Tag Archive for ‘networking’ rss

What You Learn at Conferences in Business School

June 13, 2011 0 comments

Though I love my Alma Mater I don’t think it was the robust academia that molded my mind, it was everything outside the classroom.  The people you meet, the events you put on through student groups and the conferences you attend.  Academics, grades and going to class are just the tip of the iceberg if you really want to learn.  It’s not a secret either, it’s actually very simple, get involved, do as much as you can, meet as many people as you can.  Take Mark Twain’s advice to heart:

“I never let school get in the way of my education.”


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The Most Important Person in the World

July 28, 2010 2 comments

The other day I found myself in a very interesting conversation about strangers.

Her: “I always try to be as nice as possible to strangers”

Me: “Really?  Why?”

Her: “Well, you never know who that person is and what if they’re the most important person in the World?”

Me: “So you assume everyone you meet/talk to is the most important person in the World?”

Her: “Precisely”

Me: I didn’t say anything just had a small explosion go off in my head.

My boss has always told me when going to a small town bar, make sure you treat the waitress like gold because she probably owns the place.  I think this is a great metaphorical life lesson.

The person who I know who is the best at dealing with people does this all the time.  You can see it when he talks to anyone, yes I mean anyone, he gives them the time of day, he truly cares about what they think and he makes them feel like they are the most important person in the world.  It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, this strategy works wonders for building your personal and professional relationships.

Where can you start?  Remember
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It Worked…

May 17, 2010 3 comments

The speed networking session worked.  We brought strangers together, from a lawyer to hand-full of entrepreneurs, learned about them and increased our networks reach all within a span of 3 hours.  Want someone else’s opinion on how it went, ask Ryan.

We considered it a success because everyone offered their contact info and wanted to be a part of the next one we host.  Yes there will be a next time and we’re looking at increasing our numbers.  The thought was possibly for everyone who attended bring one friend that wouldn’t know the group that well and let them share their story.  The ideas that come from a group of strangers talking over beers are fascinating.

So my advice this week is to get out and meet someone new, once you leave that comfort zone and your left armpit begins sweating, that is when you will learn the most.

If you would like more info on what happened or to be a part of the next one, you can contact me here, here or here.

Photo credit


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First Speed Networking Session

May 06, 2010 1 comment

A month ago I wrote this post on an idea I had about a speed networking session.  Go on now read that post.

Last week I received a call from someone who was interested in seeing if the speed networking session would work.  I said why not?  So we’re going for it.  The first ever speed networking session for young professional (SNSYP), we’re working on the name, will be held next Thursday a 7:00 pm at a location disclosed only to the first 20 people who e-mail me with their interest.

We are limiting it to 20 people, the location is in Regina and it’s sure to be an interesting and enlightening event.

As of now there are only two rules:

1.  You can’t sell your product or service to someone unless they openly ask you

2.  Don’t be boring.  If you’re boring please bring something to talk about that is not boring.

The purpose is to meet new people, find out what they do in life and to see if you can help them in any way possible.  Simple right?

If your evening is free on Thursday, May 13th e-mail me at: Jeff(at)Fraserstrategy(dot)ca include you business please.


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