business pitching & networking
DESCRIPTION
Everyone needs to develop a better network, so what are the main steps in doing so?TRANSCRIPT
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
PITCHING YOUR BENEFITS
@essatweeting
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
What is this all about?
Every time you meet someone you have to make a good impression
So you have to pitch yourself
Networking Pitch Follow Through
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Networking
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
What is networking?
• Establishing & maintaining lines of communication with people
• About connecting with people in order to:– share information– resources– leads
• The emphasis is on relationship building– getting to know people– finding out how you can help them– what they can do for you
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Benefits of networking
• Effective networkers use their networking skills throughout their life. The main benefits are:– Raising awareness about you– Sharing ideas and solving problems– Building strong relationships and rapport– Developing partnerships, leads and
referrals– Becoming more influential in your industry– Increasing efficiency and productivity
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
My Network
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
The Key Steps
• Determine your goal• Decide who to talk to / Know your audience• Figure out what the person knows / WIIFM• Practice the opening speech (pitch) &
request(ask) a meeting• Prepare to handle doubters• Prepare to show & have the meeting• Follow-up: Thank-you’s, nurture
connections and keep track of contacts
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
– You know the people you like– You know what you want out of them– You know what you like to do
– So lets play . . .
Blind Date
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Networking Toolkit
• Business Cards• Style and Clothing• Event Research• Make a plan• What can you do for nothing• Opening Speech
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Building your network
• Good networkers are always on the look out for opportunities to meet and interact with people.
• The more people you meet, the better your chances of finding the information you need or the leads you want.
• Even if the person you meet can’t help you, they may know someone who can.
• Where?– Networking Events– Trade Shows– Online
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Online networking
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
My Online networking
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Pitching
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Going Up?
The elevator pitch
or
How to promote your business in 60 seconds
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Perfecting the pitchAssume short buildingsPut a tag on itSolve a problemLay out the benefits Make it tangibleShow your passionConclude with a call to action Be prepared for questionsTake it on the road
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Questions you must answer:What is my service, product, company or cause?What problem do I solve?Who is my market?Who is my competition?What is my competitive advantage?Why should you care?
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Questions you might also answer:
• How do I make money?
• Who is behind the company?
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Your ‘elevator pitch’ must contain:• A ‘hook’• About 150-225 words
What is my service, product, company or cause?What problem do I solve?Who is my market?Who is my competition?What is my competitive advantage?Why should you care?
• Passion• A request
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
You have 30 minutes . . .
• Go off in groups– Develop your pitch and write it down (20
mins)– Pair off and practice with someone else
(20 mins)– Practice as a group (20 mins) with 121
mentoring
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Follow Through
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Maintaining your network
• Following through• Re-establishing contact– This shows that you are dependable,
responsive, organised and courteous.
• Contact Management– Facebook, LinkedIn, ..etc–Outlook
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
Using your network
• There is no point building up your network if you are not going to use it.
• Introducing people• Making requests
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
And finally . . .
• Be prepared to deliver: any time, any where
• Start with contacts that are safe to build confidence
• Not a quick fix to your next sale – make it part of your life/work to build relationships
• Use thought, sensitivity and preparation
T: @eMotivator W: http://david.bozward.com E: [email protected]
The End