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I have been in a battle with myself on whether or not to get political today. After all, it's a huge day for the UK, as we vote on whether we leave the European Union or stay as a member. 
 
I have very strong views on this but have always tried to remain fairly neutral when writing Connecting is not Enough. Suffice it to say that I do far too much business with Europe and the wider world to see any benefit in taking what I see as a step backwards. As someone who teaches the value of collaboration and networking, I will always support a unified approach to the many challenges in the modern world. 
 
Having said that, I respect anyone who has firm opinions, even if those opinions differ from mine. As long as those opinions are not based on intolerance or hatred. 
 
What has upset me more than anything else during the 'Brexit' campaign has been the lack of respect, from both sides of the fence. One of the earliest lessons I learned in business was that you never criticise your competitors, instead you focus on what you do well. 
 
That lesson seems to have been ignored both by politicians and indeed, the wider public when it comes to the debate on the UK's position in Europe. 
 
Expert after expert after expert giving their opinions on the case for remaining have been summarily dismissed, from Nobel Prize winning Economists to the President of the United States. Meanwhile, many attacks on the Leave campaign have been focused on the personalities leading the charge. 
 
This isn't a solely British problem. We've seen an incredible lack of respect between people supposedly on the same side of the fence as each other during the US Presidential primary campaigns and that is only going to get worse as we head towards the main campaign for the White House. And it's a pattern being repeated across the world. 
 
Respect seems to be ebbing away in country after country. as battle lines are drawn more starkly than ever before on a range of issues, meanwhile collaboration and cooperation are forgotten. As a result I fear that, whatever outcome we see from today's vote,  we will fail to move on from this debate and I am struggling to see the UK emerge as a united nation, whether in or out of Europe. 
 
When we reached 'R' in our A-Z of networking, Respect was top of the list. Respect for each other, whatever our opinions, underpins the strong relationships and trust needed to work collaboratively and find innovative ways forward. 
 
It would be great if this could be remembered in all areas of our lives, particularly when leading people. 
 
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I have two public events coming up in the next few weeks, one of them just two miles from my home and the other a lot further away. 
 
On 29th June I'll be speaking for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne. Attendees will learn how to work the room and then be able to put the skills into action by exchanging cards with leopards and elevator pitches with giraffes. 
 
 
On 18th July I'll be presenting an open workshop on How NOT to Get Referrals at the Radisson Blu Hotel in St. Julians, Malta. 
 
Details are here. If you know anyone in Malta, please do pass the link on and encourage them to join us. 
 
I've also just confirmed that I'll be speaking in Luxembourg later this year. This will be a closed, in-house session for a client but I'd welcome any introductions to businesses in the area while I'm there. 
 
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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
Skype: andylopata   

I look forward to hearing from you.
     
Andy 

� All material copyright H & A Lopata ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Video Tip: In or Out? 

In this clip from a recent presentation I demonstrate how to read body language at networking events, how to approach groups to join their conversation and how to get out of a conversation and move on. 


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

 
Understanding
Take time to understand how you can help others and make sure that your own message and your own needs are easily understood by your network. 

Don't assume that, just because you understand what you do and who you do it for, others also do. 

 

Don't Underestimate
Don't underestimate what you can do for others or what value other people might bring to you. 

U is also for...

 

Give Unconditionally and be Useful 
Don't always wait to see whether your back will be scratched in return. 
Utilise your Network 
Once you have built relationships, don't be afraid to ask for help and support when appropriate. 
Be Understated, Under-promise and Over-deliver
While you should take credit for and be passionate about your achievements, be realistic, honest and don't ever promise something you can't deliver on. 
Uniqueness - be a Unicorn
Don't try to follow the crowd, stand out and understand your USP (unique selling point)
Uber-Networking
Business models are changing and networks are the engine driving that transformation. Be adaptable and open to collaboration. 
Never Undermine others
Always be respectful and supportive, even of your competitors
Ubuntu
A southern African philosophy based around a bond between humanity founded on sharing. Seems appropriate! 
Useless
Networking is a complete waste of time unless you have some focus and a strategy

 

I thought we'd struggle with U but yet again I've had to be brutal in my editing. Thanks for all of your contributions Craig Sharp, Jo Simpson, Arvind Devalia, Simon Bucknall, Nigel Risner, David Hardstaff, Laurence Lowne, Andrew Bernard, Eithne Treanor, Paul Strong, Saija Mahon, Solveig Malvik, Rhiannon Evans, David Green, Brian Cole, Debbie Tarrier, Liz Sorton, Mike Segall, Ian Steel and Lynda Shaw. 

 

Just for Fun: Icelandic Fire
 
The European Football Championships are in full swing and the story of the tournament so far has to be a mixture of late, late goals and the performance of the minnows.  

One story yesterday combined both, with a 94th minute winner by Iceland seeing them leapfrog Portugal into second place in their group and a second round match against England. 

And the goal was greeted in Iceland by possibly the greatest, and certainly the most passionate, piece of sports commentary in history. 
   
Gooooooaaaaallllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
Andy Online
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