As a recruiter, regularly attending industry events is one of the best things you can do for your personal brand. However, many of us ignore how valuable these resources can be. These events are designed to give you a plethora of usable content on a variety of relevant subjects, and will keep you up to date with the latest changes that are occurring within the industry – which we all know happens on a daily basis!
These events offer the opportunity for you to be introduced to experts in your field in a short space of time, typically over a 2-3 hour period, and most importantly allow you to network with others in your industry. An expert who’s a good public speaker can provide you with a wealth of usable content that will be beneficial to your industry insight.
Some of us avoid these events because we don’t feel comfortable engaging with other experts in our field for numerous reasons. Confidence is key when attending these events, but some of us will be looking for the exit door as soon as we arrive (or even before!). But I encourage you to push through the discomfort, because the reward from a personal brand and industry knowledge perspective is invaluable.
You should strongly consider attending at least one industry event every quarter, but be sure to research what the they are about and who will be there beforehand, so you know if it will be relevant.
The 10 Benefits of Attending An Industry Event
Learn something new
This will benefit your personal brand because staying on-trend and across the latest insights will give you the edge over your competitors and make you standout from the crowd.
Business exposure
Exposure across your network is priceless! To build your business you need to mingle with others and look to stand out by showcasing your values.
Build a strong network in your field
Having a strong network can only be a good thing. Melbourne is a small market, and everyone knows everyone. Attending these events will help you gain exposure and confidence among your peers. You want to be known as the go-to within your industry. This is something I strive for daily.
It helps with your confidence
Confidence is key! Candidates, clients and colleagues need to believe in you, but first you need to believe in yourself. People buy from people they feel comfortable with, so having a warm self-confidence is crucial when pitching an idea or solution to others in your industry.
It gives you the ability to share your ideas
Events are a great platform for you as a consultant to demonstrate your ideas, because sharing in a small industry will help you build trust with others and will ultimately build your profile as the go-to for recruitment ideas and solutions.
Helps you market map potential new candidates and clients
There is no better way to meet people than ask valuable questions. This will help you stand out in a crowd of people who just want to talk about themselves! It also gives you the chance to engage in conversation and demonstrate your knowledge and build trust with others. Most industry events will provide a list of attendees, so I suggest you take a picture of it or take the programme back to work. This is a good and quick way to map your clients and see who might be a potential candidate or client.
Learning about facts and statistics that will help you better understand your current market
Citing data is great when talking to candidates and clients. Providing them knowledge and insight about the industry is an awesome way to add value. It’s free advice, and candidates and clients love to be in the know. It also builds trust, respect & confidence in you as consultant, which is invaluable when developing strong relationships.
In a world where everything has become digital, in-person connections can be extremely powerful
As I’ve said before, people buy from people! As humans we need to have a connection, and that connection will again build trust with others. The reason I meet every candidate and client I deal with in person is because firstly, I need to make sure I build a connection, and secondly, I need them to tell me everything. People find it a lot harder to dodge questions or lie about their experience when you’re in their presence. Trust is the key word, and this will go along way when managing the process.
You can make more money
100% – you build your brand, network, opportunities and knowledge. You also build confidence, and this will increase your motivation to succeed.
It’s fun!
Industry events are great to relax, unwind and have some fun! It’s a good stress reliever because everyone is in the same boat. There’s something to bond over!
Key Things That You Should NEVER Do At Industry Events
Don’t act like you know more than everyone there – it makes you seem arrogant.
Dress inappropriately – if you’re not sure what to wear, check the dress code.
Display negative body language – don’t stand in a corner the whole night with your arms crossed, you will seem unapproachable.
Drink to excess – it’s unprofessional.
Gossip about others in your industry – it’s a small market and it will get back to them, making you seem petty and untrustworthy. Keep it professional and positive.
Only talk about yourself – you will become known as a bore who has no interest in others. Ask questions. Be interested, not just interesting!
Attending industry events is a part of my overall business growth strategy. The more I grow my network, the more I am in the right place at the right time for new opportunities. The same can be true for you.
Lee Stevens is the Manager of the Architecture and Interior Design team at Fetch, with many years experience recruiting in the Melbourne market. His strength lies in developing strong industry relationships to better understand the human resource challenges the design industry faces. You can connect with Lee on LinkedIn here.
