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'Connecting is not Enough' - tips and tools to help you get a return from your networking

 

 

  

Everyone who knows me, and many who don't but who have heard me speak or followed my social media updates, will know that I'm a big sports fan and, in particular, a big football fan. It's been an enjoyable season for me too, with my team, Charlton Athletic, winning our division with a record number of points, only losing five out of 46 matches.

  

So I guess I should be congratulating all readers of this e-zine who support Chelsea and Manchester City on their respective successes in the Premier League and Champions League.

  

And I do congratulate those genuine fans who have seen their clubs achieve something that they have been striving for for some time.

 

I must admit that the words do stick in my throat though. I do think it's sad that the spoils increasingly go to the teams with the heaviest financial backing, rather than those who have won simply through great management, team spirit and the right blend of players.

  

Perhaps I'm an idealist (in fact, I know I am) but it's ironic that two teams that have been transformed under the ownership of the super rich have triumphed in these major competitions in an Olympic year.

 

The 'Olympic Creed' says "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

 

I fear that we have lost sight of that creed and that ideal. Look across sports and increasingly money talks. More and more professional athletes compete in the Olympics, and there is plenty of criticism at the role money plays in the organising of the games, and the influence it buys.

 

And it's not just in sport. We have seen increasing anger in the UK and worldwide against people who are perceived to have put their own financial interests above everyone, and everything, else.

 

In an Olympic year, wouldn't it be great to go back to that original spirit? In our sports, in our businesses, in our careers and in our relationships with others?

 

It would be a lovely idea but, as everyone keeps telling me when I complain about the money in football, perhaps times really have changed and we all have to simply accept it and move on.

 

But I hope that's not the case.

 

 

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It was refreshing to see the shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg call for public speaking lessons in schools as part of the National Curriculum yesterday. The ability to present oneself effectively is a vital lifeskill, as is the ability to build and maintain a powerful network.

 

 

If Britain is going to produce future generations with the skills and awareness to compete on the global stage, such fundamental abilities should be at the core of our learning. 

   

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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.  

 

Happy Networking!


Andy

If you like what you read, please feel free to forward it and invite others to subscribe.

  
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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.  

 

 

 

 

 

"So what?"
 Networking Top Ti

 

When asking for referrals and introductions most people make the same fundamental mistake. We talk about what we want to achieve and why we want to speak to our prospect.

 

What we forget when we do this is that our prospect doesn't have any interest in helping us achieve our objectives. They simply don't care what we want to achieve. They are simply focused on their own business, their own career, their own life, their own challenges.

 

After all, at this stage, they've never met us. All they know when we're first introduced is that we want to sell to them, we want something from them, we want to take their hard earned money.

 

Unless, of course, we approach the request for an introduction in a different way. Rather than say why we'd want to meet them, our message should be focused on why they would want to meet us. What are their challenges at the moment and how can we ease them?

 

Explain to someone close to you who you'd like to meet and why they would benefit from meeting you. And then ask your colleague to challenge you by asking "so what?" Get them to keep challenging you until the fundamental reason why your prospect should accept your connection is crystal clear.

 

"So what?" is such an important question when you're trying to get into the mind of your prospects. And if you can keep on answering it, you'll end up with the perfect way to ask for referrals and introductions.  

The perfect referrals strategy (part one)
 Video Tip  

 

I was recently interviewed by RBS/NatWest Business Sense about referrals strategies.

 

Part one of the interview can be seen here.

 

 

The Perfect Referrals Strategy - Part One
The Perfect Referrals Strategy - Part One

 

 

 


Bits & pieces

  

It's been a while since I ran a giveaway in 'Connecting is not Enough' and that's simply not good enough. Time to put that right.

I'm delighted to say that my good friend and fellow speaker Paul McGee has a new book just out called 'How Not to Worry - the Remarkable Truth of How a Small Change Can Help You Stress Less and Enjoy Life More'


As the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given says "We all need help in dealing with the pressures of modern living whatever walk of life we are from. I know this book will provide you with both the insights and inspiration to deal more effectively with the challenges of life - a powerful read"
 
Written in Paul's unique down to earth and practical style, it's already become one of the best-selling new self-help books in the UK to date.
 
I have five signed copies to give away to readers of 'Connecting is not Enough'. To enter, please email [email protected] with 'I don't want to worry anymore' in the subject line or tweet '#lopatacomps help reduce stress'. 
 

 

The closing date for entries is midday on Friday 8th June. Good luck!

 

Effective Market-ing

Just for Fun

 
 
I wonder if you can help me. I'm not sure quite what this East London market trader is selling - or how much it costs!

As my good friend Geoff Ramm would say, 'Now THAT'S what I call market-ing'!

One 1 Pound Fish, Queens Market, Upton Park, London E13
One 1 Pound Fish, Queens Market, Upton Park, London E13

As a special bonus this month....pop star Alesha Dixon has covered the song too!

Alesha Dixon - One Pound Fish - on the 1Xtra Breakfast Show
Alesha Dixon - One Pound Fish - on the 1Xtra Breakfast Show

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.

 

IN THIS ISSUE
The Olympic Spirit
"So What?"
The Perfect Referral Strategy
Bits & Pieces
Effective Market-ing Just for Fun
Words of wisdom
In other people's words
Recommended
Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals. 


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 Andy's Musings...

A selection of Andy's regular online columns and coverage elsewhere:

 

A Chance to Review Your Referrals Strategy 

BNI Business Networking 

 

 

 

In other people's words 

  

"As an expert in business networking Andy brings both a professionalism and real passion to his training in the subject.

He has a can do and flexible attitude and is happy to develop and shape the content in line with the clients changing needs.

Feedback from participants on Andy's workshops has been consistently very positive. He really does practice what he preaches and as a generous networker he brings added valued to the training he delivers."

Una Murphy Manager, BBC Careerlink

"I have seen Andy in action on a number of occassions and as well as presenting a very wide knowledge of networking he makes learning about the subject a fun and entertaining experience.

Andy is extremely likeable and practises exactly what he preaches. Hire him you won't be sorry." 

Jim Porter 

ConXion Ltd

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

media."