TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Networking at Industry Events

Most IT professionals attend industry conferences with the same goal in mind: to learn more about the latest technology trends or products. However, there’s another critical benefit to these events that shouldn’t be overlooked, and that is the opportunity to make new contacts by networking.

While it’s certainly easier just to attend scheduled sessions and spend time with people whom you already know, it’s more worthwhile to use the opportunity to build your base of connections. These contacts may be helpful when you’re job hunting, in need of professional advice or seeking information about a work-related issue. Industry conferences provide many venues for meeting new contacts, from company-sponsored booths to organized social events. Here are some tips for maximizing your networking efforts:

• Ease your fears. If you’re shy or have some anxiety about taking the initiative to meet new people, look at the event schedule and identify activities that will make the process easier. For instance, you might attend a breakfast event, where you can have a casual conversation with other attendees at the same table.
• Time it right. When introducing yourself, it’s best to avoid people who are actively engaged in a conversation with someone else. Instead, seek out those who are alone because they’re likely to be more receptive to talking. A great icebreaker is to comment on a particular speaker or your impressions of the conference so far.
• Have a 30-second pitch. Be prepared to briefly explain who you are, what you do and why you are at the event. Then ask for similar information from the individual with whom you’re talking. Show a genuine interest in what the person has to say. You’ll strengthen the connection and find it easier to recall the conversation later on.
• Have business cards ready. Keep yours in your left pocket and the cards you collect in your right – this makes is easy to locate yours when necessary. If you don’t have pockets, use different compartments of a briefcase or purse.
• Jog your memory. If you meet a lot of new people, it can be challenging to connect names and faces once you return to the office. One technique that can help is to use the back of a person’s business card to note key information about the individual and your discussion. For instance, you might write down that you met the person after a Linux session or that the contact’s brother works for your employer.

Networking at conferences is a valuable activity, but remember that it doesn’t end just because the meeting is over. Send a brief e-mail or note afterward to your new contacts mentioning how much you enjoyed speaking with them and citing a few details from the conversation. You’ll help to make your new connections lasting ones.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.