Here at AQUA we've written extensively about the value of trade show attendance, putting special emphasis on the value of networking before, during and after the booths are open for business. It allows you to take a step outside your own dealership or company car and meet others who share your passion for the profession, but may have different ways of doing business.
It's a topic we hammer on every fall, during show season, though the need for this type of professional connection stays around long after.
There's a small but growing group of industry pros trying to bridge the gap between the last regional show in the spring and the big show in the fall and provide networking opportunities year round. Groups like the Pool Genius Network and My APSP are similar to social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, only geared for grown-ups in the business. Rather than posting vacation pictures or playing Scrabble, participants are encouraged to share ideas, solicit advice and otherwise connect in the same ways we all do in places like Las Vegas, Orlando and Atlantic City. The only difference is you can do it without getting on a plane, or getting showered and dressed, for that matter.
I joined the Pool Genius Network last fall, but only recently started using it frequently. After adding some industry friends, I posted a question about how people there use the site and whether they feel it's worth their time. I got a good number of enthusiastic responses, none more enthusiastic than Monique Nelson, a self-professed "liquid pool cover expert and sales and marketing maven." She's very active on the site, especially with the "Twitter" group.
Today, we're joining Monique in the revolution and will begin posting articles, interviews, photos and just about anything else related to the industry on our new Twitter page. To find and follow us, head to www.twitter.com or www.poolgeniusnetwork.com and type in "aquamagazine."
We hope to get an active dialogue going, but to do that we need participation. Set up an account and join us.
