Hello and a Happy New Year. I hope that you enjoyed the break over the holiday period and have come back refreshed and ready for what 2014 has to offer.

What are your goals from networking for the new year? Will you be attending more formal events or catching up with old contacts? Perhaps you want to spend more time on LinkedIn, get your head around whether Twitter is the appropriate channel for you or learning how Google Plus works.

In fact you should take a step back before answering any of those questions. Start from an understanding of where you want to be in twelve months time and beyond and how your network can help you. I am currently reviewing our business strategy for the next year before setting our priorities for networks.

Know where you want to go and then ask yourself how your network can best help you get there. From there you can understand whether you have the right contacts already within your network or whether face to face events or online networks hold the key for your success.

If you want the chance to kick start your networking for the year ahead, I'll be speaking about 'Return from Networking' for the Danish - UK Chamber of Commerce in London on January 23rd. Details can be found here.

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We are considering reintroducing open workshops in 2014. This is something that we haven't offered for about six years and are exploring interest initially.

If you would be interested in attending a one day workshop on developing a networking or referrals strategy, please email harvey@lopata.co.uk with your details. If there's a specific aspect of networking or referrals you are particularly interested in then please let us know.

We will then get back in touch with you when details have been confirmed.

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'Battle of the Sexes - Do Men and Women Network in a Different Way?'

In the next episode of The Global Networking Show, Ivan Misner and I are joined by the co-author of 'Business Networking and Sex', Hazel Walker and South African networking expert Helen Nicholson to discuss gender differences in networking.

If men and women really approach networks differently, what exactly are the differences and how does this affect who you network with and how you engage with them? Most importantly, who is better at networking? Men, or women?!

Join the show live on Saturday 18th January at:

9am EST

2pm GMT

3pm CET

4pm SAST

Tune in on YouTube or Google Hangouts and send in your questions in advance using #GNetShow on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/globalnetworkingshow

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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

Email: andy@lopata.co.uk

Skype: andylopata

I look forward to hearing from you.

Andy

Top Tip: How to Transform your presentations

I want to take a break from the '5 Ways to...' series in this edition of 'Connecting is not Enough' to share a very important tip with you.

On Tuesday morning the BBC News website shared the following video of Transformers director Michael Bay rushing off stage after his teleprompter failed during a Q&A session at a trade show in Las Vegas.

Many networking events offer you the opportunity to talk about your business. Over the years I have seen so many people read from a script when given that chance and rarely have I seen any of those people look comfortable or make a real connection with the audience.

Surely someone as successful as Michael Bay didn't need to read his answer to a straightforward question from a teleprompter. Would he have responded in a similar way in a different setting, if he had been asked the same question over dinner with a few friends for example? I find it bizarre that he felt that he needed to rely on a script or then 'wing it'.

If someone asks you about your business or job how often do you need to read them the answer from a prepared text? If offered the opportunity to present your business, your objectives or your ideas, treat it as a conversation with a series of questions. Keep a few notes with you if needed but veer away from a script.

If you rely too much on prepared text, things can suddenly go very wrong.

Video: Building networks inside client organisations

In 2011 I spoke at a conference for the sales team within Logica Europe. One of the key messages I shared with them was the importance of building a strong relationship within client organisations, not just with one person but with a number of stakeholders. And I urged them not to just collect connections but to leave the right impression...

It's Who Knows You - The importance of building your network within client organisations

Interviewing the Experts: Coping with High Pressure Situations

New Manchester United manager David Moyes is having a tough time at Old Trafford this season and the pressure is on. Perhaps he should find some time to catch up with former United and England goalkeeper Gary Bailey for some advice.

Gary experienced all types of pressure during his time at the top of the English game working under Sir Alex Ferguson. I caught up with him recently and asked what we could all learn about finding time to network and coping when faced with a mountain to climb.

Former Manchester United and England goalkeeper Gary Bailey on coping in high pressure situations

Just for Fun: Is that your Dad?!

16 year old American boy Rain will probably always regret asking his mother to stop his father standing on the doorstep to wave him off on the school bus. If he was embarrassed beforehand, imagine how he felt as his Dad went to town over the following month:

http://www.viralnova.com/embarrassed-son/

Andy Online

The Networking Shop

Recommended: How to sell through networking and referrals

...and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public

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A Three Minute Elevator Pitch? Welcome to Hell!

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