Making an Impact: EURO2015 for Practitioners Speed Networking
Networking – giving serendipity a hand
As Donald Rumsfeld might have said: ‘There are lots of things each one of us doesn’t know that we don’t know’. But somebody knows them. And that is why networking is such a wonderful thing.
If you’re planning to migrate to a software platform you’ve never worked with before who better to ask than somebody who has used it, or better, has recently migrated to it. The same goes for new techniques, new application areas, jobs in new fields…without talking to people who’ve been there themselves, you are missing out on one of the most vital sources (and in some case, the only possible source) of information.
Networking as information exchange is not only essential to developing good professional practice, it is also an activity where we can all be givers. Generosity with one’s own knowledge is the mark of a good professional.
EURO2015’s ‘Making an Impact’ speed networking sessions give a perfect opportunity to see how this works. It is designed so that even the shyest of us can join in without embarrassment, and the outcome is an immediate boost to the number of people you may be able to turn to in the future – or who may be able to turn to you.
Many people prefer to build their networks through serendipitous encounters. They are put off systematic networking by the idea that networking leads to ‘using’ people for your own ends, or that it is to help the sharp-elbowed gain advantage. So it can; but it can be so much more universal, and reciprocal than that. What’s more, it can also be fun – come and try it!
Elevator pitch – why, when and how?
One of the opportunities of speed networking is to let people know some key things about you in a very limited time; and one of the ways to do this is to try out your ‘elevator pitch’.
Whether you are an analyst trying to pitch your idea, or a consultant trying to land another piece of work, a head of department trying to get your budget increased, or an O.R. professional looking for people you could learn from or who could learn from you – what would you say if you met your ideal target?
So imagine you are in an elevator, and have 30 to 60 seconds to leave an impression by providing enough information to be invited for the next conversation. You might want to start with a ‘pain statement’ - a problem that you are trying to solve. Next, state what your value proposition is and how what you do solves that problem. Lastly, be clear on what you are looking for. Keep it short. Have a hook. Pitch yourself, not only your ideas. Practise.
Have your perfect elevator pitch ready for EURO2015. Come to speed networking to gain new insights, expand your professional network, catch up with O.R. colleagues and last, but definitely not least, to have fun!