Anyone who has read this blog will know that I'm not the biggest fan of business awards that rely on popular vote rather than discerning judging to decide on the winners.

Having said that, the opportunities presented by and recognition resulting from such awards means that they can't be discounted and play a valuable role for many individuals and businesses.

One such competition (not an award as such) is the Virgin Media run Business Voom. I first became aware of this last year and this year it seems to have really taken off as I see more and more people I know entering their pitch into the fray, for a chance to pitch to Richard Branson and secure funding for their business.

This competition does seem to have a lot of positives, with support on constructing pitches, a tie in to crowdfunding, a judging panel along with the inevitable public vote.

As I mentioned, I'm aware of some people in my network who have entered this year and all of them have fantastic projects that I'm more than happy to share with you. Their entries are listed below so please do take a look and, if you feel that they are worthy of your support, give them your vote.

Leigh Adams - Global Dance Card

Mark White - Dumbleby Forest

Jenny Garrett - Rocking UR Teens

Julie Creffield - Too Fat to Run

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I've finally started to actively use Instagram so come and find me there if we're not already connected. You can see the link in the panel to the right, or just click here.

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A quick reminder of a couple of public events at which I'm speaking in the next few days.

17th May - West of Sweden Chamber of Commerce, Gothenburg.

Over 100 tickets have already been sold for my presentation, which forms part of their International Business Week celebrations.

Details and booking here.

This talk may well be live streamed so if you are not in Gothenburg, keep an eye on my social media streams for information on where and how to see it.

24th May - PSA Scotland, Edinburgh. I'm being put through my paces here with a brand new keynote making it's debut appearance ('Bigger than You - The Secret Power of Your Network'). Ten top tips for speakers to generate new business and a question and answer session about my business and career.

Details and booking 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: Are you 'we-ing' all over the place?

Wherever I present I come across a similar issue. People naturally 'we' all over the place!

To find out what I mean, watch this clip from a workshop I ran last week for mallowstreet.

The A to Z of Networking: S is for... (part two)

Being Specific

One of the biggest mistakes made in networking is not being clear and specific about what you want to achieve or who you want to meet.

The more specific you can be, the more likely it is that people will recognise opportunities to introduce you or indeed, that you will spot the ideal opportunities yourself.

Sharing

'Blessed are they who give without remembering and receive without forgetting', Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco.

Have an attitude of abundance, looking to make helpful connections to people you trust within your network and making yourself available to support others. Invest in your network relationships and that network will find ways to support you in return many times over.

S is also for...

Sales

Networking is not selling but a strong and supportive network will lead to many more opportunities to boost your business development.

Slow down / Be Silent

Invest in your networks over the long-term. Don't rush for quick wins but stop, look and listen.

Smile

Relax and enjoy yourself. It's amazing how much more time people want to spend with you if you are fun to be with.

Self Belief and Speaking Up

If you don't believe in yourself, don't expect anyone else to. When the right opportunity presents itself, grab it.

Simplicity

Your network do not have time to understand your job or business in depth. Keep things simple and make it easy for them to help you.

Strategic Alliances

How can you improve your offering or reach new markets by teaming up with others in your network, even apparent competitors?

Stories

Give people examples, tell them stories. They bring the point you are making to life.

Thanks yet again for all of your contributions, Tanya Wheway, Ian Steel, Andrew Bernie Bernard, Lee Warren, Debbie Tarrier, Nigel Risner, Jo Simpson, Liz Sorton, Kapil Kapur, Jackie Barrie, Jim Ewan, Martin Watt, Tony Westwood, Gordon Tredgold, Arvind Devalia, Lynda Shaw, Paul Brown and Rhiannon Evans.

Coming next - Time for T

Just for Fun: I I Hillary

I try to steer clear of politics here but couldn't resist sharing this video in the heat of the American primary campaign.

I accept that you can edit anything to look how you want and this is clearly very partisan but it's also very funny and it makes a good point that we can all learn from. It follows on nicely from this week's video tip too.

Is your communication more 'Hillary' or 'Bernie'?