Networking in Business

What is Networking?

Networking is building and developing mutually beneficial

relationships.
Successful networking occurs when people come together based on mutual respect and
common interests, then voluntarily provide support for others with no strings attached.
They believe that by helping others, they’ll eventually end up helping themselves.

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What it isn’t and What it is …
 Meeting one-off  Building strong, lasting relationships
contacts who get you  Using existing skills in a focused
something way
 A drawer full of  Making the most of arranged and
business cards chance meetings
 Making direct  Following up your contacts
approaches with a
request for jobs

X 
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 Networking
 a strategy for career development and exploration

 „Business Networking is the process of developing and activating your

relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge and expand
your sphere of influence.” (Dr Ivan Misner)

 Networking is used by professionals to widen their circles of acquaintances, find

out about job opportunities, and to increase their awareness of news and trends in
their fields.

 Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn provide an online location for

people to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share
information.
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 Why Is Networking Important in Business?

Business networking is the process of establishing a

mutually beneficial relationship with other business people
and potential clients and/or customers. The primary purpose
of business networking is to tell others about your business
and hopefully turn them into customers.

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Why Is Networking Important in Business?
 Building relationships can be the key to building a successful
business.
 You can multiply your career opportunities
 By talking to people from different companies, you expand
your knowledge and learn about what fields interest you.
 Applying your networking skills helps you to build
professional confidence and interpersonal skills
 Improves brand awareness
 Helps build reputations
 Provides opportunities and support
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Identify your current network using a
network map

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Source: http://nus.edu.sg 8
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The Importance of Networking
 Develop contacts
 In all types of business and industries
 Develop professional references
 Create lasting relationships

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Benefits of Networking include:
 Information sharing
 Sharing ideas and solving problems
 Building strong relationships
 Developing partnerships and referrals
 Promotion
 Credibility
 Higher self-esteem and confidence
 Increasing efficiency and productivity
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Where can you find
business networking
opportunities?

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Where can you find
business networking
opportunities?
 Conferences
 Events
 Online
 Trade shows

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Some Networking Tips
 Attend networking events
 Have your ”elevator pitch” ready
 a short, impactful speech
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=53
&v=8qwmH94BTiw&feature=emb_logo
 Choose a goal (e.g. making new connections; learning
about new developments)

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Thank you for your attention

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