The Chamber of Commerce: Confessions of a professional network by Kevin Logist

Chamber of Commerce – part of an international network of more than chambers across 140 countries Voka – part of a Flemish network of more than business WHAT? Representation – of enterprises and businesses in Flanders, Belgium – more than in Leuven region only 60% of all employment represented Since 1789

Small, medium & large companies – from all industries WHO? (and WHERE?) In Leuven members 15 employees Partnerships – with governments and education Voka-alliance – 8 Flemish CCI and VEV

Membership – not mandatory HOW? Lobbying Networking Services Political – independant Core business

HANDS ON! What’s the importance of a professional network? – and how to maintain it? Do you have a business? Do you work for a business? Are you working in a B2B-environment? … or are you just looking for opportunities? RULE number 1: go out and create a network!

HANDS ON! Sure… easy enough… but how to start? – and how to maintain? (again…) NETWORK? how to START a

NETWORKING SALESTECHNIQUE ≠ NETWORKING? = who can help me?inspiration benchmark who can I help? WHAT’S THE POINT?

DETERMINE YOUR GOALS (realistic) WHO CAN HELP ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL (never mind your current network) ASK YOUR NETWORK (ask for help or an introduction) DON’T BE AGGRESSIVE (but be decisive) ACCEPT REJECTION(S) (but always ask for an alternative) QUICK NETWORKING

set goals share goals be pro-active HOW? ELEVATOR PITCH USP

find people that are alone don’t be ‘in their face’ get your ‘elevator pitch’ right think about an opening statement give a firm handshake rule = first you give, then you take HOW?

get yourself introduced be clear at all times keep it simple business cards ≠ confetti don’t dwell use networking list, when available MORE?

evaluate manage your to-do’s keep track of contacts (Outlook, LinkedIn, …) be critical: who do you need? … and who don’t you need? AFTERWARDS?

informal networks social networks learning networks entrepreneurcafé receptions, parties, … WHERE?

Bright Young (Pre)starters Network powered by BRYO

BRYO USES NETWORKS TO SHARE KNOW-HOW: circles of knowledge (peers & Voka-network of experienced entrepreneurs) / wisdom of crowds BRYO

Questions? Kevin Logist – Voka - Chamber of Commerce Leuven