2016 WICT Webinar Networking through Relationship Building

Feb 11, 2016

Thursday, February 11

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

EVENT DESCRIPTION

We all hear “it’s not what you know but who you know” that gets you the next job, the next opportunity or the big deal, but is that really an effective way to view networking? Louis McDavid is a leading sales performer at RSM Consulting in Boston, and attributes the majority of his success to his networking skills. Spend an hour with us to learn Louis’ practical approach to networking and how he creates genuine connections that continue to help him thrive year after year. Participants will walk away from this webinar with a call to action to take the skills they learn and apply what they learn at the next WICT New England in person event.

EVENT REVIEW

WICT New England kicked off the 2016 Programming theme “Keys to Success, Plan, Perform and Persevere” year with the webinar “Networking through Relationship Building”. Technology Consultant Louis McDavid discussed how approaching networking from a consistent standpoint of helping people will always pay dividends in the future. The overarching theme of WICT NE programming this year is Keys to Leadership. Our programming will focus around the Keys to Success, Plan, Perform and Persevere. Our Networking Webinar focused on the planning piece of our Keys to Success.

Louis told us to always remember that networking is not about us but the other person. Ask ourselves, “What do we have to offer that might translate into reciprocation?”

Before the event: 6 degrees of separation is real. Who do you know & who do they know? @lmcdavid #wictne
– WICT New England (@WICTNewEngland) February 11, 2016

Here are some key takeaways from the event:

  • Prepare for Networking events, try asking for the attendee list ahead of time
  • Identify who you want to meet, and do your research in LinkedIn or other social media ahead of time. There is no excuse not to be prepared these days.

Use LinkedIn like a pro. Don’t meet someone without reading their Linked In profile. @lmcdavid #wictne
– WICT New England (@WICTNewEngland) February 11, 2016

  • Bring a networking buddy to events and split up. This way you can meet twice as many people.
  • Be confident. Don’t be afraid to be the first to reach out after an event.
  • Silence usually means a person is busy, it does not mean rejection.
  • Be specific in your ask, and be patient.
  • When talking to new people remember that everyone is an expert in something. Try to find out what that is in each person. It keeps the conversation flowing.

Event mindset and execution: be observant, everyone is an expert on something @lmcdavid #wictne
– WICT New England (@WICTNewEngland) February 11, 2016

  • Be polite because manners will never go out of style, and never judge a book by its cover.
  • If you are gracious to someone today, they might know a key connection for you tomorrow.
  • If you are an introvert, Louis recommended social networking as a way to break the ice. Use Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Instagram.

Most of all be genuine. Never try to be something you’re not. People recognize opportunists, and disingenuous people.

For a copy of the presentation used during our Webinar, click here.

Additional resources referenced during the webinar:

For more about this and other events, check out our page on Facebook or our Twitter feed.