
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.
Jenni Stone aka “Jenna” is a self-proclaimed HR Rockstar, SHRM Influencer, Trainer, Speaker, Podcaster and HR Analyst at Millennium Physician Group, one of the largest comprehensive independent physician groups with more than 550 healthcare providers located throughout Florida. For more than twenty years, Jenni has been immersed in the Human Resources industry, as a Recruiter, Generalist, HRIS Specialist, Project Manager and HR Consultant. Her experience includes the manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality & restaurant and staffing industries.
Jenni holds a Master’s degree in HR Management and is certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). 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 lived in Tampa Bay for over 25 years, and recently relocated to beautiful Travelers Rest, South Carolina. She’s a wife, mother to 2 beautiful grown children, and grandmother to 2. When she’s not doing “HR” she’s a personal chef, avid motorcyclist and singer.
The SHRM Blog does not accept solicitation for guest posts.
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