This is the handout material used during my presentation on 'The Art of Networking' given to the ADVANCE group at the University of Cincinnati on November 1, 2011

1. The Art of Networking:
‘Perfecting Our Best’
Wayne Hicks
Wayne.Hicks@betf.org
(513) 284-4968

2. …This Brother Can Network
• Senior Executive Service
• CEO, Hicks Enterprises
• Past President, BDPA
(Cincinnati & National)
• Past President, Cincinnati
Business Incubator
• Executive Director, BDPA
Education & Technology
Foundation
• Passionate about positive
growth for our people
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 2
Networking' (Nov 2011)

3. Today’s Agenda
• What is Networking?
• Why Network?
• Analyze Your Network and Your Goals
• Are Your Prepared?
• Networking Best Practices
• Questions & Answers
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 3
Networking' (Nov 2011)

4. What is Networking?
• Ability to make the right connections
• Ability to leverage those connections
• Mutually Beneficial
• Dynamic, Evolving, NOT a 1-time thang!
• Ol’ School Networks vs. Social Networks
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 4
Networking' (Nov 2011)

5. Why Network???
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 5
Networking' (Nov 2011)

6. Analyze Your Network
NOTE: Your Network
is Already HUGE!
Understand what you want
from your networks; what are your goals?
My goal in the next six months is:
My goal in the next year is:
My goal in the next five years is:
The most important kinds of support I need now are:
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 6
Networking' (Nov 2011)

7. Networking: Be Prepared
1. Attending a function, what do you want to get out of the
function in terms of networking; also, what are you
willing to give
2. Be committed and determined to do whatever it takes;
networking requires patience and commitment
3. Be honest and respect confidentiality
4. Choose members based on information not position and
treat those in the network as equals
5. Don’t be afraid to ask; utilize your resources
6. Don’t waste your resources; focus your needs and use
when necessary
7. Express appreciation
8. Give without expectation
9. Set realistic and achievable goals
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 7
Networking' (Nov 2011)

8. Networking Best Practices
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 8
Networking' (Nov 2011)

9. Networking Best Practices
Networkers are Aware Networkers hone their
• Existing networks communication skills
• Human nature to assist and ask for • Listen Intensely
help • Complete messages
• Unlimited nature of their network • Accurate messages
Networkers have Helpful Networkers develop
Attitudes relationship-building habits
• Extend Yourself • Honest & Trustworthy
• Be positive • Considerate
• Be sincere • Respectful
• Caring
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 9
Networking' (Nov 2011)

10. Questions
Wayne Hicks, Executive Director
Phone: (513) 284-4968
Twitter: BDPA or VILLAGER
Blog: http://betf.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/waynehicks
ADVANCE * 'The Art of 10
Networking' (Nov 2011)