Buyers given top tips at CIPS Annual Conference

Earlier this month, CIPS held its presitigious Annual Conference and Exhibition in London.

The theme of this year's Conference was "Raise your Game, Raise your Voice" – a concept quickly introduced by CIPS President Babs Omotowa when he took the position in the autumn of last year.

Over the last few months especially, there has been much discussion about how procurement professionals could do more to increase their own influence within their organisations, while simultaneously illustrating the importance of what they do to other departments within the business.

Cath Hill's 'Building Your Brand' session

CIPS' group marketing and membership director Cath Hill led a talk about how procurement specialists can build their personal brand and magnify their influence.

She imparted a lot of wisdom, giving attendees many tips – among the highlights of which were:

• Build your credibility and then build your brand based on your strengths and past successes
• Listen to your colleagues (non-procurement included), and remain open to their ideas
• Take time to understand your organisation's goals – and the goals of each department
• Believe in yourself and be passionate and confident

At the end of November, Hill will talk with other keynote speakers at a session called "Be more than Procurement", to which all CIPS members are welcome.

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