Learn about why you need to network. And then get some tips on how to do it, or do it better. Finally, understand how networking can be done face-to-face or online.

1. Glenn Muske
Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist
Glenn.Muske@ndsu.edu
February, 2015
The Need to Network
FARRMS Weekly Wednesday Webinar
2/25/15

2. You don’t have to know
everything as long as you
know the people who do.
Harvey Mackay

3. Effective Networking
• A myth - Networking means meeting other people
• See in their actions and their words
• Reality - 95% of networking is a waste of time
• Why – You don’t have a goal.
- You are unsure of the steps.
• It’s not a contest
• Most business cards handed out or received
• Most handshakes
• Most trips to the snack bar

4. Topics to Cover
• Power of Collaboration
• Networking Goal
• Networking Defined
• Networking – Why and Who
• Networking - How
• Traditional or Off-Line Networking
• On-Line Networking

5. Networking Goal
• Connections
•Those who need me
•Those I need
•Those who can help me take the next step
• Learning - Trends, competition,
industry, & customer problems
• Tips from those who have been there
• Future

6. Answer this question – If all of Google’s data
were stored on punch cards, how big would
the pile of cards be?
• http://www.ted.com/talks/randall_munroe_comics_that_ask_what_if
Question starts at the 3 minute mark

7. What Networking Looks Like

8. This is ineffective networking. May be your first step though.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/02/connect-vs-connect-to.html

9. Reaching the full potential of
networks. Realize though that
these take time.

10. Networking defined:
• The informal process of linking people to each other as resources;
assisting, supporting, and helping others find the resources they need
• Widely-held definition - “I know it when I see it but can’t define it,
explain it, or understand why I can’t make it work”

11. Also Known As
Linking
Rainmaking
The “good ol’ boys”
Schmoozing
Connecting
“6 degrees to Kevin Bacon”

12. Before Starting Know:
•Why? – Already discussed
•Who?
•How?

13. Networking – Why?
• Power of linking and shared resources
•DARPA weather balloon challenge - Done in 2009
• Task – Locate 10 red weather balloons tethered in the United States
• Time estimated – 1 week
• Actual time was????????
•Less than 9 hours!!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzo4rIpt0gY

14. Networking With ???
• Competitors or Noncompetitive competitors
• Like-minded AND non-like minded
• Professional associations
• Referral partners
• Complimentary products/services
• Same/Different geographical area
• Business contact spheres – i.e., services
• Social contacts

15. Networking – How?
• Positive attitude – Set objectives - Plan
• Be sincere – Be open – Be genuine – BE YOU!!
• Know what you want to say – Your elevator pitch
• Not a sales pitch
• Be aware of your nonverbal cues
• Be a good listener – 80% listen, 20% talk
• Thank people
• Offer help – Be a referral source for others
• Practice, practice, practice

16. More “How”
• Start small
• Lurk - Watch, listen and learn before participating
• Develop a strong profile. This is your business card, elevator
speech, and online profile
• Find the key players – Don’t be afraid to “unfriend”
• Learn the preferred connection methods of the key players
and community and key players
• Share and contribute – Add value

17. How to Use Networking Events
• Don’t arrive late – Best opportunities in first 30
minutes
• Dress appropriately
• Be the host – Take advantage of “no host” events
• Manage your time
• Plan how to meet people and how to move
• Set a limit on # of people you want to meet
• LISTEN - Give undivided attention – It’s about them
• Work the room
• Stand by the food – Everyone comes by

18. After the Event!!
• Take notes
• Keep in contact
• Remember your promises
• Send note cards – Hand-written is nice
• Critique yourself – Learn from your mistakes
• Plan the next event

19. Networking Tools
Your business card
Business cards of others
Name badge
Online Profile
Website

20. It’s NetWORK!!!
Not
Netsit
or
Neteat

21. Online Networking
The “Who” and “Why” are the same.
What differs somewhat is the “HOW.”

22. Part of “how” remains the same
• Know what you want - Set objectives – Plan - Strategize
• Key is “online profile” and the “about us” section
• Be a good listener – 80% listen, 20% talk
• Thank people
• Add value. Offer help. Be a referral source.
• Lurk
• Find the key players

23. More Online Tips
•Connect
•Attract – Find a niche – Can’t be all things to all
people
•Greater focus from getting to giving
• Acknowledge, say thanks, comment on others, follow
back, share, join communities and help

24. On-Line Networking:
Your On-Line Reputation
• “People are sharing product and service recommendations online
every minute of every day.”
-- Stephanie Abrams and Courtney Spritzer
With mobile technology, your reputation travels with (or even ahead
of) you.

25. Networking = Success
Networking has delivered more return on
investment than any other tool in my
business, both financially and in non-
monetary terms – Chris Garrett

26. Remember
Networking may not show
immediate or direct results.

27. Expand your network by one
quality person a day, forever!
Mark Victor Hansen

28. Glenn Muske
Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist
NDSU Extension Center for Community Vitality
Glenn.Muske@ndsu.edu
Questions??
Resources:
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/smallbusiness
http://powerofbusiness.net
http://www.extension.org/entrepreneurship