Networking Masterclass -

How to get in with those in the know!

1. WITHIN YOUR COMPANY
   
   It's often the only way to find out about opportunities and promotions, and will get you on the radar of people with power.  Be everyone's friend. Likeability makes people more inclined to share information, so you'll be 'in the know'.  Do lunch. Colleagues often relax when they socialise in a different environment.  Pinpoint the 'influencers' within your organisation, take them to lunch and work out how you can work with them to get them on side. Volunteer. Get yourself noticed by volunteering to be part of a group for a new project or if your company supports a charity, join in some fundraising activities.
   
   
2. WITHIN YOUR INDUSTRY
   
   Make useful contacts and you'll hear about job opportunities - and creative new strategies. Be memorable. Before arriving at an event, identify the three key traits you want people to associate with you, and emphasise them while you network.  Try to frame your job in a memorable way.  Are you a personal trainer? Pitch yourself as a 'fat loss consultant'. Find an excuse to follow up. Useful people will stay useful if you are uppermost in their minds.  Find a pretext to stay in touch - jog their memory about your conversation or forward a relevant article.  Be confident and stay focussed. Force yourself to meet at least five new people at every event.  Attending solo?  Break into a group with a comment that takes the emphasis off yourself, like "Did you find the speech interesting?" Make a clean exit with, "It's been lovely to meet you but I must circulate whilst I am here."  
   
   
3. OUTSIDE YOUR INDUSTRY
   
   Networking is a great way to expand your client list and revenue source.  Plus, it's invaluable if you're keen to move into a new field or expand the scope of your business. Contact the key players. See who is Tweeting or blogging in the field or Google to find the people you need to network with. Contact them to ask for advice - most people will be flattered to be consulted.  Start a blog. It may sound like a big commitment, but it takes seconds.  And once your blog is being read by all your contacts - and all theirs - you'll have a huge audience that will look for your expertise when the need arises. Attend relevant networking events. You will meet like minded individuals and get advice from other successful business men and women.