|
here'Connecting is not Enough' - tips and tools to help you get a return from your networking
| |
| |
Christmas is coming and for most of us it means time spent with the family, exchanging presents and relaxing in a warm and friendly environment. Not everyone is so lucky though and it is important to remember those who don't enjoy such a happy environment at this time of year.
Last week I attended The Oyster Club where I heard Camila Batmanghelidjh talk about the amazing work she has spearheaded for vulnerable inner-city children since 1996.
Camilla's talk was very moving, particularly when she talked about the work they are doing on Christmas Day. Camilla's organisation, Kids Company, are hosting a party for 3,500 vulnerable children at The Oval cricket ground in London and supporting a further 3,500 through outreach programmes.
Please take a moment to look at details of the Christmas event and see what support you can offer. Whether you can contribute food or gifts, buy a present for one of the children or share details with others who will support, it will all make a difference.
The details are here.
----------------------------------------------------
In the last edition of Connecting is not Enough I shared with you my keynote talk from the Sage World event on how to network with confidence.
Sage have now published the video of my other talk at their conference, and the response I have had to this video so far has been wonderful. I'm pleased that so many of you have found it useful. If you haven't seen it yet and you're struggling to make the most of the opportunities that LinkedIn has to offer, you can view my talk here:
Word of Mouse - Using LinkedIn as a Referral Tool.
----------------------------------------------------
I also mentioned last time out that I was due to appear on VoiceAmerica Business alongside BNI Founder Ivan Misner.
The full interview, with Ivan and I discussing networking and referrals with Chris Cooper for the Be More Achieve More programme, can be heard here.
----------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions you'd like me to address either in this newsletter or on my blog, please either tweet me, post them onto our Facebook or LinkedIn pages or email them to me.
I always try to address as many as possible.
Merry Christmas and Happy Networking!
If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.
----------------------------------------------------
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.
|
|
A referral in every city?
Networking Top Tip | |
A Friend in Every City was written in 2006 by Ecademy's Thomas and Penny Power. In the book, Thomas and Penny explored the growth of social networking and the potential to have true relationships in every major city across the world.
It's certainly true that a strong network gives you a reach beyond the confines of your home or work location. A few years ago I travelled to China, Hong Kong and the Philippines and, thanks to connections from my network both on Ecademy and elsewhere, I managed to set up meetings wherever I went.
An understanding of the potential offered by such networks can open up a wealth of opportunities for you. Next week I am delivering a workshop for a client in Dublin. Thanks to referrals from one of my associates in the Professional Speaking Association and from a former client I am now travelling a day early for a series of meetings with potential new clients.
In January and February I am speaking at different events in Stockholm and I have been speaking with a number of contacts with connections in Sweden to ask for referrals for other work while I am there.
In addition, I have turned to LinkedIn for help. By entering Stockholm and Dublin into the search field, together with some other criteria to narrow down the search, I have been able to identify a number of people I'd like to meet and find out who can introduce me.
As social networks and increased travel has made the world shrink, a host of opportunities have opened up. For small businesses, the ability to offer our services beyond our own borders provides additional strength in worrying times.
And it is our networks that will open the gateways to those opportunities. |
Six Degrees of Separation and referral strategies
Video Tip | |
My tip above, looking at how your network can help you expand your opportunities overseas, is based on an understanding of the six degrees of separation. Good networkers understand how the value lies in selling through rather than to your network.
It can be uncomfortable, however, asking for such help. Particularly from family and friends. On one workshop last week, a delegate was insistent that he couldn't ask his network for such introductions.
Here are some of my thoughts:
 | | Six Degrees of separation and referral strategies |
|
|
Bits & pieces | |
One of the biggest challenges at Christmas time is getting the right present for our loved ones. A classic favourite, guaranteed never to fail, is a good book reflecting the interests of the recipient.
In the spirit of the season, I think it only fair to share some great deals I've seen on Amazon this Christmas.
Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals
...and Death Came Third! The definitive guide to networking and speaking in public
Building a Business on Bacon and Eggs
Happy shopping!
e. ---------------------------------------------
Competition Corner: Some people have had Christmas come early!
Congratulations to Sally Phillips, Stephanie Clackworthy, Liz Hardy, Peter Marno and Robert Quaye who won signed copies of Heather Townsend's book The Financial Times Guide to Networking in the last edition of Connecting is not Enough.
---------------------------------------------
Networking Live: There are a some opportunities coming up to see me present on networking in the New Year. I'd love to see you there.
January 17th 2012 7pm-10pm Estonian Guild in London (venue tbc)
January 18th 2012 10.30am-2.30pm: Medilink, Medical Technologies Innovation Centre, Birmingham B15 3BE
(for more information contact sarahw@medilinkwm.co.uk or call 0121 452 5630
January 25th 2012 12.00pm-3.00pm: Hoxton Apprentice Professional Women's Network Lunch, 16 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NT. (I believe this has now sold out but check nearer the time to see if any spaces become available.)
6th February 2012 4pm-8pm Welcome to the United Kingdom, Swedish Chamber of Commerce, Berns Salonger, Berzelii Park, Stockholm. http://www.scc.org.uk/index.php?page=eventsSCC&event=323
|
|
A 1980s Christmas
Just for Fun
|
At this time of year I have to sign off in seasonal style. With all of the fuss over this year's John Lewis advert (which, at the time of writing, I've still not seen), let's see how it used to be done.
Here's Woolworths' 1981 Christmas ad, complete with celebrity cameos, some funky looking hi-fi equipment and the first album I ever owned on display (can you guess which one?). As the ad says, have a cracking Christmas.
 | | Christmas Woolworth UK 1981. |
|
|
|
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, or you are interested in booking me for a speech or training session for your team, find out more details on our website or you can contact me on:
Tel: 07930 417833
Skype: andylopata
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy
� All material copyright H & A Lopata ltd 2011. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals.
Buy Now
Compare on Amazon.co.uk |
...and Death Came Third!
The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public
Buy Now
Compare on Amazon.co.uk
Kindle version
|
|
Andy's Musings... | |
A selection of Andy's regular online columns and coverage elsewhere:
A-Speakers.com Interview with Andy Lopata
A-Speakers.com
International Speakers Bureau
Why size doesn't always matter
Huffington Post
In sight...In mind
The Directors' Centre Business Club
Meeting in a Meaningful Way
meetpie.com
Stop Playing the Numbers
NatWest Business Sense
|
|
In other people's words | |
"I hired Andy to Host the inaugral Camden and Islington Business Awards 2011. It was the first event of its nature for the Islington Chamber of Commerce and we required an exceptional speaker and host to make this event a success. I was not disappointed; Andy showed a high level of professionalism, engaging with a room of 150 business owners and business leaders in a personable and encouraging manner. Andy gave the event an added level of sophistication. I would have no hesitation recommending Andy and would most certainly hire him for a future event."
Ronke Lawal
Chief Executive, Islington Chamber of Commerce
"My construction business was invited to attend a safety forum today by one of our clients who is one of the largest fm companies in Europe.
I had a plan to ask them questions where I knew I could expose an area that they are weak in. I got the answers I thought I would get & I was able to offer them a solution & they loved the ideas.
Looking at doing the biggest deal we've done to date.
I can honestly say that I wouldn't have done what I done today if I hadn't met you a couple of weeks ago, thanks."
Scott Robertson
APS Safety Systems Ltd
|
|
|
