Jan 7, 2018
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of networking and the proper way to network online. We also discuss possible icebreakers to try at your next networking event. Later, we will break down how to use food to your advantage when trying to start a conversation. Opening Monologue: BECOMING A NETWORKING GURU [2:19]SEGMENT 1: **THE ADVANTAGES TO NETWORKING** [2:20] Opportunities Will Open Up [3:53] Generates Leads [4:54] Receive Great Advice [6:47] You Raise Your Profile [10:33] The Opportunity To Be A Positive Influence [12:11] Increased Confidence [13:51] Could Lead To A Personal Relationship [15:03] SEGMENT 2: **TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF NETWORKING** [15:35] Do Some Homework Before The Event [17:28] Don’t Go Too Early [18:00] Dominate The Room/Act With Confidence [20:03] Relax/Smile & Be Confident [21:06] Read Up On Current Events [21:56] Meet New People Because That The Point [23:29] Ask Open-Ended Questions [24:26] Be Mindful Of Your Alcohol Tolerance [26:09] Don’t Get Caught Without Business Cards [27:57] Wear Something That Stands Out [28:51] Hangout Near The Food [29:29] Find Groups to Network With [30:08] Bring A Wingman [31:02] Compliment People [31:45] Thank The Host [32:54] SEGMENT 3: **BREAKING THE ICE** [33:43] Say Hello [34:22] Ask Where A Person Is From [35:16] Ask What Their Motivation Was For Cominig [35:41] Ask About The Food….But Tread Lightly [36:35] Tell Me More About what You Do [38:07] Ask For Some Insight [39:46] **BREAK** [41:47] SEGMENT 4: **NETWORKING ONLINE** [42:34] Align Your Interests & Activities/LinkedIn Should Be Your Main Hub [43:20] Show Respect To The Someone’s Thread [46:19] Find People That You Admire [48:02] Add Value To The Group [49:28] Eventually Meet Face To Face [51:15] SEGMENT 5: **NETWORKING FACE TO FACE** [51:28] Start With Your Friends/The Inside-Out Strategy [52:58] Backwards Planning [54:10] The Elevator Pitch [57:06] Maybe Bring In Some Ice Breakers [58:11] Sometimes People Don’t Click…And Thats OK [59:00] Deepen The Conversation [1:01:11] Think Before You Speak [1:02:58] Ask The Question: What Can I Do For You [1:08:38] Exchange Business Cards [1:09:23] Follow Up [1:10:20] My Final Take [1:12:16] Ending Credits Want gear from The Startup Life? https://goo.gl/fP6Acv Need great teaching resources? https://goo.gl/kgyB1z Have comments or want to advertise on The Startup Life? counsel@askowlsolutions.com Looking for a nice co-working space in Memphis? http://www.entrememphis.com Past episodes mentioned: Selling Is Not Scary: https://goo.gl/eMste4 (SoundCloud Link) The Language Of Entrepreneurship: https://goo.gl/K8KgiE (SoundCloud Link) People and Organizations mentioned: Brain Booker of One Step Initiative: https://onestepinc.org STS Enterprise: https://www.stsenterprise.org The I Really Mean It Podcast by Ron Brooks: https://goo.gl/4xjV6Q Home Of the Hustle: https://www.facebook.com/homeofthehustle/ Additional Resources: Shapr http://www.shapr.co http://amazingbusiness.com/top-9-benefits-of-business-networking/ http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/03/21-practical-ways-to-overcome-your-fear-of-networking/ https://amp.businessinsider.com/best-icebreakers-for-networking-events-2016-8