COURSE OVERVIEW:

Networking represents proactive attempts by individuals to develop and maintain personal and professional relationships with others for the purpose of mutual benefits in their work or career. In today’s fast-paced, global, high-tech environment, one’s willingness and comfort with networking can significantly impact one’s ability to establish contacts and get interviews for jobs. Research has shown that 70-80% of all professional jobs are obtained through effective and consistent networking.

A more diverse network of contacts can extend one’s reach into different social circles and consequently enhance one’s career opportunities such as obtaining faster promotions and finding jobs. It follows that more promotions and new jobs typically provide one with enhanced compensation. Such networking skills are crucial for career and personal success.

Because of its focus on building and nurturing personal and professional relationships to create a system or chain of information, contact and support, networking has become critical for individual as well as organisational success.

However, many individuals feel uncomfortable with or unskilled in networking. In particular, the prospect of networking can be rather scary for employees who may consequently refrain from networking with others.

Networking as a career management strategy is important as the burden of responsibility for one’s career, has shifted from the organisation to the individual, with the notion of employability becoming one’s career goal.

This course focuses on two facets of networking: the outside—the practical, the skills—and the inside—the spiritual, the connection that we feel with others when we network. It will establish that networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships.

The first part of this course shows how networking is about building relationships before you need them. Then provides suggestions for overcoming your shyness and your fears in order to prepare and psych up for networking opportunities. Then discusses the essential steps for creating a networking plan.

The second part explains how to build a support network of specialists who can help you network more effectively. Then provides tips for preparing to meet people, for interacting, for communicating, including manners and networking survival kits. Then explores the proper way to shake hands and how to remember names and also how to eat and drink while networking.

The third part discusses strategies for meeting the right people the right ways. Then shows how to follow up on contacts—essential for networking effectively. Then provides suggestions for maintaining and growing your network and how to deal with stereotypes of gender, race, culture, religion, political affiliation, age, appearances, and so on. Finally, explains the importance of ethics in networking.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• The importance and benefits of networking
• The most effective techniques for networking
• How to choose the best person or people to approach?
• How to decide on the best strategies for networking?
• How to make time for people whom you like and who like you?
• How to surpass your fears of networking?
• How to create a networking plan?
• How to set your networking goals?
• How to inventory your networks?
• Why focus on quality not quantity?
• Why keep your network information organised and up to date?
• How to evaluate your contacts?
• How to manage people in your network who may not match your needs and values?
• The importance of thinking realistically about the quality of your contacts
• How to handle unhealthy relationships?
• How to prioritise and prepare for networking?
• How to create your networking snapshot?
• How to use your networking tools more effectively?
• How to control your body language while networking?
• How to communicate more effectively on the phone and by e-mail?
• How to improve your conversations?
• How to prepare for each conversation?
• How to prepare for events?
• The importance of minding your manners while networking
• How to connect better with others?
• Why focus on contacts, not cards?
• How to socialise with savvy?
• The techniques for remembering names?
• How to improve your hand shaking?
• How to network around food and drink?
• How to be appropriate with alcohol?
• How to talk tactically?
• Why avoid conversations in public places?
• The importance of following up after a meeting or an event and how to follow up right?
• How to overcome your limits?
• How to make networking easier?
• Why avoid over-networking?
• How to make it easier to get what you want?
• How to express your appreciation?
• How to maintain and grow your network?
• How to rise above prejudices?
• How to fight your own prejudices?
• How to work against social limitations?
• How to network ethically and wisely?
• Why give proper credit to those who have been a part of your success?
• Why be honest—always and in all ways?
• Why keep developing and learn from others?
• The importance of building benefits both ways

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.