Patrick Carlson
Patrick Carlson has been with Core-apps since 2015, having previously worked in event planning and marketing for the Council of the Great Lakes Region, Great River Creative and in government
Networking Events are Key Socially and Professionally
July 7, 2016
I am a serial networker, and I am guessing you have heard this before from many others, but in my case, it is absolutely true.
Networking has been a staple of business development since the dawn of time, and it has been covered extensively in a good number of articles, blog posts and talk shows.
Many of us have different approaches when it comes to expanding our web – be it for business or personal use. There’s a myriad of choices on how to approach networking; no wonder there’s a new blog post or web article published about it in what seems like a daily basis!
Recently, I was at a regular networking event when I started to think about all the different approaches we make to widen our reach. I considered how much value I place on the ability to network. Networking events are key socially and professionally – after all, it is okay to have friends in our business!
Everyone has ideas on what to do after a networking event but what should you do when you are actually there? When I hit up a networking event, I have a few basic rules:
· Treat the event as you would any work-related conversation. You should not walk into a networking event without doing some research on who is your host and who the other guests are.
· Keep in mind that just because people are there for the social component of the day (especially true for those of us who work from home), that does not mean you should be unprepared to talk shop. Have your elevator pitch ready for the one or two times that you’ll need it!
· Show up alone, but if you already know people in the event, make an effort to meet someone new within the first few minutes of being there. Nobody likes to be outside his or her own comfort zone – that is why it is called the comfort zone – however, that is not why you went out tonight! Spending the entire evening with the few people you have met before is called hanging out with friends. You didn’t need to put on your best REI khakis and closed-toed shoes for that!
· Most importantly, have fun! Networking is part of our job. Whether you are a vendor or show organizer, everyone at the event has an agenda so simply set that fact aside and walk away happy.
Networking is the ultimate long game – it takes time to cultivate a relationship and heading to these events is only buying the seed, not even planting it yet! Practice the tips above and watch your networking skills improve.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment