Athena Network Singapore and Asia Pacific managing director Gina Romero talks about networking and how to overcome networking fears.

1. ASIA PACIFIC'S LEADING COMMUNITY FORFEMALE
EXECUTIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS
BREAKING
THROUGH
YOUR
NETWORKING
FEARS

2. The Love/Hate Relationship
We Have With Networking
What does networking mean to you?
What WORDS come to mind when you hear
the term 'networking'?
Thoughts? Ideas? Fears? Memories? Feelings?
Are they mostly negative, positive or neutral?
These associations are normally a result of
past experiences (good or bad)
or somebody else's experiences passed
on to us through sharing.
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3. Common words associated with ‘Networking’
Business Cards
Meeting People
Selling Yourself
Following Up
Introductions
Business Development
Referrals
Finding Clients
How do you feel about networking?

4. What is networking really?
Connecting
Helping
Contributing
Participating
Listening
Supporting
Sharing
Learning
Different types of networking
There are many different types of networking. Sometimes you might not even realise you are
networking!
Informal
Organised
Social
Structured/Strategic
Industry
Business Networking
Professional Body
Cause/Association

5. Introducing Yourself
With Impact
Think about your networking goals
- Both personal and professional
How can networking help you?
What kind of skills, resources, partners,
contacts and professional development
needs do you have?
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6. List at least 3 professional or personal objectives
for the next 6-12 months
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2
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7. The true value of networking
Networking is about adding value to others
and creating meaningful connections and
relationships.
Your contribution
- what do you bring to the table?

8. Ice breaker
Write down one fun or interesting fact
that not many people know about you.

9. Introductions
Name
What you do
Why you're here
End with your fun fact
What got your attention? What was most memorable? Did it make you laugh or
smile? Did they make you want to shout "TELL ME MORE!"?
Have fun Be memorable Be yourself

10. Breaking Those
Awkward Silences
Before you go to a networking event
- Reflect on these points
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11. 1. If I knew now what I knew then...
When you first started out in your industry/profession?
What did you not know that would have been really useful to you?
What do you wish someone told you about that would have helped you?
2. Play to your strengths!
What is your best asset?
What do you bring to the table?
If you were a volunteer what services would you be able to offer?
How would you help someone?
3. Be a problem solver
When you are networking, keep listening for how you can help people.
If you can't help now, listen for it and 'file it‘ for later.

12. Network with a ‘giving’ mindset
Pro Tips:
Do: Be a good listener - make eye contact - smile
Don't: Look around the room, or at the floor
Do: Be attentive - positive body language
Don't: Look bored, disinterested, fidget or look at your phone!
Do: Ask questions - make connections
Don't: Talk about yourself the whole time
Do: Have meaningful conversations
Don't: Work the room aggressively
Do: Be enthusiastic and friendly
Don't: Moan or be negative - or try to sell anything

13. Conversation Breakers and
Conversation Makers
Some questions and answers can
make it harder to build rapport
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14. Unless you are naturally good at talking, start with something
a little more creative, rather than these typical openers:
• What do you do?
• Where are you from?
• I'm an 'accountant'
Use openers that break the ice:
Ah so you are from X business/company/industry...
• What kind of contacts would be valuable for you? I should connect you with xxx
• What type of businesses do you work with normally? How do you help them?
• What are you working on right now? What's keeping you busy right now?

15. Less formal
• I love your shoes/handbag ... I love the …
• That speaker was great … I really enjoyed that bit about
• You look familiar - were you here last year?
Throw away comments
• I'm glad the coffee is strong - I'm not really a morning person!
• I can't wait to hear from xxx speaker - the topic looks interesting!
• What's happening next? Did you see the programme?

16. Building a rapport takes the conversation
to a more meaningful level:

17. Working The Room
(And Exiting Gracefully)
The Technical Bits
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18. Making an entrance
It's much harder to break into an
existing group or conversation
Look for another person who is
on their own, or arriving
Smile - and look approachable
(even if you are nervous)

19. Breaking into a conversation
Ask: Do you mind if I join you?
Don't jump in with your introduction yet
Listen first, and wait for relevance
Working the room
Keep an eye out for new people
Invite then into your conversation
Introduce people!

20. Exit gracefully
Make eye contact and be sincere
Offer to keep in touch or follow up
Repeat something you learned from them
Follow up
Always follow up on your promises
Send personal emails or not at all
Connect on social media where relevant
And finally… have fun and be yourself!

21. “ People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget
how you made them feel.
- Maya Angelou

22. Creating Connections, Inspiring Success
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