I must thank Chris Roys – CEO of The Jessie may Trust for this article.

At a recent Bristol Business Network the seminar before the networking lunch was titled “The A-Z of Networking” which took people through the why, how, when, what, where and when we network.

This obviously got Chris thinking and I am extremely grateful that Chris gave me the following

This reads……

1.  Before the event – preparation – the guest list, the attitude you are bringing, your business cards, what are you going to present.  Where is the event?

2. Entering the event – what are you wearing, are you smiling, will you introduce yourself to those that you don’t know or someone on their own

3. Talking to other people – how do you handle your drink, canapes

4. What about inviting newcomers to join you

5. Breaking into a group – through regular attendance, listening, offering to help, sharing

5a Breaking into a group – at an event look for the position of people when they are talking – face to face with feet together – an in depth conversation – or stood at an angle to one another – feet apart – open to others to join in

6. The formal bit – your presentation, what’s your story, what will be different, be memorable.  Listening to others presentations – what opportunities could you offer as a result of what someone has said – a link, a connection, a referral etc.

7. What will you do with the business cards that you have been given – have you made any notes on them – something personal/relevant/memorable/unique

8.  What will you do to follow up? No action is not an option – be different and do something memorable (see 7.)

9. What about the next event – could you catch up, meet again, sit with, meet before, meet after, share experiences

10. Difficult situations – How to leave and move on – introduce others into conversation then move on

10a. Difficult situations – What if someone says something offensive, rude even slanderous – what do you do?

10b. Difficult situations – Sexual innuendo/attraction – it can happen – how do you react?

11.  Remembering peoples names and faces

12.  Evaluating your experience and what is a good result

Thank you again to Chris for this and over the course of the next few months the questions asked will be answered using the resources and experiences that are there available!

If you enjoyed this article what about donating to The Jessie May Trust

Bristol Business Network Charity of the year 2013

Jessie May is a local charity that provides vital nursing care, within the family home, for children who have life limiting conditions. In addition they provide respite days, packed with activities, with expert care on hand giving parents and siblings a chance to do some of the things you and I take for granted – such as the weekly shop or perhaps even a trip to the zoo.

Other ways you can help

1. Many companies have charity committees – if yours does it would be great to get an introduction to the chair or other members.
2. As well as hard cash we also need IT hardware, office equipment, furniture etc. If you become aware that your company or a client company is getting rid of good stuff then you might point them in our direction?
3. Also as I mentioned we are currently collecting old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges for recycling which raises money for us. A new fundraising initiative is recycling old jewelry – gold silver, costume jewelry and watches broken and damaged all can be recycled and raise money for us.
4. You may be a member of a sports club, a choir, or other leisure group. These often raise money for charities also – consideration of Jessie May would be very helpful.
5. An opportunity for you to market your business through sponsoring our newsletter for example.

Or a great way of raising team morale by a team participating in a fun fundraising event.

If you want any information on any of these ideas then please email me or ring me – Chris Roys   Chief Executive   01179616840

chris.roys@jessiemaytrust.org.uk   www.jessiemaytrust.org.uk

Plethora of Networking Articles here