Stress Free Business Networking Mr Prashil Singh

Wodonga Institute of TAFE phone 02 6055 6307 mobile 0408 361 600

email psingh@wodongatafe.edu.au

Agenda

What

Identify a list of good networks

Greatest networking challenges

Tips from successful networkers

Common mistakes

Clever conversation starters

Business networking friendly clothes and first impressions

The unspoken truth about us – interpersonal communication

Appropriate networking tools

Speed networking challenge

Your unique style of learning

“Are you crazy, me networking – no way”

The thought of attending business networking

events and functions can be terrifying to

some people and slightly unsettling even for

the most confident amongst us.

It's really not that bad

What is networking

Networking is critical to the success of the

growth of a small business.

Being in business is not just about supplying

services or products, it’s also about the

marketing, the PR and everything else that

helps to make connections. It is important to

get to know people and let others know what

you have to offer.

Greatest networking challenges

The main reasons given were:

1. I haven't got any free time

2. I'm not good at meeting new people

3. People won’t find me interesting

4. I don’t know what to say

5. I have problems introducing myself to strangers

6. I don’t know how to leave a conversation

7. I don't know where to start

Mistakes made at business networking

1. You talk about yourself 99% of the time

2. You look over shoulders (alienating them)

3. You shake hands like a wet fish

4. Yours is the "SELL, SELL, SELL" approach

5. You avoid eye contact

6. You keep saying their name incorrectly

7. Inappropriate actions, gestures, remarks

Juggling, food, beverages and handshaking

One of the most common unspoken fears amongst people

networking is “How will I shake hands, exchange business

cards, juggle food and drink without spilling it and looking

foolish?”

I have three simple rules that I suggest when attending

functions:

1. Avoid alcohol and smoking at business networking

functions

2. Where possible eat before you go

3. Make sure you are hands free

Where do I connect with networks?

• Industry based groups for learning and

development such as AIM, retail associations, etc)

• gender based groups (women in business)

• referral based groups such as BECs, Chambers of

Commerce, AIG, VECCI, and

• charity based groups (Lions, Rotary).

• Sporting groups (soccer, footy, netball)

• Social media websites (LinkedIn, facebook)

Appropriate networking tools Having the right stuff:

1. Appropriate attire for the occasion

2. Business Cards

• Keep a heap of cards in your car

• Invest in a business card holder

3. Nametag

• Keep a spare nametag in your car

4. Pen/pocket-size note pad

• Taking notes after the function (actions)

Planning your networking for success

1. Have a goal for your networking.

2. Go along to the networking function in a social “give”

without expectation philosophy (reciprocity).

3. Establishing a rapport with someone to start a

conversation.

4. Develop and practise your elevator statement.

5. Find a networking buddy to attend events with

(but not stick with the whole time!)

6. Avoid any hard sell (focus on relationships)

7. Always follow up and follow through

Business networking friendly clothes

Remember first impressions count

• Select clothing items (jackets) that have pockets so that you

can always access business cards

• Avoid bulky items such as presentation portfolios, product

samples, briefcases and folders.

• Ensure you select a networking friendly handbag that allows

easy access to your business cards.

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Ensure your weight is distributed evenly when

standing

The unspoken truth about us – non verbal

How confident we come across is depicted by

Facial expression

Body movement and posture

Gestures

Eye contact

Touch

Space

Use of Voice

Its not what you say, its how you say it

Nonverbal speech sounds such as tone, pitch, volume,

rhythm and rate are important communication elements.

Tone Think about how tone of voice, for example, can indicate

sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.

Intensity A reflection of the amount of energy you project

Timing and

pace

Your ability to be a good listener and communicate

interest and involvement is impacted by timing and pace

Sounds that

convey

understanding

Sounds such as “ahhh, ummm, ohhh,”

More than words, these sounds are the language of

interest, understanding and compassion

Clever conversation starters

The key to networking success is being a good

conversationalist and showing genuine interest in

another’s business and knowing when to talk about

your own.

So do you know any good conversation starters?

Clever conversation starters

1. How do you find new customers?

2. What brings you to this event?

3. What business/industry are you in?

4. What do you enjoy most about it?

5. How did you get into it?

6. Who exactly is your ideal client?

7. Where are your customers mainly based?

8. Who are you looking to connect with today?

Ending conversations politely

1. “Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.” Make sure you actually go.

2. “I have come here today with an aim to meet three new people, it’s been great speaking with you. Please excuse me”. Include a third person in the conversation and extract yourself in a pleasant and friendly manner

3. “would you like me to introduce you to…?”

4. “I’m getting a bit hungry…shall we get some food?”

Networking etiquette

1. Arrive on time

2. Introduce yourself (full name, company, title)

3. Extend your hand for a firm and friendly handshake

4. Make business card exchanges meaningful

5. Enter group conversation sensitively

6. Exit conversation politely

7. Introduce yourself at tablemates (if seated)

8. Follow up with new acquaintances and follow through

9. Get permission before sharing contact info

Speed Networking Challenge

1 Minute each person (2 mins per round)

1. Introduce yourself (full name, company, title)

2. Practice your elevator speech

3. Extend your hand for a firm and friendly handshake

4. Make business card exchanges meaningful

5. Follow up with new acquaintances and follow through

.