I'm writing this from Tehran where we are half way through a conference on Sales and Marketing in a Recession.

Like my trip to Siberia earlier this year many people have fixed preconceptions about Iran and its population and about the prospect of conducting business here. And, as with Siberia, those preconceptions have been proven to be misplaced.

I've been thoroughly impressed with the warmth of the welcome I've received, the organisation and the hunger to learn.

In an inter-connected world it's important to look beyond the headlines and seek out new experiences for ourselves. When you get beyond labels and preconceptions you find that you have so much in common with other people irrespective of upbringing or national culture. From those connections great opportunities can be born.

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Having come close when I spoke on a cruise off the shore of Guernsey recently, I enjoyed a wonderful couple of days in Jersey a fortnight ago, speaking for the combined 7.45, 7.46 and 7.47 breakfast clubs and then at the Jersey Business B2B exhibition.

I had such a wonderful welcome from everyone I met there and hopefully I'll get to visit again soon.

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I'm back in the UK next week and on 3rd July I'll be speaking in London at the Women 1st Conference alongside Carla Buzasi, editor in chief of The Huffington Post UK; Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Anne Summers and Lynne Franks.

Tickets are still available and it's a great line up, so do try to join us.

I'll also be speaking in the Midlands on 16th July at the Regional Meeting of the Professional Speaking Association in Stafford. I'll be speaking about how speakers can avoid getting referrals and details are here.

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I hope you enjoy the newsletter and look forward to your feedback. Please do check out the blogs listed on the right hand side of the page for lots of extra ideas, tips and thoughts.

Let me know what you think.

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

Video Tip: The Global Networking Show - Ask Andy and Ivan

Last week Ivan Misner and I hosted a special edition of The Global Networking Show during which we answered audience questions on networking. You can catch up with the show below.

'Everything you always wanted to know about networking but were afraid to ask

Interviewing the Experts: Phil Jones of Brother UK

Need some advice on getting in front of decision makers at large organisations? Who better to turn to than the CEO of Brother UK?

Selling to large companies: Andy Lopata interviews Phil Jones, Country Head of Brother UK

Just for Fun: Old Man Dribbling

As I'm sure there isn't enough televised football for you at the moment, here's a veteran in action:

Sean Garnier looked like an old man and shows incredible ability

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

Kindle version

iPhone App

?Recent blogs and interviews

The simple secret to making networking conversations count

LinkedIn

The Power of Networking at the Jersey B2B Exhibition - BBC Radio Jersey

What people say...

I've recently changed my referrals talk to 'How NOT to Get Referrals', challenging audiences to think past my humorous advice on what doesn't work and take out the key tips they really should be applying.

Here's what Marguerite Talmage had to say after I recently delivered the presentation in Jersey:

How NOT to Get Referrals