AAMA Fall Conference keynote speaker emphasizes the importance of networking

Keynote Speaker Thom Singer discussed networking strategies and the importance of forming long-term business relationships during the AAMA Fall Conference, held in Albuquerque, N.M., Oct. 14-17.

During his keynote presentation on Monday, Singer noted there are many choices in life which cause people to stick to their routines. However, Singer told conference attendees that it is important to break away from the routine of interacting with the same people during conferences and start networking with new contacts.

In order to encourage networking during the conference, Singer awarded prizes to those who used his tips to fully engage with others during the Supplier Product Display Reception held on Monday evening. Award winners included Scott Zimmerman of Atlas Material Testing, Dean Peterson ofSherwin-Williams and Michele DeSutter of EFCO. “I enjoyed meeting so many great people at the AAMA Fall Conference,” says Singer. “Everyone took the message of ‘connecting with people in a social media world’ to heart.”

During the second day of the conference, Singer focused on the importance of utilizing social media platforms as a way to virtually connect with individuals outside of face-to-face meetings. Singer emphasized that networking on LinkedIn and Facebook should be reserved for close, valid connections, whereas Twitter can be used to connect with all individuals and companies within the fenestration industry in order to be aware of what is happening from customers and competitors. However, Singer also noted that “phones are not your friend” during conferences and time should be devoted to face-to-face interactions.

“Thom Singer’s discussion on social media is especially timely for AAMA, as we have recently begun utilizing social media as a means to foster both personal and business relationships outside of our national conferences,” says Rich Walker, AAMA President and CEO. “Fall Conference attendees found Singer’s advice on networking strategies especially beneficial, and we hope our members continue to benefit from his tried and true tactics during future AAMA events.”

About the Speaker

Singer is an expert in social networking and developing a personal brand. He has worked in sales and marketing capacities at several Fortune 100 companies and regularly speaks to corporate audiences, law firms and professional organizations. He has written seven books on the power of business relationships including Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website, www.aamanet.org.

AAMA would like to thank gold sponsor Quanex Building Products and silver sponsors Amesbury Group, National Certified Testing Laboratories, Quast Consulting & Testing and Shintech for their sponsorship of the 2012 Fall Conference held in Albuquerque, NM, October 14-17.

AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.^SM