Live Networking Workshop

Objectives- Purpose of networking- Planning for an event- How to work a room successfully- Following-up

- Timings & ground rules

Planning your networking

Do your researchWho will I know there?What is my objective?Who are the ideal people to connect with? Set yourself goalsSpeak to 5 new peopleMake 2 new useful contactsMake introductions for colleaguesUse colleagues as networking buddiesLeave by 9pm

Prepare ‘Elevator’ speech

-Who are you -Where do you work-What do you actually do-Why are you here

Introduce yourself clearly, concisely and

effectively in no longer than 30 seconds

Elevator SpeechInclude the key points:-Your name-Your business ‘I work for XX in the Employment department as a Solicitor which means….’-Your area of business: ‘I am based…’ and ‘I cover…’ -Your offering – positive, proud and ambitious but not salesy!-Make your information relevant & state your aims! ‘I am here today because….’-Don’t use jargon

Breaking in……..

Breaking in

First Impressions -Handshake-Confident body language -Smile-Appearance-Remember namesBreaking into a conversation-Use your buddy & make introductions-Look for open groups or people on their own-Use the bar or buffet!-Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself

Building rapport…

Building rapport

- Ask relevant questions- Be careful of certain topics: sport/kids/politics- Actively listen- Find connections and common ground- Be interested, don’t try to be interesting- Show empathy- Tune in to their tone and stance

Good questions to ask Why did you go into law/engineering/gardening? What is the best thing that’s happened to you this

week? What are your big plans for this year? Who do you credit for giving you a start in your

career? Have you ever had one of the those moments

where you’ve said/done the wrong thing….

Following up…

Following up

At the event ask if you can get in touch to talk further

Be specific about timeframes Make it light – ‘let’s have a coffee’ Swap business cards if appropriate Ask if they are on LinkedIn

After the event, call when you said you would Don’t just link in and do nothing else Don’t leave endless voicemails

Moving on…

Moving on

It’s OK to leave one person to go and talk to another

Be polite when you leave Don’t pretend you need the loo/a drink if you

don’t Say: “It’s been great talking to you. If I don’t see

you later, have a great evening!” Don’t leave people on their own Agree to introduce each other to other people in

the room you know or move on together If you have a buddy look for them to join you