National Black MBA Conference: FARE's Tips for Success!!!

I'm am so sad for me but I'm super excited for everyone who is attending the National Black MBA conference this year which is being help in Atlanta, GA October 4th - 8th.  I unfortunately am not able to attend this year due to previous obligations uggggg....but everyone....and I mean everyone in my MBA circles is attending and it is guaranteed to be an AWESOME time of networking and opportunities!!! (wink) 

Last year I posted my tips for maximizing your career opportunities at this conference and career expo.  I read the post and yep...it's still very relevant for this year!  Please review that post here. 

Now some additional notes for this conference because I'm assuming that last year in LA was a lot more mellow than this year in ATL.

Please Please Please!!!!  Handle your business before you kick it.
Recruiters, although it's still not a good look, can get drunk as a skunk the night before interviewing you the next day...Why....because they have something you don't....A JOB.  

You...the one looking for a gig.... will be judged for your actions in the day and in the night....so be on your best behavior....which I assume will be soooooo very hard this year.  So many party promoters and venues...so little time!!! 

Best behavior means:

1. Limit your drinking.  You won't get dinged for not drinking adult beverages....but you will get dinged for drinking too many.   Know your limits and act accordingly.

2. Get the proper amount of sleep so that you can bring your A+++ game.  Resist the temptation to shut the networking evening mixer(read party) down.

3. Don't sneak into the career fair.  Pay the money and have a badge with your name on it.  It's not a good look when a recruiter sees that the name on your resume is different from the name on your badge.  Raised eyebrow to your integrity.

4. Be discrete with personal "meetings" and don't cross into inappropriate land with recruiters. (or at the very least don't get caught) Your business should remain your business.

5. Follow Up...Follow Up....Follow Up with all the contacts you make.  I suggest reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi on the plane before the conference, then unleash the master networker just waiting to burst out at the conference.

Remember that at the end of the day...you have spent time and money to invest in your future by attending this conference, please maximize your ROI. 

Love You All.  Have fun and be safe!!!!

Love,
FARE