What Networking Opportunities Should a Facility Manager Take Advantage of?

Part of being a successful and well rounded facility manager is building rapport and relationships with people in your community. The six degrees of separation is often a myth, in that, connections are often so much closer than that. Having a good reputation as someone you can trust, only helps enhance your business prowess. Here are some organizations for you to look into:

Industry Associations:

• International Facility Management Association (IFMA): This is a significant organization with a global reach [International Facility Management Association]. They offer local chapters, online forums, industry events, and certifications for connecting and developing facility professionals.

https://www.ifma.org/membership/networks/networking-groups/

• Regional Facility Management Associations: Smaller associations might be specific to your region or state. These can be a great way to connect with local colleagues facing similar challenges.

Online Networking:

• LinkedIn Groups: There are several LinkedIn groups specifically for facility management professionals. These groups offer a platform to discuss industry trends, share best practices, and connect with potential collaborators. Look for groups like “Global FM Discussion Group” or industry publications like “Facilities Management Journal” groups.
• BOMA, Building Owners and Managers Organization has been a leading facility management association for commercial real estate professionals. BOMA supports service providers, managers, owners, and other facility management professionals with an extensive network of global affiliates and U.S. local associations. As a member of BOMA, the opportunities are extensive. Events, training, and conferences help advance the careers of real estate facility managers. BOMA awards scholarships for early-career facility managers to put towards earning the Certified Manager of Commercial Properties (CMCP) certificate. 

By joining BOMA, facility management professionals can build valuable connections and stay informed with the latest industry trends and forecasts. Members also receive significant discounts on merchant services, building supplies, expedited shipping, and more.

https://bomaomaha.org/

Event Attendance:

• Industry Conferences and Trade Shows: Attending industry events allows you to learn about new technologies, network with vendors and suppliers, and connect with other facility managers. Look for events organized by IFMA or other relevant associations.
• Local Meetups and Events: There might be local meetups or events for facility managers in your area. These can be a casual way to connect with colleagues and share experiences.

Beyond Dedicated Networking Events:

• Vendor Relationships: Building solid relationships with vendors and suppliers can be a valuable source of information and support. Regularly connecting with them can provide insights into new products and services and potentially lead to referrals or collaborations.
• Building Relationships Within Your Company: Network with other departments, like IT, HR, and security. This can help you understand their needs and build stronger relationships that benefit your facility management strategy.

 

By taking advantage of these networking opportunities, you can stay up-to-date on industry trends, learn from your peers, and build relationships that can benefit your career and your facility’s success. Armour Roof Co holds frequent happy hours and lunch and learns to broaden our net and meet friendly faces in our community. If you are interested in meeting a reliable, personable,(sometimes funny) roof coating company for your commercial or industrial project, we would love to chat with you.