ORLANDO, FL - Just when we thought Southern Exposure couldn’t bring any more excitement, SEPC proved me wrong. Word’s just in, and Wendy McManus will be providing a mini-course on Authentic Networking for produce industry professionals this year at Southern Exposure.

“My intention with this mini-course is to help people gain confidence and get better results,” said McManus, Leadership Coach, Connect 2 Potential. “I want people to create genuine connections that transcend a single networking event.”

McManus has taught networking skills as part of her group coaching programs for the past two years. It has become clear, she noted, that many people struggle with these situations. According to her, the solution is to be genuine and to work out in advance what that means for you. She has found that authentic networking is easier when you are prepared with a few key elements:

• Core Messages – The phrases you use to speak about yourself and the impact you make
• Introductions – AKA the “Elevator Pitch”, which includes not just your talking points, but also the ebb and flow of introducing yourself
• Listening Skills – The practice of offering another person your full attention and listening with genuine curiosity
• Engaging Questions – The most effective way to keep a conversation lively and create a good experience for all involved

The Authentic Networking Mini-Course includes 15 minutes of video content and three worksheets to help attendees apply the concepts to their unique situation. This format was designed for busy produce professionals who want to brush up on their networking skills without wasting valuable time.

Connect 2 Potential is offering a customized, more in-depth version of the Authentic Networking course as part of a leadership development program for the Southeast Produce Council’s STARS (Southeast Top Agricultural Recruits Scholarship) program. SEPC will bring 14 students from seven universities to attend Southern Exposure. For some of them, the event will be their first large-scale professional networking opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with the Southeast Produce Council to help the STARS students prepare for success,” said McManus. “It’s an opportunity for me to get involved and make an impact, not just for the students, but for the produce industry firms that may hire them.”

The STARS Authentic Networking course will help the students feel more prepared and more confident during the event, which will hopefully lead to internships or job offers in the produce industry. After Southern Exposure, McManus will work one-on-one with each of the STARS students to help them amplify their strengths and identify their opportunities for development.

For more information on how to gain access to the mini-course, click here. Stay up-to-date as we bring more developments ahead of SEPC.

Connect 2 Potential