Project Managers' Coffee Chat with Tim & Merv

In this 100th episode of Season 4 of 'Project Managers' Coffee Chat with Tim and Merv,' hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome celebrate their milestone by diving deep into the human aspects of project management and the critical role of networking. The episode is a treasure trove of valuable stories and examples shared by both hosts, highlighting how effective working of rooms and maintaining relationships have propelled their careers. Listeners will gain insights into the broader impact of individual connections, the significance of unexpected networking opportunities, and the role competitors play in professional growth. The episode also reflects on the importance of not burning bridges and adapting plans to evolving situations, offering wisdom accrued over numerous experiences. This is essential listening for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills for long-term professional success.

Main Take-Aways

Stories are powerful teachers. Today's story lessons help your understanding of the need to develop your skills to work whatever rooms you find yourself in:

• networking to prepare for a successful upcoming event
• nurturing professional relationships can result in unexpected opportunities
• observing experts in their abilities to work the room can teach you new techniques
• nurturing personal relationships can result in unexpected opportunities
• nurturing vendor relationships can result in unexpected opportunities
• nurturing competitor relationships can result in unexpected opportunities

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Leadership Lessons from the Trenches – Work Those Rooms!

00:29 Tim and Merv reminisce about their goals for Season 4 of this podcast series; namely to focus on the essential human factors of project leadership that transcend the technical and process skills project managers are expected to have.

02:45 Merv starts the story time with an experience of nurturing a professional relationship from initial meeting to ongoing encounters to an unexpected recommendation for a contract engagement.

04:55 Tim recounts a networking event where he was the observer of consultants who were expert at casual encounters to gather needed information.

07:46 Merv leaves the world of IT project management to tell a personal story of networking success where he nurtured a new relationship over several months. This relationship resulted in an unexpected appointment to a national committee where he was able to meet many other professionals.

10:42 Tim offers a similar experience where he maintained several vendor relationships over several years that provided additional networking opportunities.

11:35 Merv remains outside of project management and describes an unexpected result from an initial meeting to nurturing a relationship to being invited to a movie set by a well-known actor.

14:10 Tim tells of how a networked relationship with a company executive resulted in that executive recommending his products and services to other executives.

16:40 Merv reminds you that working a room that includes competitors can be a good thing, as shown by his own experience of receiving several job offers from firms that were once his competition.

In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore advanced strategies for project managers focusing on effective skills for working rooms in any type of venue. They discuss treating networking as a game, utilizing local news for conversation starters, and crafting impactful introductions. Key topics include strategic use of name tags, the role of body language, active listening, and maintaining genuine interest in conversations. They also share techniques for remembering names, bridging conversations, and leaving lasting impressions, both in-person and virtual settings. Listeners will learn practical tips for handling various social settings and improving their professional networking skills.

Main Take-Aways

Practical tips, tools, and techniques for developing and utilizing your ability to work a room:

1) make a game of it

2) read the local newspapers

3) craft short introductions to stimulate conversation

4) arrive early

5) wear name tags strategically

6) pay attention to body language

7) be completely focused on the individual you are interacting with

8) listen actively and recognize the individual

9) note personal details

10) be real

11) overcome forgetting names

12) listen with your whole face

13) keep your camera on in video conferences

14) smile when on phone calls

15) learn the art of small talk

16) provide creative gifts for kickoff participants

17) dress to fit in with the event

18) be sensitive to the culture of the organization

19) learn how to extricate yourself from conversations

20) interact with few rather than the many

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Working Any Room

01:03 Tim provides the first tip suggesting that you make a game of working the room – not for the mechanical process of collecting business cards, but for having purposeful interactions.

02:32 Merv recommends that you read the local newspaper, no matter the city you are in for the networking event, to help with conversations with local individuals.

03:53 Merv then offers a different approach to crafting introductions that are more effective than the overused elevator speech technique.

05:23 Merv advises you to arrive at the event early to get the "lay of the land".

06:30 Merv gives some tips on the importance of name tags, both in where they are positioned and what information they contain.

08:19 Tim suggests that you pay attention to body language, especially nuanced body language. Merv piggybacks on that thought by insisting upon complete engagement with the person you are interacting with.

09:45 Tim reminds you of the importance of active listening and the power of recognition in networking.

10:14 Merv uses a technique of noting peoples' personal details for potential reference in future interactions.

11:00 Tim wants you to present yourself exactly as who you are.

12:01 Merv and Tim offer ideas on overcoming the forgotten name syndrome.

13:53 Merv presents a concept of listening with your whole face; that is, be expressive. Tim extends that concept by recommending that you keep your camera on when in virtual meetings, to which Merv adds that you smile when speaking on a telephone call.

15:15 Merv states that small talk leads to big talk, to bug opportunities; so, master the ability to engage in small talk.

16:47 Merv recommends using some small gift items for each participant to create a favorable impression which leads to better engagement.

17:26 Merv also recommends that you dress appropriately for whatever networking event you attend.

18:05 Tim reminds you to be sensitive to the culture of the organization.

18:25 Merv offers ideas on how to extricate yourself from a conversation.

19:16 Tim adds that it is more effective to interact with only a few individuals rather than large groups.

Join hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome as they delve into the human side of project management in this comprehensive episode. They discuss strategies for effectively 'working the room,' highlighting the importance of redefining strangers as potential friends and exuding quiet confidence and charm. Emphasizing a host mindset to engage others, they also underscore the significance of advanced planning, emotional intelligence, and active listening as crucial skills. The episode extends into the realm of mentorship, providing guidance on learning social and professional engagement skills through observing and emulating mentors, and practicing networking skills. Recommendations, such as 'How to Work a Room' by Susan RoAne, provide practical tips for effective networking. The hosts share personal anecdotes and stress the importance of being genuine and adaptable in social interactions. Practical advice on mentorship and prioritizing engagements based on influence and impact are offered, concluding the episode with strategies to build these skills for professional success.

Main Take-Aways

Project leaders can learn a variety of strategies to make yourselves comfortable in any working the room situations:

• redefine the term "stranger"
• build your self-confidence
• be a host rather than a guest
• plan your engagement objectives ahead of time
• exhibit emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, active listening skills
• have fun; exhibit charisma and charm
• become a student of working the room through mentorship, observation, practice, and learning from the experts
• go with the flow as you prioritize your interactions

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Strategies for Working the Room

00:33 Introducing the subject of strategies to working a room, following the previous two podcast episodes on what is meant by working the room and why you need to learn these skills.

00:58 Redefining the term "stranger" to one of a friend you just haven't met yet.

01:42 Building an air of self-confidence, engaging personality, and charm to make people comfortable to engage with you.

03:42 Adopting the mindset of a host rather than a guest, serving the people you are engaging with rather than expecting to be served.

04:35 Advanced planning of your objectives when working the room and having flexibility when conversations change course from your intent.

05:52 Exhibiting a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural awareness in networking situations.

07:30 Being an active listener.

08:26 The importance of having fun while engaging with others, exhibiting charisma and charm.

09:30 Advice for project managers who are less experienced in the art of working a room:

10:00 … learning from mentors

10:35 … observing and practicing proper etiquette

11:09 … observing mentors work a "virtual room"

11:33 … researching and preparing for the event

12:08 … rehearsing conversation starters

12:23 … studying and learning from the experts

14:51 … observing yourself in casual social situations and carrying the same comfort into networking situations

15:27 … engaging naturally with strangers in everyday life experiences

18:27 Going with the flow and prioritizing conversations in working a room

In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss why making connections at engagements or meetings is crucial for stakeholder engagement and building long-term relationships. The hosts provide specific strategies for effective networking at project kickoffs, competitive bidding, and bidder conferences, including tips on prioritizing interactions, team building, and enhancing personal and professional visibility. The episode also covers techniques for navigating competitive bidding environments, strategic questioning, forming alliances, and modifying plans based on competitors' strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, they discuss adapting 'working the room' strategies to virtual settings via platforms like Zoom, Webex, or TEAMS emphasizing the importance of visibility, engagement, and planning.

Main Take-Aways

Project leaders learn to work the room, no matter the venue they are in:

• making connections, engaging stakeholders, establishing and nurturing relationships
• prioritizing making contacts during a networking event
• taking advantage of project kickoffs, team building, and ongoing meetings to establish relationships
• navigating competitive bidding situations
• adapting to virtual meetings
• planning ahead

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Why You Work the Room

00:47 Introducing why 'working the room' is important for project leaders – primarily to make connections, to engage your stakeholders, and to establish and nurture relationships.

02:43 The value of working the room includes prioritizing primary contacts

03:31 Using project kickoff meetings and initial engagements as venues for working the room and networking. Begin by arriving early.

06:50 Learn to work the room in such a way as to enhance your personal visibility and that of your team, whether in the kickoff meeting or subsequent project meetings.

08:14 Team building events are primary opportunities to work the room and establish your project network.

09:25 Navigating competitive bidding situations by strategically working the room to set up opportunities to learn about your competitors' strategies, to form alliances and/or bid partnerships, to engage with the customer, etc.

14:34 Adapting working the room techniques to remote work and virtual meetings. First and foremost, keep your cameras on! Identify yourself using the chyron. Be prepared and engage.

19:11 Plan your engagement whenever you are preparing to work a room.

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

In this podcast episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the critical role of networking in project management success. They delve into personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, sharing stories of professional growth and opportunities that arose from effective networking. Highlights include innovative strategies in manufacturing networking, a collaborative relationship with 'Bob' that spanned decades, and lessons learned from missed follow-ups. They also discuss integrating networking into project kickoffs, icebreakers, TEDx coaching, and the cultural value of shared meals. The conversation closes with a look forward to next week's episode on 'Working the Room.'

Main Take-Aways

Stories are powerful teachers. Today's story lessons help your understanding of the need to develop your understanding of the importance of networking:

• networking to prepare for a successful upcoming event
• nurturing a networked relationship long-term, even if not expecting any career or financial benefit from the relationship
• networking within your organization to increase visibility
• following up on networking interactions for potential future opportunities
• using the power of icebreakers to advance your network
• networking outside of your industry/career to develop you professionally
• networking with educational institutions
• using your network to benefit others
• networking over shared meals and cultural experiences

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Leadership Lessons from the Trenches – Network, Network, Network!

01:01 Tim kicks the podcast off with an experience of using networking over a meal the night before a panel discussion to being able to conduct a very fluid conversation on stage the next day.

03:21 Merv shares about a professional relationship and friendship nurtured through networking events over two decades that eventually resulted in a recommendation for a long-term contract.

06:13 Tim recalls a time when he successfully networked within his corporation to become more visible to those needing his expertise to create value for their clients.

08:51 Merv confesses to a time when he failed to follow up on contacts made at a networking event and undoubtedly lost several opportunities.

10:48 Tim discusses using the power of icebreakers to create a networked group of skilled practitioners.

12:44 Merv has used his experience has a TEDx presentation coach to develop professional relationships outside of his career field, that were nonetheless influential in his professional development.

14:05 Tim has networked with educational institutions to participate in achieving government grant funding for a community project.

15:56 Merv used his executive position within a corporation to develop a strong network within that corporation, and was able years later to recommend one of those individuals to a highly successful contract award.

18:05 Tim and Merv share separate experiences of networking through sharing meals with colleagues and exchanging cultural experiences.

In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss the importance of networking in project management, emphasizing human connections. They highlight strategies for attending industry events and joining professional associations like PMI. The value of informal conversations, offering help without immediate returns, and leveraging platforms such as LinkedIn and projectmanagement.com are explored. The hosts underscore the importance of genuine interest and cross-functional collaboration, sharing insights and personal stories to illustrate effective networking practices.

Main Take-Aways

Practical tips, tools, and techniques for developing and utilizing your networking skills:

1) attend industry events

2) join and participate in professional associations

3) engage on social media platforms

4) offer help with no expectation of quid pro quo

5) follow up with connections made through networking interactions

6) collaborate cross-functionally (e.g. brown bag lunches)

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Building Bridges Through Networking

00:34 Summarizing the week's podcast episodes to date, which included the what, why, and how of developing and using your networking skills.

01:07 Tim begins the discussion by recommending attending industry events to engage other practitioners in networking conversations. Merv agrees, offering that some of the biggest benefits of these events come from conversations between sessions.

02:37 Merv advises joining professional associations related to your industry to both gain and share knowledge. You gain visibility from these exchanges. Tim adds that the association need not be in your niche industry, but should be related to your career interests.

06:37 Merv reminds you that an excellent source for creating networking connections is through judicious engagement on social media platforms. He likes LinkedIn, and Tim additionally recommends www.projectmanagement.com.

08:44 Tim and Merv then discuss the building of genuine relationships by offering help and/or information with no expectation of receiving anything in return.

12:54 Merv extends the previous tip with a strong recommendation to follow up on newly developed connection to continue to build the relationship over time – again, not expecting anything in return. Tim augments this by showing genuine interest in the other person.

16:23 Merv likes this relationship building approach (not expecting anything in return) for one of its major benefits, the ability to learn new information.

17:16 Tim advises to collaborate cross-functionally to gain a better understanding of individuals and the organization, and to make it easier for them to engage with the project. Merv extends this idea by describing how he has used brown bag lunches to effect cross-functional collaboration.

In this podcast episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the art of networking specifically for project managers. They emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones. Several practical examples and scenarios are discussed, such as networking in meetings, conferences, and virtual environments, showcasing both effective and poor practices. They focus on the 'human' side of project management, proposing strategies for initiating and maintaining valuable professional connections. Key insights include the necessity of remembering names and details, providing value to others before seeking favors, and actively participating in industry events. The episode concludes by underlining the ongoing nature of networking and its significance in career and project success.

Main Take-Aways

Strategies for networking, both within the project and outside of the project include many of the following:

• using pre-meeting time
• actively participating in networking opportunities to enhance visibility
• bringing your staff into networking opportunities
• using networking to build relationships
• remembering details about networking interactions
• maintaining eye contact
• following up post-interaction
• asking more than telling
• volunteering in mentoring programs, to educate and bring awareness
• networking over social media to immediately pitch a new contact is not in good taste
• using project kickoffs, virtual events, and project retrospectives as networking opportunities

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Building Bridges – The Power of Networking: Some Dos and Don'ts of Networking

00:31 Introducing the importance of learning HOW to network.

01:40 Using pre-meeting gathering time to effectively network with other meeting participants.

04:22 Actively participating in discussions, meeting new people, and sharing insights in social gatherings, using such networking opportunities to enhance your visibility.

05:10 Introduce your staff to networking opportunities and activities.

06:32 The critical importance of using networking to build relationships, not as a transactional activity. Focus on providing value to others, not on what we might get from the interaction.

07:14 Finding ways to remember details about the interactions including about the individuals themselves. Focus on building relationships.

08:58 Maintain eye contact during the discussion; avoid looking around the room while communicating with an individual.

10:00 Not following up post-networking is a lost opportunity.

10:32 Telling more than asking reduces the effectiveness of networking interactions.

10:54 Relying on an existing alumni network is less effective than learning how to network for yourself.

11:51 Getting involved in mentorship programs can result in new opportunities but should not be used simply to embellish your resume.

13:09 Networking over social media to immediately pitch the new contact is in bad taste.

15:02 Marketing via networking uses education and awareness to establish great connections.

15:32 Using networking opportunities to benefit yourself involves relationship building, engaging, and sharing information.

16:22 Using the project kickoff to network among project participants.

17:32 Using virtual networking events to enhance your visibility and give back to the IT community.

19:18 Using project retrospectives to enhance networking on your projects.

In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the importance of networking and marketing for project managers. They discuss how networking can enhance project delivery by expanding awareness and sharing information effectively. Key insights include the role of personal branding and its impact on career advancement, the essential marketing skills for project managers, and the significance of fostering human connections. The hosts also reflect on the personal and professional benefits of networking, emphasizing its role in overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities.

Main Take-Aways

Important reasons as to why the project leader must become a great networker:

• marketing your project and disseminating information
• promoting your reputation and personal brand
• leading your teams and developing relationships
• managing your stakeholders
• creating visibility through purposeful networking
• developing additional skills
• new career opportunities
• building your personal support system
• building confidence
• maintaining relationships

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Building Bridges – The Power of Networking: Why Should you Network?

00:33 Introducing the topic of WHY you need to learn to be a great networker as a project manager namely, to market your projects and to get information to where it is needed.

01:27 Networking is also a great opportunity for promoting yourself and your personal brand, and for your personal reputation and effectiveness as a project manager.

04:36 Networking is a component of leadership and your ability to develop relationships. It's a critical factor in your ability to manage your stakeholders' roles and contributions to your projects.

05:30 The criticality of making time to develop your networking skills and putting networking into practice. Networking creates visibility.

07:08 Some key networking marketing skills: communication, audience analysis, persuasion, using social media, preparing people for change, etc.

09:01 Marketing yourself through networking brings new opportunities, establishes your value, industry knowledge sharing, visibility, and personal growth and influence.

14:25 The importance of networking within your organization and building your own support system.

17:09 Building your confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome through the power of networking and stretching your career opportunities.

18:18 Maintaining long-term professional relationships that were begun through networking.

Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss the crucial role of networking in project management, emphasizing the importance of interaction, relationship building, and communication. They explore the benefits of networking for project managers, highlight the significance of active listening and using insightful questions, and discuss how networking helps improve visibility and reputation in the industry. They also share personal experiences and tips on utilizing networking to enhance project delivery and professional growth.

Main Take-Aways

The project leader must become a great networker not only to exchange information and build relationships, but also to enhance your visibility and credibility:

• defining networking to set the context
• key benefits of networking
• using informal networking opportunities
• building relationships
• enhancing your professional visibility, reputation, credibility, and expertise
• enhancing your communication skills for more effective networking
• being an active listener in networking
• mentoring through networking
• recalling networking conversations in future interactions
• maintaining relationships developed through networking

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Building Bridges – The Power of Networking

00:27 Introducing the importance of networking in project management with a definition of what networking is.

01:38 Some key concepts and benefits of effective networking strategies: engaging, sharing information, building bridges, enhancing visibility.

02:57 Using informal networking opportunities beyond just project or formal situations.

03:55 Building relationships through the sharing of information during networking opportunities.

04:59 Enhancing professional visibility and building your reputation in your industry.

07:39 The vital importance of enhancing your communication skills for the for more effective networking.

10:40 Ensuring that you are using active listening and insightful questioning in networking situations.

12:49 Mentoring your team by exposing them to networking opportunities.

15:41 Strategies for remembering interactions in networking situations to be used in future interactions with the same individuals.

17:42 Ensuring that you maintain relationships long after the initial networking interaction.

19:03 Using networking to convey credibility and expertise, and to build positive relationships.