“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” – Michele Jennae
The annual USDLA (https://usdla.org/) conference is just around the corner, and I'm on the road to attend in person. I know, I know, some of you might be thinking, "But Bill, I thought you were all about that remote life?" And you'd be right! As a consultant specializing in remote and hybrid performance, I truly do practice what I preach.
But here's the thing – as much as I love the flexibility and convenience of remote work, there's something special about coming together in person with like-minded professionals. The USDLA conference has always been a highlight of my year, a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and soak up all the latest insights and trends in our industry.
This year, I'll be presenting on Tuesday, sharing some of my latest thoughts and strategies on how to thrive in a hybrid work environment. But more than that, I'm really looking forward to the hallway conversations, the impromptu meetups over coffee, and catching up with so many of you whom I've grown to consider not just colleagues, but true friends. We are gathering with intention armed with a planful schedule open to the opportunity to connect.
Because that's what community is all about, right? It's about building relationships, expanding our networks, and supporting each other on our professional journeys. And as leaders, we have a unique opportunity to help our teams do the same – to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, broaden their horizons, and forge connections that could shape the trajectory of their careers building new, diverse networks.
So, while I focus on ways to support people's performance anywhere, anytime, I also recognize the immense value in coming together with intention, even if just for a few days each year. It's a chance to recharge, to be inspired, and to remember why we do what we do.