Become an effective networker both online and off. Come prepared, know what you want to achieve and what networking can offer, and examine the follow up steps you should do.

1. Effective Networking:
A Key Business Success Factor:

2. You don’t have to know
everything as long as you
know the people who do.
Harvey Mackay

3. Effective Networking
• A myth - Networking means meeting other people
• See in their actions and their words
• Reality - 95% of networking is a waste of time
• Why – You don’t have a goal.
• It’s not a contest
• Most business cards handed out or received
• Most handshakes
• Most trips to the snack bar

4. Networking: Off-Line and On-Line
• Power of Collaboration
• Networking Goal
• Networking Defined
• Networking – Why and Who
• Networking - How
• Traditional or Off-Line Networking
• On-Line Networking

5. Networking Goal
• Connections
•Those who need me
•Those I need
•Those who can help me take the next step
• Learning - Trends, competition,
industry, & customer problems
• Tips from those who have been there
• Future

6. Answer this question – If all of Google’s data
were stored on punch cards, how big would
the pile of cards be?
• http://www.ted.com/talks/randall_munroe_comics_that_ask_what_if

7. An Example

10. Georges Seurat
Invitation to a Sideshow

11. Networking defined:
• Widely-held definition - “I know it when I see it but can’t define it,
explain it, or understand why I can’t make it work”
• Defined - The informal process of linking people to each other as
resources; assisting, supporting, and helping others find the resources
they need

12. Also Known As
Linking
Rainmaking
The “good ol’ boys”
Schmoozing
Connecting
“6 degrees to Kevin Bacon”

13. Before Starting Know:
•Why? – Already discussed
•Who?
•How?

14. Networking – Why?
• Power of linking and shared resources
• DARPA weather balloon challenge -
• Task – Locate 10 red weather balloons tethered in the United
States
• Time estimated – 1 week
• Actual time was????????
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzo4rIpt0gY

15. Networking – Who?
• Competitors or Noncompetitive competitors
• Like-minded AND non-like minded
• Professional associations
• Referral partners
• Complimentary products/services
• Same/Different geographical area
• Business contact spheres – i.e., services
• Social contacts

16. Networking – How?
• Positive attitude – Set objectives - Plan
• Be sincere – Be open – Be genuine – BE YOU!!
• Know what you want to say – Your elevator pitch
• Not a sales pitch
• Be aware of your nonverbal cues
• Be a good listener – 80% listen, 20% talk
• Thank people
• Offer help – Be a referral source for others
• Practice, practice, practice

17. More “How”
• Start small
• Lurk - Watch, listen and learn before participating
• Develop a strong profile. This is your business card, elevator
speech, and online profile
• Find the key players – Don’t be afraid to “unfriend”
• Learn the preferred connection methods of the key players
and community and key players
• Share and contribute – Add value

18. How to Use Networking Events
• Don’t arrive late – Best opportunities in first 30
minutes
• Dress appropriately
• Be the host – Take advantage of “no host” events
• Manage your time
• Plan how to meet people and how to move
• Set a limit on # of people you want to meet
• LISTEN - Give undivided attention – It’s about them
• Work the room
• Stand by the food – Everyone comes by

19. After the Event!!
• Take notes
• Keep in contact
• Remember your promises
• Send note cards – Hand-written is nice
• Critique yourself – Learn from your mistakes
• Plan the next event

20. Networking Tools
Your business card
Business cards of others
Name badge
Online Profile
Website

21. It’s NetWORK!!!
Not
Netsit
or
Neteat

22. Online Networking
The “Who” and “Why” are the same.
What differs somewhat is the “HOW.”

23. Part of “how” remains the same
• Positive attitude – Set objectives – Plan - Strategize
• Be sincere – Be open – Be genuine – BE YOU!!
• Know what you want - It’s easy, and nonthreatening if you leave
• Key is “online profile” and the “about us” section – It’s your elevator
pitch and your sound bite.
• Be a good listener – 80% listen, 20% talk
• Thank people
• Offer help – Be a referral source for others

24. More Online Tips
•Connect
•Attract – Find a niche – Can’t be all things to all
people
•Greater focus from getting to giving
• Acknowledge, say thanks, comment on others, follow
back, share, join communities and help

25. On-Line Networking:
Your On-Line Reputation
• “People are sharing product and service recommendations online
every minute of every day.”
-- Stephanie Abrams and Courtney Spritzer
With mobile technology, your reputation travels with (or even ahead
of) you.

26. Networking = Success
Networking has delivered more return on
investment than any other tool in my
business, both financially and in non-
monetary terms – Chris Garrett

27. Glenn Muske, NDSU — glenn.muske@ndsu.edu
Connie Hancock, UNL Extension — chancock@unl.edu
For resources: powerofbusiness.net
For questions, contact:

28. Business owners offering tips to business owners
First Friday of every month
15 minutes
12:15 ET
Register: powerofbusiness.net