Let's be honest — most people don't attend conferences just to educate themselves.

Yes, the presentations are great, the slides are concise, and the speakers have great one-liners such as:

"Information in this day and age is like oil."

But the real treasure at a conference? The individuals you meet. The accidental conversation. The thought occurs over a cup of coffee. The you-too?! moments.

That's the true ROI.

However, for many people, the act of networking is painfully awkward.

You walk into a room full of strangers. There are strangers 

already familiar with each other. There are strangers staring 

at their phones. You don't know if you should grab a cookie or say hello to someone. You remind yourself:

"Shall I speak in my 'professional' voice? Or should I be myself?"

That's the truth:

Bragging is not networking. Being genuine is what networking is about.

Having traveled, spoken, and assisted in organizing numerous 

conferences in the Philippines, I know what works and what doesn't.

1. Begin conversations that are about something more than job descriptions.

Most people usually choose:

"Alright then, what's your line?"

But let's be honest — that question brings with it automatic answers.

Instead, do something that makes you think hard:

"How did you come to be here?"

What has been the highlight of your year to date?

"If you had your choice to work with anyone in the house, what type of project would you propose?"

Why this works: It breaks the surface. People are so used to being pitched that being asked feels like a breath of fresh air.

2. Use "Chika Spaces" to Your Advantage

Want to know the most underappreciated networking spot?

The hallway. The coffee table. The food line. The elevator.

These "in-between" moments are when individuals are less formal. Everyone is a bit more at ease, willing to chat, and eager to connect. A simple remark such as:

"Phew, that was a tough session. What did you think?"

can turn into a 10-minute conversation… or a new friend.

Tip: Wait a little bit.

Let other people get out of their words. Listen genuinely — 

don't scroll on your phone. You'll be surprised at how 

powerful it is to listen genuinely.

3. Be a Connector, Not a Collector

We go to events hoping, "Who can help me?"

Turn it around. Ask yourself, "Who can I connect?"

When you encounter someone who is interesting and discusses a problem or interest, consider who else in the room could relate to that — then make an introduction.

"Hello, you mentioned that you're doing agri-tech. I recently met another person who has the same project in Mindanao. Do you want to meet him?"

Why it works: It shows generosity. And in the Philippines, where word of mouth and trust matter most, being the one to bring people together makes you a legend.

4. Go to Social Functions — That is Where You 

Enjoy Yourself

At every conference, there is a schedule. but then there 

are the true connections —the spontaneous moments together.

Evening get-togethers. Low-key dinners. Sing-along evening. 

Trips to the city. That late-night coffee excursion with a new acquaintance from another region.

Here's the magic:

You don't have to "speak business" every second.

One of the best work friendships begins when we share a laugh together over a missed flight, an interminable registration 

process, or the presenter who uttered too many acronyms.

Be human first, professional second.

5. Check In with Care (Not Just to Sell)

Most individuals after the event either cut off communication 

with their contacts or send this very message:

"Nice to see you! Here is my calendar link."

Yawn. 

Rather, be accurate. Be approachable. Be yourself.

Attempt this:

"Hello Maria, enjoyed talking about education startups in the afternoon break. You mentioned your work with youth groups in Davao — I'd be interested in hearing more. Perhaps we can catch up for a quick call or coffee at some point?"

Why it works: You demonstrate that you were paying attention — and that makes you stand out from many typical follow-ups.

Full Circle: Why This Matters

In the Philippines, business is highly relational.

We don't network — we create relationships.

We hold dear trust, honesty, laughing together, and 

respecting each other.

That is why in conferences — whether a 3-day conference in Manila, a Cebu leadership conference, or a digital marketing conference in Davao — the long-term 

connections don't typically happen during the keynote speech. 

They happen in side conversations, commutes, lunchtime 

laughter, and moments when you actually listen to someone.

So next time you're at a conference, remember: 

✔️ Don't attempt to be flashy. 

✔️ Try to connect. 

✔️ Avoid focusing on collecting business cards. 

✔️ Focus on building moments that people will remember. 

Because that is what networking does — and is worth doing. 

Have you ever had a memorable or unexpected networking experience at a conference? Tell your tale below. The best ones always begin with, "I didn't expect this, but… 

Is it worth it to take RMP (Registered Marketing Professional) Certification?

Let's be honest—when you say the word "certification",  what do you think first?

• "Another expense?"
• "More studying?"
• "Will this really do anything for my career?"

With all those free online certifications and YouTube videos out there, is RMP actually worth it or is it just another title that 

doesn't mean much?

Get to know Sarah: The Struggling Marketing Graduate

Sarah recently graduated with a marketing degree. Like many new grads, she was eager and enthusiastic 

to enter the workforce. She submitted dozens of resumes to various firms.

And then… nothing.

No calls. No emails. Nothing but crickets. 

One day, she received a precious interview chance. She arrived confidently—until the hiring manager nailed her with the dreaded question:

❌ "Can you share your experience in marketing?"

Her heart dropped. Experience? 

She only had school assignments, and at that moment, she realized one thing:

Each job posting needed experience—even to get an entry-level position.

But how would you gain experience if nobody was hiring 

you? 

That's when she learned about the Registered Marketing Professional (RMP) Certification. It vowed to provide her with a competitive advantage, confirm her marketing expertise, and link her up with industry professionals.

Doubtful but optimistic, she took the plunge.

What Changed After Getting Certified?

After becoming certified through the RMP exam, Sarah made some changes:

• She included "Registered Marketing Professional" on her resume
• She emphasized her new marketing skills
• She included RMP in her cover letters and LinkedIn profile

Everything began to change suddenly.

She was noticed. 

Recruiters actually viewed her application. The "Registered Marketing Professional" designation gave 

them a second look at her resume.

She learned actual marketing skills. 

The RMP training did not simply recycle the coursework she had done in college—it taught her how marketing actually happens in real businesses. She learned branding, consumer psychology, and current digital marketing techniques.

She was more confident in job interviews. 

She was able to talk about marketing strategies, consumer research, and campaign planning with ease.

She got a mentor. 

With the RMP network, she got in touch with seasoned 

a marketer who offered her advice on career matters—and even job referrals!

The Game-Changer: Getting Hired!

With newfound skills and confidence, Sarah finally had her first job in marketing. 

Was it due to the RMP certification alone? No.

But did RMP provide her with the credibility, knowledge, and confidence she needed to get into the industry? Absolutely.

So, Is RMP Certification Worth It?

If you want to:

✅ Improve your credibility

✅ Enhance job opportunities

✅ Acquire hands-on marketing skills

✅ Grow your professional network

Then YES, RMP is worth it.

But if you're merely gathering certificates without implementing what you learn, then NO, it's not for you.

The Truth About Certifications

A certification will not suddenly get you a six-figure marketing position. But it will:

✔️ Give you an edge over other applicants

✔️ Confirm your knowledge and abilities

✔️ Assist you in making useful contacts in the industry

The Real Question Is.

Are YOU prepared to utilize RMP as a stepping stone to advance your career?

What do you think? 

Would you invest in a marketing certification like RMP? 

Leave your thoughts in the comments!