Get me out of here!
Networking Skill Tip |
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In the last copy of 'Connecting is not Enough' I talked about how to get into conversations at networking events. That prompted the question from one of our readers, 'How do I get out of conversations?'! In fact, this is one of the most commonly asked questions I encounter.
There are a number of techniques to end a conversation at a networking event. A quick warning for you, going to the loo or heading to the bar should be used sparingly!
My two top tips would be the following:
1 - Either introduce your companion to someone else in the room they should meet, or suggest approaching another group together to meet some new people. As soon as two people join an existing group, you will find that the larger group separates into new, seperate conversations; naturally disengaging you from your earlier conversation.
2 - End the conversation using your language and tone of voice, together with a firm handshake. When you talk to someone on the phone, how do you end the conversation? It is no different face to face.
If you take the latter option when in conversation with just one other person, please be aware of them. If they have shown signs of being nervous approaching people before you met them, don't abandon them when you have had enough. In this case, the first option is much better.
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Are you too smart for a ten year old?
Networking Strategy Tip |
How well can you communicate your needs to your close network? How many people want to help you but simply don't know how to?
It can be very surprising to find out the number of people who, when asked 'how can I help you?' are simply unable to respond. Those that do often then confuse the person they're speaking to with too much jargon and assumption....assumption the other person knows their business as well as they do.
You need to know the answer to that question. Once you do, it is so important that you can get that message across in a way that anyone else can understand.
Try explaining your needs to a ten year old so that they understand who you want to talk to and why that person would want to talk to you. It will force you to simplify your message and make it easier for other people to comprehend....and act upon.
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The Pied Piper approach
Online Social Networking Tip
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The secret to getting people interested in you online is not to try to sell to them. Instead, let them find out more about you, or offer them something of value.
Twitter, which I mentioned in my last newsletter, is a great example of this. On Twitter, people decide to 'follow' you. This means that they want to receive your updates every time you post them. If you keep trying to ram a marketing message down their throats, how many of them will hang around and continue to follow?
Many people on Twitter share the music they are listening to, what their kids are up to and discuss the sports they enjoy. In short, the engage in normal conversation. When they then want to talk about something they are promoting, not only will people listen, they will also copy that message to their network and encourage them to follow you, helping them to spread the message further.
The same is true of many other online networks. Engage in conversation, not broadcast, when networking online.
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Putting on the Ritz
yourBusinessChannel.com Video Tip |
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Are you meeting the people you want to at the events you attend? Did you realise that you are much closer to your ideal connections than you think? All it takes is a little bit of lateral thinking.
In this video from yourBusinessChannel.com, I explain how to put on your own events, mixing corporate hospitality with networking and making sure the guest list is spot on.
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Is your networking producing a return?
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How effective is your referral strategy? Do you know how many referrals you received last year and where they came from?
Are you getting the return on investment you need from your networking? How do you know which groups are right for you to join?
If you're serious about growing your business, you need an effective networking and referrals strategy. That's where you're in luck and I may be able to help you!
You can order the CD set here.
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| Andy recommends... |
 Each issue of the newsletter, I'll be looking to recommend events, training courses, books and newsletters I feel might be of interest. Are you being paid to speak at events? Do you enjoy talking about your topic or your story? Would you like to do it more and do it better? For four years I was fortunate enough to work with Cindy-Michelle Waterfield on developing my skills as a business speaker. Cindy's expertise, having formerly worked for a leading Speaker Bureau, was a key factor in raising my game, both in terms of content and delivery. Cindy is running a public programme for other people who want to take their speaking skills to another level. Looking at what people look for when they book speakers, how to excel in this economic climate and how to understand the market for professional speakers. Having worked with Cindy, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her skills in this area. Full details on the course are available here.
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| The National Networker |
Following my move to Featured Columnist for The National Networker, I am delighted to welcome Dave Clarke, CEO of NRG Networks, as the new UK Bureau Chief.
Dave will report each month on networking across the UK, starting this month with this article on getting a return on investment from networking.
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| Just for Fun |
I promise you'll hate me for this one. Click on the ball and it changes colour. It's that simple......... ...... or is it? Good luck! | |
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I hope you've enjoyed the newsletter and look forward to your feedback.
If you're serious about developing a networking and referrals strategy that can take your business to a new level, you can contact me on:
Tel: 07930 417833
Skype: andylopata
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy |
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| Welcome to 'Connecting is not Enough' |
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I tend to focus on the business benefits of networking, but it is important not to lose sight of the personal benefits as well.
After a very frightening car crash last week, I was overwhelmed by the number of texts, phone calls, 'tweets' and posts on Facebook and ecademy I received.
I even had several offers of alternative therapy treatments and the offer of the loan of a car, all from my 'business' network.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to show their concern. Apart from a mild case of whiplash and getting over the close nature of the experience, I'm delighted to report that I'm absolutely fine.
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A number of people have asked me how they can get a hold of a copy of '...and Death Came Third!'
The book is currently out of print, although we are looking to publish it as an ebook shortly. However, we have a small number of copies being sent back to us by one distributor.
If you would like a copy, please send a cheque for �14.95 to:
H & A Lopata ltd
21 Vancouver Road
Broxbourne
Herts
EN10 6FB
The postage (in the UK) is on us. If you are based overseas please email me for postage rates.
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If you receive the text version of this newsletter, please accept my apologies for the error with the last edition, which resulted in you receiving the previous copy. Hopefully I have managed to resolve the issue on this occasion.
If you have received this in error and don't want to receive future editions, please use the unsubscribe link at the foot of the email and accept my apologies.
If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.
Happy Networking!
Andy
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| Connecting...Live! |
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24th February,
4-5pm
ISES Networking reception.
'The Art of Networking'
Confex, Earls Court Exhibition Centre
More details available here.
27th March
ISES Regional Education Conference
Disneyland Resort, Paris and Networking on Eurostar
31st March, 6.30-9.30pm
Swedish Chamber of Commerce Link Up
'Making Conversations Count. The importance of networking in a recession'.
SAS
Radisson Portman Hotel, Marble Arch.
Please contact me for further information.
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