How To Get The Most From Your Next Work Conference
Sunday, 17. July 2011
Let’s get this clear, not all business conferences are created equal.
There are those hosted by uninterested speakers chatting nonsense to a handful of far more unenthusiastic visitors. Everybody in the function centre appears to be bored out of their mind, watching the clock and coming up with methods to escape.
Then there are those events that are really worth investing the time “not to mention the dollars “it took to plan it. These golden nuggets are filled with educated professionals who are excited about their area of expertise, and boffins who are also so.
Of course if given the choice I’d (clearly) select the latter. But having sat through both sorts of conferences, I am here to say that it’s truly what you make of it that matters. There are definitely tips to make the most out of any meeting “even the bad ones!
At the last one I attended, I worked and schmoozed so well that you’d think I were campaigning for president. As a journalistic correspondent, I was in a position to wax lyrical with all of my workmates and share tips, as well as make contacts and trade business cards with potential customers. Sure, you’ll never see many of them guys again, but it only takes one real contact to lead to a better job or career improvement.
Another excellent tip for capitalising on your time at a conference is to equip your “elevator pitch”. This is the brief and dynamic pitch you’d give the head honcho or company CHAIRPERSON if you happened to leap in the elevator with that person. The nature of the pitch will vary seriously depending upon on your individual field, but as a journalist I’d come up with a few dynamite story ideas beforehand and practice selling it to a potential editor.
After all, work conferences can attract workers of all levels “from entry level varsity graduates to veteran company leaders. Would you know the way to sell yourself if you suddenly come face to face with the gigantic boss?
That said, don’t be a snob and solely chase after the high class players. Chatting up secretaries and general staffers is crucial too. They are the ones who are on the ground level of their companies and aware of what’s happening on a day-to-day basis. Their discernment is crucial, and is sometimes more useful than those of the higher-ups. And, it’s just the nice thing to do. No-one like’s brown-nosers!
Above all, remember, work meetings are designed to help you in your chosen career. Some are much better than others, but rarely are they worthless. They are only a waste of time if you make it so. Best of luck and contented conferencing!
For your next work function, company event or private party check out dLook’s choice of meeting centres, cooking services and cosy cafes.