Successful Networking - it's all about the different facets of networking.

1. Successful Networking
Charlene Woolley

2. Agenda
What is Networking?
When / Where to Network?
Why Network?
Who should Network?
Networking Tools / Sites / Groups
Networking Tips and Tricks
Networking Organizations
The 5 Minute Favor
Bonus Slide …

3. What is Networking?
 Definition: the exchange of information or
services among individuals, groups, or
institutions; specifically : the cultivation of
productive relationships for employment or
business (merriam-webster.com)

4. What is Networking?
Building Relationships
Productive
Positive
What about Skills?
Skills are important, but they don’t
always “close the deal”
Soft skills are just as important as
technical skills
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5. The Connection
 Who is the Connection?
Family member, Friend, Co-worker, Client,
Peer, Teacher, Boss, Manager, etc…
Could be a Re- Connection
 Reconnect with someone you have
connected with in the past
Basically, someone who can offer you
assistance (a service, information or help)
Someone who can benefit from your
expertise or help

6. Networking is Based Upon
Relationships
 Trust / Loyalty
 Compassion
 Mutual Benefits
 Shared Investment
 Compatibility
 Inspiration
 Motivation
“Every Relationship Starts with an
Introduction”

7. When / Where to Network
 Work
Meetings / Team Functions / Water Cooler,
etc.
 Dinners / Parties / Coffee Shops
 Tradeshows / Conferences
 Elevator / Waiting in Line
 Classes / Church
 Anywhere and Everywhere!
 Networking has No Limits

8. Why to Network - Rewards
 It’s all about the Connection - Cultivate your
Connections! Keep in Touch!
Meeting a potential Client (Sales Lead)
Increase the number of resources you can
call on
Share Expertise, Knowledge, Interests
Free Marketing for your product or service
Meeting a new friend / possibly your
spouse!
Job Opportunities

9. Networking – Who?
“Everyone needs to Network
.. and I mean Everyone.”

10. Networking for Shy People
• Don’t sweat the “Meet and Greet”
⁻ Focus on meeting people with common
interests
• Active Listening
⁻ Actively listening to others is an
appreciated skill
• You are not alone
⁻ Start the conversation with other shy
networkers
• Compliment Others
• Bring along a buddy
⁻ Safety in numbers
• Have a Goal
⁻ Set a number of people to meet

11. Networking Mentors
 Super Connectors
 Established and Successful
 Well Known
 Provide Value Added
 Networking Mentors
 The have the “Right” Connections
 Follow their Lead / Example = Successful
Networking!
 They have a willingness to connect people
 Pay it Forward People

12. Networking Tools / Sites
 LinkedIN
It’s not about the quantity of
connections, but the Quality of the
connection that matters
 Facebook - can be used for Business
Networking
 Twitter
 Google +
 Meetup.com
 Lanyrd.com
 And more….

13. Networking Organizations
 Professional Networking Organizations
 A great way to meet and network with others in your
same field of work
 Meet industry leaders
 Share expertise or lessons learned
 Training opportunities
 Discounts on work related conferences
 Examples of some Professional Networking
Organizations
AQAA – Atlanta Quality Assurance Association
TAG – Technology Association of Georgia
AITP – Atlanta Information Technology Professionals
SPIN – Software Process Improvement Network

14. Networking Tips and Tricks…
 Always put your best foot forward
 Dress for Success
 Wear a Name Badge (at networking meetings)
 Don’t forget those Breath mints!
 Always have business cards with you
 Always have your 30 second elevator speech ready
 Never be Negative - Don’t talk badly about anyone or
anything
 Never get Drunk!
 Always Be Authentic – Keep it Real
 Always Ask Questions – Be an Active Listener
 Always Follow Up! Don’t be a Lazy Networker!

15. Networking – The 5 Minute Favor
 The 5 Minute Favor – A task you can do for someone else within
five minutes or less. Pay it Forward!
 Send an email introduction to a person with mutual interest
(Partner, Investor)
 Provide Expertise / Solution to a problem
 Share a post to help promote their service or business
 Introduce them to a potential customer
 What is your 5 Minute Favor?

16. Networking – Be a Giver!
“Givers tend to have large
networks to draw on for problem-
solving and are able to inspire
others with their willingness to go
the extra mile. That makes them
great employees and even
better leaders.”
Adam Grant

17. Networking – Secret to Success
Give something of
VALUE, so you will be
Remembered and
Respected.
Repeat.

18. Networking – What’s Next?
Drumroll Please..
The Bonus Slide…

19. Bonus Slide – Speed Networking
 Speed Networking – Usually 2 minute intervals
Smile
Introduction / Trade Business Cards
Shake Hands
30 Second Elevator Speech
Move to the Right
Repeat
 Can be Fast and Furious
 Must Follow Up!

20. Questions?

21. Charlene Woolley, Quality Assurance Consultant
Atlanta Quality Assurance Association, 2015 President
www.AQAA.org
Email Charlene.Woolley1@gmail.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenewoolley
Skype Charlene_Woolley
Twitter @Charlene_Woolle & @AQAAorg
Google+ https://plus.google.com/+CharleneWoolley