How to make the most of a business conference
Q
. I’m attending a conference soon. I haven’t done this in five years. My skills are stale — how do I get the most out of it and work the room? Help!
A
. You’re not alone as many people are discovering the new normal, tapping into the old while embracing the new. First, be wellrested and ready to absorb as much as you can assuming there are sessions (and perhaps breakouts, too) in a big ballroom. Listen as best you can, take meaningful notes and take breaks as needed, especially mini ones for a quick power walk or energy-replenishing snack. Create pockets of downtime to restore your energy.
To network, it’s always a good idea to have business cards at the ready, but many people simply swap contact information (and their QR codes from LinkedIn profiles) in real-time. To make the most meaningful connections, aim for rewarding genuine conversations whether you talk about your favorite vacation spot or bond over a shared hobby — lasting impressions from quality time can be the start of a wonderful work relationship (or personal friendship, too) when you follow up.
Absorb as much information as you can, and have meaningful conversations. When you return home start applying what you’ve learned, research into other new areas that sparked new ideas and follow up with your new contacts.
Above all, stay present in the moment during the conference — enjoy!
Q
. How many side hustles is too many? I mean, is there a limit? I work a full-time job, but it’s slow. I could totally increase my takehome pay!
A
. Although your fulltime job is slow, that’s not a reason for working other gigs during those work hours.
Whomever’s clock you are on — in this case, the employer — you need to be loyal and devoted to them and their work. Outside those hours is where a side hustle or more fit in. So, only you know the time and energy you have left over. Start with one and see how much time it entails so you still have time for your personal life and commitments in your own time as well.
Then, if you still have some time and bandwidth, you can add as many side hustles as you’d like! I’d just caution you about burnout and not biting off more than you can chew, at least initially. I wouldn’t take on several all at once. I would layer them in, especially if there’s an onboarding process to your clients so they’re spaced out.
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@ vickisalemi.com. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www. vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ vickisalemi./ Tribune News Service