Opening Questions:

• Have you ever had to meet new people for work or other reasons? How did you feel about it?
• Can you think of a time when you met someone new, and it led to a good opportunity or experience?
• Do you use social media or other platforms to connect with people professionally or personally?

The Importance of Networking:

Networking is when we meet and connect with new people, like making new friends. In the business world, it means meeting people who can help us in our jobs or careers.

Why do you think this is important? How can knowing more people and building relationships help us in our careers or jobs?

Vocabulary:

Contacts:
Contacts are people you know, especially in a professional or social context. They can be friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or individuals you've met through networking.
"I have many contacts in the business world who can help me find job opportunities."

Network:
A group of people who are connected and can help each other by sharing information, advice, and opportunities. Networking involves building and maintaining these connections.
"Building a strong professional network can open doors to new career possibilities."

Elevator Pitch:
A brief and compelling introduction about yourself or your business. It's called an elevator pitch because it should be concise enough to deliver during a short elevator ride.

"You should have a well-prepared elevator pitch ready to introduce yourself to potential employers at the job fair."

Business Card:
A small card that professionals exchange during networking events or meetings. It typically includes the person's name, contact information, job title, and company details.
"Make sure to bring plenty of business cards to the conference so you can exchange them with potential clients."

Tips and Strategies for Effective Networking Skills:

Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about building meaningful connections and relationships that can benefit your personal and professional life. Here are some valuable tips and strategies to help you become a successful networker.

Active Listening:

The practice of fully focusing on what the other person is saying, rather than thinking about your response. It shows that you value their input and can lead to deeper conversations.

Tip: When engaging in a networking conversation, give your full attention to the speaker. Avoid interrupting and show interest in their thoughts and ideas. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and using verbal cues like "I see" or "That's interesting" demonstrate active listening.

Maintaining Eye Contact:

Maintaining eye contact means looking directly into the eyes of the person you are speaking with. It conveys confidence, attentiveness, and sincerity.

Tip: During a networking interaction, make an effort to maintain natural and friendly eye contact with the person you are talking to. Be mindful of cultural differences, as eye contact norms can vary.

Asking Open-Ended Questions:

Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." They encourage detailed responses and foster more engaging conversations.

Tip: Instead of asking closed-ended questions like "Did you have a good weekend?" try open-ended questions like "What did you do over the weekend?" Open-ended questions invite people to share more about themselves and their experiences, leading to richer discussions.

Following Up with Contacts:

Following up with contacts means maintaining communication after the initial meeting or event. It's an essential step in building and nurturing relationships.

Tip: After a networking event, be proactive in reaching out to your new contacts. Send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the conversation and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Stay connected through social media or periodic messages to continue building the relationship.

Body Language:

Body language includes non-verbal cues such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions. It plays a significant role in how others perceive you.

Tip: Be aware of your body language during networking interactions. Maintain an open and approachable posture, avoid crossing your arms, and offer a friendly smile. Your body language should convey confidence and receptiveness.

Finding Common Ground:

Finding common ground involves identifying shared interests, experiences, or goals with the person you are networking with. It helps establish rapport.

Tip: During conversations, look for commonalities, whether they are related to work, hobbies, or personal experiences. Mentioning shared interests can make the conversation more relatable and memorable.

Be Authentic:

Being authentic means being yourself and genuine in your interactions. Authenticity builds trust and fosters meaningful connections.

Tip: Don't try to be someone you're not when networking. Be honest, share your true experiences, and show genuine interest in others. Authenticity is more attractive and memorable than putting on a facade.

Set Clear Goals:

Setting clear networking goals involves identifying what you want to achieve from a networking event or interaction.

Tip: Before attending a networking event, think about your objectives. Whether it's to meet potential clients, find a mentor, or explore job opportunities, having clear goals will guide your conversations and interactions.

Practice and Patience:

Networking skills, like any other skill, improve with practice. It may take time to see the full benefits of networking efforts.

Tip: Don't get discouraged if immediate results don't appear. Keep practicing your networking skills, attend events, and stay patient. Building a strong network is a gradual process.

Offer Value:

Networking is a two-way street. Offering value to others by sharing knowledge, resources, or assistance can strengthen your connections.

Tip: Be willing to help and support your network contacts. Whether it's providing advice, making introductions, or sharing relevant articles, being a resourceful and helpful networker is appreciated and remembered.

Activities:

• Students should come up with a personalised elevator pitch.
• They should then role-play a situation in which they have to network. Encourage them to use the tips and techniques learned throughout this lesson.
  
  

 *** Adjust materials accordingly to the level of the student / group.