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Conference Networking Can Boost Your Income
Each
year, organizations host conferences that can help you land a good job,
find that outstanding employee, or grow your business. Here are some
tips for success from seasoned conference attendees.
1. Identify a purpose for attending
Do you need to land a job, launch a new business venture, or find new
clients? Who do you want to meet, why, and what will you say to them?
Find out as much as possible about them on a personal level to help
open the conversation. Arrange an introduction if you personally know
someone who can make the connection. “Pay close attention to their
website, take a look at the program book so you will understand who’s
speaking and who’s sponsoring things so you [can] understand how to do
your power networking,” explained David Rudd, vice president of the
Axis Agency, a multicultural marketing company.
2. Know how you will get there
Know exactly where the event is and how you will travel. Is public
transportation more convenient than driving? If you drive, where will
you park? Call the venue and ask about available parking, so you don’t
arrive disheveled and upset because you spent 30 minutes looking for a
parking spot and then had to run two blocks to arrive on time.
3. Dress appropriately
Do not ignore this critical point. A poor appearance could cost you
thousands of dollars! Trying to be “unique” will leave you uniquely
broke. Networking for business or career development calls for a
businesslike attitude and appearance. You are not Russell Simmons and
you are not going to the “club.” Even if you are a music artist, don’t
walk into a conference looking like Jimi Hendrix. Save that for the red
carpet.
4. Plan ahead
Do not procrastinate. Get on the mailing list of organizations hosting
conferences that you want to attend. Take advantage of early
registration discounts where applicable. Here are two to get you
started. –toure muhammad
Conference guest greets Magic Johnson at the 30th annual National Black MBA convention.
Upcoming Conferences:
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. will host the 39th annual Legislative Conference, a four-day event held in September, at the
Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.,
Sept. 23–26;
www.cbcfinc.org
The National Black Child Development Institute
will host its 39th annual conference for professionals and parents
working to improve the lives of children, youth and families at the
Hyatt Regency in Atlanta,
Oct. 24–27;
www.nbcdi.org
