Nifty Networking

In this Issue

• Welcome Message
• Feature Article: Nifty Networking
• Recommended Resources

Last month I was invited to a conference organized by University College London on Women's Health in the 21st Century. On of the speakers Dr Patrick Dixon took us through a fascinating account of future trends in healthcare that will affect our lives, the lives of our workplace and the future of our children and businesses. He is described as ‘Europe's Leading Futurist’ and ‘One of the most influential business thinkers alive today’. If you want to look into his crystal ball learn more on www.globalchange.com

As well as hearing key note speeches from the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, and the President of Liberia, I got to network with some really interesting men and women who wanted to learn more about the impact of health issues on business. Although the thought of networking can fill some people with dread it can be a great way to connect, learn new things and have some fun.

Wishing you success,

Susan

Nifty Networking

Few things in business life can be as nightmarish as the prospect of networking. The inability to break into any meaningful conversation about what you offer or simply the sheer exhaustion of being professional and personable to so many people can have you heading for the door never to return.

Yet successful networking can mean increased business, a database of contacts and at the very least precious business support. There are some simple techniques which can turn a networking event into a meaningful business opportunity.

• Learn to listen. Learn about how you could possibly help that person, what their business requirements are and if you could connect that person with a strategic alliance.
• Discern what their ideal type of client or business would be. This will help you to refer them on and encourages reciprocation.
• Ask them what has changed in their industry over the past few years what are the challenges that they are currently facing - could you help them?
• Keep it human. Don't appear desperate for business. Talk about hobbies, what your passion is, what makes you happy, why you enjoy what you do - find the common ground between you.
• When you have exchanged business cards be sure to read them thoughtfully and respectfully, don't just shove them into your pocket. Then when you have a moment write a small note to self on the back about the person so when you email them later that day or the next you can remember who they were and make the email personal.
• Be generous and offer to give away some of your expertise over an informal coffee in the future. If that's what you give away, they'll start to imagine what a committed business relationship with you could bring them.

And finally remember that a huge proportion of your communication is non-verbal and people will make judgments about you based largely upon your appearance. So focus on the image you wish to project and consider the impact your clothes will have on the outcome you wish to create. You will never have that first time contact again.

About Susan

Susan Tomlinson is a Director of CareerInsights, a company devoted to helping people realise their personal and professional potential. Drawing on her years of working in both career and personal development, she strongly advocates the enjoyable, yet challenging work environment.

You can learn more about Susan and her courses, programmes and products at
www.careerinsights.co.uk