Managing yourself - Learn to love networking

Article from Harvard Business Review by Tiziana Casciaro, Francesca Gino, and Maryam Kouchaki

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Focus on learning
2. Identify common interests
3. Think broadly about what you can give
4. Find a higher purpose

On Focus on learning

• Most people have a dominant motivational focus - what psychologists refer to as either a "promotion" or a "prevention" mindset. Those in the former category think primarily about the growth, advancement, and accomplishments that networking can bring them, while those in the latter see it as something they are obliged to take part in for professional reasons. 
• Promotion-focused people networked because they wanted to and approached the activity with excitement, curiosity, and an open mind about all the possibilities that might unfold.
• Prevention-focused people saw networking as a necessary evil and felt inauthentic while engaged in it, so they did it less often, and as a result, under-performed in aspects of their jobs. 
• It is possible to shift your mindset from prevention to promotion, so that you see networking as an opportunity for discovery and learning rather than a chore. Consider a work-related social function you feel obliged to attend. You can tell yourself, "I hate these kinds of events. I'm going to have to put on a show and schmooze and pretend to like it." Or you can tell yourself, "Who knows - it could be interesting. Sometimes when you least expect it, you have a conversation that brings up new ideas and leads to new experiences and opportunities". 
• If you are an introvert, you can't simply will yourself to be extroverted, of course. But everyone can choose which motivational focus to bring to networking. Concentrate on the positives - how it's going to help you boost the knowledge and skills that are needed in your job - and the activity will begin to seem much more worthwhile. 

On Identify common interests

• The next step in making networking more palatable is to think about how your interests and goals align with those of people you meet and how that can help you forge meaningful working relationships. 
• Northwestern University's Brian Uzzi calls this the shared activities principle. "Potent networks are not forged through casual interactions but through relatively high-stakes activities that connect you with diverse others. 
• Numerous studies in social psychology have demonstrated that people establish the most collaborative and longest-lasting connections when they work together on tasks that require one another's contributions. 
• When your networking is driven by substantive, shared interests you've identified through serious research, it will feel more authentic and meaningful and is more likely to lead to relationships that have those qualities too.

On Think broadly about what you can give

• Even when you do not share an interest with someone, you can probably find something valuable to offer by thinking beyond the obvious. Of course, this isn't always easy. 
• We've found that people who feel powerless - because they are junior in their organisations, because they belong to a minority, or for other reasons - often believe they have too little to give and are therefore the least likely to engage in networking, even though they're the ones who will probably derive the most benefit from it. 
• When people believe they have a lot to offer others, such as wise advice, mentorship, access, and resources, networking feels easier and less selfish. 
• However, even those with lower rank and less power almost certainly have more to offer than they realise. In their book "Influence without authority", Allan Cohen and David Bradford note that most people tend to think too narrowly about the resources they have that others might value. They focus on tangible, task-related things such as money, social connections, technical support, and information, while ignoring less obvious assets such as gratitude, recognition, and enhanced reputation. For instance, although mentors typically like helping others, they tend to enjoy it all the more when they are thanked for their assistance.
• People also appreciate those who understand their values and identities and make them feel included. 
• You might also have unique insights or knowledge that could be useful to those with whom you are networking. For example, junior people are often better informed than their senior colleagues about generational trends and new markets and technologies. 
• When you think more about what you can give to others than what you can get from them, networking will seem less self-promotional and more selfless - and therefore more worth your time. 

On Find a higher purpose

• Another factor that affects people's interest in and effectiveness at networking is the primary purpose they have in mind when they do it. 
• Any work activity becomes more attractive when it is linked to a higher goal. So frame your networking in those terms. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Building a strong network - Five ways to widen your circle of contacts

This post came out from The Straits Times (12 April 2016)
Title - Building a strong network - Five ways to widen your circle of contacts

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Focus on quality, not quantity
2. Be proactive
3. Think about what you can do for others
4. Volunteer
5. Avoid complacency

On Focus on quality, not quantity

• Having hundreds of connections or a huge collection of business cards serves no purpose if you do not have people who are willing and able to help you.
• Do your contacts know you well as a professional? Wold they be willing to collaborate with you or recommend you? If not, you need to work on strengthening the quality of the relationships you have within your network. 
• A good way to build strong relationships is to identify people who share your values and passions. Relationships that are founded on common values and interests are more likely to last, and are likely to be fulfilling.

On Be proactive

• It is important to take the initiative in staying in touch with your network. Do not wait for others to initiate things. To start networking with a person you are not familiar with, finding a common friend or interest, and expressing a genuine desire to connect may help. People generally will not refuse a request to connect with someone if there is mutual value-add in networking.

On Think about what you can do for others

• A great way to keep your network strong and health is to focus on what you can do for people in your network. For example, if you see an interesting piece of information or a job posting that might be relevant to someone you know, send it to him or her even if they have not explicitly asked you.
• Similarly, try to find opportunities or projects that you can work on with people in your network. At the same time, do not overdo it and impose yourself on others in the name of networking.

On Volunteer

• This is a great way to find a good network. Identify a meaningful activity that interests you, and join a group of volunteers in that line of work. You can try to volunteer in an activity that is related to your work. You will open yourself to a network of interesting people. Such a network can open up unexpected possibilities. Besides, volunteering is a fulfilling activity and looks great on your resume as well.

On Avoid complacency

• When times are good, it is easy to forget the importance of a network. Avoid being too complacent while cultivating relationships with people in your network.
• You can consider using a spreadsheet to keep track of your contacts and make sure you touch base with them regularly. Maintaining a strong network should always rank highly on your list of priorities. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Shy? You can still stand out in crowd during networking

This post came out from My Paper (12 April 2016)
Title - Shy? You can still stand out in crowd during networking

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Plant the seeds
2. Be a proactive listener
3. Be visible at the event
4. Craft a social media presence

On Plant the seeds

• Many event organisers share the list of attendees and speakers on the event website. You can use this to map out your wishlist of people whom you wish to meet and reach out to them prior to the event. 
• This could be as simple as introducing yourself to them via LinkedIn or e-mail and expressing an interest to meet at the event. By seeding connections with a group of like-minded people, you know there will be people at the event ready to talk to you. These people may then help to introduce other valuable contacts to you.
• Never be pushy or try to hard sell your company or product. Conversations at networking events are just the start of a relationship. You can always follow up by arranging a separate meeting after the event to discuss potential business dealings. If meeting many strangers is difficult for you, aim to make just a few quality connections.

On Be a proactive listener

• Introverts are happy to let others do the talking. However, 'active' listening requires some effort. Conduct background research on the professional profile of those on your wishlist. This will allow you to find some common ground or interesting discussion topics to initiate a meaningful conversation. 
• If there is a pause in the conversation, do not feel compelled to fill the silence unless you have something relevant to say During conferences, if there are any topics that spark your interest, jot down useful soundbites, quotes or questions that you can bring up during the networking session.

On Be visible at the event

• Introverts typically shy away from stepping into the spotlight. However, networking is easier if you are visible at the event. Ask questions or share a relevant story during the discussion time. This often encourages others to initiate a conversation on the same topic, for example, during tea breaks. 
• Read the conference topics ahead of time so you can prepare your list of questions or discussion points. Attend as many of the networking sessions as possible, including the breakfasts, tea breaks and cocktail sessions. 
• If you have free time during the event, resist the urge to sit in a corner and catch up on email messages. Instead, mingle and proactively look for people on your wishlist. If you are attending the event with co-workers, avoid spending all your time with them. It is easier for you to approach others - and for others to approach you - if you are by yourself.

On Craft a social media presence

• If being physically visible at an event is daunting, you may be more comfortable being present on social media platforms instead.
• Choose interesting moments, quotes, topics and photos that you want to share on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. Avoid simply rehashing what is going on at the event. Try contributing your views on the situation.
• Remember to use official conference hashtags, as this increases the likelihood that your post will be seen by other event attendees, who are more likely to engage in the same conversation. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

8 ways to be a good conversationlist

This post came out from The Straits Times (1 March 2016)
Title - 8 ways to be a good conversationalist

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Increase your knowledge - Read up on fiction and current affairs. This allows you to understand different perspectives of the world and prepares you to contribute more to conversations.
2. Smile - A smile defuses tension, especially when the other party is feeling out of place. It also breaks the ice and paves the way for small talk.
3. Speak simply and clearly - Get straight to the point. A great conversationalist is someone who communicate ideas clearly and in a straightforward manner.
4. Maintain eye contact - This tells the other party you are paying attention and interested in what he or she is saying.
5. Listen attentively - This enables you to craft good responses and contribute to the conversation. When you really pay attention to what the other person has to say, it adds a level of depth and meaning to your conversation and allows you to connect with him or her in ways like never before.
6. Ask meaningful questions - This allows deeper conversations to take place. Asking context-related questions is a good way to start a conversation.
7. Give the other party some room - We all have our own psychological safety distance, and if anyone crosses this barrier, we go into defensive mode. It is safer to maintain an arm's length or more from the other party, and adjust this as the conversation progresses. When the other party feels comfortable that his or her space is not being invaded, he or she will become more relaxed.
8. Show genuine interest - Your body language can make or break a conversation. Be natural. Use a smile or friendly touch to show that you enjoy talking to the other person.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

The Art of Evangelism

Article from Harvard Business Review by Guy Kawasaki

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. About evangelism
2. Schmoozing
3. Public speaking
4. Social media

On About evangelism

• When you become an effective evangelist, you don't just promote your organisation - you set an example for other employees. You show that you are a passionate, engaged team member. You inspire your colleagues. And you demonstrate your leadership ability. Look around your office and you'll see evanglists everywhere - the EVP who regularly contributes to conference panels; the teammate who tweets about industry research; the executive assistant who puts photos of new products in her Pinterest feed. They are the kinds of leaders companies want in their ranks today. So you should develop the skills yo uneed to join the club. 
• In my experience, there are three ways to effective evangelize: old-fashioned schmoozing, public speaking, and social media.

On Schmoozing

• It's much easier to evangelize to people you already know or people who already know you. The process of building such social connections is what we call schmoozing. If you're hesitant about this, because you are shy or you consider it offensive or manipulative, you need to change your mind. Doing this helps you to discover what you can do for someone else, and is the key to building the extensive, long-lasting, and trusting relationships that will make people believe what you have to say about your organisation. 
• Get out - Schmoozing is contact sport. You can't do it from your cubical, so force yourself to walk around the office, visit different floors and corporate locations, attend trade shows, conventions, seminars, conferences, and cocktail receptions.
• Ask questions - Good schmoozers don't dominate the conversation. They initiate it and then shut up and listen.
• Unveil your passions - If you can talk only about your job, you're a boring person. Successful schmoozers are passionate about multiple and diverse interests. A benefit of those passions is that they provide additional ways to connect with people. 
• Follow up - Send an email or call within 24 hours of meeting someone. Few people ever follow up, so the ones who do distinguish themselves as worth knowing.
• Email effectively - Email is a key tool. Make sure to optimize your subject lines and keep your messages short and simple, resend unanswered emails as a nudge, and always respond within 48 hours. 
• Make it easy to get in touch - Many people who want to be great schmoozers fail because they don't print their cell numbers on their business cards or include contact information in the signature area of their emails. Don't create hurdles to connection.
• Do favours - I believe there's a karmic scoreboard that tracks what you do for people. If you want to be a world-class schmoozer, ensure that your number on that scoreboard is high.

On Public speaking

• Deliver quality content - It's much easier to give a great speech if you have something to communicate. If you don't have anything to say, decline the opportunity. If you don't want to decline, do some research and find something interesting to say. That is 80% of the battle.
• Omit the sales pitch - Don't spend your time promoting yourself and your organisation or denigrating the competition. The worst speech you can give is one that people can interpret as a sales pitch.
• Customise - Tailor the first three to five minutes of every speech you make to the audience you're addressing that day. This will demonstrate that you've done your homework and have made an effort to provide a valuable and special experience. Try to find a personal link to the audience.
• Focus on entertaining - Many speech coaches will disagree with this, but they probably don't speak 50 times a year, as I do. My theory is that the goal of a speech is to entertain. If people are entertained, you can slip in a few nuggets of information. But if your speech is dull, no amount of information will make it great.
• Tell stories - The best way to relax when giving a speech is to tell stories - about your youth, kids, customers, things you have read. When you tell a story, you lose yourself in the storytelling. Good speakers are good storytellers, great speakers tell stories that support their message. 
• Circulate in the audience beforehand - Heighten interest in your success by meeting your listeners before the speech. Talk to them. Let them make contact with you - especially people in the first few rows. Then, when your're onstage, you'll see their friendly faces and your confidence will soar.
• Control what you can - If you have a choice, speak at the beginning of an event and ask for a small room. A  just-seated audience is more apt to listen to you, laugh at your jokes, and follow along with your stories, and a packed room is a more emotional one. It is better to have 200 people in a 200 seat room, rather than 500 people in a 1,000 seat room. 

On Social Media

• Offer value - Good stuffs come in four forms: information (what happened?), analysis (what does it mean?), assistance (how do I do that?) and entertainment (what the hell?)
• Be interesting - Many people mistakenly assume that their followers want to read about a narrow band of subjects. To do so would be boring, which doesn't work on social media. You should think more broadly.
• Take chances - Social media favour the bold, so don't hesitate to express your feelings and agenda. Take strong stands on issues that affect you, your organisation and your customers. 
• Keep it brief - People make snap judgments and move along if you don't capture their interest quickly. 
• Be a mensch - A mensch is a kind and honorable person who does the right thing the right way. Share other people's posts, make positive and intelligent comments, and suggest resources and solutions. Especially when you're curating, every post should contain a link, which sends traffic to the source as an act of gratitude, enables readers to learn more, and increase your visibility and popularity with bloggers and websites.
• Add drama - Every post should contain 'eye candy' in the form of a photo, graphic, or a video. If you have more than four paragraphs, try to use a bulleted or numbered list. 
• Tempt with headlines - I find posts titled "How to...", "Top 10..." or "The Ultimate..." irresistible. These words say to me, This is going to be practical and useful.
• Use hashtags - Hastags connect posts from people all over the world and add structure to an otherwise unstructure ecosystem. When you add hashtag to a post, you are telling people the post is relevant to a shared topic.
• Stay active - Be active I mean three to 20 different posts a day. As long as your posts are good, you can share more than that. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Be a networking smartie

This post came out from The Straits Times (21 November 2015)
Title - Be a networking smartie

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Know why you want to network
2. Decide where and how to do so
3. Tap into social media channels
4. Exit conversations gracefully

On Know why you want to network

• You never know who you have in your network that can introduce you to someone in the company that you wish to find out more/join. Share your past accomplishments with networking contacts so they feel comfortable referring you because they have confidence in your capabilities.
• But networking isn't about what you can get from others; it's about building a relationship. Think about what you can give in return. It's been said often enough that relationships are like bank accounts: You need to first make a deposit before you can make a withdrawal. This is important because successful networking is built on strong relationships. 

On Decide where and how to do so

• Prepare your personal branding statement. This will enable you to give a believable elevator pitch to questions such as "So, tell me about yourself" or "What do you do?". When you attend networking events that align with your purpose, you will not only be able to sound interesting and engaging, but convincing as well.
• Also, consider yourself a host of the event and introduce yourself to others. Start a conversation, then introduce the people you have met to others who may be standing alone.

On Tap into social media channels

• Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ to reach out to those around you who can provide the benefits of being in your network. Social media platforms are particularly useful in bridging connections between and after events. 
• Use the same social channels to follow up with your new contacts. In fact, make the ongoing connection within 24 hours of meeting someone to solidify the relationship. 
• Rather than just saying "Hi, good to meet you at the event", seek ways to share information and resources that may be of interest to your new connections. 

On Exit conversations gracefully

• If there are key people that you would like to meet at an event but you find yourself in a conversation that you are having trouble exiting, invite the other person you are with to join you while you introduce yourself to others you want to meet. 
• Be gracious about making the exit: The person will remember how you treated him and you will build goodwill in the process.
• If you are an introvert, practice starting a conversation and have some ready conversation starters at your fingertips. Ask a friend to attend the event with you or ask the host to introduce you to a few people.
• As an introvert, you will more than likely have well-honed and well-developed listening skills, so use that to your advantage. If someone says something interesting, ask him to elaborate. Asking questions puts the spotlight on the other person and you will feel less pressure at having to keep the conversation going. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

The art of networking

This post came out from The Straits Times (6 November 2015)
Title - The art of networking. It is all about how you handle people relations

Some pointers that I've got are:
1 Show regard
2. Win respect
3. Gain a reputation
4. Earn rewards
5. Planning and purpose

On Show regard

• If you treat people right they will treat you right - 90 per cent of the time, said Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• There are people who believe that networking involves 'using people', and thus they do not practice it at all. There is nothing intrinsically good or bad about networking - it is really how we conduct ourselves. The rules of networking apply to life as well.

On Win respect

• If you treat people with integrity and respect, you will have an advantage at whatever you do, wherever you are. 

On Gain a reputation

• When it comes to doing business by referrals, we all know that we put our reputation on the line when we refer people to service providers or suppliers that we know. The one expecting referrals must have done something to gain the trust of the one referring him or her. It is not automatic.
• Effective and purposeful networking, like fine art, cannot be rushed. We have to nurture the contacts to develop them into networks of relationships. 
• What about bad experiences? Bear in mind that we cannot control the people around us. The next time you find yourself being taken advantage of by a fellow networker, instead of retaliating or burning bridges, give him or her a wider berth.
• Preserving our reputation allows us to reap better harvests at future networking events.

On Earn rewards

• Prospecting is not networking. If you think you deserve the remuneration or recognition, you need to first build credibility and trust before you approach friends, clients or business associates to refer you business. 

On Planning and purpose

• Nothing in life gets done without a well thought out game plan, including business networking. While it is true that you should always be in the networking mindset and connect with people whenever the opportunity presents itself, you will achieve the best results if you are organised and follow a clearly crafted networking plan.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Reap the benefits - What you do before and after a networking event matters

This post came out from The Straits Times (22 Sep 2015)
Title - Reap the benefits

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Planning and preparation
2. After the networking event
3. Learning from each event

On Planning and preparation

• For each networking event you attend, spend some time before hand researching it and its participants so that you know who you are going to talk to. You could also think about how many people you intend to speak at each event.
• Create a networking game plan, create an interesting story and think about scripted questions to ask others, as well as achievable long term goals. If you are well prepared, your confidence will come through naturally.
• During the event, keep track of everyone you talk to and any pertinent details required for your next action step. Do not rely on your memory. After shaking the hands of 10 or more individuals, you will have trouble remembering who you have talked to and what you both talked about.
• For professional networking to be effective, a positive mindset is absolutely essential. You need to be positive in order to motivate yourself to get out there and meet people. When you radiate positivity, it attracts people to you.

On After the networking event

• It is absolutely crucial to follow up with your contacts in power networking. Even if you are able to meet 100 people a day, nothing will develop if you do not follow up with them. Your initial meeting should grow into a relationship, which is your ultimate objective.
• When you follow up quickly, you stand out from the others. If you take too long, the warm contact will become lukewarm, even cold.
• To follow up, call or email your contacts. Start by reminding the person who you are. Apart from saying your name, job his or her memory by telling them when and where they met you. 
• Next, continue the conversation which started at the event. This will bring the interaction to the next level. Continuing the conversation may include asking for more information, sharing something you think they will appreciate, offering some kind of help, or arranging to meet up over lunch or coffee.
• In your follow up, be yourself. Do not try to hide your true intentions and just you did during the initial meeting, strive to be positive and make a good impression. Be transparent and real, but do not sound needy.

On Learning from each event

• Although meeting and following up with your contacts takes time, do not stop attending networking events. You may scale it back to once a week or so, but you should keep the momentum.
• An excellent way to measure your networking progress is to look at the things you have done for your new contacts. You can set a goal of doing something for someone everyday. It could be something as simple as providing helpful information or referring them to another contact who can help them. This is a great way to measure how effective your networking efforts are because it focuses on what you do for others, instead of what others do for you - which more often than not, pays off eventually. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Network your way to success

This post came out from The Straits Times (31 August 2015)
Title - Network your way to success

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Be attentive
2. Positive impressions
3. Small talk
4. Don't prejudge

On Be attentive

• The focus is on getting to know the other person other than telling people who you are and what you know. Some people think that they are listening when in fact, are preparing their responses already before the other person has finished talking.
• Be present in the moment and pay full attention to the other person. Doing so helps you build depth of understanding and makes you comes across as charismatic.

On Positive impressions

• Making a positive impression starts with dealing with your dear of rejection. Having a positive self image makes you appear confident too. Dressing comfortably in presentable clothes helps you build confidence. Being overdressed or underdressed makes you feel self conscious. Practice good oral hygiene as it gives you a feeling of assurance when you talk to people. 

On Small talk

• The most important thing when you meet people is to have conversation starters and to know how to keep conversations going. A tip is to read widely so that you can carry on a conversation about anything. Know a little about everything under the sun. You'll come acros as an interesting person.

On Don't prejudge

• People have a natural tendency to prejudge anyone that they met for the first time. They interpret a person's behaviour based on past experiences, good or bad. This can be detrimental as they end up believing in something wrong about a person.
• If you start letting your past experiences get in the way of connecting with someone, you unconsciously exclude people from your network and strike off relationships that can be potentially fulfilling and fruitful. 
• Give everyone the benefit of doubt on this note. Suspend all your opinions and judgments when you meet a person for the first time. Focus on his interesting points. Strive to find out more about the person by asking questions and listening attentively. You may end up building a strong relationship that will last a lifetime. 

On Follow up

• Relationships are built over time. Apart from exchanging name cards with people, find out what's their preferred way of keeping in touch. Ask them for a catch up sometime, ideally within a week. This shows that you re interested in them and sets the stage for long lasting relationships. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Systematic approach and relationship building in networking

This post came out from The Straits Times (29 Sep 2011)
Title - Get out of the networking rut

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Set goals before you attend a networking function, aim to meet at least one or perhaps more people depending on the size of the function.
2. Spend quality time with each person you meet to learn a little about them and their business. Be sure to share something about yourself as well.
3. Listen carefully, focus only on the person you are speaking to and participate in the conversation.
4. If you have made a strong connection, you should schedule a meeting with people that could be prospective referral partners or clients or schedule face to face introduction when you have identified needs that one of your referral partners can potentially help them with.
5. Send a thank you card to everyone who connected strongly with. You never know who they know, and it increases the likelihood that you will be remembered long after the event.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

You don't need an outgoing personality to connect well with people

This post came out from The Straits Times (4 Oct 2014)
Title - Don't be a wallflower

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Prepare your 30 second elevator pitch
2. Ask sincere questions about the other person
3. Politely excuse yourself if you don't want to remain in the conversation

On Prepare your 30 second elevator pitch

• Take some time before the meeting and think about how you would like others to perceive you. Write short and simple sentences about your role in your company, and what the company does.
• Rehearse this in front of the mirror as often as you like. You can also run this by a trusted co-worker for constructive feedback.

On Ask sincere questions about the other person

• You can consider to cut the chase and ask the person you are trying to connect with some questions about himself. Questions can include - How long have you been in this business/ industry, What sort of business referrals is he looking for, What is the best or most challenging part of his job. 
• Remember, you can be yourself. Ask questions that will help you get to know the other person better, and be genuine about it. 

On Politely excuse yourself if you don't want to remain in the conversation

• Remind yourself that you are at the event for a purpose - to seek out new opportunities and establish mutually beneficial business relationships. You are definitely not there to entertain others.
• If you find yourself getting bored, or do not have any interest in what the other party is saying, thank him for sharing and you are keen on meeting other people in the room. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Vital things to say about yourself during networking

This post came out from The Straits Times (4 July 2015)
Title - Telling your own story

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Crafting your own story
2. Identify and qualify

On Crafting your own story

• Begin by deciding how you want to appear to others. When people first meet you, who do you want them to see you as?
• Your short story is a kind of elevator speech - a personal introduction that lasts about 30 seconds. It informs a person about your knowledge, skills and accomplishments in a very short time. In other words, you provide just enough information to get the person interested in learning more about you.
• That was just the introduction. Beyond that, you would need a detailed version of your story to relate as you move deeper into the conversation. You also need to prepare questions to ask the other person.
• For the purpose of networking, your elevator story should communicate your passion and the value that you have to offer others.

On Identify and qualify

• Who do you want to have in your network? You need to identify these individuals and go out and find them.
• A good place to start is by listing the people who are already in your network. Next, list the kinds of people you want to connect with - by profession, occupation or industry. Be sure to include power players and influencers in your list. These are people who have strong networks, so knowing them would bring you a great deal of benefits. 
• Once you locate your target prospects for the purpose of networking, create an opportunity. Decide on a day when you will attend a networking event and mark that date on your calendar.
• Before you attend the actual event, try to find out who will be present. This helps you identify exactly who you are going to meet and allows you to prepare your story and questions accordingly. 
• If you are prepared, you will not be caught off-guard and your responses will be valuable in building a strong connection. You should know about the people whom you will be speaking to because it shows you are interested and that you did your homework. Of course, it is likely o impress the other party.
• After you have prepared your conversation questions and answers, practice with a friend or associate. Adequate preparation will ensure that you stay focused, so that your networking efforts will be worthwhile and productive. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

The smart way to network

This post came out from The Straits Times (19 June 2015)
Title - The smart way to network

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Identify your true purpose for networking
2. Maintain your network effectively
3. See networking not as an isolated activity, but a way of life

On Identify your true purpose for networking

• You need to identify the what value you can bring to various groups of people, and your vision for the future - not for yourself, but to the people you are providing services and product to, and how you wish to make their lives better. 

On Maintain your network effectively 

• You should maintain your network of contacts in a smart manner by prioritizing which contacts are the most important.
• People who constantly ask you for favors and information without reciprocating should be placed the lowest on your priority list.
• Those who can potentially form a fantastic symbiotic relationship with you and your business should be right at the top of your priority list.

On See networking not as an isolated activity, but a way of life

• The building of meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships should be what you aim to do every time you meet someone new, or even when meeting old friends.
• For networking to truly work for you, it should not be seen as an isolated activity that you carry out only during specific events, or when meeting certain people. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Networking skills

This post came out from The New Paper (8 June 2015)
Title - Build up your confidence to speak to anyone

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Be open minded
2. Know what you want
3. Be polite
4. Keep a respectful distance
5. Introduce yourself
6. Make a graceful exit

On Be open minded

1. Speak with everyone and anyone. Do not harbour any prejudices

On Know what you want

1. Ensure your objective is clear and you have an elevator pitch prepared and in your head

On Be polite

1. Do not interrupt others' conversations. Instead, look for opportunities to join a group

On keep a respectful distance

1. Do not invade someone's personal space by standing too close to him or her. This can be subjective

On Introduce yourself

1. Ask if you can give your name card, but don't assume people will want it

On Make a graceful exit

1. Do exit conversations that might be going nowhere for you.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big