Transcript Slide 1
The (social) Network Tips on networking to improve your groups output and your career Level one: What is networking? “To interact with others to exchange information and develop social and professional contacts. These contacts should be mutually beneficial” Why is networking important? • Gives you access to information that you would not have otherwise • Raises your profile within your organisation • Gives you fresh ideas • Advice and support • Strengthens relationships Networking can be fun • • • • • • What do you think the barriers to networking are? Difficult Embarrassing People don’t want to help Manipulative Don’t know how to Don’t see the point Turn it into a game • • • • Set yourself goals and targets Review your networking technique Give yourself rewards and incentives Remember in games you have to move up levels Level 2: Who can you network with? Think for 5 minutes about who you might network with this year to improve the output of your group and your own career. Level 3: Verbal communication • • • • • Avoid closed and negative questioning Use clear simple language not jargon Take turns in holding the floor Don’t interrupt or talk over the top Nod your head from time to time to show that you are listening – active listening • Use peoples names when you are talking to them • Be interested in what they have to say! Starting conversations • It displays confidence and use of initiative if you start the conversation • Begin with an impersonal question like the weather or traffic etc. • Ask them to elaborate • Share information about yourself • Find shared interests, connection • Plan for future contact, take a business card add on Facebook Task Go and network with someone outside of your group right now! Level 4: Written communication • • • • • • Clear Concise Correct Coherent Complete Courteous Level 5: Task Think about someone you want to network with this year, select a type of written communication and write a sample communication. Top tips • Think what you can do for them • Is there anyone you can introduce them to? • Build trust gradually Mario Kart Battle Choose your best networker for a networker off. The rest of you are coaches. Prepare to network with your opponent for the following scenario: You are at a gaming conference and are looking for people to join your Mario Kart battle team.