This presentation discusses the importance of networking, especially in times of crisis. It provides some key statistics about unemployment rates and notes that most people network when they need something or are in trouble. However, the presentation advocates networking from a position of strength. It discusses growing one's network by targeting influencers and champions within the network. The presentation emphasizes perceived value and how one is seen by others. It stresses becoming an expert in one's field and having a positive attitude. The overall message is that opportunity plus action equals success, and attendees are encouraged to apply what they've learned and connect with someone new.

1. WEC Presentation
“Is Your Net
Working?”
Presented by Eric S. Smith

2. Is Your Net Working?

3. “Everybody has a plan, until they get hit”
M. Tyson

4. Some Quick Facts…
• As of May, 15.0 million Americans were unemployed and the U.S. unemployment rate has fallen to 9.7 percent
<< sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics >>
• In Canada, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.1%.
<< source: Statistics Canada/Statistique Canada www.statcan.gc.ca >>
• The unemployment rate continues to trend upward for adult men (10.0 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), Asians (7.5
percent) , Whites (8.8 percent), Hispanics (12.6 percent), and Blacks (16.5 percent)
<< source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics >>
• 82% of individuals downsized from U.S. companies are:
– - Male
– - Over 40 yrs. of age
– << source: Fox News >>
• Employment in Healthcare (i.e., ambulatory health care services, nursing and residential care facilities) and
Manufacturing continue to trend up
• 92 % of Canadians are employed and 90% of Americans are employed – Good News, what a concept!
• Most people network in times of crises
– They need or want something
– They are in trouble

5. Network from a position of Strength!

6. A definition
net⋅work⋅ing
/ˈnɛtˌwɜrkɪŋ/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [net-wur-king] Show IPA –
noun 1. a supportive system of sharing information and services
among individuals and groups having a common interest: Working
mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage
successfully. 2. the design, establishment, or utilization of a computer
network.
–adjective 3. of or pertaining to a network or networking: networking
software, a networking system.
Origin:
1935–40; network + -ing 1
Networking

7. Social Networking: A quick overview
www.commoncraft.com/video-social-networking

8. Who’s in your Network?– Leverage all Relationships
Ana Ponder
(Customer
former Client)
? Cam Stewart
(Your next role) (your Hair Stylist)
Sheila Dil You Ava ?
(University (your “sweet
Professor) spot”)
Ben Edwards ? (someone
(Bio/Pharma) you don’t
Diane Green
know )
(Finance)

9. Who is in your Network - Exercise
1. List the top 5 people in your Network
Name Role or Title Functional Area of expertise
2. Why are they in your Network?
3. Why are you in their Network?
4. What are you doing for them?

10. Ask Yourself…
Do you do this? Or Do you do this?
• Provide a service because it’s • Provide a service and expect
the right thing to do that you should get something in
• See a need and act on it return
• Give of your time, talent and • Ask what’s in it for me?
effort • Receive the benefits of others
• Want recognition time, talent and effort
• Focus on others’ weaknesses • Want to reproduce themselves
• Want to hold on to power • Focus on others’ strengths
• Want to share power
There is no right or wrong answer, but be honest about what motivates you

11. The Relationship Matrix
You

12. Growing Your Network…
Who do you target? How do you do it? What needs to be said?
Influencers/Key Decision Leverage contacts Position you as the brand
Makers (i.e., people within within your network to of choice based on
your network that wield set-up introductions and objective facts & data
power and influence) help facilitate dialogue (i.e., respected 3rd party
support from people
within your network), or
customer testimonials
Personal Champions (i.e., Leverage your network Position you as the best
people within your to enlist “active” support & most logical choice as
network who will actually from people who are the circumstances and
do something on your your biggest fans situation requires (i.e.,
behalf) people who can speak to
your character and
expertise) and be
believable

13. Key Take-aways…
• Make it your business to meet 1 new person a week
• Get out of your comfort zone and affect change
• Suggested social networking tools:
– www.facebook.com
– www.linkedin.com
– www.myspace.com
– www.plaxo.com
– www.twitter.com
• Do it the “old fashioned way” – go out and meet someone you do
not know

14. “Perceived Value”

15. What motivates all people?
Hope of gain
Fear of loss

16. Perceived Value – “It’s Powerful!”
• Powers decision making via your conscious and unconscious mind
• You have a certain view of yourself, do others see you the same way?
• When was the last time someone asked you to be a reference?
• You are a brand like no other, you are unique and one of a kind – grow
your brand, cultivate it and protect it
• Perfect your gifts and abilities, practice and become an expert – you
become expert at something after ~10,000 hours of practice
• Your attitude will determine your altitude – think positively!

17. Remember…
Opportunity + Action = Success!

18. Next Steps…
1. Apply what you’ve learned
2. Give of yourself freely
3. Don’t become discouraged
4. Expect to be successful
5. Connect with someone you do not know

19. ?
Eric S. Smith, Founder & CEO
collaborativE Synergies, LLC.
“a management consulting company”
P.O. Box 155
Souderton, PA.
18964-0155
215-896-2373
collaborativesynergies@gmail.com

20. Back - up

21. NEWS ALERT 05/01/10
FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY REPORTED FIRST-QUARTER PROFIT OF $3.6 BILLION, COMPARED TO A
LOSS OF $1.5 BILLION IN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
WARREN BUFFETT, RELEASING THE EARNINGS AT THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER
MEETING, SAID “THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IS SHOWING SIGNIFICANT SIGNS OF RECOVERY FOR
THE FIRST TIME. TRENDS REALLY SEEM A FAIR AMOUNT STRONGER IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS,"
BUFFETT SAID.

22. 22