Course Outcomes

This business networking course will:

  • Help course participants understand the benefits of networking and how they can leverage what and who they know to make connections.
  • Give participants the knowledge they need to research existing and potential connections.
  • Explain how to ask for referrals.
  • Suggest systems for nurturing and growing a business network.
  •  Review networking etiquette.

Course Overview

Just like that old commercial about two friends who told two friends who told two friends, people acquire a vast amount of their knowledge through other people. No book publishing company in the world can move as quickly as the human race when it comes to spreading information. And Google, as good as it is, can’t possibly filter results as well as a connected human being can. The payoff for developing a high-functioning business network can be huge. In this business networking course, participants will learn how to develop and grow their professional and personal relationships.

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:

  • Discuss the benefits of business networking.
  • Explain the seven Ps of networking.
  • Demonstrate how to properly introduce business associates.
  • Explain networking party know-how.
  • Demonstrate the use of email as an effective and appropriate networking tool.
  • Describe the basics of online networking.
  • Explore internal networking opportunities.
  • Describe how to follow up effectively with people in their network.
  • Demonstrate how to ask for what they need from their network.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

Getting Plugged In: Why Network

This program kicks off with an engaging discussion about what networking is and why it is important. Working through a series of exercises, participants will have the opportunity to articulate their short-term and long-term networking goals.

Ps, Please: The Fundamentals of Networking

In this second segment, we will discuss the seven Ps of effective networking: purpose, passion, personality, performance, perception, pursuit, and progress.  Participants will assess their current mastery of each “P” and develop a plan for improving areas where they fall short.

How Are You Wired?: Understanding Your Existing Network

You can’t sell what you don’t have or you don’t know you have. The first step in figuring out your value in terms of networking is thinking about what you know and who you know in a systematic way. In this portion of the workshop, participants will create a network map and take inventory of who they know and how they know them.

Giving a High-Voltage Performance: Manners, Please

Being well known is great unless, of course, you are well known for your poor behavior. This part of the program reviews the importance of networking etiquette and what to do when circuits break down.

Making Connections: How to Ask and Answer Questions

Our next seminar segment looks at questions that engage others and help to make connections. Participants will practice asking and answering a series of different inquiries. We will then evaluate what makes an effective question and a great answer.

Forming Unions: Networking Tools

Facebook, LinkedIn, email, and telephone calls are essential tools for business communication. In this segment, we will look at the rules of using all of them effectively. We will also discuss the importance of and methods for cultivating relationships both outside and inside the office.

On the Grid: Give Me What I Want

When it is time to ask for something from your network, it is important that you know how to do it correctly. In this area, style counts! During the final segment of the program, participants will practice asking for connections, tasks, recommendations, and other considerations.

Participants should leave this program with a solid plan for building their networks and enhancing their business relationships.