My own tips for creating both a live and virtual reputation for knowledge and excellence.

3. What are the Goals of Networking?
1. To meet people to discover what their
interests are
No one cares about you and what you are doing
Everyone likes to talk about herself/himself
2. To discover others’ passion
3. To become a resource for others
This is part of what makes you an Authority in your field

4. Brain Training
• Everyone is shy and awkward in meeting new
folks!
Hint: call the event sponsor before you attend, and asked to be introduced!

5. Brain Training
• Think back to the person who helped you with
something practical (Plumber, Roofer, Car
Mechanic)
• Think back to folks you know: EVERYONE has
done something interesting, such as:

6. • Grandparents opened business
• Relative fought in foreign wars

8. • Funny wedding story
• Pets/Children
Spend some time thinking about everyone you
know and what’s unique about that person!

9. Even social people weren’t always…

10. You’re on a quest to discover
A person’s passion A person’s story
What they care about,
such as
Their “why”
OR
or

11. Example:
DC-3, Workhorse of World War II
Who knows what type of airplane this is?

12. Buy and Read Local Newspaper
You need to know:
• Business openings/closings
• Current local Business Issues:
– Zoning
– Taxes
– Roads/parking
CREATES conversation points and business intelligence
--you’ll look like an expert!

13. Collateral Preparation

14. Business Card Guide
• Keep at least 10 business cards or Post Cards
in your pocket/purse (one side Matte finish).
• Ask for their card instead of pushing your
card- give yours if the other person requests.
• Study the other person’s card. Check the
address or web name for clues.
• Make a note on their card (ball point pen)

15. Follow Up!
• Send email or call, by what the other person
prefers
• Stop by the business, if appropriate
• Invite to coffee/lunch (one-to-one) to get to
know them better: it’s all about their business
• Find points of interest, common thinking,
collaboration

16. Follow Up!
• When you provide them with something they
need, you will be seen as the “go to” person,
giving you brilliant reputation! That person
will then give a referral to you when you ask.
• Don’t expect everyone to be thinking about
which referrals would be best for you. You
need to supply that information.

17. Final Thoughts on In-Person
Networking:
• What can I do for you?
• What connections/ supplies/ suppliers do you
need?
• Please let me know what I can do for you!

18. Networking on LinkedIn
Or
Brief Guide to Maximizing
Your LinkedIn Efforts

19. LinkedIn as
Virtual Chamber of Commerce
Goals for using LinkedIn
– Position yourself to be an EXPERT in your field
– Find folks with similar interests
– Find folks for potential collaboration
– Find people who have what you need
– GIVE BACK and PAY IT FORWARD

20. General Posting Guidelines
• LinkedIn is not Facebook- no cutesy or baby photos,
nothing NSFW, all professional
• Schedule your posts (suggest weekly)
• Please avoid politics and religion until you see what
your followers are thinking
• Do post tips, advice, best practices, models, or
encouraging words (http://www.brainyquote.com/)
• Best Practice Examples:
– YaDa Chef
– The Career Engineer

21. Bryan is also active in the local Chamber of Commerce.

23. Posting can be simple on
LinkedIn
You always have an image with your own photo!
Ideas for your post:
o Tips on “how to”
o Best Practices on running a business
o How to find a professional ___________(anything/anyone)
o Reposting an article from professional sites or magazines

24. Why Do Weekly Posts?
• “You position yourself as the Expert in your
field,” says Sue White of Business Training
Team
• You remain in your Connections’ minds!
– Example: I am still giving references to folks in Fort
Lauderdale, though I haven’t lived there in three
years, because they keep posting on LinkedIn!

25. Whose posts do you follow?
• Easy to repost when you select well
• Avoid controversial items here, such as
political or religious posts. LinkedIn isn’t
Facebook
• Remember your connections, and send them
links/blogs/posts pertinent to them

26. Whose posts do you follow?
Example of LINKING individual with business
YOU are the Bridge

27. Make the
Connections
Be the Bridge

28. Finding Best Connections on LI
• Don’t link to all LinkedIn prompts
• Do look for connections of connections
• Do advanced search
(I took Sue’s webinar on this)
http://businesstrainingteam.com/free-weekly-
webinars/

30. Be the Bridge