This is a presentation to show you how to become an effective networker. Overcome the fear of networking. Learn how to make the most of the function. Learn how to run your own functions.

1. GREAT
networking

2. Plan your networking
• diarise (do 2 functions monthly)
• what are my aims?
• who are my ideal connections?
• choose the type and group
• prepare an elevator speech
Know what you want - manage it

3. Seek Relevant
Groups and
Connections
Identify and target groups and connections
which are relevant to your aims and capabilities
• what can I do for them?
• what can they do for me?

4. Which group for you?
SizeSector
Social grouping
Trade or
society
grouping
Political or
religious
grouping
Location
choose by

5. Networking functions
“small talk”
• small talk : ice-breaking conversation
Connections that may lead to
businesses referrals
First opportunities to identify and begin
to grow connections with other people

6. Are you afraid?
• common problem is fear - those who shy away
from networking
• they dread thought of having to carry on
conversations with people they don't know
• they are intimidated by the task of finding
something to talk about

7. Don’t be afraid
• it is important to stay on the top of the pop
culture and current events, latest issues and stories
in the news
• these are great ways to break the ice
• it will help you find common ground with a
person you have never met before where you
don’t have too much in common

8. Some ice-breakers
• tell me about your business
• who is you ideal client?
• what is your goal for next year?
• what is the most unique aspect of
what you do?

9. More ice-breakers
• what type of client is your least
profitable and why?
• what is you biggest accomplishment
so far?
• how can I help you in your business?

10. Reasons to attend
networking events
• increase you visibility
• stay current on trends in your
industry
• to learn from and to be motivated by
powerful speakers
• to socialize

11. ...more reasons
• to become connected to key
influencers in you industry
• to start relationships that will lead to
• strategic alliances
• joint ventures
• referrals

12. Maximize the
opportunity
• decide why you want to attend
• decide on the logistics
• take plenty of business cards
• have fewer, higher quality
conversations

13. ...don’t forget
• take along a few ice-breakers
• always make eye contact
• act like a host
• have fun

14. ...and after the event
• follow up with a gift or call
• enter contact into your database
• make a note of what was interesting
about them
• set up a meeting if there
is something to discuss

15. Run your own
networking functions
• target a gap in the networking market
• Leverage word of mouth and social media
(create a LinkedIn group as a home base)
• charge for tickets (enough to cover costs)

16. ...and more successful
• serve drink and food
• make it easy for people to start conversations
• provide value through a keynote speaker on a
topic of interest to everyone
• give everyone a chance to introduce themselves
• make food and drinks available after the talk

17. Networking in
Crows Nest
BCI Business Brokers
Tony Arena (Managing Director)
3/1 Alexander Street, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065
Phone: +61 2 9439 3399
Mobile: +61 411888148
Email: tarena@bc.com.au
www.bc.com.au
We meet
every month