How to Intertwine Yourself in Networking

NATA Convention June 22-28 New Orleans!

What is the real benefit of an in-person convention?

Seminars/CEUs? Vender Booth freebies? Partying? Networking?

The thing that NATA does best is coordinating a large group of ATs to gather in one place.

Why not juice it for its full value? Take advantage of the time in person with your colleagues, mentors, peers, alumni, and potential new connections. It is a live tangible environment geared towards engagement. It provides a synergy of accumulating ideas and relationships in real time.

Does networking always have to be transactional to land jobs and access new opportunities? Not necessarily, it can also be about making genuine connections, knowledge sharing, and giving back to others. It just depends on what you want and how you approach it.

Networking is best for creative innovation and collaborative relationships.

Stretch yourself by putting yourself out there, be vulnerable and open to more learning opportunities. It can also be about helping others.

Passive networking is always going to happen organically in large groups, but how do you adequately prepare to maximize your networking opportunities? Intentional Networking. Luck favors a prepared mind.

Reach out externally before the event to carve out personalized time with those that you want to connect with, be clear about your intention. This will provide an opportunity for a focused conversation.

Pick a seminar session of interest; you’re easily surrounded by people with a common interest. An easy ice breaker from the seminar topic, utilize it as an introduction point. The value of relationship building through a common interest.

Connect with classmates or old colleagues to catch up and that simple interaction can provide you an easy introduction to their network.

Personnel research (appropriate stalking) to “bump” into a leader, mentor, that you want to meet.

The more connected you are to people at different job levels and settings, both inside and outside of an organization, the more likely you are to know about new opportunities when they arise. If an employer is hiring for a position that matches your capabilities and ambitions, having the right connection at that company can help you get to the hiring manager. In addition, when you interact with different people, you’re also constantly gathering information.

With your connections you can use your network to get feedback on an important project, learn insights about your industry, or even gain tips on how to excel in the culture of your organization. These interactions can result in you learning, growing, and performing at a higher level.

Kutz & Konin Leadercast. Ep. 26 Successfully Navigating and Networking at Conference.

Kutz & Konin Leadercast. Ep. 27 On Networking: Post Convention Ideas and Musings.

Ravishankar, R.A. (2023). A Beginner’s Guide to Networking. HBR

Shelby 6/2024