Networking at Events

In the spring of 2017 I was invited to be a guest blogger on the AICPA website. The AICPA — the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — was gearing up for its annual convention later that spring. I offered six great tips on networking, especially at large events. The ideas were as timely then as they are today.

I used to be afraid of networking. As an avowed introvert with a moderate case of shyness, too often I would pass up opportunities to meet and connect with people. Much later in life I would discover that networking was an acquired skill and was well within my reach. I let go of my fear of rejection when I realized that networking was not about me, but was about building relationships and finding ways to be helpful to others. I can do that. You can too.

Read the entire article at the AICPA Insights Blog.

The material was adapted from an early draft of Helpful, back when it had a different working title. The six tips became part of Chapter 19: Mastering Meetings and Events.

Originally published March 30, 2017. Updated July 1, 2019.