Networking for Success

Maureen Frost

Chief Executive

What is Networking?

• Meeting People

• Exchanging Ideas

• Set of contacts

• Interaction

• Friendships

• Mutual Referrals

• Share and Learn

Forms of Networking

• Networking events

• Briefings

• Conferences

• Exhibitions

• On Line

• Friends and relatives

• Social

Networking events

• Formal or informal

• Speed Networking

• Type of delegates

• Location/Time

• Examples: Breakfasts with speaker

• Networking lunches, evening Business Clubs, Introductory/taster events

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

Briefings

• Subject

topical, general interest, business related

• Who will it attract

• Can you contribute

Conferences

• How much networking time is there

• Who will it attract

• Is it valuable use of time

• Socialise

Exhibitions

• Exhibiting – network

with other exhibitors

• Run a competition to gather contact details

• Attending – network over refreshments

• Examples: Business South 5&6 March

Meet & Match 24 April

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

Other

• Friends and family – social occasions weddings, parties etc

• Clubs and societies

• The pub!

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 don’t stick together• 10 Work with competitors not against them• 11 Follow up and add to contact list