Networking is one of the most basic and essential skills employees should develop. Having great networking skills within an organization is sometimes overlooked. Having a viable networking and communication skill set will benefit any organization and will lead to increased productivity and performance.

This workshop is about creating and maintaining better relationships. Participants will develop skills to avoid obstacles, increase communication, and build relationships that last over time. Employees who understand and embrace the aspects of networking in the workplace will grow your business and create a more engaging environment.

At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:

• Define Networking
• Understand Networking Principles
• Use Networking Tools
• Avoid Common Mistakes
• Understand How to Build Relationships
• Manage Time Successfully

Course Outline:

Module One: Getting Started

Housekeeping Items

The Parking Lot

Workshop Objectives

Action Plans Form

Evaluation Form

Module Two: The Benefits of Networking at Work

Gain Connections

Share Knowledge

Increase Opportunity

Improve Image

Case Study

Module Three: Networking Obstacles

Confusion about the Definition of Networking

Personality Traits

Cultural Barriers

Personal Pride

Case Study

Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Networking Principles

Relationships

Listen

Offer Value

Build Trust

Case Study

Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: How to Build Networks

Meet New People

Be Polite

Follow up

Allow Relationships to Develop Naturally

Case Study

Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: Recognize Networking Opportunities

Formal Networking

Informal Networking

Workday Opportunities

Always Be Ready to Network

Case Study

Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Common Networking Mistakes

Not Meeting New People

Not Following Through

High Expectations

Being Unprofessional

Case Study

Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Develop Interpersonal Relationships

Be Genuine

Dialogue

Maintain Boundaries

Invest Time

Case Study

Module Nine: Online Networking Tools

Social Networks (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)

Blogs

Chat Rooms

Email

Case Study

Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Time Management

Prioritize Contacts

Create Group Activities

Connect Online

Schedule Your Network Activities

Case Study

Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Maintaining Relationships Over Time

Contact Networks Regularly

Be Honest

Give Personal Attention

Limit Networks to a Manageable Size

Case Study

Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

Words from the Wise

Review of Parking Lot

Lessons Learned

Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

Recommended Reading