This document provides information on improving networking skills. It defines networking as creating and maintaining relationships for mutual benefit. Effective networking relies on referrals, which generate more results than cold calls. The document recommends attending events to meet new contacts, engaging in small talk to learn about others, and following up on connections to nurture relationships over time. Maintaining an active network of 150 contacts can provide opportunities for jobs, business, and advice.

1. Networking Skills
Improving your Networking Skills
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2. A supportive system of sharing information
and services among individuals and groups
having a common interest.
Creating a group of acquaintances and
associates and keeping it active through
regular communication for mutual benefit
Networking depends on relationships
Definitions
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3. Many sales
people get 80-
90% of their
business through
networking
organizations.
•A referral generates 80%
more results than a cold
call.
74% of all buying
decisions are made
on a friends
recommendation.
•Meeting 2-3 people at an
event and learning more
about their needs and
challenges is far more
valuable than collecting (or
giving away) 20 businesses
cards.
About 70%
of all jobs are
found
through
networking.
•Socially embedded
employees are 40% less
likely to quit their job.
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4. Video
http://youtu.be/kPRjkUwfzUc
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5. One simple rule
“It takes only a moment’s conscious decision to become a
networker, with no interference to one’s daily routine. All
it requires is a slight shift in attitude, and adopting one
simple rule:
• Greet each new acquaintance with an openness to
learn more about that person, a willingness to
help, and an offer to stay in touch.”
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6. How big is your network?
People you
have known in
the past
People you
know now
People you
will know in
the future
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7. Video
http://youtu.be/PrnVSQvGjBg
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8. Dunbar’s number
 150 = the maximum number of
people with whom we can
maintain relationships
 Hypothesis by primatologist Robin
Dunbar that 150 is the maximum
number of social interactions you can
manage
 It is the number at which groups start
to break down
 The number is higher or lower across
different species of social primates
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9. 3 reasons for networking
Operational networking
• The purpose of this type of
networking is to ensure
coordination and cooperation
among people who have to know
and trust one another in order to
accomplish their immediate task
e.g. direct reports, superiors, peer
group and key outsiders such as
suppliers, distributors and
vendors.
• Usually Internal and Task focused
Personal Networking
The purpose of this type of
networking is to exchange
important referrals and needed
outside information.
It covers the people outside your
organization who can help you
with personal advancement e.g.
friends, relatives, professors,
Authors, Blogs of subject matter
expert, trainers, coaches and
counsellors, neighbours.
Usually external & share common
interests.
Strategic Networking
The purpose of this type of networking is
to know people who can help you shape
your future goals & direction e.g. knowing
right contacts who would help getting the
right people ( Centre Managers or TLs or
Am’s) Right BPO partners ( Gathering
information from relevant Contacts about
BPOs who would fit into requirements of
the Current Business Needs / pricing /
pace of delivery etc...in other words who
can deliver Value ) Right processes ( Best
practices in similar processes which can
make it successful in the shortest time etc)
Competitor activities.
May be internal or external & are future-
oriented
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10. HOW TO NETWORK
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11. Start off networking with your existing connections
Work on networking first with old friends, distant
relatives, and people you went to school before moving on
to people with whom you have a more feeble connection.
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12. Learn the art of the chit-chat, or small talk
It's an opportunity for you to get a feel for the other
person, and for them to get a feel for you.
Reveal something about yourself.
Encourage the other person to continue sharing.
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13. Approach the networking experience from the
perspective of "How can I help this person?"
Some people think of networking as a selfish act, because some treat the process as
a means to an end instead of an end in itself.
Instead, try approaching a networking situation being willing to help someone else
out first. If you genuinely try to help others out, they'll want to do the same for you.
Then, the motivation for mutual assistance will come from a genuinely good place.
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14. Follow up
Don't get someone's business card or e-mail address and
forget about it. Find a way to stay in touch. Maintain your
network. Because your network is like a tree: without
nourishment, it will die. Be sure to give it the attention it
needs to stay alive.
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15. Networking made easy (easier)
Attend events
Participate in events with activities
Speak at events
Volunteer to help organise events
Host an event
• The “One minute talk” or “Ice-breaker conversation” is
required for all the above
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16. The one minute talk should answer four questions…
Who are you?
What do you do?
Why are you here?
Why should the person you are speaking to care?
It’s about them, not about you!
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17. Source of Networking
Offline Networking Online Networking
Attend events Host, or participate in, webinars
Participate in events with activities Subscribe to news feeds, or curated online journals
Speak at events Write a blog, subscribe, comment (= peer review)
Volunteer to help organise events Forward “this might interest you” articles
Host an event
Engage in online communities (90:9:1 Rule)
Remain hidden in groups (90%)
Respond to others’ contributions (9%)
Start conversations (1%)
Telephone calls Join appropriate groups in Linked In
Video and Teleconferences Twitter
Visit of other clients at call centers Wtsapp
Performance reviews RSS feeds @ Google Alerts
Attend Interdepartmental meetings A particular Company Alumni group etc
Discussion with stake holders
Blogs of Subject Matter experts
Meeting Vendors
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19. 10 Networking Tools that Work
 The cell phone
 The business card
 The small talk
 The names
 The outfit
 The body language
 The listening
 The address book
 The mints
 The always network attitude
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20. Your networking plan
Map your
network
Identify
your critical
connections
Engage and
add value
Develop &
grow your
network
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21. Your action plan…
See it
Say it
Write itDo it
Review it
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22. Thank You
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