Networking for Success
Course Overview
Business networking is an effective and efficient way for business people to connect, develop meaningful relationships, and grow their businesses. These achievements don’t come through a direct sales approach, however. They come from being interested in helping others, in listening, and in purposefully meeting and introducing people to one another. In this course, you’ll learn the essential ingredients for business networking, including in-person, people-centered connections and online spaces such as LinkedIn.
Learning Objectives
- Introduce yourself in a meaningful, memorable way, even if you’ve never worked on an elevator pitch before
- Be goal focused about networking so that you make the most of events you attend
- Apply the concept of give first and be helpful as part of a system of reciprocity
- Use strategy and systems in order to network effectively
- Leverage the availability and usefulness of the Internet, including LinkedIn and Twitter
Course Outline
1. Course Overview
2. Assessing Your Networking Skills
- Networking Dynamics
- Are You Committed?
3. Identifying Opportunities and Customizing Your Approach
- Creating Opportunities
- Customizing Your Approach
4. Creating a Positive First Impression
- Body Language
- Be a Conduit
- Pre-Assignment Review
- Remembering Names
5. Your Memorable Intro
- The Basics
- Memorability Factor
6. Starting the Conversation
- How To Get Started
- Conversation Stimulation
- Growing Skills
- Plan Your Own Future
7. The Handshake
8. Business Cards
- Business Card Etiquette
- In a Pinch
9. Handling Tough Situations
- The Things We Say
- What Others Say
- Introverts and Extroverts
10. Following Up
11. Organizing Your Network
- Contact Management Systems
- Mastering Networking
- Independent Growth
12. Leveraging the Internet
- Using LinkedIn
- Getting Connected
- Using Twitter
- Strong Connections
- Using Lists on Twitter
- Using Facebook
13. Personal Action Plan