Hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome dive into the critical skill of 'working the room' for project managers. They compare 'working the room' to networking, stressing the importance of forming genuine connections via quality interactions and consistent follow-ups. The episode covers the strategic benefits of networking like increased visibility, career advancement, and planning for events. It also tackles common obstacles such as shyness, lack of preparation, fear of rejection, and excessive reliance on technology, offering practical tips and personal anecdotes to overcome these barriers. The hosts further highlight the essential roles of emotional intelligence and communication skills in mastering networking situations.

Main Take-Aways

Part of becoming a great networker as a project leader is to develop the skill of effectively working the rooms you find yourself in, whether the board room, a conference, or project meeting room:

• defining working the room vs. networking to set the context
• working the room as a first step to networking
• learning to work the room effectively
• benefits to working the room
• obstacles to working the room and overcoming these obstacle

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: The Importance of Working the Room

00:28 Setting the context and understanding of what we mean by 'working the room' for this week’s episodes.

01:33 Networking vs. working the room – what’s the difference?

02:07 Various venue opportunities to work the room; the importance of initial connections and the importance of learning from these interactions.

04:49 Networking has its start in working the room in an initial setting.

06:23 Networking works well as you learn the techniques of effectively working the room.

07:19 Benefits of working the room:

07:54     … taking advantage of relationships developed from working the room

08:57     … expanding your visibility within your organization and outside your organization

09:53     … potential career advancement opportunities

11:06     … serendipitous opportunities

11:52     … knowledge acquisition

12:15 Obstacles to networking and overcoming these obstacles:

12:30     … an introverted personality creating hesitation (i.e., shyness)

14:00     … lacking excellent communication skills

14:52     … distractions such as using smartphones during interactions

15:53     … fear of rejection; being intimidated by authority or expertise  

16:58     … lack of experience in how to extricate yourself from an interaction

17:48     … lack of preparation for working a room