The document provides tips for researchers on how to network successfully at events. It recommends doing homework beforehand to research who will attend and their interests. Goals for the event should be set, such as speaking to 4-5 new people. Key people to target can be contacted ahead of time. Conversations should focus on the other person and providing value to them through information, introductions or invitations to build memorable connections. Follow up is important using LinkedIn, introductions or relevant information. An action plan outlines specific changes to improve networking like arriving early.

1. The secrets of successful
networking for researchers
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

2. Networking on purpose
Think about your next networking event and ask yourself...
Why am I going?
What specifically would make it worth the investment of my precious time?
Who could be my networking buddy?
Who else can I contact ahead of time to arrange a brief conversation there?
What do I need to know about the key people there?
What new information will be most useful to me?
What other goals can I set?
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

3. The 5 Step Networking Conversation
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Small Talk
3 things you have in common with everyone in the room:
1. Location (journey, what can you see that the other person can comment on? For example
the coffee, buffet)
2. Host (other events/ part of the organisation long?)
3. Networking (other events – networking tips)
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

4. Tips on Becoming an Active Listener
Pay Attention
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Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognise that
non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.
Look at the speaker directly.
Put aside distracting thoughts.
Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal.
Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations.
"Listen" to the speaker's body language.
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Show That You're Listening
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Use your own body language and gestures to convey your attention.
Nod occasionally.
Smile and use other facial expressions.
Note your posture and make sure it is open and inviting.
Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and oh right.
Reflect
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Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a
listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect what is
being said and ask questions.
Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. "Sounds like you are saying," is a great ways to
reflect back.
Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say..?"; "Is this what
you mean?"
Summarise the speaker's comments periodically.
Defer Judgment
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Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the
message.
Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions.
Don't interrupt with counter arguments.
Active listening is a model for respect and understanding. You are gaining information and
perspective. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting him or her
down.
Assert your opinions respectfully.
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

5. Fruitful Following up
Write a yes/no against each:
The next day...
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Do I block out time in my diary to send the personalised nice-to-meet-you emails, any
promised information or make introductions?
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Am I adding these contacts to my contacts database/address book and making notes on
their record so I can remember small personal details?
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For key contacts, do I invite to connect on Linked In, follow on Twitter, sign up to blogs and
their newsletters?
The next fortnight....
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Do I set up Google Alerts so that I’m informed of their news and if appropriate get in touch?
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Discuss topics in online forums/groups?
Over the next few months...
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Invitations: Do I invite them to events, seminars etc?
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Introductions: Do I introduce them to others?
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Information: If I saw some information that might be of use to them – would I send them a
“Saw this and thought of you” email? For key contacts, are there any useful books or papers
that I could send?
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

6. Secrets of Successful Business Networking for Researchers
Events can be daunting, particularly if you’re not prepared, so here are some tips to ease the
process...
Networking is like farming not hunting – it’s a process that takes time because people tend to work
with those they know, like and trust. This means you need to keep going to events to build the
relationships.
Do your homework – find out who’s going to be there, research what they’re working on and
interested in.
Set yourself some goals – if you have some names of people you want to speak to then great, if not
aim to speak to 4-5 people you don’t know. Don’t hide behind your phone at the break times!
How to spot the people you want to talk to – can you get in touch with them before hand and offer
to do something for them/arrange to meet up? Stand by the registration table so you can see who’s
coming in and the name badges they pick up.
Aim to be interesting and memorable – give people time, energy, attention, ideas, information,
introductions or invitations. When you help people you instantly become memorable. Act like the
host and introduce yourself to people – they will remember you for it.
Who to approach - there are only ever 6 groups of people in a room – look for the open groups and
individuals. Also threes are often easier than twos.
What to say - you have 3 things in common with everyone in the room – your location, your host
and that you’re networking. There are 5 steps to an effective networking conversation – get in, ask
about them, talk about you, chat, get out.
Talking about your work – people don’t care what you do, they care what you cause. You’ll have a
number of different ways to describe what you do depending on who’s in front of you. Have these
prepared before you go. Paint a picture of the problem and solution you’re researching. Speak
metaphorically to help non scientists to understand the complexity.
Exit strategies – “Shall we go and meet some others?”;” I’ve really enjoyed talking to you...Is there
anybody here you’d particularly like to meet?”; “I’ve enjoyed meeting you yet feel I’ve hogged you
for too long...”
Follow up – Use information, introductions and invitations. Keep your promises. How are you going
to keep in touch – Linked In, Twitter, coffee, other networking events? Make sure you’ve got
permission and you’re being relevant when you contact them. This will keep you out of the pest and
stalker category.
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.

7. Action plan
As a result of what you
now know, what are
you going to do
differently?
By when?
Be early
Next networking event
What may get in the
How will you address
way?
it?
trying to finish
Commit to leaving at
something off and
a specific time
leaving too late
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Coaching Creatives helps professionals become more confident and effective networkers. For more
information visit: www.coachingcreatives.co.uk or call Melissa Kidd on 07855 105 865.