Power of Networking for entrepreneurs Emad Saif Center For Entrepreneurship, Qatar University
Jul 12, 2015
Power of Networking for entrepreneurs
Emad Saif Center For Entrepreneurship, Qatar University
Agenda
Networking ??
Networking Tool
Networking Tips
Entrepreneur vs. Barriers
HELP!
Networking = Support System
Networking ??
“ A supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest ”
NETWORKING [net-wur-king]
PEOPLE are your most important assets
Without proper support system you will fail!
Why Network?
Find partners, customers, investors or support community
Learn, discover new opportunities and stay motivated
Promote idea, receive feedback and gain support
Why Network?
Networking Cycle
1. Meet people
2. Listen & Learn
3. Make connections
4. Follow Up
5. Stay in Touch
Exercise
Introduce Your Self
1
Introduce Someone
1
Personal Elevator Pitch
Who are you? [ First name and Current situation ]
My name is Mariam, I’m in my last year of environmental science degree at Qatar University
Mariam’s Personal Elevator Pitch
Your experience [ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ]
During my studies, I’ve worked on several environmental focused projects, the most recent on Qatar’s waste management challenges.
Your goal [ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ]
My goal is to graduate and join a company where I can use my knowledge to propose practical solutions to make Qatar greener.
Conversation [ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ]
Did you know that Qatar’s lack of recycling creates over 2.5 million tons of waste annually?
Call to action [ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ]
It was great to meet you and I hope we can connect. May I add you on LinkedIn?
Write Your Personal Pitch
5
Who are you? [ First name and Current situation ]
Your experience [ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ]
Your goal [ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ]
Conversation [ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ]
Call to action [ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ]
_________’s Personal Elevator Pitch
NETWORKING
• Don’t ask them to do something for you Offer them your services if you can help
• Don’t stick with them or follow them around Make it short & sweet
• Don’t ask personal questions or joke too much Stay professional and give time for rapport
Meeting Someone New
• Don’t use negative words (i.e. problems) Use positive words (i.e. challenges)
• Don’t ignore them if someone distracts you Regain eye contact and add them to your
conversation
• Don’t leave suddenly from your conversation Excuse your self politely & thank them
Meeting Someone New
Personal Communication
Smile
1x
Listen More!
67% 33%
Hand Positions
Third person not accepted by first two
Open triangle position for accepting third person
Open Formation Gesture
Personal Space
Power Positions
Kennedy vs. Nixon Presidential Debate [1960]
Business Cards
Remembering People
Mary likes photography
John teaches business
Network Again
5
Use body language Find things in common Always think “How can I help them?”
Networking Tool
Build your network and stay in touch
Why Join
?
Create your personal brand & public image
Access to many jobs are posted on LinkedIn
An online portfolio to be discovered by employers
Find & maintain connections of interest
Follow companies of interest for news & updates
Gain influence over your network
Sample Profile
Create Your Profile www.linkedin.com
Start Networking! Meet new people at networking events & practice your pitch
Offer your services & help connect people
Maintain your new connections & grow your network (500+)
Learn More
It’s not WHAT you know It’s WHO you know