Networking / Not Working

I do a lot of both but someone asked me the other day for some thoughts on networking,

They were attending an event and were expected to network and didn’t know where to start

So for those that need a little structure and a way to begin, here are some thoughts.

Over time this becomes a natural way of thinking but this will get you going. 

And for those of you that get a little concerned about "interrupting" people, just remember 
Everyone attends these events to extend their circle of contacts, ie everyone is there to meet people.

Networking is a job that needs objectives and preparation 
Try this simple 6 step process, 
1) Get a list of the companies or people that are attending 
2) Choose the 5 companies / people that you would like to meet 
3) Answer this question. Why do you want to meet them, what is the one thing you would tell them given the chance? 
4) Put your answer to step 4 into a two sentence thought for each person you are wanting to meet.  (it has to be different every time, each company is different, you can’t possibly say the same thing to everyone).  
5) Go find them, read the name badges and introduce yourself and ..........speak.
"Hello I'm (your name) I was hoping I'd meet / bump into you (insert two sentence reason) don't want to take up your time now but if you let me have your card I'll call you in a couple of days" 
6) Follow up in a few days


You are never going to sell anything at this sort of event so don't try, your objective is to say hi and start a relationship 


Have fun. 


 

Don’t Judge Me

They say it’s an honour just to be nominated.

Although, it’s usually said through clenched teeth.

But let me tell you, it’s also an honour to be asked to judge.

As a result, I’ve spent a few very happy few months sitting on judging panels for various industry awards.

But while it’s great to be asked, and I’m happy to play a part, the truth is I didn’t fully appreciate the work involved.

I know, I know. 

Working hard or hardly working?

But honestly, judging other people’s work is a tough job.

I guess all those years on the other side of the process have given me an appreciation for where the entries are coming from.

I’ve slaved over those entry forms.

I’ve gathered the data.

I’ve written the summaries.

So I owe it to the entrants to give their submissions the time they deserve.

But when the standard is so very high (and it really is) judging becomes increasingly difficult.

In that spirit, I’d like to share the benefit of my experience.

You’re going to be 1 of 20 or 30 in a category.

You need to stand out, be memorable.

Tell a story, but make it short, because wading through an ocean of text is hard.

Wading through 30 is downright impossible.

Make the key take-outs stand out.

Bold, colour, highlights – it’s your choice.

Think about what is background information, and what was key to your success.

Videos and images all help tell your story.

Yes, I know some awards give you forms to fill in and ask you to stick to a format.

But here’s a little secret - everyone sticks to the format, but some think to add appendices.

Judges are (sort of) duty bound to see everything, I know I did.

Results, results, results.

The more impressive the better.

And don’t underestimate the value of a great client endorsement.

(I know clients don’t want to go overboard but try and make them energetic)

And finally…

Sorry to be that guy, but check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Individually, it’s not vital, but when reading entry after entry it can become wearying.

So good luck.

Be brilliant.

And remember me in your acceptance speech.