b'|COVER STORYversations with others is to use their first namegetting needed CE. The rest of the family oftenquickest, most efficient ways to intro-several times during the encounter to help meenjoys the sites or attractions while the nurseduce yourself to others. place the face and the name together.attends sessions during the day; then they haveTake advantage of all opportunities to Remember to follow up with those youtheir evenings together as a family.networkat the hotel gym, walking made contact with at a conference. Staying infrom one session to another, riding in touch is important if you want to grow your6. How can professionals avoid the mindsetthe elevatorthe opportunities are network and make meaningful and poten- of I dont have time to attend conferencesendless.tially beneficial contacts. If you come acrossbeyond my CE requirements for the benefitFollow up after the conference with an interesting article or hear of someone youof networking? everyone who gave you a business card. know who is doing research in an area thatSocial events like receptions and dinners areNurture the relationship and, if possible, may be of interest to your new contact, reachideal for meeting new people and developingconnect with others in your current net-out and pass the information along. Just likecollaborative relationships. These events pro- work with your newfound connections. any other relationship, connections madevide wonderful opportunities to learn moreWrite additional information, such as through networking need to be nurtured andabout topics that may have brought you to thekey points of your discussion, on the tended to if they are to thrive.conference in the first place. Imagine havingback of each business card following Networking also can begin before the eventa one-on-one conversation in a casual andyour initial meeting. You will generally takes place. Use social media to follow key- social setting with the keynote speaker thatmeet a lot of people at a conference and note speakers prior to a conference. Reach outyou were most interested in hearing! Whileit can be challenging to keep every name and let the individual(s) know that you will benetworking is always important, these socialcorrect with the topics youve discussed. attending and look forward to meeting themevents are also occasions to relax and enjoy the in person. Then make a point to do so!moment. Have a conversation with someone8.What are your Top 5 Donts while new, enjoy the atmosphere, and be seen.networking at a professional industry con-5. In your opinion, how are todays organiza- That being said, theres nothing wrong withference?tions working to offer conferences that willnetworking prior to or following a conference1. Unless you are using your phone for attract healthcare professionals? What is itsession if social events just are not your thing.digital business cards, put it away. There that is most likely to get a nice attendance? Strike up a conversation with those sittingis nothing approachable about some-Its important to remember that we havearound you in the session you are attending.one who has their head down and their multiple generational cohorts and experienceMake a connection with someone wearing aattention focused on their phone. levels in healthcare right now. If organiza- conference name badge while youre waiting2. Dont hover in the background and wait tions want their conference to be successful,in line for your morning coffee. Networkingfor people to come to you and introduce they need to be thorough about scanning thedoesnt have to be all work with specific objec- themselves. Put a smile on your face and environment and seeing what their memberstives and goals; sometimes just getting to knowapproach them with confidence. and potential attendees are needing. Offeringsomeone new is enough.3. If you choose to drink alcohol at the different choices, from beginning to advancedIf nothing else, follow the conferenceevent, do so responsibly. People will practice levels, from high-tech to holistic,through its mobile app or on Twitter, assum- remember not only how you treat them, and from practice environments to personaling that these items are available, using thebut also your actions. Drinking too development provides learning opportunitiesconferences hashtag to network with othersmuch can ruin any opportunities you to a variety of learners.online. This also provides a good way to con- may have for building new relationships.Changing up the standard session fromnect with others at the convention and can4. Dont approach networking like you a speaker with PowerPoint slides to morehelp develop your own conference network. are delivering a sales pitch. Be your-interactive sessions is also trending. Theself, smile, and talk casually at first. The PowerPoints provide nice information that is7. What are your Top 5 Dos while network- more in-depth conversations can come very helpful when following the conference,ing at a professional industry conference? later. but todays learners want to be engaged andGet the conference app and engage5. Dont take up too much time with one they want to offer their own experiences aswith others on a social plane before andindividual. Remember to deliver your well as hearing from others. during the conference. Make plans toelevator speech and actively listen to the The venue is also important. Havingmeet, have a conversation, and exchangeother person with the intention of try-enough hotel rooms that are reasonably pricedbusiness cards.ing to help them connect with people is a huge plus, as is the choice of family-friendlyHave plenty of business cards with you.who you know. Make plans to meet later locations. Over the past couple of years, IveWhether its your own personal cardif the opportunity presents itself, but seen more and more professionals turning theor one listing your employer or organi- dont limit your networking to just one destination into a family vacation while alsozation, they are a must and one of theor two people.nwww.elitecme.com |2019| EDUCATION 7'