Live Networking Workshop
Objectives
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Purpose of networking
Planning for an event
How to work a room successfully
Following-up
- Timings & ground rules
Planning your networking
Do your research
 Who will I know there?
 What is my objective?
 Who are the ideal people to connect with?
Set yourself goals
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Speak to 5 new people
Make 2 new useful contacts
Make introductions for colleagues
Use colleagues as networking buddies
Leave by 9pm
Prepare ‘Elevator’ speech
Introduce yourself
clearly, concisely and
effectively in no longer
than 30 seconds
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Who are you
Where do you work
What do you actually do
Why are you here
Elevator Speech
Include the key points:
- Your name
- Your business ‘I work for XX in the Employment
department as a Solicitor which means….’
- Your area of business: ‘I am based…’ and ‘I
cover…’
- Your offering – positive, proud and ambitious but
not salesy!
- Make your information relevant & state your
aims! ‘I am here today because….’
- Don’t use jargon
Breaking in……..
Breaking in
First Impressions
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Handshake
Confident body language
Smile
Appearance
Remember names
Breaking into a conversation
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Use your buddy & make introductions
Look for open groups or people on their own
Use the bar or buffet!
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself
Building rapport…
Building rapport
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Ask relevant questions
Be careful of certain topics: sport/kids/politics
Actively listen
Find connections and common ground
Be interested, don’t try to be interesting
Show empathy
Tune in to their tone and stance
Good questions to ask
 Why did you go into law/engineering/gardening?
 What is the best thing that’s happened to you
this week?
 What are your big plans for this year?
 Who do you credit for giving you a start in your
career?
 Have you ever had one of the those moments
where you’ve said/done the wrong thing….
Following up…
Following up
 At the event ask if you can get in touch to talk
further
 Be specific about timeframes
 Make it light – ‘let’s have a coffee’
 Swap business cards if appropriate
 Ask if they are on LinkedIn
 After the event, call when you said you would
 Don’t just link in and do nothing else
 Don’t leave endless voicemails
Moving on…
Moving on
 It’s OK to leave one person to go and talk to
another
 Be polite when you leave
 Don’t pretend you need the loo/a drink if you
don’t
 Say: “It’s been great talking to you. If I don’t see
you later, have a great evening!”
 Don’t leave people on their own
 Agree to introduce each other to other people in
the room you know or move on together
 If you have a buddy look for them to join you