This document provides guidance on professional networking both offline and online. It outlines when and where to network, such as at conferences and events, and through LinkedIn. The document advises preparing for events by identifying key contacts and objectives. At events, it recommends arriving early, introducing yourself to organizers and potential connections, and following up afterwards by sending thank you notes. It also reviews tools for online networking on LinkedIn and Twitter to build connections over time. The overall goal is to proactively build a network through in-person and online engagement that can help achieve professional goals.

1. Professional Networking offline and online - A PrimerOvidiu Bujoreanwww.linkedin.com/in/bujoreanChisinau, Moldova, July 15, 2011

2. Session OutlineSession introduction. Personal introWhy professional networking? How would this benefit you? Professional NetworkingWhen and where?How to make friends?Who does it? What to do? Offline networking. At events. Wing-men strategy.Online networking. Linked in. Twitter. How to build it?Tech tools to network better and build your networkAdditional resourcesQuestions

3. Personal intro

4. Session IntroductionAsk or remind yourself:What are the objectives of my venture?What do I hope to accomplish during this event?How can I get there?

5. Session IntroductionThis session will help you to:Identify people that you should talk toEstablish contact and speak with them at an eventFollow up with them promptly after the conversationLearn or expand the use of linkedin and/ or twitter.This session assumes you:Developed your elevator pitch. Prepared your presentation materials. (biz cards, ppt.) Will do your homework before you attend an event.

6. Professional NetworkingWhy building a network? When and where? How to make friends?Who does it?What to do?

7. Why actually do it? Few reasons…Networking – helps you achieve your goals. Events – high concentration of resources. Every person you meet – impacts your life.Work smarter and harder. Not alone…Build access to resources ($, talent, ideas)Develop partnerships & get customersLearn & accelerate growth

8. When and Where?When? Build it before you need it. Be proactive. Focus on quality contacts. Where? Offline events: conferences, training programs, seminars, etc. Online: linkedin.

9. How to make friends?SmileRemember& use the person’s name oftenSeek to help first. At least offer to help.Be a good listenerBe genuineShow your passion for your ventureBe realist about what you can expectAlways follow up on your promisesA must read is Dale Carnegie best seller “How to win friends and influence people”

10. Who?People you know:You. Wing-man/ Wing-woman.Wing-men/ Wing-women. People you (should) know: Organizers. Speakers. Sponsors. VIP’s. Other attendees

11. What? 7 things to do…Objectives. Pitch. Biz Cards. Look good.Identify top10 people. Prioritize. Research bios. Starters. Outcomes. Befriend &brief organizers &wingmen. Get introduced or introduce yourself. Interact with your top 10 people. Effective thank you note and follow up.

12. At the event/ reception

13. At the event/ receptionArrive earlyCheck the name tagsBe nice to the host. Why?Locate the best foodKnow the people you want to meetCarry water is powerDeliver value to anyone you meetBe a network resource. Connect people to other people

14. Networking at events. Stories.1999 Jim Bagnola, The Leadership Group1999 State of the World Forum, Tom Ekin2003 Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum,CaroleGrodzins2006 HKS Leadership Conference, Frances Hesselbein2007 New Zealand, MIT Sloan Project2008 MIT CIO Symposium Wing men in action2009 Sam Leblanc, Irish student

15. Trimeca ReceptionYour Objectives: Procure the list of attendees.Select your top 7 people to speak with. Research them briefly if you can. Recruit your wing-man and brief him or her. Generate 3 follow up coffee meetings.

16. Trimeca- Positioning at eventArrive earlier and offer help to the organizers. Check the badges and the list of attendees.Write the names of key people on back of biz card.Get into a good mood. Offer to bring drinks to people.

17. How to follow-up effectivelyWrite thank you note the same evening of meeting.Email/ letter should:Be brief and to the point

18. Contain 3 ideas (thank you for your time, one idea from the conversation, request for a follow up coffee meeting) For VIP’s, a handwritten thank you note is better. For peer attendees – if you had a good conversation, linked in

20. Where do I start building my net?Know your medium term goals.Start with your resume. Identify most important events/ programs and people that attended same events.Create a list with 20 people you would like to connectFind the super-connectors and become their friend

21. Do’s and Don’ts on linkedin

22. Linkedin navigation - example

23. Additional resourcesBooks: How to win friends and influence people – Dale Carnegie

24. Never Eat Alone - Keith Ferrazzi