Robbie Samuels
Networking and Relationship-Building Expert; Author, Croissants vs Bagels
SPEAKER FEE RANGE: $8,500–$19,000 [FEE NOTE]
TRAVELS FROM: Massachusetts
RELATED TOPICS: Communication & Negotiation, Professional Development
A professional member of the National Speakers Association, Robbie Samuels has been recognized as a networking expert by Inc. and Lifehacker. He was profiled in Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It by Dorie Clark. Robbie has presented to a wide array of audiences who have left feeling inspired and encouraged by his memorable take-aways, like his particularly sticky concept “Croissants vs. Bagels.” From business cards and follow-up to body language and graceful exit strategies, Robbie has stories to share and tips to put into practice. He has been described as sharing “small, big ideas”, everyday ideas that are accessible and immediately actionable, but have the power to inspire significant change. Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze podcast which features his networking strategies and talented professionals sharing untold stories of leadership and networking.
Stop wasting time networking and start building great relationships! That’s the message behind Robbie Samuels’ signature session, Art of the Schmooze. While practical and filled with easy to implement action steps, his talks are most often described as “dynamic, engaging, and funny.”
Robbie has presented to a wide array of audiences who have left feeling inspired and encouraged by his memorable takeaways. Dorie Clark, best-selling author of Reinventing You and Stand Out said, "Croissants vs. Bagels is a powerful concept that will forever change your approach to networking." That concept is also the title of Robbie's book, Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences.
From business cards and follow-up to body language and graceful exit strategies, Robbie has stories to share and tips to put into practice. He has been described as sharing “small, big ideas”, everyday ideas that are accessible and immediately actionable but have the power to inspire significant change.
A professional member of the National Speakers Association, Robbie has been recognized as a networking expert by Inc. and Lifehacker. He was also profiled in Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It by Dorie Clark.
He works with meeting professionals to design events that increase engagement and improve member retention. Regardless of the topic being discussed, the highlight of conferences and conventions is that they bring people together. In this Facebook world, many participants have forgotten how to do face time. Through humor and storytelling, Robbie provides a roadmap for effectively and inclusively networking - including tips on what not to say.
Robbie received his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University. He taught at Lesley College, and guest lectured at Babson College, Boston Architectural College, Brandeis University, Cornell University, Curry College, LaSell College, Roger Williams University, and Tufts University.
He has been speaking professionally since 2009. The common thread through all of his sessions is relationship-building - whether through networking, fundraising, sales, or diversity & inclusion. He has presented to audiences in many different fields, including Marriott International, PA Consulting, and the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association.
Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze, a weekly podcast that features interviews with talented people from different fields who share untold stories of leadership and networking. His introspective questions help his audience learn how his guests built strong networks and overcame challenges on their way to becoming successful leaders. Key takeaways at the end of each interview and bi-weekly solo shows provide practical steps to implement right away.
Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze podcast which features his networking strategies and talented professionals sharing untold stories of leadership and networking.
Hire Robbie to increase attendee engagement at your events, to inspire your sales team to make the most of trade shows, or to help your audience shift from feeling anxious and/or disillusioned by networking to feeling strategic, effective, and empowered!
Robbie has presented to a wide array of audiences who have left feeling inspired and encouraged by his memorable takeaways. Dorie Clark, best-selling author of Reinventing You and Stand Out said, "Croissants vs. Bagels is a powerful concept that will forever change your approach to networking." That concept is also the title of Robbie's book, Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences.
From business cards and follow-up to body language and graceful exit strategies, Robbie has stories to share and tips to put into practice. He has been described as sharing “small, big ideas”, everyday ideas that are accessible and immediately actionable but have the power to inspire significant change.
A professional member of the National Speakers Association, Robbie has been recognized as a networking expert by Inc. and Lifehacker. He was also profiled in Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It by Dorie Clark.
He works with meeting professionals to design events that increase engagement and improve member retention. Regardless of the topic being discussed, the highlight of conferences and conventions is that they bring people together. In this Facebook world, many participants have forgotten how to do face time. Through humor and storytelling, Robbie provides a roadmap for effectively and inclusively networking - including tips on what not to say.
Robbie received his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University. He taught at Lesley College, and guest lectured at Babson College, Boston Architectural College, Brandeis University, Cornell University, Curry College, LaSell College, Roger Williams University, and Tufts University.
He has been speaking professionally since 2009. The common thread through all of his sessions is relationship-building - whether through networking, fundraising, sales, or diversity & inclusion. He has presented to audiences in many different fields, including Marriott International, PA Consulting, and the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association.
Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze, a weekly podcast that features interviews with talented people from different fields who share untold stories of leadership and networking. His introspective questions help his audience learn how his guests built strong networks and overcame challenges on their way to becoming successful leaders. Key takeaways at the end of each interview and bi-weekly solo shows provide practical steps to implement right away.
Robbie is the host of On the Schmooze podcast which features his networking strategies and talented professionals sharing untold stories of leadership and networking.
Hire Robbie to increase attendee engagement at your events, to inspire your sales team to make the most of trade shows, or to help your audience shift from feeling anxious and/or disillusioned by networking to feeling strategic, effective, and empowered!
- Art of the Schmooze: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking
Career progression often depends on fostering a strong and supportive professional network, but do you feel awkward at networking events and uncomfortable making new connections? Attend this engaging session to learn tips and tricks that will help introverts and extroverts work a room, from having the right tools to knowing the best approach to engage prospective colleagues and collaborators. No matter your role, you will benefit from being more strategic, effective, and inclusive while building great relationships. Our presenter, Robbie Samuels, believes that your impact on the world is directly related to your willingness to engage your community. Through this session, he will show you how. At the completion of this session, participants will be able to:
•Employ strategy and selectivity when choosing which events to attend
•Identify how to take advantage of small networking opportunities at events
•Shift their mindset around relationship-building to begin to notice opportunities in everyday life
•Adapt body language to increase approachability and ease of navigation in the room
•Apply graceful exit strategies that continue to build relationships - Leverage Your (Virtual) Network to Grow Your Business
Prior to the pandemic, staying connected with your network and meeting new connections could be accomplished at industry conferences. When those events were postponed, canceled, or transformed into online events those networking opportunities seemed to disappear – or did they? Virtual networking opportunities, through video calls, Facebook groups, and virtual events have become quite prevalent and proven quite beneficial. As the events industry recovers and travel becomes a part of our life, the benefits of virtual business networking won’t be be forgotten. How we meet new people and reconnect with colleagues may have changed, but why we connect is still the same. The key is to figure out how to weave these opportunities into our lives so we reap their benefits without overextending ourselves. At the completion of this session, participants will be able to:
•Create a plan that matches their goals for networking
•Update their LinkedIn and social media profiles to reflect how they want to be known
•Utilize video conferencing to stay connected with colleagues
•Employ strategy and selectivity when choosing which virtual events to attend
•Nurture existing relationships by mailing cards and gifts
•Identify online communities that attract the type of people they want to engage with
•Shift their mindset from “me first” to “how can I help?” - Hire Robbie to Emcee and DJ a Social!
Are you looking for a creative way to engage your members? Want to give them opportunities to get to know each other beyond what is written on their business cards? Robbie masterfully facilitates a 60-90 minute virtual networking social. These can be member engagement events, volunteer appreciation parties, staff socials, or holiday parties. Robbie will bring energy and excitement to your next event as the emcee/event host.
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