The document emphasizes the importance of networking in building professional relationships and securing consulting contracts, urging individuals to establish clear networking goals. It provides practical tips on event preparation, engagement, and follow-up to enhance connection quality. Additionally, it highlights the services offered by Sheworks, a firm dedicated to supporting women in their corporate careers.

1. The Power of Networking

2. In the last 10 years, almost every
consulting contract or client has been
received through networking. These
transactions occurred from direct
client contact or referrals made from
someone else, who knew my business.
Networking is still the number one
method of making connections to get
things down.
Sable Badaki, Career Catalyst

3. Establish Your Networking Goals. Networking with a specific objective determines the
type of events and/or audience needed to achieve your goal. Without an objective your
attendance at networking events is simply socializing.
Are your job hunting? Looking to build strategic relationships? Seeking to build
credibility in an industry or profession? Answering these questions determine where
you will network or who you need to meet in networking meetings.

4. Assess the Attendee list. Before you decide to go, determine if the participants attending
support your networking objective. Do your homework on the attendee list. Google them or
check their LinkedIn profiles. This allows you to know if your goal will be accomplished. It also
gives you information on each participant to start building connections.

5. Network Etiquette. Show good manners and get the most out of the meeting
• Work the room; Don’t monopolize one person’s time.
• Ensure you connect with the person. Don’t just collect their card.
• Read their business card , while with them and begin the connection.
• Jot down notes about each connection for meaningful follow-up.

6. Start the conversation. What do you say? Sometimes starting simply by
initiating a conversation about the unusual weather, the event itself or by giving
the person a compliment is a great conversation starter.
Don’t forget the information you gathered on LinkedIn and Google seek out
those individuals and begin the conversation by discussing common interests.

7. Follow Up – Where are the business cards you collected? Begin to follow up, how? Building on
the connection you started at the event.
• Send them an article that supports THEIR goals or extends the conversation you started
• Send them referrals or make introductions of desired connections
BE an Intellectual GIVER!

8. SheWorks is a Human Capital firm closing the gender gap in the workplace. Through her
advisory services, SheWorks provides practical solutions to professional women desiring
partnership as they navigate through their corporate life. They offer webinars, seminars and
personalized coaching sessions to arm women with tools to advance in their careers. To learn
more about how SheWorks can support you on your career journey through one of its services,
contact us at sable@sheworksnow.com
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