International Women’s Day provides a perfect opportunity to support the invaluable women contributing to Ontario’s condominium industry. Today is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges women face in a male-dominated field and to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the industry. We hope that businesses take every day, and especially today, as a chance to strive for gender equality and recognize the women who contribute to their company’s success.
For the women looking to expand their network and interconnect with like-minded professionals, Stratastic is here to help! Networking is an essential aspect of building relationships, establishing yourself as a reliable worker and/or leader, and advancing your career.
Stratastic's top 8 tips for women networking in Ontario's condo industry
Tip #1: Be visible and vocal:
Networking can often start at your current company! Women in the condominium industry should not be afraid to speak up and share their ideas and insights in meetings and other workplace settings. Volunteering for leadership roles and projects can help you build your profile and demonstrate your capabilities. By being visible in your own workplace, you can build your profile and demonstrate your capabilities, which can lead to new opportunities and career advancement.
Tip # 2: Seek out training and development opportunities:
Look for training and development opportunities that can help you build new skills and expand your knowledge. In the condominium industry, this might include courses on property management, engineering, or other relevant topics. By building your skills and knowledge, you can become a more valuable contributor to your organization and prepare for new roles and responsibilities.
Tip #3: Join industry associations:
Joining industry associations and attending conferences is an excellent way to meet other professionals in your field. Look for associations that cater specifically to the condo industry in Ontario, such as ACMO (Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario) and CCI (Canadian Condominium Institute), and attend their events to learn more about the industry and meet new people.
Tip #4: Attend conferences, trade shows, and networking events:
Attending trade shows and exhibitions is an excellent way to learn about the latest trends and products in the industry. These events (such as The Condo Conference or other events by ACMO & CCI), are an excellent opportunity to meet new people and connect with vendors and suppliers.
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other attendees and listen actively and show interest in others so you can engage in conversations to build connections. Make sure to have your business cards and elevator pitch ready to make a lasting impression.
You can also look for trade shows or events that highlight women in the condo industry.
Tip #5: Connect with other women in the industry:
It's important to seek out other women in the industry, whether they are fellow property managers, condo vendors, contractors, or other professionals.
Look for online groups or forums where women in the industry gather to share information and support each other. Many associations also offer mentorship programs and other resources to advance their careers. You can also attend women-focused networking events, which can provide a supportive environment for making connections.
Tip #6: Be visible on social media:
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can be powerful tools for networking. Use these platforms to share your industry-related updates, connect with other professionals, and engage in industry-related conversations. Share your knowledge and expertise to build your personal brand and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility and reach.
Tip #7: Collaborate with others + build relationships with people outside of your immediate field:
Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and businesses in the industry. Collaborations can lead to new business opportunities, and working with others can help you build strong relationships.
While it’s important to network with people in your industry, it’s also valuable to build relationships outside of your immediate field. By expanding your network to include professionals in related fields, you can gain new perspectives and insights that can help you think more creatively and strategically. For example, in the condominium industry, building relationships with professionals in fields such as condo vendors / contractors, real estate, law, and finance can help provide valuable resources and connections.
Another option for collaboration is joining local business groups and chambers of commerce that can help you connect with other business owners and professionals in your area. These groups often offer networking events and opportunities to connect with other professionals.
Consider partnering with other women in the industry who share your values and vision, or joining a women-focused business group to meet other female professionals in your area. For example, the Toronto Professional Women's Meetup is hosted by Christine Fernandes multiple times per month, both virtually and in person.
Attending events and participating in groups that attract a variety of professionals and making an effort to connect with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise can help you build a well-rounded network that can support you throughout your career.
Tip # 8: Stay up to date on industry news and trends:
Staying informed about the latest news and trends in the condo industry is essential for advancing your career and establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to stay up to date. Sharing your insights and expertise can help you build credibility and establish yourself as a thought leader. Use SEO-friendly keywords to optimize your content for search engines.
Networking and career advancement can take time and effort, so it’s important to stay patient and persistent in your efforts. Ultimately, networking is critical for building relationships, advancing your career, and establishing yourself as a leader in Ontario's condo industry.
Celebrating International Women's Day provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the contributions of women in Ontario’s condo industry and to advocate for gender equality. By following these tips, women working for others in the industry can effectively network, build relationships, and advance their careers. Remember to be confident, persistent, and supportive of other women in the industry.
Let's work together to create a more equitable and inclusive industry for everyone.
Happy International Women's Day!
-Stratastic Inc.
Bonus Tip: Register with Stratastic now to interconnect with our growing collective condo community full of people, insights, and opportunities for growth within the industry! And don't forget to connect with us on LinkedIn!
And if you're still looking for more, why not check out extra tips on How to Successfully Network as suggested by Christine herself?
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Updated on April 14, 2024.