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subject: Presentation skills and networking [print this page]

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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