Leading up to the 2017 CoSIDA Convention in June (June 11-14 in Orlando), we are showcasing different aspects of the upcoming in a "Convention InSIDer Spotlight" series.
Register for the 2017 CoSIDA Convention | #CoSIDA17 Information
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Networking 101 at the 2017 CoSIDA Convention
Networking. Ask most CoSIDA members what's one of their top reasons for coming to the association's annual convention and that's a word that almost always get mentioned.
But do you really know how to network effectively and efficiently? Are there peers you would like to meet but have never introduced yourself because you truly don't know what you would say?
At this year's CoSIDA Convention in Orlando, we will have the opportunity to create and renew friendships with peers from
across the country. Just as you would prepare in anticipation of an important presentation, you are encouraged to get ready for the CoSIDA Convention like it really matters. This is your chance to be among the industry's best. You will have access to fresh ideas, candid advice and the benefit of others' experiences. Be prepared to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
On Sunday, we will hear from Master Networker,
Alana Muller, of Coffee Lunch Coffee. She will provide us with tips, tricks and tools for more effective, more meaningful networking. On Monday, immediately before the ESPN social reception, you'll have the opportunity to do a little "speed networking" - an organized exercise designed to help you practice meeting and making connections with strangers.
As you think about packing your bags to head to the Convention, Alana suggests you bring these things along:
Business Cards.
Whatever you've heard, business cards are still in style. They are an important "leave behind" that provide your contacts a way to reach you and give you a chance to express yourself, your skillset, your interests and your style. Be sure to bring them along to share at #CoSIDA17.
List of People You'd Like to Meet.
Do your homework. Using the preliminary information available, review the names and backgrounds of participating attendees. Identify at least 10 people who are interesting to you - that way you're ready to seek them out and connect.
Once you know who you'd like to meet, consider one or two questions or discussion topics for each so you can dive into a meaningful discussion in whatever time you have together.
Open Mind. Be open to new connections, new ideas and new opportunities. Don't forget, in addition to the people you are seeking to meet, there will be many other participants with whom to interact.
More on Our Featured Speaker Alana Muller
Alana Muller is a Networking speaker, workshop facilitator, coach and author of the book,
Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking and a companion blog,
CoffeeLunchCoffee.com. Her accessible, relevant, immediately actionable approach to professional Networking for those interested in connecting with others, getting involved in their community, seeking to advance their career or looking to build social relationships, has helped thousands of people formulate a strategic mindset around Networking while creating a game plan to get out there and Connect.
Alana has been a contributor to
Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, CNBC and other publications and was a featured speaker at TEDxOverlandPark. She is the former President of Kauffman FastTrac, which teaches entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses, and spent a number of years as an executive with Sprint.
Alana has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago, where she was the recipient of the Mike and Karen Herman Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship, and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Smith College. She is a Kansas City native and is actively engaged in the community.