Networking for Success

Session Outcomes

• Establish what it really is• Plan and prepare to make the most of the

experience• Identify your networking style• Enter a conversation and introduce yourself to

others• Networking etiquette • Develop key networking skills• Devise an action plan for improving networking

skills and results

Networking – 10 Point Plan

1. Know what you’re getting yourself into2. Break the stereotypes3. Do your research4. Know yourself5. Breaking in6. Presenting yourself and your organisation7. Hone your skills8. Getting away9. After the experience10.Action planning

1. Know what you’re getting yourself intoWhat is it?

Networking

“A SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM OF SHARING INFORMATION AND SERVICES AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS HAVING A COMMON INTEREST. “

Dictionary Definition

Benefits of networking

• Receiving targeted introductions to potential supporters and partners

• Raising awareness of your organisation• Sharing ideas and solving fundraising challenges• Building strong relationships and rapport• Developing potential new partnerships with

volunteers, sponsors and staff• Becoming more influential the fundraising world• Increasing efficiency and productivity e.g. by

knowing a man who can.

2. Break the stereotypes

2. Break the stereotypes

• Networking is insincere• I’m too shy/self conscious to schmooze• No one will talk to me• Networking takes too much effort• Networking only happens at networking events

3. Do your research

3. Do your research

• Choose your events carefully• Find out what they exist for and consider

how they might help you• Try to obtain a guest list in advance• Work out who you would like to meet• Define your objectives for the event – what

are you hoping to achieve• Prepare an answer to “What do you do?”

that is short, snappy and memorable• Prepare questions you want to ask people

1. Are you the type of person who gets energy from interacting with people and activities? Yes/No

2. Do you like to talk your ideas through with other

people in the early stages? Yes/No

3. Do you often/regularly seek the company of others? Yes/No

4. Do you prefer time to reflect and think things through before making a commitment? Yes/No

5. Do you prefer your own office and working without the involvement of others until the final stages? Yes/No

6. Are you happier entertaining close friends at home rather than attending larger parties? Yes/No

4. Know yourself

Preferences – Introversion and Extraversion

Quiet Observant Inward focus Depth Intimate Reserved Reflective Thoughtful Cautious

EnergeticInvolvedOutward

focusBreadth

QuickAction

orientedOutspoken

Bold

EXTRAVERSIONINTROVERSION

5. Breaking in

5. Breaking in

5. Breaking in

5. Breaking in

Arrive on time Name badge on the right Use hosts and organisers Entering a group Make eye contact Bide your time Keep right hand free Small talk is part of the process Repeat names to remember them Don’t mumble your own name and organisation

6. Presenting yourself and your organisation

7. Hone your skills

8. Getting Away

• Use business cards• Food and drink are a good excuse• Desire to meet someone else is a legitimate

reason to move on• Introduce a colleague before you move on• Maintain eye contact• Leave appropriate impression

9. After the experience

10. Action Planning

Networking – 10 Point Plan

1. Know what you’re getting yourself into2. Break the stereotypes3. Do your research4. Know yourself5. Breaking in6. Presenting yourself and your organisation7. Hone your skills8. Getting away9. After the experience10.Action planning

Networking for Success