I am developing, initially, a one-day networking training workshop, to help
people who want/need to be good at making and maintaining contact with other
people. Ie typically business folk like us, but also active career managers,
charities, etc. My experience is that in the UK I have seen people who are
very uncomfortable with it, or who are not very good at it, or who do it
extremely well, or who even overdo it!
I would value any views on the topic.
For example:
Do you: Agree there is a need? Know if anyone else does this already - well
and without charging the earth? Have any other comments?
Thanks in advance,
harish bhayani
6 Responses
Workshops
I have done a similar workshop, but lasting no more than an hour to 1 1/2 hours. Most of which I had been given. If you wish to look at my notes and swap some ideas please do not hesitate to contact me through my website http://members.lycos.co.uk/cheshcommitc/ .
The organisation I have done this through also does other types of management and leadership training, along with training and persenting skills. If I can be of any help.
Learning how to network
One of the best sessions I have ever attended was run by a chap called Clive Gott (clive@ltl.uk.net) – who delivers a highly effective, interactive and humourous session. He has built up a successful consultancy, with clients both large and small, through his own excellent networking skills – and for a small fee, will share his knowledge and experiences with you. Well worth the small fee!
Clive also runs personal development workshops, generally over a weekend (next one September) called Believe You Can where he also touches on What makes successful people successful? And he is also due to launch an audio programme which tackles the same question.
Can’t rate his sessions highly enough – “Anthony Robbins with a Yorkshire accent!”
That’s the only “How to Network” session I would recommend.
Give Clive my regards if you contact him!
Andrea Newton
Networking workshops
You could try your local Business Link/Chamber of Commerce. Business Link in Hertfordshire have got together with the CIPD and Chartered Management Institute to provide training and seminars, and lots of networking activities. I do have a video on networking but it is from America so probably not available over here. If you want the name of it then contact me via my mail address.
Baracudas or meer cats
Hi Harish,
We run several short programmes and talks on networking, and you’re right there are startling differences between what people think about and how they act as networkers.
If you’d like a copy of some of the material that we use let me know.
Cheers,
Megan
Yes there is a need for networking support
Hello Harish,
Yes, we provide this training and have developed a day-long package. From my own experience of belonging to and actively contributing to various ‘networks’ I agree with your observations.
We focus on the skills needed to interact positively and professionally with other business people as well as colleagues and clients from the individual’s organisation.
A tip for your content (if you need one!!??) is that the secret for individuals is to project a positive image of themselves and their message. Everything they do should reflect this – as naturally as possible.
A couple of good authors worth reading are: Dr Ivan Misner (The World’s Best Kept Marketing Secret) of Business Network International fame.
Also check out Business Referral Exchange (BRE) at http://www.brenet.co.uk BNIs site.
If you want any specific material just drop me an e-mail.
Good luck,
Regards,
Geoff
Responses to my note
Many sincere thanks to all who responded on and off line. I have gathered much to think about over the last couple of weeks. Workshop will go ahead, scheduled for 8 October!