GREATnetworking

Plan your networking

• diarise (do 2 functions monthly)

• what are my aims?

• who are my ideal connections?

• choose the type and group

• prepare an elevator speech

Know what you want - manage it

Seek Relevant Groups and Connections

Identify and target groups and connections which are relevant to your aims and capabilities

• what can I do for them?

• what can they do for me?

Which group for you?

SizeSector

Social grouping

Trade or society grouping

Political or religious grouping

Location

choose by

Networking functions“small talk”

• small talk : ice-breaking conversation

Connections that may lead to businesses referrals

First opportunities to identify and begin to grow connections with other people

Are you afraid?

• common problem is fear - those who shy away from networking

• they dread thought of having to carry on conversations with people they don't know

• they are intimidated by the task of finding something to talk about

Don’t be afraid • it is important to stay on the top of the pop

culture and current events, latest issues and stories in the news

• these are great ways to break the ice

• it will help you find common ground with a person you have never met before where you don’t have too much in common

Some ice-breakers

• tell me about your business

• who is you ideal client?

• what is your goal for next year?

• what is the most unique aspect of what you do?

More ice-breakers

• what type of client is your least profitable and why?

• what is you biggest accomplishment so far?

• how can I help you in your business?

Reasons to attend networking events

• increase you visibility

• stay current on trends in your industry

• to learn from and to be motivated by powerful speakers

• to socialize

...more reasons

• to become connected to key influencers in you industry

• to start relationships that will lead to

• strategic alliances

• joint ventures

• referrals

Maximize the opportunity

• decide why you want to attend

• decide on the logistics

• take plenty of business cards

• have fewer, higher quality conversations

...don’t forget

• take along a few ice-breakers

• always make eye contact

• act like a host

• have fun

...and after the event• follow up with a gift or call

• enter contact into your database

• make a note of what was interesting about them

• set up a meeting if there

is something to discuss

Run your own networking functions

• target a gap in the networking market

• Leverage word of mouth and social media (create a LinkedIn group as a home base)

• charge for tickets (enough to cover costs)

...and more successful

• serve drink and food

• make it easy for people to start conversations

• provide value through a keynote speaker on a topic of interest to everyone

• give everyone a chance to introduce themselves

• make food and drinks available after the talk

Networking in Crows Nest

BCI Business BrokersTony Arena (Managing Director)3/1 Alexander Street, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065Phone: +61 2 9439 3399Mobile: +61 411888148Email: tarena@bc.com.auwww.bc.com.au

We meet every month