How to Network
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Networking is important for building relationships and generating business opportunities. It involves using both formal and informal connections to access services, skills, contacts and knowledge. While some people avoid networking due to social awkwardness or unclear benefits, building a network increases social currency, industry relevance, and the ability to help others succeed. The keys to successful networking include being genuine, helpful, thankful and patient in building relationships over time through in-person events and online platforms like LinkedIn. Proper conversation skills like open-ended questions and active listening help make connections, while following up and staying in touch are important for managing relationships.
How to Network
- 2. What is networking... “ The use of formal and informal linkages of people and resources for the purpose of facilitating access to services, skills, contacts, and knowledge.” www.childrenwithchallenges.net/definitions/N.html
- 3. Why People Avoid Networking.... Intimidation Factor Awkward Social Moments Relevance Unclear ROI
- 4. Why Network... Increases your Social Currency Increases your Industry Relevance Builds Relationships Raises Awareness of SVB Generates New Business Opportunities Builds Social Karma
- 5. Keys to Building a Successful Network Genuine vs. Quid Pro Quo Helpful Thankful Sincere Patient Committed Persistent
- 6. Creating a Networking Strategy Dedicate 10-20 minutes/day to connect Event preparation Establish goals Find a networking buddy Follow up Making Connections Online Networking
- 7. Ready, set....... Network! Conversation Starters Breaking into Conversations Keeping Conversations Going Exiting Conversations
- 8. Entering Conversations... Included vs. Intruding Watch for body language and tone of conversation Approach groups that are having fun Look for someone to make eye contact Be open to letting others into your conversations
- 9. Conversation Starters Smile! You had me at Hello... Find common ground Perfect your Elevator pitch Ask open ended questions Ask people for non-obvious facts about themselves for memory aid Be aware of body language Focus on the person you are talking to
- 10. Exiting Conversations... 10 Minute Max Rule It is ok to circulate! Ask to follow up Exit and move to other side of room Introduce person to someone else
- 11. Following up..... Nice Meeting You! Reference something you spoke about Call to action Staying in touch
- 12. Managing your Network.... Go for coffee Catch up at events Invite them to events Sending relevant articles Be a connector – Pay it forward! Do what you say you will do
- 13. Leveraging LinkedIn... Fill out your profile Invite / Accept invitations Open vs. Closed approach Search people you are meeting with Search people you are looking to connect with Company profiles Groups
- 14. Facing Facebook Search people you are meeting with Search people you are looking to connect with Find events that people are attending Groups
- 15. Keys to Networking... Make yourself easy to find (bring cards!) Discover/find new connections Go deep with key relationships Be a connector Be open Be patient Commit to helping others be successful
- 16. Good Events to Attend Industry Specific Conferences (RSA, Always On, Oracle, Gigaom, CTIA, CCTO, IBF Venture Conference, Venture Wire, MobileBeat, TechCrunch, DEMO, etc... Plug & Play SDForum BASES ChurchHill Events SVASE VLab VC Taskforce Holiday Parties
- 17. Additional Resources... http:// learn.linkedin.com / http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/ten_ways_to_use.html http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/linkedin_and_the_future_of_business_social_networks.php http://singlemindedwomen.com/womenscareer/639/online-business-and-social-networks-what-do-they-mean-to-your-career.html http://nevereatalone.typepad.com/