Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1199871
RINK FILE PHOTO W hether you're a fresh-faced resurfacer driver just learning the importance of edging, or you're a grizzled veteran who remembers the original way lines were painted on the ice, the fact of the matter is, you can never truly know it all. That's where networking can really come in handy. In today's world, the ability to meet new people and garner new knowledge from others is often just a click away! Why is making these connections important? Why is actively working to expand your network important? Education and Events There's no question that the primary focus of networking should be about helping you grow your inner-circle. We pride ourselves particularly on hosting the largest networking event in the industry through the North American Rink Conference & Expo (NARCE), and several smaller ones each year through our Regional Training Program (RTP). Not only does NARCE provide the opportunity to broaden your knowledge through a variety of course offerings (found in this issue, pages 21-35), but the event offers ample time to network with friends new and old. RTPs are much more intimate and often include staff from rinks in your surrounding area. This type of networking opportunity allows you to build connections and share resources with the facility right down the highway. Confidence It's intimidating reaching out to people that you've never met before—in a face-to-face forum or digitally. Truthfully it's a skill that everyone can also improve upon. But the more you put yourself out there at events or on channels, the easier those handshakes and introductions become. And that's something you can take with you into any room/meeting/setting you see fit. Tips and Tactics That whole, 'picking someone's brain' thing really means something. There's nothing like asking folks in the industry, especially one that can be both as simple and complex as ours, about what they have found works best on various facility situations. Fresh Ideas Are you stuck on what new programs can bring in new families? Or maybe you are just out of luck on how to keep your locker rooms clean. Talking to other professionals that have "been there, done that" will almost always generate new ideas to try. Two heads are better than one, and five heads are better than four; the more people you talk to, the more you can take away and try at your own facility. Friendships Who says it has to be all work and no play? Networking not only lends itself to building and growing your professional relationships, but there is always potential for friendships to bud and blossom along the way. Ask anyone that has attending a course or event with us in the past, and they will have plenty of stories to share of the friends they have made over time—whether they stay connected via social media, or see each other once a year at NARCE. You can never learn too much, and you can never have enough professional connections! J Professional development Importance of Networking The Importance of Networking Expand your inner-circle through networking 50 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2020 USICERINKS.COM How many times have you corresponded over email or in an online forum without actually knowing more than a signature at the bottom? When you're able to talk, interact and get to know and network with someone in person, not only do you now quite literally have a face to the name you see in an email, but you've now put into motion the building blocks for a more meaningful and lasting relationship. Face-to-face interactions and impressions can never be replicated—don't undervalue them. FACE TO FACE OR ONLINE? Why face-to-face networking is still valuable