| Welcome to 'Connecting is not Enough' |
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The Guardian's website reported on Sunday that Labour have appointed a 'Twitter Tsar' to encourage their MPs and candidates to embrace social media in the run up to the General Election.
After the success of last week's 'We Love the NHS' campaign, political parties are beginning to recognise the power of social media as a tool to engage with a disaffected electorate and to create a viral effect to take their campaigns into homes in a way never previously possible.
Political leaders have been heavily criticised in recent years for being remote from their electorate. Social media offers an immediacy and opportunity to engage that has been lacking, and an increasing number of politicians have been adopting social media independently.
It has taken the parties a long time to completely embrace this change. First signs came over two years ago, led by Barack Obama in the States but also by some parties in the UK. I first wrote about the trend in March 2007, here.
It will be interesting to see how effectively Labour and their New Media Campaigns Spokeperson, Kerry McCarthy MP, use such tools, and how the Conservatives respond, despite their leader's recent public criticism of Twitter.
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Almost unbelievably, I have been sending this newsletter out fortnightly for over six months now. I have had some wonderful feedback, which I always prize. I am always, however, looking to see how I can improve the newsletter, making it as valuable as possible for you and build a readership who look forward to its arrival and recommend it to their friends and colleagues.
I have, therefore, put together a brief survey to solicit your views and opinion. I have kept this deliberately short and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to complete.
I would really appreciate it if you can take a few minutes to have a look at this survey and let me know your thoughts.
Thank you.
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I had a great reponse to my request in the last newsletter for your networking opening lines. I also asked the question on Twitter and Facebook and, from the variety of responses I received, I wrote last week about The Ten Best (and Worst) Ways to Start a Networking Conversation.
Another conversation has been started on my Facebook page, with subscriber Richard Farnhill asking what people's networking 'turn offs' are. You can have a look and make sure you're not turning people off when networking, and add your own thoughts here.------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please accept my apologies for a couple of rogue links not working in the last newsletter. One, for the Connecting is not Enough Facebook group, is repeated above.
The other link was to the recent article that appeared in The Sunday Times Appointment section. You can read the article here. (Fingers crossed!)
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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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Card trick
Networking Skill Tip |
In the recent discussion on my Facebook page about networking pet hates, one of the most common dislikes raised was people offering their business cards almost before hands are shaken and introductions made.
Remember, you don't network to keep your printer in business! While some may argue that you should collect cards from everyone you meet because you don't know when you may need their help, or they yours, in reality you might as well pick up a phone book. If you haven't made a real connection you will forget about each other very quickly.
Another common tactic employed is to offer more than one card, in the hope that the person you have met will pass the spare ones to other people in the form of recommendations. People will not carry your card everywhere they go. Focus on making a positive impression and developing the relationship and others won't need to have your business card to refer you.
The exchange of business cards in Western culture should signify the intention to follow up and remain in touch, the start of a real relationship.
Next time out I'll look at business card design.
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Focus on your networks, not networking
Networking Strategy Tip |
It's a common misconception that networking groups will provide you with business and referrals. They don't, and unfortunately the expectation that direct business will come from groups and events is probably one of the key causes of people's failure to make the most from their networks.
Referrals, really good high quality referrals, come from your network. That includes the people closest to you, your friends, family, social groups as well as business-related contacts such as clients, suppliers and people you meet at networking events.
If you can change your mindset and view networking groups and events as an opportunity to feed your network, rather than the end result in themselves, you will experience a much greater return on the investment you put into them.
Focus on building relationships, developing trust and understanding with the people with whom you network, so that you can count them among the people who want to support you. That means meeting people outside of events, interacting with them online and putting real time and effort into the relationship.
People with strong networks prosper, but they are not necessarily the same people you see at a lot of events.
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Fitting in
Online Social Networking Tip
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How much time do you spend planning your profile on an online network? Do you use the same profile on different networks, just copying and pasting?
While it makes sense to do that in some situations, particularly if you're just ensuring a presence on multiple networks, spend a bit more time getting your profile right on the networks you're going to focus on.
Different networks require a different approach, and your profile should reflect this. Networkers on Ecademy and Facebook are looking to engage with you, the person. As a result, your profile should showcase your personality and interests as much as your business information. Dry profiles which just advertise the business often fail to engage on these networks.
In contrast, LinkedIn is a much more 'professional' network, focused on connecting for business purposes. If you ask for a referral on LinkedIn, the first thing the person you want to connect with will do is look at your profile to see if they want to accept. If you want to connect for business purposes, it is vital that your profile makes the best possible impression.
Avoid a 'one-size fits all' approach and ensure your profile helps you make the most from each individual network.
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Networking for graduates
Video Tip |
 Who do you know who has left university this summer, or who is entering their last year and needs to start thinking about getting a job? I was recently approached by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to record a video on networking for a job, one of a series of videos to help graduates find their feet in the employment market. You can watch the video here. You can also find out more about DIUS's Graduate Employment Campaign here. |
| Andy recommends... |
I've been reading an excellent book recently, even if it has been gaining me some funny looks on the train!
Beyond the Boys Club is a guide to career success for women by Suzanne Doyle-Morris, a coach, speaker and author I respect highly. In this book Suzanne looks at the qualities and traits women need to succeed in a very male dominated corporate world.
One thing that stands out time and time again from within the book's pages is the importance of networking. With whole sections of the book devoted to themes such as 'Profile Raising'. 'Connecting to the Right People', Building Relationships and Creating Opportunities' and 'Exploring External Networks', the theme runs throughout this book.
Suzanne has interviewed a number of highly successful women about the reasons for their success in writing the book, together with one lucky male interviewee on the use of social networks (guess who!).
Despite its title and focus, I'd recommend this book to both men and women as very readable and packed full of excellent advice. |
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Work an event, not a room
The National Networker |
Networking is not just about 'working the room'. The preparation and follow up to any event you attend can make a tremendous difference to the benefits you realise from your efforts.
In her monthly 'Breakthrough Networking' column in The National Networker, Lillian Bjorseth talks about the steps you can take to prepare effectively, make the most of an event when you are there and in the follow up. In it she covers little steps that are so simple to implement but which can make a big difference.
You can read Lillian's article here.
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| Just for Fun |
A feelgood story from the CBS News archives this issue. Here's the inspirational story of autistic basketball fan Jason McElway and his big moment...
J Mac
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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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Free networking coaching sessions...courtesy of the Government!
I was lucky enough to spend a few hours with Andy discussing my networking strategy (or absence thereof). I came away with a much clearer understanding of what I needed to do, in order to develop a more commercially focused approach to my business networking.
Andy is a true expert in business networking and the strategies that can make it commercially successful.
John F Galvin
Managing Director
IO1 ltd
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If you're a small or medium sized business (5-250 employees) based in London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire or Bedfordshire you may qualify for a fully funded two hour coaching/consultancy session with me as part of the Government's Train to Gain scheme.
We can also offer subsidised training for your teams under the same scheme.
We may be able to provide similar funded sessions for companies further afield.
If you'd like to know more, please contact Harvey Lopata at harvey@lopata.co.uk.
07930 633245
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| Connecting...Live! |
| 26th August
1pm-4.30pm
Networking, not Not-Working - How to make the room work for you
Service Network
Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP
Book Here
23rd September
8am-5pm
Chairman, The Retail Conference
Cavendish Conference Centre
22 Duchess Mews
London W1G 9DT
Book Here
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In other people's words:
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"I had great the great privilege of learning from Andy on one of his business coaching sessions at Natwest.
I can honestly say that what I learned from Andy not only helped me achieve outstanding results in my working environment but also with personal interactions.
What I learned and implemented has significantly changed my prospects for the future and given me the confidence to undertake tasks that I would previously have been intimidated by."
Fawzan Chaudhri
Senior Business Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland
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"Andy is personable, engaging and offers fantastic advice and guidance into networking effectively.
ASI sponsors, guests and sports celebrities thoroughly enjoy Andy's insights on networking, conducting business and building sustainable relationships.
Andy is an accomplished and well respected speaker and a pleasure to work with."
Jack Russell
Access Sports International
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"I very much enjoyed Andy Lopata's presentation on Building Social Capital.
His energy and love for his subject, in which he is clearly an expert, drew in his audience wonderfully.
His style of interacting with each attendee, throwing out questions, breaking into small focus groups yet keeping the pace rippling along suited the calibre of the delegates.
I also enjoyed the course very much having a lot of fun yet have taken away a wealth of information and contacts. Invaluable."
Theresa Summers, Instructional Designer
Department of Health
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