.

[JonoBN41]

The 2003 Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Directory has "Career Networking" (professional listings) beginning on page 1649.