Post on 11-Jan-2017
Secrets of Successful
Networking
in Silicon ValleyMaximize your networking impact everywhere you go
Jeff RichardsonChief Transformational Engineer
Empowered Alliances
Jeff@EmpoweredAlliances.com
Networking Agreements
Be Interested
Concise Communication
Commit to Adding Value
Initiate Meaningful Conversations
How would the use of these agreements
impact networking experience?
Sincerity Reliability
Care Competence
How are you building trust within your Network?
TRUST
The Secret of Successful
Networking…
…Give something of value*
so you’ll be
remembered and referred!
(Repeat)
Before networking
Plan for networking success
Identify WHO to connect with
Select WHERE to meet people
Define WHAT to focus on
Prepare your intro & questions
Envision being successful
Conversation Starters
1. Compliment the other person
2. Ask a conversation starting question
that…
Is relevant to event/situation
Draws out person’s interests and/or needs
That YOU already have an answer to
What would you start if
you knew you could not
fail?
Conversation Starting Questions
What are you
passionate about?
What problems are
you working on now?
What interests you
about (topic)?
What do you like most
about ______?
Conversation Starters
1. Compliment the other person
2. Ask a conversation starting question
3. Short answer to “What do you do?”
Create intrigue and framed as “Who Am I?”
Adjective + professional title (Creative SW Engineer)
Catchy title (Chief Transformational Engineer)
Career direction (“I’ve been a __, but I’d rather be __”)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Connect withBiz cards
collected
Biz Cards from
Key People
Biz Cards from targeted
industry/role/company
Add Value
Commit to
adding value
with follow-up
Share value right
NOW
Connect them to their
‘right’ person in the room
Add Value to
Leaders
Help with
setup/cleanup
Listen for need &
volunteer
Look for ways to add
value to the group
LONG TERM
Present My
Self/Biz
“What brings
me here is…”
10sec & 30sec
elevator pitch to
create intrigue
“The value in connecting
with me is…”
Networking
skill building
Intros & exit
statements
Asking insightful
questions
”Steering” the
conversation
Networking Goal Setting
Increase the challenge as you grow!
During networking
Stick to your networking plan
Stay FOCUSED on your goals
Connect with KEY PEOPLE
INITIATE meaningful dialog
Listen for ways to add value
Collect biz cards & take notes
Gravitate Toward the Group
Join the Crowd (meet more people in less time)
◦ Breaking in:
“Hi, mind if I join the conversation? “
“What are you talking about?”
◦ Inviting others to join YOUR group:
“Would you like to join us ? “,
then open a space in the circle and
summarize what group was sharing
Gravitate Toward the Group
Leaving the Conversation
◦ “Excuse me”(walk away with
purpose)
◦ “I’m going to mingle a little more to
meet (target audience). Do you
know anyone like that here?”
◦ “Do you have a card? I’d like to
talk more about ____ when we
have more time.”
Let’s PRACTICE!!!
Keep Networking Agreements in mind
Set and achieve TWO specific goals
Break in/out of AT LEAST one group
One minute to prepare
I'm Good Enough,
I'm Smart Enough,
And People Like Me!
Networking Agreements
Be Interested
Concise Communication
Commit to Adding Value
Initiate Meaningful Conversations
How would the use of these agreements
impact networking experience?
After networking
Follow-thru by adding value
Evaluate WHAT WORKED
FOLLOW UP with key people
Refer individuals you TRUST
Use tags to define subgroups
Invest in influential contacts
Valuable Connections 4 Me?
Technology Directors @ Midsized Companies
◦ Need to spark innovation within their project teams
◦ Struggling with cross-functional collaboration projects
◦ Investing in new multi-national partnerships
Associations Leaders
◦ Impactful and engaging keynotes at events
Secrets of Successful Networking
Innovating on the Inside
Neuroscience of Team Effectiveness
Jeff RichardsonChief Transformational Engineer at Empowered Alliances
Jeff@EmpoweredAlliances.com