Networking is important at all stages of your career. It works for individuals who embrace it and practice it purposefully and consistently. The good news is that networking is an acquired skill that can be learnt and applied.

1. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
NETWORK today
for SUCCESS tomorrow

2. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
What is Networking?
Q: “It’s not what you know but who you know” – True or False?
A: False
It’s not what you know, or who you know
– but how well you know them that really
counts in networking.

3. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Contact or Connection
A contact is a person you know but with whom you
have not yet established a strong relationship.
A connection, on the other hand, is someone who
knows you and trusts you because you’ve established
a level of credibility with that person.
You have lots of contacts, but how
many connections do you have?

4. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Networks of Relationships
“We think of ourselves as individuals, but we
are embedded in networks of relationships
that define and sustain us.”
Michael P Nichols

5. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Important To Your Career
Through purposeful and consistent networking, you will:
• have access to sources of inspiration
• get job recommendations
• receive more leads and better referrals
• get connected to “hard to reach” people
• know about profitable opportunities - locally and globally
• get information before your competitors do
• stay on track with your career objectives and goals

6. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Who Will You Hire?
You have been tasked to hire someone for a position in your accounts
department. Which is the best option to you?
1. Your friend has a cousin currently working in the same capacity.
2. A person answers an advertisement you placed in the classifieds.
3. Your colleague has a sister who is ideal for the job.
4. Someone in your company is interested in that position.

7. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Make Networking Work for You
1. Right Mental Attitude
1. Be convinced networking helps you, and others.
2. Give first before expecting to receive.
3. Ask when you need advice.

8. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Make Networking Work for You
2. Develop Necessary Skills
Networking is an acquired skill that can be learnt
through talks, books, internet, seminars, courses,
mentors, career coach, and peers.

9. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Make Networking Work for You
3. Make Time
Networking is NOT a spectator sport.
You need to take ownership over your
networking plans and activities.
You need to invest sufficient time and
concerted effort.

10. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Just Do It
Go Ahead and…
• make that phone call for a job recommendation
• ask for that contact that you need
• show your support for others
• promote your friend’s new venture
• give business referrals
• offer testimonials
• seek out a mentor
• appreciate your referral sources
• participate actively in a networking group

11. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Conclusion
“Networking is connecting with people we
know, establishing mutually beneficial
relationships that develops and expands a
base of resources that
support your endeavour
and theirs.” Mervin Yeo

12. O p p o r t u n i t y b e y o n d h a n d s h a k e
Networking Evangelist, Speaker, Author
Mervin Yeo, a contributing author in New York Times best-
seller Masters of Networking, provides training, consulting,
coaching and facilitation to business professionals and
organisations in Singapore and the region on purposeful
networking and strategic referral marketing. He lives and
breathes, speaks and teaches the language of referrals and
is author of “Purposeful Networking For Introverts” and
co-author of “Turning Ideas Into Profit”.
Website: www.mervinyeo.com