
As I was walking though the Exposition Hall at the 2019 SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition yesterday evening, I heard (more than once) conference attendees complaining about the sponsors trying to “sell them” and how irritated they were that they were approached for a conversation.
Here’s the thing, without the sponsors, there is no #SHRM19. Literally. Every sign you see, every big screen you watch, every snack you eat, every free glass of wine you drink, is available to you, because of their support. Martha Stewart, Brené Brown, Vineet Nayar, here, because of those sponsors.
A conversation is free. If the service or product is not a right fit for you, it may be for someone you know. I have made many connections and forged friendships from those conversations. I never bought their service or product, but I got something worth so very much more.
So, take a deep breath, and open yourself to the conversation. It’s free.
For more than twenty years, Jenni Stone has been immersed in the Human Resources industry, as a Recruiter, Generalist, HRIS Specialist, Project Manager and HR Advisor. Her experience includes the telecommunications, healthcare and staffing industries. Jenni’s diverse HR background has enabled her to bring an innovative, practical and fresh perspective to HR issues. Jenni also provides training and consulting to companies with minimal or no human resources within the organization. Jenni holds a Master’s degree in HR Management and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), since 2007 and SHRM-CP. She is active in a number of professional organizations including Greenville SHRM, where she serves as Communications Director, Association for Talent Development, and Society of Human Resources Management. Jenni continues to share her wealth of knowledge of HR as a frequent speaker at professional human resource meetings and conferences across the US.
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