PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
handing out business cards is considered good business etiquette. Some people even include their social media contact information on them, such as a Twitter handle or LinkedIn URL. “It doesn’t matter where or when, I’ve always got a business card in my back pocket,” says Mr. Boris. Once an event is over, don’t neglect to follow-up with the contacts you’ve made. And the sooner you do so, the better. “A lot of the younger women will make coffee appointments to follow-up and continue to build the relationship,” says Ms. Keith-Asante. Mr. Boris agrees. “If you ever have an opportunity to go for lunch with somebody, or a job interview — even if you’re already employed — it’s good to meet with people. Don’t turn any opportunity down, no matter how small,” he says. “Every job I’ve ever had has been from making face-to-face, personal connections.”
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“It’s an open-ended question and everybody has an opinion on it,” he says. “It’s going to spark some good conversation and it shows that you’ve got some interest.” Experienced networkers have other hints, too. • Don’t be confrontational. You want to have a conversation, not a heated debate • Be approachable, be friendly and be a good listener • Put down your smartphone and be fully engaged • If you’re not comfortable being in the spotlight, ask questions and let others do the talking “People like nothing more than to talk about themselves, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Even a simple question can get the conversation started,” says Mr. Boris. On the other hand, if you’re already a networking ace, try to engage the new people you see. “We try to put new people at ease — people with more experience usually speak one-on-one with them,” says Ms. Keith-Asante. “It’s about listening and sharing your time, which is important.” Don’t forget to wear a name tag, hand out business cards and ask for other people’s cards. Even in today’s digital world,
SURFABLES geowomen.org meetup.com Search for Central Alberta Engineering & Design Group
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Management Development for Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Certificate Leadership Advanced Certificate And many more UAlberta credential programs available. Find your program and register online: extension.ualberta.ca.
PROGRAM OFFICE // 780.492.3027
Learn how to manage people and projects. Look to University of Calgary Continuing Education for courses and certificate programs that help develop your business knowledge, leadership and project management skills. Two certificate programs ideal for APEGA members include: › Professional Management – Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (PEG) › Available online or in class, at the main or downtown campus. › Requires APEGA membership › Project Management Fundamentals › Classes held at the downtown campus
Collin Nair. Graduate. Certificate in Professional Management specializing in Strategic Management
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40 | PEG SPRING 2015
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