Networking for Success
Business networking is an effective and efficient way for professionals to connect, develop meaningful relationships, and grow their businesses. This course covers the essential ingredients for successful business networking — from assessing your current skills and crafting a memorable introduction, to leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Over twelve sessions, you'll build the confidence, strategies, and systems needed to network with purpose and integrity.
What you'll learn
- Introduce yourself in a meaningful, memorable way using a well-crafted elevator pitch
- Be goal-focused about networking to make the most of events you attend
- Apply the concept of 'give first' as part of a system of reciprocity
- Use strategy and systems to network effectively and consistently
- Leverage the Internet, including LinkedIn and Twitter, to expand and manage your network
Preview a lesson
What Is Business Networking? Business networking is far more than simply meeting people and exchanging business cards. At its core, it is a **strategic approach to sales and marketing** that extends your reach and generates referrals, introductions, and ultimately, new business opportunities. A solid business network — whether it consists of 50 or 1,000 contacts — is your pathway to getting your goods and services to market. Unlike traditional advertising, networking allows you to reach decision-makers more effectively, build deeper relationships, and benefit from the power of personal recommendations. Networking draws on principles found throughout sales, management, coaching, and facilitation. It is grounded in common sense and requires a genuine commitment to relationship building. You are not there to sell — you are there to **connect, listen, and help**. Are You Committed? To get the most out of networking, you must be honest with yourself about where you currently stand. Consider rating yourself on these 10 principles of networking success (1 = not as effective as I could be; 5 = more effective than anyone else I know): 1. I have a quick, compelling elevator speech. 2. I differentiate myself from my competition. 3. I am committed to serving and helping others. 4. I operate with high integrity. 5. I am targeting my ideal client. 6. I attend networking events
…Enroll to read the rest and the full curriculum.
Curriculum
Module 1: Course Overview & Assessing Your Networking Skills
2 lessons- textWhat Is Business Networking?Preview
- quizModule 1 Quiz
Module 2: Identifying Opportunities & Customizing Your Approach
2 lessons- textDifferentiating Yourself and Preparing to Network
- quizModule 2 Quiz
Module 3: Creating a Positive First Impression
3 lessons- textBody Language and Being a Conduit
- textThe Professional Handshake
- quizModule 3 Quiz
Module 4: Your Memorable Introduction
2 lessons- textCrafting Your Elevator Pitch
- quizModule 4 Quiz
Module 5: Starting the Conversation & Following Up
3 lessons- textThe Art of Small Talk and Conversation
- textHandling Tough Situations
- quizModule 5 Quiz
Module 6: Business Cards & Organizing Your Network
3 lessons- textBusiness Card Etiquette
- textOrganizing Your Network and Setting Goals
- quizModule 6 Quiz
Module 7: Leveraging the Internet for Networking
3 lessons- textUsing LinkedIn to Build Your Network
- textUsing Twitter and Facebook for Networking
- quizModule 7 Quiz