|
|
 |
Networking Tips from a Big Box Leader
Posted June 20, 2008
It’s Not What You Know, But Who You Know: Networking Tips from Kelly Gorman of PETCO
June 20th, 2008 by Ana Van Engelen
Posted in NRF Events
The thought of networking with the 2,900+ people might seem a bit overwhelming. We recently had the honor to pick the brain of networking queen Kelly Gorman, also known as the vice president of loss prevention for PETCO. Kelly has attended the LP show for the past 15 years and has some advice to share:
I find that meeting new friends in the industry is a great way to gather innovative ideas, to take advantage of my peer’s creativity, and to change the look of the circus that I’m in daily. I also make an effort each year not only to catch up with everyone that I haven’t seen or talked with since the last conference but to also introduce myself to new faces.
Here are some other tips I have found helpful.
• Expand contacts: Make it a goal to find 10 new people that you haven’t met in the past. (I exclude vendors from this list of 10, since they tend to find all the retailers well enough on their own.)
• Seating strategy: Make sure to attend separate sessions from your friends and colleagues at the show. Also try to sit next to a new face—someone you’ve never met before.
• Make note: Make it a point to share your business card while also collecting cards from new acquaintances. (I have also found it helps me to write when and where I met that person so when I get home, a month or even a year later I will be reminded of the connection.)
• Don’t let your day end when the sessions do: There are many great receptions or evening events during the conference. Make it a point to get out!
I have made some great business and personal contacts over the last 15 years of attending national conferences.
|
