Thank you for your positive response to my email on Tuesday regarding the Groupon offer for our first online learning programme.

I am really reluctant to send you too many emails and my focus is always to give you knowledge, tips, ideas and fun rather than sell.

I do, however, want to ensure you have the chance to get as much value as possible from our relationship and take your networking to a new level. We are very proud of the online learning programmes we have been developing over the last two years.

The original idea was just to make these available to corporate clients as part of the programmes we offer, but it's good to be able to provide something that goes deeper than my books to people who might not necessarily be able to use my services in person.

The response to Tuesday's email suggests that you appreciate and value this. I hope so.

The Groupon offer for our Networking Strategy course is still live here. It is time limited as I mentioned in Tuesday's email so please do take advantage of it while you can.

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Do you subscribe to the popular belief that bankers are a nightmare? Some NatWest staff in London took that a bit too literally when they let my good friend Anna Fiorentini get a hold of them...

It's after midnight...

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I've been working with a number of local organisations over the last few months on putting together a conference in my local area. It's a truly collaborative effort with a number of local businesses, publications, the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and the local authority, Ambition Broxbourne, all fully involved.

That event is now coming to fruition and it's something I'm very excited about. Five of my favourite speakers have committed to participate, three of them travelling from the other end of the country to do so.

And most importantly, all of the profits will be going to two fantastic charities, Teens Unite and Isabel Hospice.

The event takes place on 19th November at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. It will be MC'd by the fantastic John Hotowka and the speakers are Lara Morgan, Phil Jones, Geoff Ramm, Zoe Jackson MBE and me.

If you want to find out more, click below:

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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: Why Networking isn't Always About Business

The A to Z of Networking: L is for...

Listen

The finest skill of any friend, colleague, partner or networker. Listen FOR people, rather than to them. Stop forming your response before the other person has finished speaking.

Listen, pause to form your reply and then respond on their terms, not on your own.

Learn

Surround yourself with a diverse network of people who are happy to share their experiences, expertise and ideas with you. Don't feel as though you need to know all of the answers.

Become a sponge and be willing to ask and to learn.

L is also for...

Long game

Need a new job, new clients or advice urgently and don't have trusted relationships with people who can help you? Forget networking and cold call!

Leverage

Once you have established strong relationships who you are happy to support, don't be frightened to ask for help and leverage the power of the network you have built.

Link

Be a networking star by making connections between the people in your network whenever you have the opportunity.

LinkedIn

A massive impact on the business and career front over the last twelve years but still criminally misunderstood, underestimated and underused.

Like

From Facebook posts to people. Be a 'people person'. Show them that you like and support them. People support people they know, like and trust.

Let it go

Not everyone will respond to your natural charm. If the rapport isn't there don't take it personally, move on.

Lion / LION

Have the confidence and boldness of a lion. Not to be confused with LION (LinkedIn Open Networker) who will connect with anyone, irrespective of a prior relationship. That is NOT networking.

Leave

Don't be a Limpet when in conversation with others. Know when the time comes to leave gracefully, ready to follow up if appropriate.

Thanks again to my Facebook community for your ideas this month. Your Ls came from Phil Shepherd, Mark Lee, Nigel Risner, Jackie Barrie, Lynda Shaw, David Karen, Claire Boyles, Laurence Lowne (not included as an 'L', nor was 'Andy Lopata'!), Catherine Dann, Andy Preston, Debbie Tarrier, Baiju Solanki, Phil Williams, Rhiannon Evans, William Buist, Rohit Talwar, Bernie Wales, Erini Rodis, Ian Steel, Shelley Jenner, Arvind Devalia, Eithne Treanor and Su Butcher.

Next time out we'll be onto 'M'. What are your suggestions for networking Ms?

Just for Fun: The National Anthem

This week has seen a furore in the UK about the new opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn's decision not to sing the national anthem. Here's an alternative take on the subject (some swearing):