Business Networking Basics

1. Networking Dr. David Bozward

2. Agenda Introduction What is networking? Benefits of networking Building your network Effective communication Maintaining your network Online networking Using your network

3. What do you have in common? Walk up to a stranger in this room and find out what you have in common

4. What is networking? Establishing & maintaining lines of communication with people About connecting with people in order to: share information resources leads The emphasis is on relationship building getting to know people finding out how you can help them what they can do for you

5. Benefits of networking Effective networkers use their networking skills throughout their life. The main benefits are: Raising awareness about you Sharing ideas and solving problems Building strong relationships and rapport Developing partnerships, leads and referrals Becoming more influential in your industry Increasing efficiency and productivity

6. The Key Steps Determine your goal Decide who to talk to / Know your audience Figure out what the person knows / WIIFM Practice the opening speech & request(ask) a meeting Prepare to handle doubters Prepare to show & have the meeting Follow-up: Thank- you’s , nurture connections and keep track of contacts

7. You know the people you like You know what you want out of them You know what you like to do So lets play . . . Blind Date

8. Networking Toolkit Business Cards Style and Clothing Event Research Make a plan What can you do for nothing Opening Speech

9. Building your network Good networkers are always on the look out for opportunities to meet and interact with people. The more people you meet, the better your chances of finding the information you need or the leads you want. Even if the person you meet can’t help you, they may know someone who can. Where? Networking Events Trade Shows Online

10. The ‘elevator pitch ’ Hook What problem do I solve ? Who is my market ? Who is my competition ? What is my service, product, company or cause ?   What is my competitive advantage ? Why should they care ? How do I make money ?   Who is behind me ? Who is/has been using my product ? How can you demo it ? Request Passion About 150-225 words

11. Pitch yourself to a small group

12. Maintaining your network Following through Re-establishing contact This shows that you are dependable, responsive, organised and courteous. Contact Management Facebook, LinkedIn, ..etc Outlook

13. Online networking

14. My Online networking

15. Using your network There is no point building up your network if you are not going to use it. Introducing people Making requests

16. The Team Network In teams, find out who knows the best: A CEO A Finance Director A Sales Person An Investor A Mentor The most famous or successful wins!!!

17. And finally . . . Be prepared to deliver: any time, any where Start with contacts that are safe to build confidence Not a quick fix to your next sale – make it part of your life/work to build relationships Use thought, sensitivity and preparation

18. The End

19. Networking Scavenger hunt Find a person who : Y ounger than 21 O wns shares in one business U ses facebook and twitter every day A in their first name R equires glasses to read E is the first letter of their home town A lways wanted a Barbie doll S tarted a business already T v Star – Appeared on TV A rrived via public transport R ock Star - Has a Signature

20. If Needed Additional Exercise for groups to form a company based on their key personality straights

21. Exercise Five CEO Leadership Finance Good with numbers HR Good with people Sales Persuasive and confident Marketing Good Presentation Skills Operations Can make things happen

22. Create a Team:

23. Effective communication Effective communication – A Pitch! Meeting people Building rapport Getting to the point Handing out business cards Closing conversations