Networking Skills Jo Pakulska Leicester Wednesday 7 th December, 2011
Networking Skills
Jo PakulskaLeicesterWednesday 7th December, 2011
Today’s session
Defining Networking
Preparing yourself for a Networking event
Behavior in Business Networking
Tops tips
What is networking?
Business opportunitie
s
Learning from
experience of others
Building up a team of people
Develop your skill set and
self confidence
Make an impression which could
later be helpful
Contact list of
people – mutual
interest
‘a process where you
develop long term
relationships with others for
mutual benefit’
Stages of Networking
Planning and Preparing
The event
Following up
Logistics
Cultural SensitivityObjectives
Be positive
Emails
Phone calls
Information Names
Be concise
Ask Questions – not just about you!
Smile
Energetic
Plan your networkingKnow what you want - manage it
group 1 group 2 group 3what is my aim?
ideal connections (people) - describing words
group name and type group profile/sector/interests (relevance to me)
tactical group notes/tips - what works well?
my elevator speech (for this group)
what I can do for these people
what do I want from these people?
diary dates/scheduled tasks
targets/expectations actuals time spent
compare with my other marketing activities
Describe yourself - Elevator Speech
1. What? "My name is..." Look the other person in the eye. Smile. Shoulders back. Speak with confidence. Sincerity and passion are crucial in making a strong early impression.What do you do? What are you interested in? Where are you based?
2. So what? Be different and special and better in some way from your competitors.Be meaningful for the event or situation or group Express what you offer in terms of positive outcomes for employers.Be positive, proud and ambitious in your thinking and expression of what you do. Include in this statement what your aims are, to show you have ambition and that you know what you are seeking from network contacts.
3. Now what? What are your aims for the future? What will your next steps be? What kind of experiences would you like to gather?
4. End with a questionThis will avoid the conversation running dry and show consideration for the other person
TASK : Create YOUR elevator speech
5 MINS
Body language and first impressions
Smile
Eye contact
Posture
Gestures
General appearance
Tone of voice
Hints and Tips Remember – you are representing yourself and others (University, Employer etc)
Social Networking Sites – update and keep professional!
Business cards – always have these at a business networking event – don’t just give out to everyone, build a relationship first
ALWAYS follow up anything you say that you will
Prepare well1. What are your aims? Who do you want to meet? What do you want to say about
yourself? 2. Appropriate clothing, arrive on time3. Be culturally sensitive
If you are a drinker – watch your consumption!
People are drawn to positive people! Leave negative comments and thoughts at home and never speak negatively about anyone else
Turn your phone off! Do not look at emails, texts or take or make calls
Contact me
• Phone or email with any questions [email protected] / 0203 117 2385
• Have a one to one with me
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• Log onto our website for more information about the programme www.teachfirst.org.uk