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Immediate Vault

The Conference Catalyst’s Top Tricks for Networking

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Networking Tips

On the opening night of RIMS 2014, the first-timer orientation offered newcomers inside tips and tricks for this year’s conference in Denver. This year’s annual risk management summit offers more educational sessions and booths to visit than ever before, but that is only half the experience. For the other half, Thom Singer, “The Conference Catalyst,” shared some of his expert advice on networking, whether at one of the many parties or on the packed exhibit hall floor.

With the theme “Connecting with People in a Social Media Crazy World,” Singer emphasized the a return to basics when facing the unique challenges of getting off your devices and moving beyond social media relationships to form real connections.

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“When you’re with people, remember it choose people,” he said. “There is some assembly required — you have to make decisions and do work to build your network.

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And when you do, you’re not just building connections, but building your brand and taking control of it.”

Here are a few of his top tips for making the most out of your time at the conference:

  • Hallway conversations are learning opportunities, and you never know who you’ll meet just through serendipity
  • Put your phone away during breaks and lunches — don’t let technology become a social crutch
  • Make it easy for people to talk to you by smiling and being approachable
  • Wear your nametag: it says you’re part of the club while you’re here and offers an immediate way to start any conversation — and if you see a nametag, take advantage of the opening
  • Leave your workers behind — sometimes, you have to remember this isn’t a junior high dance, leave your clique behind and surround yourself with new people
  • Be curious about other people and ask questions, don’t just wait around to hear what they can do for you
  • Know your own brand — it’s how people will remember and talk about you down the line, so think about what you want your brand to be and take active ownership
  • Follow up: A Facebook like or a retweet is just a Facebook like or a retweet, not a connection — those require work and engagement over time, so this one meeting is just the start

National Preparedness Month Takes FEMA to School

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September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and FEMA has launched a series of initiatives designed to promote disaster readiness throughout the country. Some of the programs that the agency is promoting include Ready America (which helps educate families and individuals), Ready Business (which breaks down the preparedness basics for companies and may be very helpful to many of our readers) and Ready Kids (which is an attempt to ingrain the concept of preparedness to the next generation).

Many states have jumped on board with the national effort and despite the fact that September seems a little late in the hurricane season for states like Louisiana and Florida to push the concept, awareness is the key here — any extra attention that FEMA’s outreach can get will be helpful.

In Colorado, the agency has had some particular success with its outreach as it took to Elbert Elementary school to promote the same agenda advocated on the Ready Kids website. With some help from Disney, FEMA was able to bring some edutainment to the kids, who had a good time and hopefully learned a little too.

Elbert Elementary received one shelter in place kit for each classroom, which included food, water, blankets and additional items to assist teachers and students for up to 12 hours in the event of an emergency situation.  Teachers were educated on the kit and encouraged to add to it as needed.
READYColorado and Elbert Elementary kicked off preparedness events with a Radio Disney Party.  As part of each assembly, Radio Disney educated the children on various elements of preparedness, including fire safety, emergency kit packaging, pet safety in emergencies, and flu readiness.  Radio Disney also featured fun contests including various preparedness trivia games, a Readiness Toss, kit creation, and a Readiness Scramble.  There also was plenty of dancing and singing with Radio Disney DJs.  Kids received prizes and were encouraged to think about preparedness actions they can take at home and at school.
Other school preparedness parties are scheduled throughout the state during the month of September.

Elbert Elementary received one shelter-in-place kit for each classroom, which included food, water, blankets and additional items to assist teachers and students for up to 12 hours in the event of an emergency situation. Teachers were educated on the kit and encouraged to add to it as needed.

READYColorado and Elbert Elementary kicked off preparedness events with a Radio Disney Party. As part of each assembly, Radio Disney educated the children on various elements of preparedness, including fire safety, emergency kit packaging, pet safety in emergencies, and flu readiness. Radio Disney also featured fun contests including various preparedness trivia games, a Readiness Toss, kit creation, and a Readiness Scramble. There also was plenty of dancing and singing with Radio Disney DJs.  Kids received prizes and were encouraged to think about preparedness actions they can take at home and at school.

Other school preparedness parties are scheduled throughout the state during the month of September.

The video below isn’t all that compelling, honestly, but it provides a decent idea of what the day entailed. I’m not sure how many resources or people the agency has devoted to such endeavors, but I would urge any educators who would like to get involved in something similar or just want to receive educational materials to contact FEMA through it’s Ready America contact page.