PowerPoint Presentation

Stephanie SmithMarketing & Communications Specialist

June 9, 2016

Network Like A

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AgendaPicking the right events(Pre)Event practices/tipsWorking the roomFollow up, follow up, follow up

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ResearchResearch event & purposeConnect with coordinator/host in advanceAsk for attendee listResearch past attendeesCommonalities

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Pre-Event TipsGood grooming isnt just for dogsRefine elevator speech Practice! Practice! Practice!Dress for the occasion (or one step above)Comfortable shoesBusiness cardsPenPurposeGoals

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Day of EventArrive early! *NAME TAG GOES ON THE RIGHT*Familiarize yourself with the venuePick your spot(s) Ask the event coordinator ahead of time for an introduction to key peopleRemember your purpose and goals

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Unspoken TipsDitch your friendsUse the buddy systemBody language*

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Body Language

ABCDE

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Body Language TipsParticipants in welcoming groups make eye contact as a newcomer approaches, raise their brows in a welcoming way and smile. Two people facing outward, instead of directly facing each other, also signals a readiness to talk.People who are genuinely open to new relationships adopt an open stance, shoulders apart and hands at their sides, turning slightly toward newcomers to welcome them.

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Your Body LanguageKeep an open postureMake eye contactSMILE!

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Mind Your Handshake

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Craft an Interesting Elevator SpeechSell the problem you solve, not the product.Why do you help clients? How do you help solve their problem?

Help them understand your:Innovation & solutionWhat makes you unique and differentYour market & target audience

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The Golden Circle

I believe middle-market businesses deserve equal opportunities when it comes to tax breaks and deductions. By staying up to date on the latest tax changes, I help the middle-market sector identify tax and business opportunities to help them achieve their financial and operational goals.

Im a tax and business advisor for a top 12 accounting firm in NEO that provides sophisticated audit, tax and consulting services to family-owned businesses in a growth mode, private equity firms and public companies. 12

5 WORD CHALLENGE

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Ice BreakersComment on the venue, program or foodAsk people where they traveled fromAsk whether theyve been to the event beforeExpress interest in why they are attending Ask questions about their experience

Dont feel like you always have to say something profound!

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Ice Breaker IdeasWhat nice/awful/wet weather were having.This is a great space. Have you been here before?Is this your first time at this event?Where did you travel from?Do you have any kids?Whats your reality-TV guilty pleasure?What projects are you currently working on?

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Conversation TipsAsk open-ended questionsBe a listenerGo easy on business cards quality, not quantityHelp where you canNot ditching allowed!Stay present

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Distraction CHALLENGE

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Gracious ExitsDONT APOLOGIZESteve, it was a pleasure speaking with you. I need to catch up with some other people, but if I don't run into you later, I hope to see you at another event soon.Margaret, I have to head out right now, but I really enjoyed learning more about your work. Could I get your contact info to schedule a time for us to finish our conversation?I had a great time talking with youare you planning to go to the ____ next month? It seems like something that would be relevant to both of us, so maybe we could go together. Ill follow up with you in the next few days to coordinate.I would love to pick your brain more about _____ over lunch some time soon.I need to say hello to a few others here, but can we plan to connect next week?

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TIPWhen you get to the car, take out the business cards and jot down on the back of each notes of your conversation.Did they say something valuable to remember?Do you need to follow up with information?Was their something compelling you discussed?

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follow up plan

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Connect on LinkedInPersonalize your connection message:Hi Jim It was nice speaking with you at the XX event last night. I look forward to learning more about how you help your clients and staying connected on LinkedIn. - StephanieIf your new connection posts an interesting article, you may weigh in on the topic or share it. It creates the opportunity to stay connected without having to constantly email back and forth.

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EmailSend an emailIt doesnt have to be an essay, just a quick note saying it was nice meeting you yesterday with a crucial detail or two.

Think mutually beneficial for the details, such as I am considering a website design and could we set up a meeting to talk further about the process or the other networking event you told me about?

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Email EtiquetteInclude a subject line that helps the readerGreat meeting you at the Smart 50 AwardsInclude a greeting (Hello, Hi) and a closing (Sincerely)Use business language and avoid abbrev.Use appropriate punctuation and formattingKeep it short and to the pointDont use emoticons (for introductory emails) Spell chekc!Re-read it twice before hitting send

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Meeting Follow UpDont miss it or cancelHave an agendaTake note of action itemsHave a plan for next steps

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Next Networking EventNever forget the people you met Avoid getting lost Networking doesnt stop when you leave

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5 TipsMints/GumPut phone on silent/vibratePrepare your speech in advanceDont eat/drink too muchALWAYS keep one hand (right) free for shaking hands

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27Stephanie SmithBober Markey FedorovichSSmith@bmfcpa.com330.255.2452

About Me: All Things Accounting Marketing (a.k.a., making accounting sound cool), Foodie, Self-Proclaimed Cheap Wine Connoisseur, Nail Art Addict, Super Cool Moms Club, Crazy Cat Lady

Questions?

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