Safety Speaker John Drebinger’s – Creating a Network

A Safety Speaker Must Sharpen Their Axe

There is the famous story of Abraham Lincoln telling the virtues of sharpening your axe before you begin a task. The essence of the parable is time invested in preparation makes the job go faster and easier. As safety speakers and safety professionals, have you ever considered what you need to do to sharpen your axe?

Obviously, we all attend one or more safety conferences each year. On the surface, you might think the best value is what you learn at the general sessions or in the breakout sessions. I would suggest there is much more to be found at those events.

As a safety speaker, I have discovered creating a network of other people you can call on is a valuable resource. Meet as many people as you can in a diverse list of industries. I have found many safety speakers and professionals who have been able to find a solution to their challenge by sharing it with a colleague. This often comes from outside your own industry because they have a fresh perspective.

A great way to make connection with other people is to interview them. Not formally, just think ahead of time what questions you could ask that would allow them to tell you about them. Some of the most interesting people are ones who are genuinely interested in other people. Sometimes you need to be the audience for other people and you will be surprised what you learn.

Keep everyone’s phone number and email so you can keep in touch. The great thing about developing a network is you aren’t asking a lot of people; you are merely getting their option or input.

Enjoy being with your friends and fellow workers at a conference but be sure to always broaden your circle at each and every meeting. The more people you know, the more you learn and can share.