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 jpakulska@teachfirst.org.uk / 0203 117 2385

• Have a one to one with me

• Join us on Facebook

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• Log onto our website for more information about the programme www.teachfirst.org.uk