3 MORE Foolproof Tips for Networking at Hobsons U and NSI
Jul. 2, 2013 at 07:00 AM | By Marlysa Connolly | Comment Count
Summer is all about sunny days at the beach, backyard barbeques, fireworks, and long evening strolls in the park. But for folks in education, summertime means Hobsons University and Naviance Summer Institute.
Yes, it’s that special time of year when you and your colleagues come together to discuss trends in education; share ideas on how to enrich student experiences over the next year; and learn how to improve institutional effectiveness across departments and campuses. And the best part is, you get to do this at a snazzy resort and over a much-deserved cocktail.
But, getting ready for Hobsons’ annual user conferences is much more than packing your phone charger and toothpaste. Being truly prepared for getting the most out of your conference experience is making sure you are ready for networking.
Networking is scary. Let’s face it, who wants to be that guy or gal awkwardly standing beside the hors d'oeuvres waiting for someone, anyone to spark a conversation and take their business card? Whether you are coming alone or with a group, Hobsons has you covered.
Here are 3 MORE Foolproof Tips for Networking at Hobsons U and NSI (check out the first 4 tips).
Stop by Hobsons HQ!
New to Hobsons University? Hobsons HQ is your centralized one-stop shop for consultations, demonstrations, and learning how to better leverage your Hobsons solutions/s, and interacting with Hobsons experts.
Here are a few highlights to check out:
- Social Media Strategies Q&A – July 23 at 4:30PM - Hobsons Director of Communications, Rachel Metscher, and Concordia University’s Social Media Manager, Veronica Steele, delve out the deets on how to design a successful social media strategy that will engage prospects, parents, students, and alumni.
- How to Drive a Successful, Scalable, and Sustainable Online Program – July 23 at 5PM - Nearly 70% of higher education institutions believe online learning is critical to growth strategy. Hobsons and Blackboard Student Services have joined forces to help you increase the quality, scale, and economic impact of your online programs—while reducing your institutional risks through a trusted partnership.
NSI Events Your Don’t Want to Miss
Educator’s College Fair – July 9 at 4PM and July 10 at 11:30AM
Naviance Network members and their guests will have an opportunity to interact with admission professionals from more that 40 select colleges and universities. The 2013 NSI Educator’s College Fair will take place twice, offering all Naviance Network members ample time to meet with all college and university representatives.
Roadtrip Nation Experience – July 11 at 4PM
Throughout the conference, Roadtrip Nation students will interview NSI attendees about their struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Watch the videos and see how these stories will inspire students for the road ahead!
(More NSI events to check out.)
Be Bold
Coming with a group? It’s easy to hang with your colleagues during the conference. How about trying something new and branching out? By doing so, you might meet a school administrator building a college-going culture by engaging students and parents through smartphone apps.
Coming by yourself? It’s easy to sit in the back during presentations or skip networking events because you don’t have anyone to go with. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you might chat with an enrollment manager influencing applicant pools via predictive modeling and a multichanneled approach to personalized communications.
You get the point. Be bold at conferences by:
- sitting with people you don’t know
- rescuing wallflowers
- coordinating meetings with attendees you met during previous conferences
- talking to other attendees during breaks instead of checking emails, browsing the Internet, or texting on your phone
- connecting colleagues with like-minded peers
- striking up a conversation with people wearing the conference badge
- asking questions before, during, and after presentations.
One last tip for the road . . . try joining lunch or dinner tables where the conversation is already going. Sit by a person, not an empty chair.
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