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The power of personal networks can get a problem solved—pronto, help source a new supplier or even get you a new job. The overwhelming success of LinkedIn’s professional networking site has made it easy to connect with business colleagues and former acquaintances. But how you manage those connections is just as important as how many you have. Networks and the process of networking are the foundation of all business relationships. Keep these ideas in mind, as you grow your own.
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Time to Nurture. Networking is essentially maintaining a regular relationship with people for the ultimate purpose of developing business. A good relationship takes time to grow and requires regular conversations over a long period of time. As your network develops this community of people will provide support and information to help you. |
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Ongoing Effort. You’ll need to have both a formal and informal network in place. Formal networks are the type you join, such as an industry association with regular meetings. Informal networks could be made up of former colleagues or clients you’ve kept in touch with, school alumni, people you’ve met on Fam trips, or seat mates you’ve struck up conversations with at a dinner function. During your career people will move in and out of your networks, so keep at it. |
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Practice good netetiquette. A couple of things to keep in mind: Follow through on your promises. If you say you’re going to send someone a phone number, make sure you do it. Be timely and genuine. Think of creative ways to keep in touch, maybe by sending an article on a topic of interest to them, along with a short handwritten note. |
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Set Goals. Try to carve out a little time each week to maintain or strengthen your network. When attending events, try to achieve small goals like meeting a certain number of new people or leaving with a certain number of business cards. |
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Reach Out. Yes, everyone is busy, but it only takes a moment to send an email or make a quick call. Sometimes it’s nice to hear a real voice instead of seeing another email. Review your contact list at least once a year. Every once in awhile, meet someone in your network for coffee or suggest a lunch date. Real connections are made in face-to-face meetings, something that planners can relate to. And never discard a contact…you can always call and say genuinely, that you want to “reconnect” with them. |
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CanSPEP 2012 Conference
When: February 23 – 25, 2012
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Why go: Canada’s independent meeting planners are marking a major milestone with their 15th annual conference.
What’s in it for you: The chance to network and celebrate with Canada’s savvy independent planners. Learn social media tips, explore advanced Excel functionality and experience new styles of conference presentation formats by attending their educational sessions, and pick up some CIC CMP CE credits at the same time.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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INCENTIVES + MEETINGS
Green on the Grid
A newly published guideline, Event Organizers Sector Supplement, (EOSS) from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), paves the way for reporting qualitative and quantitative data on sustainability issues for events of all types. The events sector encompasses diverse activities from business meetings and conferences to huge events like the Olympics or cultural festivals – all with various impacts on the environment. The EOSS sets guidelines for reporting on what matters most to professional planners: attendee travel, greenhouse gases and waste, sourcing of materials, supplies and services, the legacy of the event and initiatives taken to promote sustainability and transparency. The guidance covers the entire life cycle of an event from bids to planning, execution and post-event. It was developed with input from various meeting industry stakeholders over a period of two years.
Beginners can click here to learn how to prepare a GRI sustainability report for the first time.
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Compliance is Complicated
The just-released Travel Management Priorities for 2012 says North American travel managers will struggle with compliance issues on travel policy with their road warriors this year. According to the Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) survey, based on responses from 290 international travel managers, capitalizing on air and ground transport savings, optimizing hotel spend and helping employees understand online booking mechanics represent money saving opportunities for even mature travel programs. Nick Vournakis, Minneapolis, MN.,-based vice president, CWT Solutions Group, Global says “additional fees, surcharges and credit card booking fees charged by airlines and other suppliers are making it very difficult for buyers to efficiently and accurately compare the full cost of travel between suppliers.” It’s important for managers to communicate to employees who the preferred company suppliers are as more and more business travellers make use of mobile applications. |
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CORPORATE GIFTS + REWARDS
Tee it UP
 Groups lucky enough to stay at any of the on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort can now enjoy two of the area’s finest golf courses. The resort’s new partner courses in the Golf Universal program are the Grand Cypress Golf Club and the Windermere Country Club. An added bonus for meeting planners is the complimentary services of a dedicated golf coordinator on-site to plan and oversee the groups’ entire golf outing or event, and that includes arranging tee times, registration, food and beverage, awards and gift items. Groups as small as an executive foursome to a full-fledged tourney, can enjoy links-style golfing at the new course at Grand Cypress or the recently renovated Windermere course, just minutes away from the resort. It is possible to buy out either course, based on the time of the year and day of the week. |
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| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
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Within the Heartbeat of the City
The swish boutique Hôtel Le Germain Toronto is looking for one savvy individual to handle the Sales and Catering Manager position to coordinate all aspects of planning related to group meetings and events. From proposals to contract negotiations through to creative food and beverage options, you’ll assist your clients and the hotel management in delivering one-of-a-kind event programs. Click through to this website for the delicious details.
Saved by the Bell
You’ll have to jump on this opportunity right away. A part-time Conference Services Assistant position is available at Georgian College in Barrie, ON. But the closing date to apply is Feb. 2. The right candidate will provide site tours, promote Georgian Conference facilities and book reservations and handle client inquiries. Hurry to Workopolis to get all the notes.
Step up to the Podium
It's your turn to shine as the Adcam Media Group needs an Event Manager for the National Advertising Awards, a four month contract position. You'll collaborate on creative development, manage the entry process, negotiate all vendor contracts and produce a gala awards reception including entry exhibits and an on-stage presentation. The application deadline is February 10. Click here for more details.
Scholarly Pursuit
Toronto's Ryerson University is looking for an Events Manager to oversee events and functions hosted by the President. You'll use your experience as a special event pro to lead a team in all aspects of event execution in an academic/government environment. Click here for more info. |
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