Cuyahoga Community College’s (Parma, Ohio) Captioning and Court Reporting Club President, Todd Robie, held a “How to Network at a Conference” seminar on April 3 for all students in the program. Both on-campus and online students were invited to participate. Robie gave valuable pointers for small- to mid-sized conventions and events. As he pointed out, these are your future colleagues and people you may have the opportunity to work with or for in the future. Make it your goal to start building your network!
Here are a few tips and tricks to review and take along with you to a conference you may be attending:
- What’s the best thing to get out of a conference? Connections! You want them to remember you and you to remember them.
- Everyone expects to meet new people at a conference and to talk with them.
- Wear your nametag! It can be a conversation starter in itself.
- Remember, folks are especially receptive to students so take advantage of that while you can.
- Take the initiative, as that sets you apart from others right from the start.
- Start out in a group if you are nervous and then branch out individually.
- You are terrific! Keep that in mind because it takes a terrific person to take on the challenge of this career and you have a lot to add to the profession.
- Start by preparing and having two basic introductions in mind along with two questions to start conversations. One intro should be a quick one and the second should be two or three sentences. Good news – you can use the same ones over and over again!
- Remember, the goal is to turn that conversation into a networking opportunity.
- Check out the layout/floor plan of the convention in advance. Common areas are the best places to network.
- Take the time to review the schedule and circle potential networking opportunities. Most of your connections will be made outside the sessions in such places as food lines, coffee and drink stations, and breaks.
- Do a little research on who is attending the convention and who you would like to meet. Make a list of them.
- Keep a file of any business cards you receive and ask them if you can contact them with any additional questions you might have as you continue on your journey as a student.
- Take the time to write down what you talked about with the individuals you’ve spoken with.
- Of course, dress appropriately.
- Feel free to send the people you meet a thank-you email.
- Most importantly, enjoy yourself and all those you meet!
- So go ahead and join your state and national organizations and make your plans to attend these conventions and conferences!
Don’t miss your chance to save on 2018 Convention registration fees. Register by July 23 to save!
