The document provides tips for networking effectively at events from Alice from Dallas and The Relentless Networker. It discusses preparing an introduction speech, doing research on the event and attendees, dressing appropriately, bringing business cards, and following up after the event. The tips are presented with examples of what could go wrong if someone is unprepared. The document emphasizes being ready for networking opportunities by having key information and plans in place.

1. Beware
The Ides of March:
Or, how to expect the best
and be prepared for the worst
Presented to
The Networking Skills Workshop
March 12, 2013
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

2. ‘Beware the Ides of March’
A warning to Julius Caesar
• The Ides of any month is the 15th.
• Brutus warned Caesar to “beware.”
• On the Ides of March “the sea succumbs to
chaos and the full moon brings high tides.”
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

3. Expect the best
--but prepare for the worst
• Know and hone your short intro speech.
• Do your homework before going to an event.
• Be dressed appropriately for the event.
• Bring business cards.
• Have a follow-up plan.
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

4. Know and hone your short intro speech
• Do you know the formula?
• Do you have it down (did you rehearse)?
• Which version for this event?
• Can you improvise (think on your feet)?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

5. Are you at a loss for words?
• What can you say about yourself?
• Take a minute-rehearsing in NOT overrated!
• Think! What should I say to these people?
• If that won’t work, what will?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

6. Do your homework
• Where is the event?
• Who is the host?
• Did you arrange any meetings?
• Who are you expecting to meet there?
• Is anybody going with you?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

7. Ok, I’m unprepared, now what?
• Why didn’t I program the address into my phone?
• Whose party is this anyway?
• I could’ve met Bob here!
• Too bad I don’t know anybody here!
• Why didn’t I bring Carol?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

8. Dress appropriately
• Will you be sitting, standing or walking around?
• Is there a dress code?
• Would you make any modifications to adjust?
• Are your shoes comfortable?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

9. What? Did I spill something on myself?
• Sit, stand or walk around? Or get out of the way!
• I should’ve asked what people would be wearing first?
• If I ditch the tie…
• Nikes, Rockports or Cole Haans?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

10. Bring business cards
• Did you forget them?
• Are you putting them in a different pocket from your
own cards?.
• Are there extras in the car?
• Do you have an alternative for info exchange?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

11. D@%*, I forgot my cards!
• What were you thinking?
• Did you remember your extras in the car?
• Can you “bump” your phone instead?
• Could you take their card and offer to send them an
email with your contact info?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

12. Have a follow-up plan
• Are there new people or people already in your
network?
• Will you call them back?
• Send an email?
• How about a hand-written note?
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

13. Great! It’s over. I have to do what?
• Yeah, I already know all of these people.
• I have to make calls?
• Nobody wants another email?
• I can’t remember the last time I wrote in cursive.
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

14. So, be prepared
• Know and hone your short intro speech.
• Do your homework before going to an event.
• Be dressed appropriately for the event.
• Bring business cards.
• Have a follow-up plan.
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

15. Q&A
Alice from Dallas
and The Relentless Networker

16. Contact Info
Alice Dykeman
info@dykemanassociates.com
214-528-2991
http://www.dykemanassociates.com

17. Contact Info
Paul E Maynard
pmaynard@ndcc.org
214-368-0596
www.ndcc.org