THE POWER OF NETWORKINGPresenter: Sherry TimminsDate: January 18, 2017

| Networking |

Creates a group of acquaintances and associates and keeps it active through regular communication and contact for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question "How can I help?" and not "What can I get?"

www. businessdictionary.com

| NETWORKING |

CONNECTS

BUILDS

INSPIRES

| An Expert Networker |

“I have to tell you, being so close to things it took me a while to articulate. It’s like explaining why we need to breathe, drink and eat – my network is like food, but the other tactics are like water and oxygen to my business. It’s not either-or, it’s and. So if you are crunched for time, why should you add networking to your mix?” - Chris Garrett, New Media

| Harvard Business Review (HBR) |

“A mountain of research shows that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper knowledge, improved capacity to innovate, faster advancement, and greater status and authority. Building and nurturing professional relationships also improves the quality of work and increases job satisfaction.”

| Networking Benefits |

Builds relationshi

ps

Identifies opportuniti

es

Source of assistance

& advisemen

t

Enhances reputation

| New Career |

Laid off when her long-time employer closed its doors, Sonya was uncertain how to begin again. Enrolling in a technical training course she gained new skills, but still had trepidations about “knocking on doors for her own sake. “Sonya reluctantly joined a student networking club at the college. Once involved, she became energized and found herself inviting speakers to present. Sonya invited the president of new small business to present. Over the course of time, the president became a mentor to the club. Impressed with Sonya’s tenacity and new skill set, the president offered Sonya a position that became available at her company. It’s been a great career for Sonya for the past five years!

| New Business |

Starting up a carpet cleaning business was Kevin’s “American Dream.” He had worked diligently for several years at a national chain carpet company but was ready to put his skills and talents to use for himself. He purchased the needed equipment and opened his doors. Kevin placed advertisements and established a website but customer calls were few. He knew he would provide service that would result in repeat business, but getting started was proving difficult. Determined to give back to his community, Kevin had joined the Optimist Club a few years back. When discussions ensued about dressing up the Club’s facility Kevin quickly offered to provide the carpet cleaning. Shortly after the annual charity event calls starting coming. Several fellow Optimists had witnessed the wonderful job he had done. This helped Kevin build his business. Seven years later his business has grown to employ three full time staff and he enjoys high ratings from customers and the Better Business Bureau!

| Assistance & Advisement |

LaQuan was somewhat of a technical prodigy from an early age. He attended the Boys and Girls Club to keep busy after school. Once homework work was done, he attacked the donated computers. LaQuan kept the old desktops going through the years, learning to take them apart, and to deal with the cables and cords. After high school graduation LaQuan wanted to become a “real” Network Administrator. This typically required more education, but neither he nor his family had the resources for this. The Club President had encouraged LaQuan through the years. Knowing graduation was coming up, the President connected LaQuan with the local chapter of a technology trade association. Hearing LaQuan’s aspirations, the association discussed options he was unaware of. Using their advisement he went onto to complete training at a career academy and became a technology specialist. Ten years later, kids at the Club look to LaQuan for inspiration and direction!

A very “human” response to the idea of networking!

1. See networking as an opportunity for learning and discovery!

“Promotion-focused people networked because they wanted to and approached the activity with excitement, curiosity, and an open mind about all the possibilities that might unfold. Prevention-focused people saw networking as a necessary evil and felt inauthentic while engaged in it, so they did it less often.”

2. Identify Shared Interests!

“Think about how your interests and goals align with those of the people you meet and how you can forge meaningful working relationships.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that people establish the most collaborative and longest-lasting connections when they work on one and another’s task.”

3. Think Broadly About What You Can Give!

“Even when you do not share an interest with someone, you can probably find something valuable to offer by thinking beyond the obvious. Of course, this isn’t always easy, but it can be done.”

When people believe they have a lot to offer others, such as wise advice, mentorship, access, and resources, networking feels easier and authentic. “

4. Find a Higher Purpose!

“Any activity becomes more attractive when it’s linked to a higher goal. So frame your networking in those terms. Andrea Stairs, managing director of eBay Canada, had just such a change in perspective. “I had to get over the feeling that it would be self-centered and unseemly to put myself out there in the media,” she told us. “I realized that my visibility is actually good for my company and for the image of women in the business world in general.”

| Networking Action Plan |

1. Develop a list of people to connect with

Colleagues, friends, folks who attend your place of worship, kid’s soccer match

2. Identify organizations to join Civic, community, volunteer, professional

3. Brainstorm ways to improve networking skills

Ask friends for referrals, offer yourself to others

4. Develop specific plans and commitments

Plan one lunch per week, spend two hours per week making phone calls and staying in touch with friends by email. Attend one organization meeting per month

5. Keep yourself accountable Write down your strategy, review and revise it once per month, get together with a friend and review your goals and ask for feedback

Wrap up

•An opportunity to learn!•Shared interests!• Think broadly!• Find a higher purpose

Benefits1. Builds

relationships2. Identifies

opportunities3. Source of

advisement and assistance

4. Enhances reputation