Networking involves cultivating authentic relationships and building trust over time through mutual understanding and support. It should not involve self-promotion, selling, or exploiting others. Effective networking requires active listening, managing connections, and engaging thoughtfully to create lasting value for all participants. Some potential pitfalls to avoid include opportunism, superficial "schmoozing", and allowing one's ego to undermine authentic engagement with others. The goal is to establish relationships based on giving value to others through understanding and collaboration.

1. Networking & Building Relationships presented by Shaunice Hawkins Evolutions Consulting, LLC

2. Discussion Points Networking: What It Is, Isn’t and Why You Should Care Creating and Using Networks Effectively Establishing and Building Trust Networking Best Practices

3. Networking Defined Networking is… Networking is not… Getting to know others Cultivating authentic relationships Building a database of trusted contacts Exchanging information Learning about opportunities to connect with and/or refer others Listening more than talking Giving rather than getting Providing value Soliciting, prospecting or direct selling/marketing products or services An opportunity to talk about your life story Showboating or stroking egos Always choreographed or formal Source: The Riley Guide: Network, Interview & Negotiate

4. The Value of Networking Source: Linkedin.com

5. Forms of Networking Source: “How Leaders Create and Use Networks” by Herminia Ibarra and Mark Hunter, Harvard Business Review

6. Creating and Using Networks Effectively Source: “How Leaders Create and Use Networks” by Herminia Ibarra and Mark Hunter, Harvard Business Review

7. Establishing and Building Trust Source: Adapted from “How to Build Strong Trust” eHow.co m and “10 Steps to Building Trust in Your Business Relationships by Martin Haworth

8. Networking Best Practices

9. Tool: Social Networking

10. Tool: Social Networking (cont’d)

12. In the 5 secs, a person’s first impression of you will flip back and forth 11x.

13. A person’s 1st impression is more important than his/her next 5 impressions combined.

14. It takes 3xas long to change a person’s mind about you.

15. Average length of business pitch (2000): 10 mins

17. Tip: Brand Messaging [Storytelling]

19. 261 Twitter supporters shared 1465 RMHC Day of Change hashtags.

20. The campaign brought in 130% more donations online than during the same time last year.

21. E-newsletter subscriptions grew 748% during the campaign.

23. Tip: Brand Messaging [Story Listening] 7out of every 10 minutes we are in communication w/another human Keys to Effective Story Listening Listen to understand, not respond Listen silently but attentively Visualize what is being said Maintain eye contact Watch body language Pause before replying Question for clarification Paraphrase in story your own words 85%of what we know we have learned through listening 25%Listening comprehension rate of humans Source: “Listening Statistics“ by HowickAssociates.com

29. Trap: Schmoozing Remember quality, not quantity Focus on quality conversations with a few people Be authentic; make real connections Engage in active listening Spend at least 50% of your time listening Be present at all times Alcohol in moderation Avoid gossip Maintain credibility; engage in positive dialogue Be respectful and mannerable Treat everyone fairly, equally and kindly

30. Trap: Your Ego

31. Networking & Building Relationships presented by Shaunice Hawkins Evolutions Consulting, LLC