I was approached after Acrobash with a question by an attendee: “Why do I care about attending a user group? Isn’t it geared towards new users and hobbyists?” The answer couldn’t be further from it.
I’m speaking in general terms, not of one specific group. User groups and other networking events are indispensable in today’s market. They are your link to other like-minded individuals and potential employers in an informal and comfortable setting.
Networking is what you make of it. When you attend a meeting or event, if you become shy or avoid contact with others, then you are missing out on a lot of opportunities. The person sitting quietly in the corner goes unnoticed, while the person introducing themselves and engaging in conversations is remembered.
Part of the process that may not be understood is that while attending these events will not guarantee you a job, it does not hurt your chances either. It gets your name out there, puts you in front of people who can either hire you or point you to a new opportunity. The more you are active and placing yourself out there the sooner people will take note of you.
Think of it as marketing a brand – you. If you do not advertise yourself, you are only keeping yourself anonymous in the eyes of employers.
Speaking from personal experience, when I moved to Milwaukee I felt like a little fish in a big pond. I’m sure many graduates or people new on the market can feel the same way. However, attending user groups and networking events – even non-industry related ones – helped introduce me to the players in the community and establish me as a resource. Trust me, I’m not comfortable just introducing myself to a person I don’t know, but it is necessary at times to start a relationship. Someone has to do it.
If you want to find out about upcoming industry events and user group meetings, check out our pipeline and user groups listings. For more insight and ideas on how to network effectively, check out our friend, Maryl Petrie’s latest Profit Pros Newsletter here.
Get out there and join in.
