Benefits of Getting Involved in the BA Community
It’s conference season! The time of year when tech professionals everywhere make plans to attend events, eager to expand their knowledge and build networks. Conferences are a platform for learning and exchanging ideas, and they can also be career game-changers. But I wanted to take us behind the scenes and show what it’s like being a speaker at a conference.
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🎤 In Conversation with Stu Mullinger
Meet Stu Mullinger, a seasoned business analyst, who will be speaking at the IRM European Business Analysis Conference. As he gears up for his talk, Stu shares his journey with the business analysis (BA) community and offers a preview of his upcoming presentation.
🧑🤝🧑 Stu’s Journey into the BA Community
Initially, Stu had some apprehensions about getting involved with the BA community. Doubts about its importance soon melted away when he fully engaged, realising the wealth of knowledge and support available. As a long-time BA and a member of professional organisations like the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), Stu transformed from a passive member to a dynamic volunteer, proving the benefits of being actively involved.
🌐 Online Events: A Silver Lining
The pandemic brought about newer, accessible avenues with online events. Webinars and digital forums allowed Stu to connect widely, bridging gaps irrespective of geographical constraints. These platforms have become essential for building networks and sharing practices globally.
📈 The Perks of Community Engagement
Engaging with the BA community offers numerous professional and personal benefits. Building a strong support network helps to navigate and overcome the challenges faced in day-to-day work. It also strengthens the standards of professionalism within the community, making the field more robust and collaborative.
📣 Stu’s Talk: No More FOMO in the BA Community
Get ready for Stu’s presentation, "No More FOMO." He plans to demystify the BA community, detailing its structure and the benefits of active participation. The talk aims to tackle the fear of missing out and encourage more people to join this thriving professional ecosystem.
Interested in attending the BA Europe conference? You can get a 10% discount by using the following code: SPKR10.
🛠️ How to Dive into the BA Community
Interested in becoming part of the BA community? Start small. Networking within your workplace and attending relevant events online or offline can foster professional growth. As you build relationships, consider offering your time to volunteer and contribute to the community's future.
🗣️ Public Speaking Tips for Conferences
Overcoming the fear of public speaking can be daunting. Start with small groups and work your way up. Practising in more familiar settings will build your confidence. Remember to focus on your strengths and prepare thoroughly, so you're ready to share your insights when the time comes.
🎙️ Stu’s Speaking Journey
While Stu has spoken at many events through his volunteer work with the IIBA, addressing a large audience in person brings a new set of challenges. The key is preparation and practice—embrace them to ensure you're comfortable and composed during your talk.
🌎 The Significance of the European BA Conference
The European BA Conference offers a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from fellow professionals. With its manageable size and central location, attendees can expect meaningful interactions without feeling lost in the crowd. High-calibre speakers and diverse topics enrich the experience.
🤝 Engaging with Diverse Attendees
Conferences not only offer sessions to attend but also bring opportunities for social engagements. Engaging with different perspectives and backgrounds enhances learning and adds value beyond the conference sessions.
📝 Blogging as a Contribution to the BA Community
Blogging offers a platform to convey personal experiences that others can learn from. By sharing stories and challenges faced, bloggers can provide valuable insights to those who might be dealing with similar issues. The personal perspective is unique and valuable.
📚 Popular Blog Topics
While knowledge-sharing articles attract high traffic, reflective pieces that delve deeper into specific scenarios often spark longer, more meaningful discussions. Both types of content are important: the former for its breadth and the latter for its depth.
🎤 Using Social Media for Talk Inspiration
Observing what sparks conversation on social media can be a wellspring of inspiration for conference talks. Topics that ignite debates and discussions typically highlight issues people are passionate about, making them strong candidates for engaging presentations.
🔍 Improving Decision-Making in Organisations
Bad decision-making is a common challenge in many organisations. Business analysts play a crucial role in improving strategic decisions and ensuring efficient processes. Their input can lead to better outcomes and avoid unnecessary issues down the line.
🎯 Preparing for Conference Talks
For first-time speakers, meticulous preparation is vital. Rehearsing and obtaining feedback ensures confidence when taking the stage. Knowing one's content thoroughly boosts self-assurance and presence.
🌟 Conclusion: Embracing Conferences and Community Engagement
Participating in conferences and the broader community is essential for both personal and professional development. Engaging with these opportunities expands knowledge, networks, and creates lasting professional relationships.
Stu Mullinger
Stu Mullinger is a consultant business analyst, and is the founder of Better Business Analysis. He’s worked in business analysis for 20 years, mostly within the Legal sector. Stu lives in Bristol, UK with his husband and two cats.
Stu volunteers with IIBA’s UK Chapter, and was Communities Director for the Midlands, Wales, and the Southwest. He’s hosted many events in the BA community, and regularly speaks and blogs on business analysis topics.
In his spare time, Stu makes retro computer games and plays the piano.
Here’s the link to my blog: https://betterba.co.uk/stuart-mullinger-blog/
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