Presentation skills and networking
One of the great things about improving your presentation skills
is that it helps so much with networking. And networking seems
to be the big one' these days when it comes to growing your
business.
You have probably seen the typical networking meeting; people
standing around looking lost - or talking to other people they
already know (that's safe!)
But no-one goes to a networking event to meet people they already
know! The whole point is to make new contacts, find new friends,
gain new opportunities to do business.
So, once you have gained a bit of confidence at
presenting/public speaking (or right away if you already have these
skills), prepare a (very) brief introduction for when you are
asked, "And what do you do?"
I recommend you try something like this:
"You know how people sometimes struggle to make effective
use of their time?"
"Yes."
"And they end up exhausted, miserable and bad-tempered all the time?"
"Oh, yes!"
"And that often leads to the break-up of their business, their career
and sometimes even their relationship?"
"Oh God, yes!!"
"Well, I help them to get their schedules sorted so they not only
get everything done that needs to be done, they also have time to
spare for fun and relaxation at the end of each day. But I don't
suppose that applies to you?"
"Oh my God, you had better believe it!"
Maybe a little over the top but I'm sure you get the idea!
Once you have your introduction sorted, get along to that
network group or coffee morning or whatever and make a bee-line
for someone standing on their own looking lost. Open with:
"Hi, what brings you here?" Crass but effective. No matter what
their response, you follow up by asking what they do. Once they
have told you, they will inevitably return the complement by asking
what you do, and away you go!
Now, that is a bit over-simplified and you can add in a lot more -
asking about family, how the journey to the event was, hobbies etc.
But even the short intro above will work provided you have the
confidence to initiate the conversation.
And if you do not have that confidence? Then get along to your
local Toastmasters club (
www.toastmasters.org to locate it) or book
yourself on to a presentation/public speaking workshop. You owe it
to yourself (and your family!) to develop what is probably the most
important single skill to acquire for your career development
Presentation skills and networking
By: Jim Ewan
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