A Message from Your President

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Dear KCMPI Members:

The fall is upon us, a time for football, tailgating, cooler temperatures and foliage. It's truly my favorite time of year!

Over the next few months, our KCMPI calendar is full of educational and social events that are a prime opportunity for networking with your peers. Now more than ever, it's important for each of us to continue to forge new relationships and build upon existing ones. A monthly program is the perfect time to dust off those networking skills and learn something new about a fellow member.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help polish those networking skills:

1) Before each event, devise a plan and set goals - If you are a supplier looking to meet some potential new clients, review the membership directory before an event and take note of the members you'd like to meet. Remember that fellow suppliers also can be your best source of new business. Looking for a job? What better time to get out and meet some potential new employers and practice your 30-second personal sales pitch!

2) Venture outside your comfort zone, meet new people - Don't spend the entire event with your co-workers. In this industry, we tend to travel in packs. Break outside your comfort zone, and strike up a conversation with someone new. You'd be surprised at what you could learn and what relationships could come out of this new contact.

3) Be an active listener and take notes - The best place to take notes is on the back of the individual's business card. You'll have that snapshot information at your fingertips at all times in your Rolodex.

4) Follow up, follow up, follow up - Don't let this new connection fade. After the events, send a quick note mentioning some of the key topics you discussed.

5) Finally, never underestimate the power of a handwritten note - In this age of social media over exposure, sometimes a good old handwritten snail mail note is the best way to make a lasting impression.

By following these tips and tricks, not only will you potentially meet your next client, employer or colleague, but you also have started building a new relationship and will now have one additional friendly face at the next meeting.

I challenge each of you to go out and meet 10 new people between now and the holidays, and see what sort of great new opportunities come your way!

Have an idea for a networking event?   Feel free to contact me to discuss; I'd love to hear your feedback!

Warmest regards,
Michelle Lizak, CMP