Being that I’m not a natural “Type A” personality, I’ve always seemed to do things unconventionally, networking included. Part of my need to do things differently than the norm is that I want to be authentic and real. I don’t want people to feel like they are just the next person on my list to […]
Archive | Networking Tips
Tips to Help you Focus when Networking
I was hiking the other day and consumed by my own thoughts and the beauty of the forest around me I almost tripped, several times. So for the rest of the hike I focused on what was in front of me to avoid any possible fall. Later that day I began thinking, do I focus […]
5 Important Tips for Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network
We achieve our greatest success through our relationships with others, which is why building and nurturing a strong professional network is key in helping us along the path to reaching our career goals. There’s no time like the present to grow and strengthen our circles, so here are five helpful things you can do to help make […]
Sewing Seeds for Future Growth
The world is full of connections. When I say this, I mean that when you are introduced to someone through a friend or contact, their network will most likely have at least someone in it who you already know, and dozens of others who are just a mutual aquaintance away. The problem is, when you meet […]
Top Five Networking No-No’s
For those who are relatively new to the realm of networking, there are a handful of tips to remember whislt you fill your calendar with prospective events this fall. Some might think these are obvious, but surprisingly enough, some event goers haven’t yet read the memo. How easy it can be to slide into “networking […]
The Power of Informal Networking
Not a fan of awkward silences, overpriced event tickets, or that ever-growing pile of business cards that’s just collecting dust in the corner? You are definitely not alone. Fortunately, expanding your professional network doesn’t have to mean attending structured events that can take up anywhere from one to three hours of your busy schedule. Because […]
Networking Your Summer Socials
Since I graduated last month, a lot of things have been swirling around my head as I embark on my career. In this latest series, I’m committing to chronicling my adventures and how networking plays a role as I venture into life post university. For my first post, I’ve been thinking of how there are […]
Networking with Confidence - Rock your Next Event
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or venturing out to your first event, a networking event can create jitters in the best of us. The simple truth is that putting yourself out there is tough for most people. In fact, some of the most charismatic and charming people I know still get nervous about networking events. […]
How to Be a Master Networker
I hate the word networking because it sounds SOOOO greasy. It sounds like a bunch of people in a room all looking for their next customer and trying to take whatever they can get. Networking is about building relationships. Relationships take time. TAKE YOUR TIME. 1. Be a host: When you attend an event, act like […]
100 Places To Network
100 Place to Network– some may surprise you! When thinking of places to network the first thing that springs to mind is a chamber or board of trade event. Yes, chambers and boards of trades are actually great places to network. You meet a diverse group of people, and the bonus is they often have […]
What are the Top 10 Networking Challenges?
After reaching our 500th networking tip (Free Positive Networking® Tip+) we figured we should ask our readers what challenges they have when it comes to networking. These were their biggest challenges: Top Ten Networking Challenges Being shy or introverted Getting up the nerve to speak to strangers Breaking into a group Small talk Awkward […]
Are you Truly Listening?
Most people believe they are listening when others talk. But believing something doesn’t make it real. We live in a society where it’s not uncommon to read an incoming text or email while sitting across the table from someone. You may find yourself scanning the news while you’re on a conference call, or mentally preparing […]
Are Your Connections Working For You?
Having a great network is one thing, but putting it to work for you is a separate talent. As a leadership coach I often see people who are concerned with being well-liked at work. Others spend inordinate amounts of time trying to connect with the higher ups. People that really get how to use their […]
What are the best Networking Events?
SEEN AND BE SEEN EVENTS If your company or organization is somewhat engaged in the community (or better yet, really engaged) and if you personally have a pretty good profile and get out to events, then you must not overlook the Seen & Be Seen Events. For example, Richard Branson came to town and everyone […]
Neighbourly Networking, by feature writer: Garth Jackson
By Garth Jackson One sunny afternoon in the WestEnd, as I sat atop my stoop, waiting for a client from a new restaurant in Gastown, Vancouver called BAMBUDDA. I was a little bit anxious, as this was our first meeting. Since I have a fairly central apartment building, I decided to invite the client to […]
Are you a Great Connector?
Have you ever asked yourself the question, ‘Am I a great connector?’ This question is crucial if you want to shine as a leader in your organization and community.Being a great connector isn’t about knowing everyone in town or being a social butterfly. It’s not about wowing people with your personal network, charisma and talent. Great […]
Networking in Style at the FWE Garden Party
“It’s not just about networking, it’s about being inspired”, someone said to me at the Forum for Entrepreneurs (FWE) Garden Party. As I looked around the room, I could feel the empowerment and energy bursting at the seams as people mixed and mingled with each other. To add to the ambiance, this party included delicious […]
Is your Networking Creating a Net that’s Working?
If you’re a serious Networker, Vancouver is the place to be! Every day, lots of people are meeting lots of people and many new relationships are being forged. And, although this appears to be working, I find myself wondering … is it really working? I recently stumbled across an article that made me question the effect […]
When the Invitation says “Black Tie”; Part Two of How To Network a Black Tie Gala
Jen Schaeffers (Chief Connector of Networking in Vancouver, the city’s go-to site for cool networking events) article on going solo to a Black Tie Gala is a must-read for anyone attending any networking event. All the tips are great, but what is most significant about Jen’s article is that she knew to ‘take it up […]
Summertime and the Networking is Easy
Summer is a time to chill out and networking isn’t on most people’s radar. Dressing up, standing around a windowless hotel meeting room, doing something that you already find kind of stressful—who wants to do that when you could be at the beach or on a bike ride after work? But networking during the summer […]
