Power of Networking for entrepreneurs
Emad Saif Center For Entrepreneurship, Qatar University

Agenda Networking ?? Networking Tool
Networking Tips

Entrepreneur vs. Barriers
HELP!

Networking = Support System

Networking ??

“ A supportive system of
sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest ” NETWORKING [net-wur-king]

PEOPLE are your most important
assets

Without proper support system you
will fail!

Why Network?

Find partners, customers, investors or
support community Learn, discover new opportunities and stay motivated Promote idea, receive feedback and gain support Why Network?

Networking Cycle 1. Meet people
2. Listen & Learn 3. Make connections 4. Follow Up 5. Stay in Touch

Exercise

Introduce Your Self
1

Introduce Someone
1

Personal Elevator Pitch

Who are you? [ First
name and Current situation ] My name is Mariam, I’m in my last year of environmental science degree at Qatar University Mariam’s Personal Elevator Pitch Your experience [ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ] During my studies, I’ve worked on several environmental focused projects, the most recent on Qatar’s waste management challenges. Your goal [ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ] My goal is to graduate and join a company where I can use my knowledge to propose practical solutions to make Qatar greener. Conversation [ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ] Did you know that Qatar’s lack of recycling creates over 2.5 million tons of waste annually? Call to action [ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ] It was great to meet you and I hope we can connect. May I add you on LinkedIn?

Write Your Personal Pitch
5

Who are you? [ First
name and Current situation ] Your experience [ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ] Your goal [ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ] Conversation [ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ] Call to action [ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ] _________’s Personal Elevator Pitch

NETWORKING

• Don’t ask them to
do something for you  Offer them your services if you can help • Don’t stick with them or follow them around  Make it short & sweet • Don’t ask personal questions or joke too much  Stay professional and give time for rapport Meeting Someone New

• Don’t use negative words
(i.e. problems)  Use positive words (i.e. challenges) • Don’t ignore them if someone distracts you  Regain eye contact and add them to your conversation • Don’t leave suddenly from your conversation  Excuse your self politely & thank them Meeting Someone New

Personal Communication

Smile 

Eye Contact

1x
Listen More!
67%
33%

Hand Shakes

Hand Positions

Third person not accepted by
first two Open triangle position for accepting third person Open Formation Gesture

Personal Space

Power Positions

Kennedy vs. Nixon Presidential Debate
[1960]

Business Cards

Remembering People Mary likes photography
John teaches business

Network Again 5  Use
body language  Find things in common  Always think “How can I help them?”

Networking Tool

Build your network and stay
in touch

Why Join ? Create your
personal brand & public image Access to many jobs are posted on LinkedIn An online portfolio to be discovered by employers Find & maintain connections of interest Follow companies of interest for news & updates Gain influence over your network

Sample Profile

Create Your Profile
www.linkedin.com

Start Networking! Meet new people
at networking events & practice your pitch Offer your services & help connect people Maintain your new connections & grow your network (500+)

Learn More

It’s not WHAT you know
It’s WHO you know

THANK YOU! Emad Saif Center
for Entrepreneurship QATAR UNIVERSITY emadsaif@qu.edu.qa