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HUDDLE TIME
The Magic of Networking
By Robyn Henderson, CSP
Networking accounts for approximately 87% of business in the market place today. It is a word that is bandied around in daily newspapers, offices and boardrooms. But how do you know if you are networking effectively or if there is room for improvement with your networking style?
Networking is in fact a life skill, not just something we do when we want something from someone we know or from a total stranger.
Two major keys
There are two main keys to successful networking:
• Give without expectation. Do things for others. Not just to get something back but rather to help that person achieve their goals or solve their problems.
• Have an abundance mentality. Firmly believe that there is plenty of opportunities (business and personal) for everyone.
Great networkers listen
Great networkers are generally great listeners. They believe in having quality conversations not quantity. They don't try to talk to everyone in a crowded networking event. What's the point? The conversations will be shallow, brief and more than likely not memorable for either party.
Quality conversations, on the other hand, allow you to get to know a little more about the other person, build rapport and hopefully develop the foundation of trust. And trust, is the glue that keeps networking together. People today want to do business with people they know, like and trust. Without trust, business rarely happens.
A suggestion to assist with remembering who you have met and differentiating them from all the business cards in your top drawer is quite simple.
ROBYN HENDERSON, CSP, is a Global Networking Specialist from Australia. Email: inetwork@ozemail.com.au. Web site: www.networkingtowin.com.au.
HUDDLE TIME
Top Ten Keys to Delivering Exceptional Presentations Every Time
By Charles Powell
In a time when we are called upon to make a presentation, here are some key elements to a really great one. Avoid the jitters by doing it right the first time.
- Start preparing early. Begin at least a month before you are to give the presentation.
- Jot down rough ideas for presentation as they occur to you. Keep a pen and note-book handy so you don't forget any good ideas that come to you. I even keep a pen and notebook on my bed stand. Some of the best ideas I've had have been during the time when I am just dozing off - and my mind is wandering free - full of creative ideas.
- Write down an outline. List what you want to cover. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just get the essential concepts down on paper. You can revise and expand on the outline as you go.
- Make a list of things you will need. Props, audio visuals, handouts, equipment and other things you will need for a really great job. Keep this list handy so you can add to it as ideas come.
- Pick out five or six humorous stories or anecdotes. You can insert these in your presentation. All audiences love humor. Whether you are giving an annual update to a group of shareholders or participating in a weekly meeting - a little levity or wit will warm your audience to you like nothing else.
- Write out a script. The script is the next step using the outline you created and the ideas you have been jotting down. Don't worry that your script is not perfect. You can change it as you go along - and you are not going to use it in your final presentation. It is only a tool you will use to commit the presentation to memory.
- Read the script silently at least 10 times. Read it to yourself, with feeling. Imagine yourself giving the speech.
- Read it out loud ten more times.
- Now try to give the presentation without looking at your script. If you get hung up, glance down and continue, then go from memory again.
- Develop a presentation map and rehearse the presentation. A presentation map is merely a graphic representation of your presentation. Just draw any kind of picture or diagram which covers your presentation. Now, using the presentation map, rehearse the presentation as many times as it takes to get it down pat.
Charles Powell, B.S.Ed, can be reached at Coach@coach-charles.com, or visited on the web at www.coach-charles.com/ The original source is: Bret Chesbro, ATM, ToastMasters: Bridge Talkease Club 9235. Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002 by Thomas J. Leonard.
HUDDLE TIME
7 Keys to Generate Mountains of Referrals
By Alan Rowe, BNI Executive Director, Australia
- Develop a good reputation. Attend networking functions weekly and become known weekly and become known as a leader in your industry.
- Maintain your Database. And stay in touch often. Contact every 60 to 90 days.
- Work your internal network. Ask for referrals. Tell your existing customers you are always looking for referrals, for yourself and your referral network. If you do not ask, you do not get.
- Give one referral per day. Avoid keeping score. "Give without Remembering, Receive without Forgetting."
- Keep your ears and your mind open. When someone mentions they have a problem, this is your opportunity to help them.
- Remember to say "Thank You." Say "thank you" to the person who has given you the gift of new business. Send a card, make a call or write a letter. You may be surprised at the result.
- Stay committed. Commitment is the key. Any decision you make is only good at the commitment you make to its outcome.
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