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Greetings!
Welcome to a new edition of 'Connecting is not Enough'.
It's been a busy start to the year and I'm in the middle of four days of speaking and mentoring to four very different groups in different cities, from different industries and backgrounds and with different challenges. I love the variety I'm continually presented with and the reminder that networking strategy goes far beyond knowing which events to attend and to whom to pass your business card.
A reminder of a couple of events coming up which are open to the public, although they are targeted at specific interests:
STOP PRESS: I'll also be speaking at the Professional Speaking Association North West Region meeting in Manchester on 12th March. Contact me for more information or visit www.professionalspeaking.biz
If the events are the right fit for you please do book in and let me know you're going to be there.
Don't forget, if you'd like to listen to these tips and some additional content on the move, Connecting is not Enough - The Networking Radio Show is available on my website, YouTube and to subscribe to on iTunes.
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My travels have recently taken me to Dublin and the North West of England (in fact, I'm probably in Dublin as you read this) and I'll be in both places on a monthly basis over the coming months.
I've already got a lot of meetings set up around my travels but, following one of my own tips below, if you have contacts in either place you feel may benefit from meeting me, or if you know of events I may benefit from attending, please do let me know.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you're a frequent visitor to my website you might have noticed a change. I recently re-recorded the walk on introductory video with the fantastic people at My Web Presenters. Now the video no longer starts playing as soon as you visit the website. I've also updated my introduction and, through the wonders of modern technology of course, appear to have lost some more hair and gained a few wrinkles!
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I hope you enjoy 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 2013. All rights reserved.
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5 ways to: Stay front of mind |
ONE: 24-7-30
After meeting someone for the first time you need to follow  up quickly and consistently to embed yourself in their memory. One of the best suggestions I have heard is 24-7-30; respond within 24 hours of meeting, touch base again after a week and then again within the month. Each point of contact should be meaningful, different and more about them than you. You'll then find, more often than not, that they are likely to remember you several months later.
TWO: Make sure you're connected Social media has its detractors but in a busy world it has created a quick, easy and effective way to stay in touch with people. It's not just a question of connecting on LinkedIn or following people on Twitter, after all, Connecting is not Enough, as I keep on reminding you. But that's the start. Connect and follow where appropriate but the key step is to engage. 'Like' and comment on status updates, job changes and forum posts. You can stay in sight and in mind even when you don't see them in person for a long period of time.
Whatever you do, nothing beats personal contact. Where the opportunity arises and it's practical, make time in your diary to see people in person. If you're travelling, work out who you know en route or at your destination you should catch up with. Before you head out to the next networking event or conference, ask yourself who else you can invite. It's a great way to catch up with people without adding the extra meeting in your diary. And if they know no-one else there, you become their host, drawing you closer together.
It's easy to get carried away by the ability to e-communicate quickly. If you can't meet in person, speaking in person certainly makes a difference. Even in a quick phone call you can cover more depth, understand more from tone and pitch and ask more questions that you are likely to do over email or social networks.
Just remember to ask if it's a good time to speak. We can wait to reply to emails when it suits us but can't always do the same with phone calls.
FIVE:I saw this and thought of you As I explained in this blog, you can make a tremendous impact simply by looking out for articles, blogs and other information that will be of interest to people in your network.
The key to a lot of the tips here is making the communication about the other person rather than about you. And sending a third party article regarding an area your contact is interested in will reflect well on you.
Thanks to Celynn Erasmus, Michael Birchmore, Laurence Lowne and Claire Boyles for sharing their favourite methods of staying in touch. |
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Video: The importance of following up when you have received or given a referral
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Think back to three recent referrals you received, and three you passed. When did you last speak to the other parties, to thank them, to update them or to find out how they were getting on?
In this video I discuss why it is so important to remain involved and central to the referral process, whether giving or receiving referrals.
 | | The importance of following up when you have received, or given, referrals |
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Interviewing the Experts: Phil Jones (part two - building your internal network)
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In the second of my two interviews with Phil Jones, Country Head of Brother UK, I asked him about how his network helped him to progress in his career and his top tips for people looking to network for promotion.
In this video Phil shared his thoughts on why you should connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn, standing out without being seen to 'beat your own drum' and why you still need to network outside your company, even while focused on progress internally.
 | | Networking for Career Success - Phil Jones of Brother UK |
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Just for Fun: Oscars 2013 - Best Spoof video | |
With the Oscars this weekend, the red hot favourite for Best Supporting Actress is BAFTA winner Anne Hathaway for her role in Les Miserables.
While she certainly produced a wonderful performance, could her popularity be in part due to this plea for her success? Probably not, but it's fun anyway!
 | | FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION - Anne Hathaway |
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 | | Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals |
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 | | ...and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public |
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Recent blogs and interviews | |
No Holds Barred
Huffpost Business
Thursday Throng Interview
Andy interviewed by Linda Parkinson-Hardman
www.lopata.co.uk
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What people say |
"A couple of years ago we needed to make an important decision regarding the future direction of a big part of our business. The new project needed a sizeable investment of time, money and other resources. Therefore, we needed reliable and expert advice to ensure we made a sound decision.
The project was about business networking and we knew Andy Lopata was a force to reckon with in that area. So, we contacted him and he arranged to meet us and help us with the big decision. The meeting took place and the big decision was made.
But what is important was first, the massive saving that we made by choosing to consult with Andy. A wrong decision can cost thousands of pounds for years to come and sometimes the damage is irreversible and devastating. On the other hand, correct strategic decisions will bring prosperity and success to a business for a long time.
The other important aspect was Andy's exceptional professionalism combined with his vast knowledge of business relationships and networking strategies. His friendly, direct and no-frills approach to the problem made it easy for us to see the situation clearly and understand what otherwise was a complicated strategy.
Andy is an excellent communicator with profound understanding of modern business relationships. I do not hesitate to recommend his services to businesses that would like to develop powerful relationships and make the most of the huge potential that correct business relationships can offer."
Reza Zolfagharifard
Training Consultant
Z&Z Consulting Ltd | | |
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