Networking – net·work·ing (noun) – Meeting and interacting with individuals who have similar interests in an effort to build relationships that will produce current and future benefits.Have you made your plans on who, what, when and where you will be networking for the remainder of 2012? Networking is an important part of everyone’s professional and personal life and means something different to each of us. No matter how you define networking – contacting & enhancing business relationships, reaching out to your customer base, or just schmoozing … it all adds up and creates value. If done right, and with the right crowd, you will reap many rewards and benefits for yourself and your company.
Some AMT members have shared their own experiences …
- I was able to play matchmaker between a supplier and a peer, strengthening both companies, as well as their relationship with me.
- I heard an industry exec describe a process that our company had developed a solution to and pitched him the idea during a break. That connection led to a new customer relationship a couple months later.
- Just a general discussion about challenges with reaching people about our specialized skill set. One of the people in the conversation pointed me to a work group and set of meetings they sponsor and participate in to achieve that understanding with potential customers.
Best thing since IMTS for meeting people
Besides IMTS, the 2012 Global Forecasting & Marketing Conference, October 24-25, is your best opportunity for networking. According to last year’s conference survey results, attendees asked for more time for networking and we have scripted that into the agenda – a total of 4 hrs., 10 min., not including meals!
If you haven’t registered yet for the Global Forecasting & Marketing Conference, it only takes a few minutes. Go to www.AMTonline.org/GFMC. You’ll be glad you did!
If you have any questions about the conference, contact Pam Patten at 703-827-5226 or ppatten@AMTonline.org.