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 of Sherwin-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’s 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.”

Visit AAMA at LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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