I'm carrying out a project funded by Lancaster University on professional networking at an FE College and a University in central London. The project focuses on how effectively staff network and will make recommendations on development activities that might enhance their networking skills. Any useful references or comments on this topic would be most welcome.
Julie Davies
7 Responses
Effective networking can be learnt
Am very interested in what you are doing – since I teach networking skills for a living! I certainly believe that while some people are ‘natural networkers’, most of us have to work at improving our networking abilities. Partly, I think, this is a question of simply learning some skills – but people’s mindset and approach is also a very important factor. Do call me – there’s a lot we could discuss, and I’m sure I could be of help. My number is 07947 010 342.
Offline & Online Networking
I have found two ways to network effectively – offline and online. For offline networking, I would recommend your staff spend an evening at a ‘Speed Networking’ seminar. (This is similar to speed dating – I’m told, but with more tangible results.) Learning the ‘How to’ and putting it into practice at the seminar is a very comfortable way to get up and running. These seminars are usually run locally, try your nearest BusinessLink or Chamber of Commerce for information.
I am new to online networking (started two weeks ago) and I find it very effective and professional. I am in the e-learning industry and have already 300+ e-learning professionals in my network that I can contact directly. I also have access to 23,000 + international contacts. This is not face-to-face, which suits everyone who needs to network beyond his or her immediate catchment’s area.
I am using http://www.linkedin.com for online networking but there are others around and they vary as to the number of industries covered and the quality of the users. I choose this one simply because I was invited by someone to join their Linked In network. Feel free to contact me should you want to try this one or do a Google search on networking and be amazed by what is out there.
networking ‘L’ plates!
Hello Julie
I agree that networking effectively requires a certain number of skills and experience. Business Link in Northampton have recognised this and are about to launch a new speed networking series of events under the banner of BALLOON. These are aimed at people new to networking and will include a series of speakers to help attendees enhance their networking skills and opportunities.
If you want more info feel free to email me and I can put you in touch with organisers.
Sally
Networking Professional
Hi Julie
May I suggest an excellent website http://www.magicof.co.uk which has a lot of detail on networking and networking skills. I have seen Heather White (the proprietor) speak and she is certainly very knowledgeable on the subject.
Good Luck
Ian Redington
People will network if they want to.
Networking skills like any training will only be effective if the trainees want to network.
Any form of training has only a limited effectiveness if the individuals being trained cannot see a “Win” for themselves when they use that training.
The traditional “Win” is a physical reward like money or status but their effect is temporary as people rapidly change a reward into an expectation.
The real “Win” is when an individuals efforts are recognised and appreciated.
When that happens staff will want to network more to get more recognition, more “Wins” that will allow them to feel good about what they do.
recommended training
Roy Sheppard runs some good training which debunks some of the issues about being a real networker – rather than a shark cruising the waters for business! His website is http://www.RoySpeaks.com
Regards
A summary ?
Julie,
if you’re getting emails about comments, is there now a summary of your work you could post/send ?