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County Comment is published monthly as the official newsletter of the Kansas Association of Counties. Questions or comments are welcome and may be forwarded to Kimberly Qualls, Education and Communications Director.Kansas Association of Counties Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive Director715 SW 10th Avenue Frank Williams, KAC President Topeka, KS 66612 Layout design by Becky Arensdorf COUNTY COMMENTCOUNTY COMMENT %u2022 November 2024 2By Bruce Chladny, KAC Executive DirectorNETWORKING: AN ART AND A SCIENCE In just a few weeks, hundreds of us will be gathering in Wichita %u2013 Sedgwick County, KS, for the 49th Annual Kansas Association of Counties Conference and Exposition. This is the one time during the year that we come together as an organization and is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. With an array of educational classes, time set aside for interactive discussions, and 100 plus vendors, this year%u2019s conference has all the right elements for a perfect networking environment.Janine Garner, an entrepreneur, Fortune 500 mentor, and author, states, %u201cBuilding a network is both an art and a science.%u201d It is an art because it involves essential human skills such as communication, connection, authenticity, and the ability to be present and engaged in conversations. At the same time, it is a science that requires ongoing analysis of the people in your network and a curiosity about the diversity and connectivity within the group. Ultimately, networking is about recognizing the connections between individuals and the ideas that create opportunities.It doesn%u2019t matter if you prefer talking or listening, or if you%u2019re an introvert or extrovert; the basics of networking remain the same. Start by introducing yourself to someone new. Remember that conversations involve not just talking but, more importantly, listening. Take genuine interest in others by asking questions and truly engaging with their responses. Focus on how you can help them, rather than solely considering what they can do for you.Don%u2019t hesitate to politely join conversations. It%u2019s perfectly fine to step into a discussion and wait for a natural pause to introduce yourself. Often, the people already speaking will appreciate the opportunity to meet someone new. If you sense you%u2019ve entered a serious dialogue, it%u2019s okay to politely excuse yourself.Next, be yourself. It%u2019s important to approach networking with authenticity. The connections you build by being true to who you are are the ones you%u2019ll want to keep. Treat these new relationships like friendships. Would you interrupt a friend%u2019s conversation, take over the discussion, and then walk away? Of course not! Treat your new connections with the same respect you show to friends.Finally, be patient; networking relationships take time to develop. If you meet someone new at the conference, follow up with an email or a phone call. If they%u2019re nearby, invite them to an event that may interest them. Don%u2019t be shy, most people will say yes if they see value in what you%u2019re offering.In addition to the KAC Conference, don%u2019t miss the chance to network with your peers at other events, such as the 2025 New Commissioner Orientation on January 15-17, 2025, in Topeka. This event will provide another excellent opportunity to meet new commissioners and share insights in a supportive environment. Moreover, throughout the year, your own professional affiliate and associate organizations will host various conferences and trainings that can further enhance your networking efforts. Each gathering is a chance to connect with others who share your goals and challenges, expanding your professional circle.Registration is currently open for the 49th Annual KAC Conference and Exposition in Wichita, December 3-5, 2024. The KAC conference is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and forge new relationships. With many new officials having been elected this past election cycle, there%u2019s plenty of chances to meet someone new this time around. So, stay connected and get networking! I look forward to seeing you in Wichita in just a few weeks! n