Networking for Success

1
Networking for Success

• Maureen Frost
• Chief Executive

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What is Networking?

• Meeting People
• Exchanging Ideas
• Set of contacts
• Interaction
• Friendships
• Mutual Referrals
• Share and Learn

3
Forms of Networking

• Networking events
• Briefings
• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• On Line
• Friends and relatives
• Social

4
Networking events

• Formal or informal
• Speed Networking
• Type of delegates
• Location/Time
• Examples Breakfasts with speaker
• Networking lunches, evening Business Clubs,
  Introductory/taster events

5
Some forthcoming opportunities

• 13 March Breakfast Briefing the Media and You
• 27 March Networking Lunch here
• 2 April Mentor Magic
• 29 April Breakfast Briefing Lakeside Business
  Park

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Briefings

• Subject
• topical, general interest, business related
• Who will it attract
• Can you contribute

7
Conferences

• How much networking time is there
• Who will it attract
• Is it valuable use of time
• Socialise

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Exhibitions

• Exhibiting network
• with other exhibitors
• Run a competition to gather contact details
• Attending network over refreshments
• Examples Business South 56 March
• Meet Match 24 April

9
On Line

• More and More networking sites being set up
• Linked In www.linkedin.com
• Plaxo www.plaxo.com
• Ecademy www.ecademy.com
• Facebook business groupings

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Other

• Friends and family social occasions weddings,
  parties etc
• Clubs and societies
• The pub!

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Top Tips

• 1 Remember your Business Cards (use reverse)
• 2 Ask for delegate list in advance if possible
• 3 Name badges wear on side you shake hands
• 4 Turn up early
• 5 Apologise if not coming
• 6 Remember its not a sales pitch
• 7 Be interested in others
• 8 Ask organisers for introductions
• 9 If attending with a colleague dont stick
  together
• 10 Work with competitors not against them
• 11 Follow up and add to contact list