[ALL] Afternoon Soft Skills Seminar - Secrets of Business Networking

Why this?

The strength of our network is critically important in developing a sales pipeline and a career path. And while networking events may be a key route to market, many professionals find them difficult, frustrating and awkward.

Who is this for?

It’s ideal for reluctant networkers who want to become more confident and effective in raising their profile and meeting new contacts. And useful for those who like networking and want to pick up a few extra tips.

What will it cover?

During the highly interactive and practical 3 hour session participants will learn how to:

• Develop a networking and referral strategy
• Prepare for an event so that they’re networking with a purpose – using a checklist
• Read a busy room so that they know who to approach giving them the best chance of starting a conversation
• Use 3 techniques to start a conversation with new people
• Use a technique to help remember people’s names
• Hold the 5 step networking conversation which means relationships are more easily built and leads developed
• Recognise the common mistakes professionals make when someone asks: “what do you do?” which leads to glazed eyes in the listener
• Apply the 7 principles to make themselves more memorable
• Demonstrate their credibility through using conversational stories
• Leave the conversation professionally so that they make a good last impression
• Follow up professionally without being a pest
• Avoid making the one mistake that will ruin their chances of being successful.
• Address any networking challenges they currently face in order that they will be more confident and effective at building relationships.

Melissa Kidd

Melissa runs Motem – which specialises in helping professionals to communicate so that they can sell more. Once a reluctant networker herself, Melissa has picked up many tips, devised new strategies and learnt new skills to improve her effectiveness and confidence.

Melissa has a wealth of experience in the financial services sector – built up largely through working with the Chartered Insurance Institute since 2012 as one of their preferred suppliers. As well as working with accountancy and pension firms, Melissa has spoken at a number of HSBC conferences on the subject of networking.