Networking for Success Maureen Frost Chief Executive

What is Networking? Meeting People Exchanging Ideas Set of contacts Interaction Friendships Mutual Referrals Share and Learn

Forms of Networking Networking events Briefings Conferences Exhibitions On Line Friends and relatives Social

Networking events Formal or informal Speed Networking Type of delegates Location/Time Examples: Breakfasts with speaker Networking lunches, evening Business Clubs, Introductory/taster events

Some forthcoming opportunities 13 March Breakfast Briefing – the Media and You 27 March Networking Lunch here 2 April Mentor Magic 29 April Breakfast Briefing – Lakeside Business Park

Briefings Subject topical, general interest, business related Who will it attract Can you contribute

Conferences How much networking time is there Who will it attract Is it valuable use of time Socialise

Exhibitions Exhibiting – network with other exhibitors Run a competition to gather contact details Attending – network over refreshments Examples: Business South 5&6 March Meet & Match 24 April

On Line More and More networking sites being set up Linked In: Plaxo: Ecademy: Facebook: – business groupings

Other Friends and family – social occasions weddings, parties etc Clubs and societies The pub!

Top Tips 1Remember your Business Cards (use reverse) 2Ask for delegate list – in advance if possible 3Name badges – wear on side you shake hands 4Turn up early 5Apologise if not coming 6Remember its not a sales pitch 7Be interested in others 8Ask organisers for introductions 9If attending with a colleague don’t stick together 10Work with competitors not against them 11Follow up and add to contact list