What is networking, why does it work, who makes a great networker, what do they do and how does this information apply to my personality? Where does networking fit into the firm’s future? Overcoming objections “I didn’t join this firm to be a sales person!” The great news – master networkers don’t sell, they connect with others. This stage includes practical time efficient systems to ensure you continually expand your network as well as maintain what you have – starting with a networking audit and moving through to a six month networking plan and self-networking tracker to measure the results.

Having identified your substantial networks – both personal and professional via your networking audit, who do you want to refresh connections with, what are your options here and why will you bother? What are your goals and how can networking assist you to achieve them? The death of six degrees of separation and the birth of two to three degrees of separation. Values and ethics form the foundation of your networking activity. How to place a value on your personal brand and reputation in the marketplace. Observing traits of master networkers and adapting the essentials and considering inclusion of the non-essentials.

Taking the fear out of attending networking events – business and social. What makes a great conversationalist and how you can engage people within seconds of your opening line? How to approach total strangers easily and effortlessly. Entrances and exits and the part they play in maximising your event attendance. The importance of acting like the host at all times – not the guest. Where the key players and spheres of influence are located at every event? How to juggle food, drinks, business cards and networking. The importance of placing more value on your passions, life experiences and wisdom and valuing what you have to contribute to conversations. Removing the “:just a”… from your conversations.

What are your networking blind spots and why might they be sabotaging your results? How you can eliminate current and prevent future blind spots. How to create simple, time efficient systems for follow up and keeping in touch with your various networks? The power of WOW - but first you have to know what is important and of interest to your clients and internal networks. How to work strategically towards nurturing your networks and strengthening your connections with key players.

The benefits of growing your clients business as well as the firms. How to network comfortably within your client’s organisation and on-site. Why revenue enhancement has become the new added value, client for life strategy that takes less than 5 minutes per day to implement. Identifying your advocates – internally and externally and initiating regular connections with them for mutual benefit.

Pitfalls to avoid with prospective allies. How the small fish can turn into the big fish quickly once you prove yourself. Avoiding risk with allies and the importance of quality not quantity. “To go fast go alone to go far go together” – African proverb and how that applies to your career as well and your own alliances.

What is forensic networking and why has it become the key business development tool for rainmakers? The bigger the client, the slower the decision theory and how to crack that code. Identifying the new business prospects that will be worth the time, effort and energy required to secure them. Reaching agreement on the length of time required and allocated to secure new business. Celebrating your success!