Secrets of Project Networking
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The document outlines strategies for successful networking aimed at project managers, emphasizing the importance of building a mutually beneficial network and improving connection skills. It details a three-phase networking process involving planning, engaging during events, and following up post-event to strengthen relationships. Key strategies include utilizing conversation starters, identifying target connections, and continuously providing value to enhance the networking experience.
Secrets of Project Networking
- 1. The Secrets of Successful Networking Networking Strategies for Project Managers Jeff Richardson Chief Transformational Engineer Empowered Alliances www.SecretsOfSuccessfulNetworking.com Jeff@EmpoweredAlliances.com Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg1
- 2. Empowered Alliances “Connecting People and Project Teams” Workshop Objective: To expand your networking perspective and improve connecting skills so you can solve project problems (current & future) more efficiently. Networking Objective: develop a mutually beneficial network of influential people in your company and professional community. Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg2
- 3. Experiential approach to improved performance Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg3 Copyright Empowered Alliances Pg 3
- 4. Networking Agreements Be Interested Concise Communication Commit to Adding Value Initiate Meaningful Conversations How would using these agreements change your networking experience? Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg4
- 5. The Secret of Successful Networking… …Give something of value* so you’ll be remembered and supported! (Repeat) Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg5
- 6. Three Phases of the Networking Process Before networking Plan how to maximize networking impact 1. Identify who you want to connect with 2. Select places to meet these people 3. Define goals to maximize time ROI 4. Develop valued offerings Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg6
- 7. A Network Is Your Support System for… Current Future Professional Problems Project Risks Development Health Hobby Home Family Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg7
- 8. You’re Only 1-2 Connections Away 1- YOU Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg8
- 9. Target Audience Defined Title Function Department Technology Type - Gatekeepers - Mavens - Connectors - Salesmen Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg9
- 10. Key Connections Checklists Project Connections Professional connections Sponsor ____________ Profession: ____________________ PM Colleagues ________ Consultants_________________ Corporate Connections Subject Matter Experts_________ HR________________ Topic _______ _______________ Topic _______ _______________ Shipping_____________ Purchasing___________ Org. leaders_________________ Exec. Admin__________ Professional Associations Board Members_________________ Front Desk__________ Past Chairs____________________ Development Connections Membership___________________ Technical ____________ Assoc. Connectors____________ Leadership __________ Authors ____________________ Strategic ____________ @ target companies Future Trends ________ ________ ___________________ _________ _________ ________ ___________________ Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg10
- 11. Networking “Event” Opportunities Company Cross- “Cold Call” functional meetings Professional Professional organization conference event Haphazard connection Referral Company from events or colleague social gathering Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg11
- 12. Networking Event Goal Setting Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Connect with Biz cards Bc’s from Biz card’s from target collected maven/connector audience Add Value ID value to Share value Connect them to their follow up with right now ‘right’ person in the room Add Value to Help w/ Listen for need Highlight strategic value & Event Leaders setup/cleanup & volunteer ID opportunity to use it for groups benefit Present My What my areas What goals I’m Value in connecting with Self/Biz of interest or working toward me is… expertise are Networking Intros & exit Asking insightful ”Steering” the skill building statements questions conversation Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg12 Increase the challenge as you grow
- 13. Three Phases of the Networking Process During a networking event Relax, meet people and initiate new relationships Keep your goals in mind Make connections with target audience Find ways to engage & create interest Listen and add value Take notes & collect contact info Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg13
- 14. Building Sincerity TRUST Reliability Care Competence How are you building trust within your Network? Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg14
- 15. Conversation Starters 1. Compliment the other person ◦ Be subtle ◦ Be sincere ◦ Be observant Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg15
- 16. 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 Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg16
- 17. Conversation Starting Questions What interests you about (topic)? What are you passionate about? What problems are you What business opportunities working on now? are you excited to explore? What do you like most about ______? Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg17
- 18. Conversation Starters 1. Compliment the other person 2. Ask a conversation starting question 3. Short answer to “What do you do?” to create intrigue framed as “Who Am I?” Adjective + professional title (Creative SW Engineer) Career direction (“I’ve been a __, but I’d rather be __”) Catchy title (Chief Transformational Engineer) Company expert (XYZ’s Project Process expert) Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg18
- 19. Gravitate Toward the Group Join the Crowd (to meet more people in less time) ◦ Breaking in: “Hi, mind if I join the conversation? What are you talking about?” ◦ Inviting others: “Would you like to join us ? “, then open a space in the circle Identify the key individuals you want to meet Mavens, Connectors & Sales(wo)men Direct questions directly to them Review names and repeat for retention Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg19
- 20. Gravitate Toward the Group Leaving the Conversation ◦ “Excuse me”(walk away with purpose) ◦ “Do you have a card? I’d like to talk more about ____ when we have more time.” ◦ “I’m going to mingle a little more to meet (target audience). Do you know anyone like that here?” Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg20
- 21. Practice Putting it All Together Simulated networking experience Goals: - Practice 3 conversation starters - Complement - Ask intriguing questions - Answer for “What do you do?” - Find area of common interest via questions - Break into 2+ conversations - Break away from 2+ conversations Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg21
- 22. Three Phases of the Networking Process After a networking event Follow-up and build longer-term relationships Evaluate progress to goals Plan specific follow-thru steps Continue to provide value as a way to build key relationships Make it easy for YOU to help others and for others to help you Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg22
- 23. Evaluate Progress to Goals Top 25% - write down specific notes & follow-thru on commitments made tomorrow Middle 50% - write where met & follow-up w/in 5 days Bottom 25% - toss out Goal Accomplishment (yes/no?) What Worked? What Didn’t Work? Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg23
- 24. Leveraging LinkedIn to Add Value FAST Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg24
- 25. Invest in Yourself Networking for Valuable Connections 4 Me? Corporate Teams Busy Professionals ◦ Training and team-building What: 3 hr interactive workshop ◦ Facilitate engaging activities to develop your networking at corporate events strategy & plan ◦ Networking for New Hires When: Wed, Jan19th 6-9pm at Ultimate in Success Prof. Associations 3003 Bunker Hill Ln, Santa Clara ◦ Impactful keynotes Cost: $39 /person +$5 for “at door” registration Regional Conferences SPECIAL: Register by Dec 31st to ◦ Large group interaction get one hour coaching session ◦ Networking Strategy FREE !!! workshop Copyright Empowered Alliances 2010 Pg25