cultivating a Networking Mindset & being prepared

Networking events and meetings - like everything else - involve a pre-game plan and targeted preparation.  Making the most out of your networking opportunities requires a lot more than simply 'showing up".  To get the ball rolling, we kick off this training  program by looking at vital networking mindsets and preparatory pre-meeting/event steps that guarantee impactful engagement and positive networking outcomes moving forward.  During this first part of the workshop, professionals will:​

​

• Identify their "why" prior to confirming their attendance at their next networking opportunity:  before committing to attend any networking event or meeting, professionals need to first consider their purpose in wanting to join in: what do they hope to learn?  What can they contribute?  What do they hope to gain in attending this function?  By clearly delineating their "why", they can be far more intentional about their role and goals in attending different meetings and networking opportunities.  

​

• Develop targeted networking "mindsets" rooted in clarity, purpose and confidence: networking effectively requires a definitive mindset, level of confidence and clarity, and commitment to a specific purpose.  Once participants are clear about their "why", they can work on practicing networking techniques that help define their beliefs, purpose and intentions, bolstering confidence in the face of potential collaborators.  While we examine verbal messaging, we also look at the importance of non-verbal communication and how body language and specific postures help relay confidence, openness and conviction.

​​

• Laying the necessary 'groundwork' for successful outcomes: Before attending networking events or meetings, it is crucial to "do your homework" by researching who will be present and identifying key individuals who could help expand your professional network. Understanding whom you would benefit from meeting—and how potential partnerships can drive your goals and projects forward—allows you to engage more strategically. By preparing in advance and considering collaborative ways to connect, you set yourself up for a meaningful networking experience that leads to valuable relationships and actionable next steps.

Understanding positioning, influence & different contexts

​Once a gameplan has been considered, next steps involve more in-depth strategic planning around contexts and positioning to maximize opportunities and potential win-win collaborations. Here, we:

• Learn how to best position ourselves focusing on a "value-add" lens: professional image, areas of expertise and levels of both confidence & curiosity help shape how others perceive you...especially during those moments where first impressions are formed.  Here, we look at important aspects to consider when presenting yourself within different networking contexts, focusing service leadership and added value you can bring to others.  Tailoring your introduction and conversation based on the event and audience ensures you resonate with the right people.

​

• Craft customized introductions for strong positioning & connection: knowing how to tailor your introduction and conversations based on the event and audience is a skill that ensures you resonate with the right people and open the door to meaningful partnerships and exchanges that endure long after the event or meeting comes to a close.

​

• Develop instant trust, exercise the power of persuasion and close with a call to action:  one of the biggest challenges in networking is knowing how to initiate meaningful conversations with key individuals at an event or meeting. In this part of the training, participants engage in real-time practice using various case scenarios to develop essential engagement skills. They learn how to make genuine connections, ask insightful questions, establish common ground, and propose opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, we explore ways to master a strong call to action at the close of important conversations to build relationships that extend beyond the initial meeting.

​

• Explore adaptability based on cultural contexts: to conclude this segment of the training, we explore the importance of cultural awareness and agility. Participants learn how to navigate cultural and industry norms effectively, putting others at ease, and allowing stronger connections to emerge, enhancing overall networking success.​

​

Developing and maintaining meaningful professional relationships

​Networking doesn’t end when the event is over—it’s what you do afterward that turns brief encounters into valuable, long-term professional relationships. In the final segment of our 2-day training, we explore ways to nurture professional relationships and potential partnerships by:

​

• Adopting systems that allow us to promptly follow-up with our networking connections: here, we look at different mechanisms that ensure we follow up with our new contacts within 1-2 days after meeting them, reconnecting on shared issues and potential next steps together.  We look at the importance of crafting humble, grateful and innovative messages to not only show appreciation but showcase ideas for mutually-beneficial partnerships.

​

• Offering up value before anything else:  in our follow-up communication, we also explore ways in which to offer up value without making requests, focusing on relationship-building over everything else - as we often remind our participants during training of the importance of "farming over hunting."  Invest time and energy in building the relationship first, then explore ways in which to collaborate and work together.

​

• Keeping Top-of-Mind:  Strong professional relationships and collaboration require nurturing.  To close out our networking workshop, we explore proven techniques to stay top-of-mind with key contacts without being overbearing.  From celebrating their wins on social media platforms, to setting up periodic check ins, to sending them valuable resources that could support them in the work they do, there are countless ways to remain in touch and continue to deliver value.

​

• Stepping up your Networking Game:  Finally, we present different ways that the modern-day professional can actively collect and organize contact information through CRM platforms and other tools for easy access and tracking.  Information is power - and the ability to capture people's information for future reference is key to maintaining strong working relationships.  By tracking simple bits of information on key partners, clients, advisors and colleagues, you can connect with them on matters that resonate deeply with them.

​