Networking and Relationship Building Title: Networking and Relationship Building Subtitle: Lesson 6 Presented by: Fatima Contact Information: makaremalakhlaaq@gmail.com
Welcome & Review of Previous Lessons
Welcome back!
In our previous lessons, we covered ◦
business terminology ◦
professional emails and reports ◦
public speaking and presentations ◦
negotiation skills ◦
and cross-cultural communication.
Today, we’ll focus on networking and relationship building in business.
Objectives of Today's Lesson
Today's objectives are to:
1. Understand the importance of networking in business.
2. Learn effective working strategies.
3. Practice building professional relationships.
Importance of Networking in Business
Networking is crucial in business for:
• Building connections and relationships
• Discovering opportunities for collaboration and growth
• Gaining insights and advice from others in your industry
What experiences do you have with networking?
Key Components of Networking
Successful networking involves several key components:
Building Relationships:
Establish genuine connections with people.
Mutual Benefit:
Seek ways to provide value and help others.
Consistency:
Maintain and nurture your network over time.
Follow-Up:
Stay in touch and follow up after initial meetings.
How do you usually approach networking?
Networking Strategies
Here are some effective networking strategies:
Attend Industry Events:
Conferences, seminars, and networking mixers.
Join Professional Organizations:
Associations related to your industry.
Utilize Social Media:
LinkedIn and other platforms for networking.
Seek Mentorship:
Connect with experienced professionals for guidance.
Offer Help:
Provide assistance or insights to others in your network.
Which of these strategies do you find most appealing?
Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief introduction that summarizes
◦ who you are
◦ what you do
◦ and what you’re looking for in about 30 seconds.
It’s useful for networking and making a memorable impression.
Let’s practice crafting your elevator pitch.
Take a few minutes to write down key points about yourself, your skills, and your career goals.
Building Professional Relationships
Building strong professional relationships involves:
Communication:
Clear and effective communication.
Trust:
Building trust through honesty and reliability.
Reciprocity:
Offering help and support to others.
Respect:
Valuing others’ opinions and perspectives.
Do you have any strategies you use to build professional relationships?
Networking Etiquette
Networking etiquette is important for making a positive impression:
Introductions:
Use proper introductions and remember names.
Listening:
Actively listen to others and show interest.
Follow-Up:
Send a thank-you note or email after networking events.
Respect Boundaries:
Be mindful of personal space and time.
Have you encountered any challenges with networking etiquette?
Role-Play Exercise - Networking Event
Let’s practice networking through a role-play exercise.
Imagine you’re attending a networking event or conference.
I’ll play the role of a fellow attendee, and we’ll have a conversation.
Remember to use your elevator pitch and networking strategies.
Are you ready to begin?
Conduct the role-play exercise, providing feedback on the student’s networking skills.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can be challenging at times, but here are some tips to overcome common challenges:
hyness or Introversion:
Start with smaller groups or one-on-one conversations.
Fear of Rejection:
Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just immediate outcomes.
Time Management:
Prioritize networking events that align with your goals.
Following Up:
Use tools like LinkedIn to stay connected and follow up easily.
Do you have any specific challenges you’d like to discuss?
Group Networking Activity
Let’s conclude with a group networking activity.
Imagine you’re part of a networking group with other professionals.
How would you introduce yourself and initiate conversations to build connections?
Take a few minutes to prepare your approach.
Review & Q&A
Let’s review what we’ve covered today.
We discussed the ◦
importance of networking in business ◦
effective networking strategies ◦
and practiced building professional relationships.
Do you have any questions or need any clarifications?