4 Practical Tools to Network Comfortably, Naturally and Effectively

by Jonathan Bender, MS, MFAFounder, WholeSpeak

http://www.wholespeak.com

Overview

• What is Get Real Networking• Everyday Performance Philosophy• 4 Tools to Transform Your Networking:

Presence, Not Trying, Connecting, Helping• Practical Exercises• Q&A

Why Network?

• Meet new clients• Expand our circle of influence• Have a fun time• Learn new tools and ideas

Techniques

• What have you tried? How’s it worked for you?

What’s “Real?”

• Being ourselves• Not putting on airs• Being down to earth

Everyday Performance

• Performance Studies: burgeoning field• “All the world’s a stage:” life as a performance• We perform differently based on our

surroundings• Identity as performance

Identity as Unconscious Performance

• Gestures and body language• Facial expressions• Eye contact• Muscle tension• Voice• Emotions

Performing at Networking Events

• “Performing” ourselves• Wanting to make a great impression• Fear of being judged• Feeling fake

So…How do we let go of our habits and get real?

Tool #1: Get Present

• Presence = Fully Present.• Connect with your breath.• Warm up beforehand.

Tool #2: Don’t Try to Look Good.

• Don’t try to make a good impression.• Stop obsessing about how you’re being

perceived.• Don’t give away your power.• Practice not looking good.

Tool #3: Focus on Connecting.

• It’s about both of you. (Duh.)• Listen.• Heart Breathing Exercise

Tool #4: Help others.

• Find ways to be of service.• Follow up the very next day.• Be a resource; connect others with resources.

Summary

• Let go of trying to perform your best. (Get out of your own way.)

• Loosen up, relax, and get present.• Focus on connecting, not on your goals of

getting more clients.• Help others.

Bonus Tips: Reframing

• When meeting someone, act like it’s the 10th time seeing them.

• Don’t say what you do – tell a story of how you helped someone.

• How does your work affect people? Make their lives easier or better?

• What do you love about what you do?

Q&A

WholeSpeak Coaching

• For Public Speaking and Everyday Performance• Discover greater skills, comfort, and presence• Free consultation

www.wholespeak.cominfo@wholespeak.com

(510) 269-7519WholeSpeak: Express your whole self.