networking for introverts

COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL! PART 1

JenYoder, CPSM, ETM Barbi Stiles, CPSM, Jacobs

BAD NETWORKING

PRESENTER’S BACKGROUND

REPUTATION VS. TITLE

• It is not cold calling • It is not selling • It is not about getting leads

(although this happens)

Networking is the exchange of information, ideas and resources

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT? The job market is competitive

You can gain valuable

information and connections

Your competitors network

Winning work is competitive &

often won by relationships

Competition

WHY IS NETWORKING DIFFICULT We are taught as children:

Don’t talk to strangers

Wait to be properly

introduced

Good things come to

those who wait

Talk to strangers

3 ADVANTAGES INTROVERTS HAVE AT NETWORKING

Good listeners Focus on quality conversations Less likely to say something

stupid

Introverts have advantages

NETWORKING STRATEGY

BAD NETWORKING

HANDSHAKES ARE IMPORTANT

Show up early & stay late

Eliminate tardiness & absences, make networking a priority

Make networking a PRIORITY!

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING…

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING… SPLIT UP from your friend /

business associate

Don’t sit and talk to the same

old people…take a risk

Don’t sit at an empty table or

stand by yourself…empty has

no value

PRACTICE Makes Perfect!

There are no strangers, only friends we haven’t met

Shyness is a habit not a trait

Practice & plan for success

Shyness is a habit

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING…

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING… Best way to start a

conversation? LISTEN. The

person who listens best will win

Everyone has something

interesting to impart. Assume

everyone you meet has

valuable information…

LISTEN

Character counts…do

not gossip, use foul

language or off-color

humor

Honesty begets honesty

Remember networking

circles are BIG

Character Counts

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING…

Don’t follow the crowd, follow

the targets…choose

events/activities carefully

Know your 30 sec. elevator

speech

Follow the Targets

FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORKING…

ELEVATOR SPEECH

COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL! PART 2

JenYoder, CPSM, ETM Barbi Stiles, CPSM, Jacobs

YOU NEED A GAME PLAN Where do you network now?

Where should you network?

Where do your targets network?

What are the best organizations

or associations to get involved

with?

Where, what, when, how

YOU NEED A GAME PLAN Pre-plan the event or outing…

do your homework & be prepared

What are your networking goals?

Do you have the skills and tools

necessary to network successfully?

Who is great at networking that you

can ask for help or guidance?

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

6 DEGREES

WORKING THE ROOM

WORKING THE ROOM

WORKING THE ROOM

Every room has a current

The current leads to an

energy point

Energy points attract

people

Follow the path of energy

WORKING THE ROOM

BREAKING THE ICE

MAKING YOUR NETWORK WORK Share information &

exchange ideas

Give first & give again

Commit, be persistent &

patient…

The primary rule of networking is staying in touch.

MAKING YOUR NETWORK WORK

Be seen & known as a leader

Be genuine & purposeful

Offer value

Can’t send someone else to

network for you

You can’t send someone to network for you

Do you have stacks of

business cards you have

done nothing with?

Have you kept in touch with

your network?

How do you maintain your

network?

Is your network in hibernation?

MAKING YOUR NETWORK WORK

Follow Up - most important

aspect of networking!

Networking window of

opportunity closes quickly

Proper follow up will enhance

your reputation. Lack of follow

up can ruin your reputation.

The primary rule of networking is staying in touch.

MAKING YOUR NETWORK WORK

A wise man knows everything, a shrewd man knows everyone.

~Chinese proverb

Have Fun, Be Positive, Be Passionate