Networking

Shai Goldman

What is networking...

“The use of formal and informal linkages of people and resources for the purpose of facilitating access to services, skills, contacts, and knowledge.”www.childrenwithchallenges.net/definitions/N.html

Why People Avoid Networking....

Intimidation Factor Awkward Social Moments Relevance Unclear ROI

Why Network...

Increases your Social Currency Increases your Industry Relevance Builds Relationships Raises Awareness of SVB Generates New Business Opportunities Builds Social Karma

Keys to Building a Successful Network

Genuine vs. Quid Pro Quo Helpful Thankful Sincere Patient Committed Persistent

Creating a Networking Strategy

Dedicate 10-20 minutes/day to connect Event preparation Establish goals Find a networking buddy Follow up Making Connections Online Networking

Ready, set....... Network!

Conversation Starters Breaking into Conversations Keeping Conversations Going Exiting Conversations

Entering Conversations...

Included vs. Intruding Watch for body language and tone of

conversation Approach groups that are having fun Look for someone to make eye contact Be open to letting others into your

conversations

Conversation Starters

Smile! You had me at Hello... Find common ground Perfect your Elevator pitch Ask open ended questions Ask people for non-obvious facts about

themselves for memory aid Be aware of body language Focus on the person you are talking to

Exiting Conversations...

10 Minute Max Rule It is ok to circulate! Ask to follow up Exit and move to other side of room Introduce person to someone else

Following up.....

Nice Meeting You! Reference something you spoke about Call to action Staying in touch

Managing your Network....

Go for coffee Catch up at events Invite them to events Sending relevant articles Be a connector – Pay it forward! Do what you say you will do

Leveraging LinkedIn... Fill out your profile Invite / Accept invitations

• Open vs. Closed approach Search people you are meeting with Search people you are looking to

connect with Company profiles Groups

Facing Facebook

Search people you are meeting with Search people you are looking to

connect with Find events that people are attending Groups

Keys to Networking...

Make yourself easy to find (bring cards!) Discover/find new connections Go deep with key relationships Be a connector Be open Be patient Commit to helping others be successful

Good Events to Attend

Industry Specific Conferences (RSA, Always On, Oracle, Gigaom, CTIA, CCTO, IBF Venture Conference, Venture Wire, MobileBeat, TechCrunch, DEMO, etc... Plug & Play SDForum BASES ChurchHill Events SVASE VLab VC Taskforce Holiday Parties

Additional Resources... http://learn.linkedin.com/

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/ten_ways_to_use.html

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/linkedin_and_the_future_of_business_social_networks.php

http://singlemindedwomen.com/womenscareer/639/online-business-and-social-networks-what-do-they-mean-to-your-career.html

http://nevereatalone.typepad.com/