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Greetings!
 I guess this is the point of no return! Once I've told you, there's no backing out. For the last couple of years I have been promising to do something that would seriously push me out of my comfort zones. In less than a month I will be in the spotlight and doing what I promised. On June 13th I will be one of twelve very nervous participants in the Funny Women Comedy Challenge for Men. Each of us will be tasked with impressing an audience of 300 at Goldsmiths Hall in London with five minutes of stand up comedy. I'm working on my act as I type, with an observational style to rival Jerry Seinfeld, Michael MacIntyre et al. At least, that's the plan. The event is designed not just to humiliate the twelve plucky volunteers but to raise money for charity. For my part, I'll be looking to raise funds for Action for M.E., a cause that's very personal to me and one that is very deserving of both support and a higher profile. If you would be willing to sponsor me, my fund raising page is here. All support is really appreciated. On that note, it's back to business. After all, it's not quite good night from me... ------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd like to hear me speak about networking rather than hearing my wry observations on life, here's a reminder of a couple of non-comedic talks coming up which are open to the public, both at home and abroad.
August 29th, Arndts Conference, Stockholm, Sweden
Where web links are not provided, please contact me for further information.
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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I hope you'll forgive a moment of self-indulgence but this had to be tweet of the month for me! Speaking internationally has been one of the highlights of recent years for me, but there's something special about your work being credited in a city, and a country, where I've never spoken (yet!).
Without networks, what chance would a small business have of making a global impression?
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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: Convince your boss (or your spouse) of the value of networking
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As sold as you may be on the importance of networking, it's often not your decision alone. Colleagues and management need to be convinced that the resources, both personal and financial, are merited, while families may question out of hours absences or time spent on social networks. So how do you convince others of the value of your networking?
ONE: Know what success looks like
The core of my message is that there's no point knowing how to 'work the room' if you don't know why you're in the room in the first place. Have a strategy for your networking based on clear outcomes, measurable where possible.
People are unlikely to be impressed by 'maybes' and supposition, they want a clear understanding of what return they can expect to see from your time and effort and how that benefits them.
TWO: Demonstrate results
When I asked my network for their responses to this question, pretty much every response centred around providing evidence. As Servane Mouazan said in my Facebook Group, "Stories, stories, stories; evidence, evidence, evidence. That's what people buy into, they want a piece of your experience."
If you don't have evidence of your own, ask around. Be in a position to illustrate how networks effectively helped businesses or individuals in a similar position achieve their objectives. THREE: Win the argument with yourself first Be aware of the likely objections you will face and challenge your ideas with them. Ask others about their experiences of networking and analyse how they would impact you - both the positive and the negative.
If you are not fully convinced and clear about why networking is so important and how it will help you achieve your objectives, you'll be easily swayed by the arguments of those who are more sceptical. FOUR: Discuss the alternatives Whether it's alternative approaches to achieving your objectives (such as cold calling for sales) or the likely outcome of not networking (missed promotion opportunities?), weigh up the pros and cons of each and be able to position networking in context.
FIVE: Involve them If your boss, colleagues or partner are relying on their perception of networking or on old experiences, give them a new experience to replace those ideas.
Share your objectives, take them to events with you; discuss the conversations you've had and meetings you've set up; update them regularly. Even set them up with a Twitter and LinkedIn account - and encourage them to use it! |
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Video: Why networking isn't selling
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A couple of months ago I gave a talk to university undergraduates on the Lloyds Scholars programme about the importance of networking through their studies and their careers. In this clip, I share with them why they shouldn't see networking as a sales opportunity and, instead, how to view their networks.
 | | Why Networking Isn't Selling |
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Interviewing the Experts: Vanessa Vallely on networking for women in the City
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Last week I caught up with a very good friend, Vanessa Vallely. A senior investment bank executive, Vanessa has forged a path for women working in the City and has made a real mark as the Founder of www.wearethecity.com, a network for women working in London that receives over three million hits a month. Vanessa also brings together a range of women's networks through The Network of Networks and mentors a number of young women in business.
I asked Vanessa for her experiences of networking in a male-dominated sector and her top tips for women who want to build their own career networks.
 | | Heels of Steel - Networking for Women in the City |
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| Just for Fun: Woah...Living for the Gas! | |
How do you react when the television at a petrol pump starts talking to you? In this case you relive some 80s classics, show off your Karaoke skills and become a YouTube sensation...
 | | Pumpcast News, Part 1 - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno |
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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
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www.lopata.co.uk
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What people say...
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"The consummate professional and down to earth guy whose passion lies in seeing you succeed. "
Michael Clark
Business Connector & Sales
Talent Triumphant Events
"Andy is an outstanding networker in the true sense. He understands the mindset, the passion and the perseverance that is necessary to be successful at and through networking. He shares his knowledge generously. He is great fun to be with, has a wicked sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. All of the above translates into him wearing his expertise lightly, which to me distinguishes the real expert. "
Nicole Bachmann
Coach, Trainer, Facilitator Brook & Mann
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