Network like a pro 24th August 2016

What is networking?

net·work ˈnetˌwərk/

to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially

to further one's career.

Is networking easy?

What are the challenges?

Why do we network?

Unsuccessful Networking events• Look for someone I know

!• Aggressive sales people !• Looking over shoulder !• Not working the room !• In the wrong room!

Traditional Selling

Networking is NOT selling

Networking is giving

Networking sales cycle

• Give !• Give !• Give !• Ask

Modern Selling

Networking is all about…

Before: Strategy

During: Who / What /

When After: Evaluate / follow up

Three stages of networking event

Before the event

• What should you bring? !• Who do you want to meet? !• Goal setting? !• Brochures?

During the event

• Who to approach? !• How long to spend per person? !• In-you-me-out !• What questions !• Coffee not selling

In-you-me-out

After the event

• Goals/objectives achieved? !• Was I in the right room? !• Follow up the right way !• Build relationships

Best Practices

Good questions

How much to drink?

Make it memorable

Nervousness

Open / closed groups

But I am an introvert!

• Is networking only for extroverts? !• All about talking? !• Work the room !• JBN

Tips for networking like a pro

• Be the host, even if you’re not! !• Demonstrate value !• Leaving respectfully !• Make yourself approachable !• Name tag? !• Better with two?

But everyone is already talking

But everyone is already talking

The Next Steps

• Pens and Business cards !• Think coffee not selling !• Work the room !• JBN