Catholic Networking Survey

The purpose of this survey is to determine if Catholics want a Business & Professional Network in the Chicago downtown/Near North area(s), whether such is needed, as well as whether and how such a network could support and enhance our Catholic organizations, businesses and individuals in the area. The purpose of such a Network would be to complement, enhance and strengthen organizations that already exist - not replace or duplicate the good work they are doing. Together we are stronger. Together we can shape the future, not just merely adjust to it, be subject to it, or be a victim of it. Together, let's build a bridge to a better future.

Please answer as many or as few of the following questions as you have time for and share this survey link with other Catholics in the Chicago area. If the survey results indicate that such a Network is not needed and would serve no purpose, no harm - no foul. I would just hate to say that we never even tried... because I know there are people who need help, hope and Him.

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* 1. On average, how often do you attend business and/or professional networking events? (whether Catholic or not)

Rarely or Never

Once a month

More than once a month

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* 2. On average, how often do you attend Catholic business and/or professional networking events?

Rarely or Never

Once a Month

More than once a month

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* 3. Which of the following MIGHT interest you (now or in the future)? Check all that potentialy apply. For example, there will be many, if not most, of you who do not need a Job Board now. But think ahead. With corporate restructurings and other changes in the world, let's build what you or others might need in the future - before YOU need it! Besides, we all have kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends who need a little help with a career change. Equip yourself to better help them.

Structured networking events where you will be guaranteed to meet other Catholic business people & professionals

Open networking events and gatherings such as happy hours with minimal structure

Speakers on relevant topics (TBD by the members) and/or a calendar of Catholic organizations putting on events with speakers in the area.

Career focused programs & a job board as well as information on other Catholic based organizations in the area that help with job search and career counseling.

A business and professional member directory open to members only

A business and professional member directory for members only but open to the public on a website

Networking events for members that also include the family, i.e. a business networking family picnic for example. We all have so little time. Why not design events that serve dual purposes and don't take us away from time spent with family?

Affinity subgroups for members with similar interests or situations such as, for example, younger working members with small children or members with aging parents (learn from each other or share tips for handling problems and finding resources) or those members who like to fly fish in exotic places or who might want to join other Catholics for a lunchtime walk to get some exercise (Roamin' Catholics...)!!! Just examples... TBD by members

Think Tank Roundtable. Want to solve a business or community problem? Members identify problems and once a month or quarterly we call a think tank roundtable to gather others who are also interested in solving the particular problem and members who, working together, might have solutions to those problems. Incredible talent working together can do incredible things! Believe. With God all things are possible.

Zip Code Connections. Most events will likely be downtown Chicago, but members can submit their zip codes and then can choose to be connected with other members in their neighborhood or suburb in case they would like to gather for coffee closer to home.

Mentorship Opportunities - Experienced members mentor young professionals with career and personal development

Mentorship Opportunities - Young professionals assist more experienced members with changing technology, internet expertise or other areas

Social events (as opposed to pure networking) where members do fun things together such as Summer Dance, a ball game, movie night, plays, concerts, etc.

Book club that focuses on Catholic themed books or authors and discussion

Connecting with great Catholic Non-Profits and organizations for the purpose of being a volunteer

Connecting with great Catholic Non-Profits and organizations for the purpose of being a Board Member

Connecting with Catholics to let them know about a great Catholic Non-Profit or organization with which you are involved as an employee or volunteer

Learning about other great Catholic organizations in the area that have speaker series, career counseling, social services or that offer other types of programs/benefits

A Catholic Business Expo - once a year perhaps

Entrepreneurial Subgroup where experienced Catholic business owners and consultants share wisdom with those beginning businesses, those growing businesses or developing succession plans

Half-day, day or weekend retreats designed to help members grow in their faith and/or info on other Catholic organizations in the area that already provide such

Pilgrimages to other countries for members (with or without family members) or access to info to pilgrimages sponsored by other organizations in the area

Cruises or other non-pilgrimage type vacation opportunities designed for Catholics or access to info on such opportunities sponsored by other organizations in the area - probably listed on a members-only webpage.

A mechanism for members who play various golf outings sponsored by Catholic organizations in the area to connect to create foursomes. (I would play in more outings but don't like to sign up by myself...)

A mechanism for members who are attending various galas and other talks sponsored by our Catholic organizations to connect with other members attending so you can sit at the same table.

A method for members to learn about other Catholic organizations in the area that focus on their industries - by way of example only: Catholic lawyer groups, groups designed for Catholics in the medical profession or Catholics in media. (I have been a practicing lawyer in downtown Chicago for over 25 years and didn't realize until recently that the Catholic Lawyer's Guild meets at St. Peter's downtown on the first Friday of the month before work... yeegads!)

A way for members to learn about educational opportunities offered by Catholic universities, colleges and other organizations in the area - perhaps a webpage with links to such programs.

A mechanism to learn about and obtain Spiritual Direction - perhaps a database of Spiritual Directors in the area of different charisms and orders to help you find one that suits the talents and gifts God has given you.

Other ideas??? (please specify)

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* 4. Which of the following would work for you for a downtown Chicago/Near North networking event? Check all that apply. Near North is defined as the area between the Chicago River and Chicago Ave and between LaSalle and Michigan Ave (or within a couple blocks of this area).

Before work

Lunchtime

After work

Saturday

Sunday

If you answered, Saturday or Sunday, please specify what time, i.e. Saturday morning, Saturday evening Sunday afternoon, anytime...

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* 5. Which of these locations would work for you for a before work networking event? Check all that apply.

Chicago Loop area

Chicago Near North - the area between the Chicago River and Chicago Ave and between LaSalle and Michigan Ave (or within a couple blocks of this area).

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* 6. Which of the following locations would work for you for a luncheon event? Check all that apply.

Chicago Loop area

Chicago Near North - the area between the Chicago River and Chicago Ave and between LaSalle and Michigan Ave (or within a couple blocks of this area).

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* 7. Which of the following locations would work for you for an after work networking event? Check all that apply.

Chicago Loop

Chicago Near North - the area between the Chicago River and Chicago Ave and between LaSalle and Michigan Ave (or within a couple blocks of this area).

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* 8. What would make YOU want to be part of a Catholic Business & Professional Network?

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* 9. What did you not like about other networking events you have attended in the past - Catholic or otherwise? (We want to eliminate negatives and need to identify them!!!)

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* 10. Would you like to be involved with a Catholic Business & Professional Network? If so, how? Check all that apply.

I might like to be on a core committee to help form the Network depending on the time commitment

I might like to head up a subgroup or project - depending on what it is.

I might like to help out on the day of an event.

I would just like to attend events.

I or my company might be interested in sponsoring events

I would be happy to spread the Word about the Network

I'm not interested in being involved at this time, but was happy to provide my thoughts.

Other way in which you might like to be involved?

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* 11. What is your residence zip code?

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* 12. What is your work zip code?

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* 13. Your industry/professional area?

Advertising/Marketing/PR

Non-Profit

Construction/Architecture/Real Estate Development

Real Estate Sales

Finance - Accounting

Finance - Investment

Venture Capital & Private Equity

Healthcare

Legal

Insurance

Media/Publishing/Journalism

Manufacturing

Education

Sales

Information Technology & Services

Consumer Goods

Hospitality

Government

Event Planning & Services

Professional Training or Coaching

Aging Care Services

Theatre/Arts

Other (please specify)

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* 14. Your Title & Company or occupation if you are in a job search (Optional)

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* 15. Your name. (Optional)

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* 16. Your preferred e-mail address and whether you would like further contact

I would like to be added to a service list to receive occasional updates on the development of the network (if a network develops...)

I would like to be advised of future meetings to brainstorm about the development of the network (maybe once a month in September and October).

I would like to be advised of the first event put on by the Network (after the brainstorming sessions).

I do not want to be contacted for any purpose. (Thanks for getting this far and providing your responses! If you change your mind, you can send an e-mail to myfaithnet@aol.com or check for progress about any network that might be developed at http://www.1ultimatenetwork.com)

I would be willing to answer future surveys pertaining to the network.

If you indicated you want or are willing to be contacted, please provide your Preferred e-mail address:

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* 17. Did you attend a Catholic university or college? If so, which one(s)?

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* 18. Are you aware of other good Business/Professional Networking Groups (Catholic or not - in the Chicago area or anywhere else in the country)? If so, please provide the name of the group, the City & State and if you have it, a link to its website.

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* 19. Are there any very active Catholics in the area you would like to see become involved with this effort? If so, please provide his or her name and e-mail address in the box below. If you want to add a comment about why you think he or she would be particularly valuable, please do. In the alternative, forward this survey to him or her. Thanks!

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* 1. On average, how often do you attend business and/or professional networking events? (whether Catholic or not)

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* 2. On average, how often do you attend Catholic business and/or professional networking events?

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* 4. Which of the following would work for you for a downtown Chicago/Near North networking event? Check all that apply. Near North is defined as the area between the Chicago River and Chicago Ave and between LaSalle and Michigan Ave (or within a couple blocks of this area).

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* 5. Which of these locations would work for you for a before work networking event? Check all that apply.

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* 6. Which of the following locations would work for you for a luncheon event? Check all that apply.

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* 7. Which of the following locations would work for you for an after work networking event? Check all that apply.

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* 8. What would make YOU want to be part of a Catholic Business & Professional Network?

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* 9. What did you not like about other networking events you have attended in the past - Catholic or otherwise? (We want to eliminate negatives and need to identify them!!!)

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* 10. Would you like to be involved with a Catholic Business & Professional Network? If so, how? Check all that apply.

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* 11. What is your residence zip code?

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* 12. What is your work zip code?

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* 13. Your industry/professional area?

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* 14. Your Title & Company or occupation if you are in a job search (Optional)

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* 15. Your name. (Optional)

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* 16. Your preferred e-mail address and whether you would like further contact

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* 17. Did you attend a Catholic university or college? If so, which one(s)?

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* 18. Are you aware of other good Business/Professional Networking Groups (Catholic or not - in the Chicago area or anywhere else in the country)? If so, please provide the name of the group, the City & State and if you have it, a link to its website.

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* 20. Any other comments or thoughts about such a Network???