​by Laura Howe, CMP

​The hospitality industry is a magnet for networking.  So why is it so hard to meet the right people?  When I say the right people, I mean the authentic kind.  The type of people who through genuine camaraderie become walking, talking advertisements for one another.
Professional networking is more than just a LinkedIn profile or exchanging a business card.  So, how do you meet the “authentic” people out there?  Join an association. Take advantage of the networking prospects you have access to right now. 

I’ve been a member of SPIN, for years.  In the beginning, I was a LinkedIn member who would occasionally read the posts but never engage.  Years later, I elevated my membership and began participating in the educational offerings.  Amazed with the topics and candor from the members, I knew this was an association that was building people up to succeed and I wanted more. Presently, I have upped the ante again and have volunteered within SPIN as their Director of Membership.  The amount of like-minded, intelligent, professional and did I mention FUN people that I have encountered and have access to is well…priceless! I attended SPINCon for the first time last year (and now I am officially hooked.)  Cultivating a professional network doesn’t happen overnight.   It sure didn’t happen like that for me.  I am a firm believer that you get what you put in - you must make an investment of time and effort in the association and become involved. In the spirit of leveraging your network, I am reminded of a fellow bloggers quote, “Learn to enjoy the networking for the satisfaction of helping others, the pride in seeing your contacts succeed, the friendships that form. And learn that sometimes "paying it forward" has rewards.” ¹ Be the “authentic” kind!

As the Director of Membership for SPIN, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to remind everyone that SPIN has eliminated membership dues for all qualified members until the end of 2016.  It has also waived registration fees for all member events and activities in 2016, including its annual North American conference; SPINCon. Visit http://www.spinplanners.com and sign up today!  This is a great way to expand your professional network.

1. Source material can be found by Meghan Wier at http://businessdevelopmentandnetworking.blogspot.com/

Laura Howe, CMP is the Owner of LH Global Events, LLC, an event management company based out of Massachusetts.  Good at wearing multiple hats, Laura also volunteers as SPIN’s Director of Membership.  Contact her at [email protected] and Follow her on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/LHGlobalEvents

Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.

This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
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Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
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by Doug Chorpenning

It is too easy for us to associate our value with the organization we are working for at any given time.  However, the truth is that you are always self-employed, even if you are getting a steady paycheck from an employer.  As we have seen over the last decade, there is no such thing as job security.  “This isn’t your father’s economy.”
 
Considering this reality, we must always be cognizant of how we are creating our own personal brand.  Similar to actual consumer brands, we are measured by the value and integrity we extend to the marketplace.  The good news is that it is easier than ever for us to create our unique brand of You, Inc.  Here are five fundamental ways you can generate buzz around your personal brand and prepare yourself for a smoother transition into a new role or such when the time comes.
 

1. Use your time at your current position as a way to build your brand.  Take your experience and insight to the social media world.  Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to become a thought leader in your field.  Join groups in LinkedIn and participate in discussions.  Follow individuals and organizations on Twitter that share your interests and career objectives.

 

1. Become a guest lecturer at a local university.  Contact the Dean of “X” department/college (whichever discipline you have expertise—marketing, finance, art, engineering, etc).  Most colleges and universities are always looking for people with real world experience to present to various classes. 

 

1. Design a personal website and blog.  Hire a college student or friend with web design skills to build a simple website that represents your personality.  Buy a url address that ties into the theme of the site or, if available, your name.  Create a blog section so you can generate content on interesting topics.  These blog posts can then be shared on the social media sites you belong to, such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

1. Produce a short video resume that depicts your personality, professional experience and overall philosophy on life.  There are many video producers that specialize in these types of videos or you can produce a homemade version using inexpensive editing software.  This gives you an advantage over others that only have a static image on paper.

 

1. Face to Face networking the old fashioned way.  Join professional organizations and other relevant networking groups to build your brand.  Every time you attend an event, you are in essence making an impression—no different than an advertisement for a typical brand. 

 
Doug Chorpenning is the founder and CEO of the wet paint group.  wet paint specializes in corporate messaging, branding, & experiential marketing.  Prior to wet paint, he owned and managed the hip performance group (a boutique branding & event management agency) from 2000-2010. Doug is a member of SPIN.

Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.

Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.
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by Kathie Niesen

The case of Erin Andrews suing a major hotel chain for allowing a stalker to obtain her room number and then occupy a neighboring room is so disturbing.  If you have heard the story you know the stalker went on to record her naked through the peephole and then put the video on the internet where nearly 17 million people have viewed the video. That a hotel employee, even four years ago would give out her room number and abet this horrible deed is truly shocking.
 
Again, nearly 17 million people have watched that video. Can you even imagine that many people seeing you in your native state? I certainly can’t.
 
So who is culpable? Certainly the stalker who served some jail time related to the case. And what was the hotel chain’s responsibility in the case? Where is their training program and why did someone not question this man’s request when it was made?
 
And what really was the damage to Erin Andrews personally? Beside the obvious, a horrible invasion of privacy and of course knowing that forever that video can be accessed by anyone. Did it hurt her career, has it affected her love life? She claims yes and how can anyone possibly prove that right or wrong.
 
As meeting planners, we take safety measures to the nth degree and we should. We have a strategy in place to ensure the safety and security of our meeting attendees. We have all been trained to ensure that the hotel, meeting venue and even transportation have measures in place to ensure a happy healthy attendee and a successful meeting. What more can we do?
 
This blog and the recent one that Barbara Scofidio wrote on human trafficking should spark a discussion. Let’s talk about how safe we feel or not when staying in a hotel. How often have you noticed what is going on around you, in the hallways, lobby and other public spaces. How many times has the desk clerk announced your room number? How many times have you been concerned about the person on the elevator with you? How many of you have opened the door without calling the front desk to ensure the person is really a hotel employee? And what have you done about it?
 
Lets talk about it.
 
Kathie Niesen, CMP is the Owner of KMN Meetings and Events. She plans meetings of all sizes. Consulting services include instructional design, working with volunteers and faculty development.  She is the SPIN Blog Coordinator and a member of PCMA. You can contact her at [email protected]
 
Any views or opinions represented in this blog belong to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinion of SPIN. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information and will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of this information.
 
This blog may not be copied and published without the written permission of the writer and SPIN.
 
Have something to say? Say it on The Chatter, SPiN members are invited to submit Blogs for publication in The Chatter. If you are interested send an email to [email protected]. Let us know what you want to blog about and we will contact you.