Successful Networking

Successful Networking

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  Successful Networking Charlene Woolley
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  Agenda What is Networking? When/ Where to Network? Why Network? Who should Network? Networking Tools / Sites / Groups Networking Tips and Tricks Networking Organizations The 5 Minute Favor Bonus Slide …
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  What is Networking? Definition: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business (merriam-webster.com)
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  What is Networking? BuildingRelationships Productive Positive What about Skills? Skills are important, but they don’t always “close the deal” Soft skills are just as important as technical skills Copyright©2011byXpanxion.Allrightsreserved worldwide.
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  The Connection  Whois the Connection? Family member, Friend, Co-worker, Client, Peer, Teacher, Boss, Manager, etc… Could be a Re- Connection  Reconnect with someone you have connected with in the past Basically, someone who can offer you assistance (a service, information or help) Someone who can benefit from your expertise or help
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  Networking is BasedUpon Relationships  Trust / Loyalty  Compassion  Mutual Benefits  Shared Investment  Compatibility  Inspiration  Motivation “Every Relationship Starts with an Introduction”
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  When / Whereto Network  Work Meetings / Team Functions / Water Cooler, etc.  Dinners / Parties / Coffee Shops  Tradeshows / Conferences  Elevator / Waiting in Line  Classes / Church  Anywhere and Everywhere!  Networking has No Limits
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  Why to Network- Rewards  It’s all about the Connection - Cultivate your Connections! Keep in Touch! Meeting a potential Client (Sales Lead) Increase the number of resources you can call on Share Expertise, Knowledge, Interests Free Marketing for your product or service Meeting a new friend / possibly your spouse! Job Opportunities
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  Networking – Who? “Everyoneneeds to Network .. and I mean Everyone.”
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  Networking for ShyPeople • Don’t sweat the “Meet and Greet” ⁻ Focus on meeting people with common interests • Active Listening ⁻ Actively listening to others is an appreciated skill • You are not alone ⁻ Start the conversation with other shy networkers • Compliment Others • Bring along a buddy ⁻ Safety in numbers • Have a Goal ⁻ Set a number of people to meet
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  Networking Mentors  SuperConnectors  Established and Successful  Well Known  Provide Value Added  Networking Mentors  The have the “Right” Connections  Follow their Lead / Example = Successful Networking!  They have a willingness to connect people  Pay it Forward People
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  Networking Tools /Sites  LinkedIN It’s not about the quantity of connections, but the Quality of the connection that matters  Facebook - can be used for Business Networking  Twitter  Google +  Meetup.com  Lanyrd.com  And more….
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  Networking Organizations  ProfessionalNetworking Organizations  A great way to meet and network with others in your same field of work  Meet industry leaders  Share expertise or lessons learned  Training opportunities  Discounts on work related conferences  Examples of some Professional Networking Organizations AQAA – Atlanta Quality Assurance Association TAG – Technology Association of Georgia AITP – Atlanta Information Technology Professionals SPIN – Software Process Improvement Network
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  Networking Tips andTricks…  Always put your best foot forward  Dress for Success  Wear a Name Badge (at networking meetings)  Don’t forget those Breath mints!  Always have business cards with you  Always have your 30 second elevator speech ready  Never be Negative - Don’t talk badly about anyone or anything  Never get Drunk!  Always Be Authentic – Keep it Real  Always Ask Questions – Be an Active Listener  Always Follow Up! Don’t be a Lazy Networker!
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  Networking – The5 Minute Favor  The 5 Minute Favor – A task you can do for someone else within five minutes or less. Pay it Forward!  Send an email introduction to a person with mutual interest (Partner, Investor)  Provide Expertise / Solution to a problem  Share a post to help promote their service or business  Introduce them to a potential customer  What is your 5 Minute Favor?
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  Networking – Bea Giver! “Givers tend to have large networks to draw on for problem- solving and are able to inspire others with their willingness to go the extra mile. That makes them great employees and even better leaders.” Adam Grant
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  Networking – Secretto Success Give something of VALUE, so you will be Remembered and Respected. Repeat.
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  Networking – What’sNext? Drumroll Please.. The Bonus Slide…
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  Bonus Slide –Speed Networking  Speed Networking – Usually 2 minute intervals Smile Introduction / Trade Business Cards Shake Hands 30 Second Elevator Speech Move to the Right Repeat  Can be Fast and Furious  Must Follow Up!
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  Questions?
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  Charlene Woolley, QualityAssurance Consultant Atlanta Quality Assurance Association, 2015 President www.AQAA.org Email Charlene.Woolley1@gmail.com LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenewoolley Skype Charlene_Woolley Twitter @Charlene_Woolle & @AQAAorg Google+ https://plus.google.com/+CharleneWoolley