Improve Your Networking Skills at the NSA Convention

By Linda Keith, CSP, CPA

I remember some of my first conventions, and feeling like everyone already knew everyone. It has taken me years to realize that the reason they do is that *they* connected when *they* were new.

The wonderful benefit of making solid connections at NSA is that long-time members truly are seeing good friends again after months away.

When you are new to the organization here are three ways to connect:

1) Find others who are new. As you well know, new to NSA does not mean new to speaking or new to business. People new to NSA may be just the connection you are looking for.

2) Ask established members something specific. In that conversation, find out what they are working on and offer a resource if you have one.

3) Offer to help. This usually starts at the chapter level as a volunteer. Then in chapter leadership. Then a national-level volunteer. The relationships you develop this way naturally lead to strong connections that are personally and professionally rewarding.

When you look at long-time members happily conversing and so connected, you could think ‘that is a clique and I am excluded.’

Or you could think ‘look at what I have to look forward to as I get to know people in NSA’.

Over the 20 years I have been a member, I have discovered the second is true for me.

PS: Stop by the Business Improvement Zone at convention. The groups with a topic-tent are hoping you will join them!