As of Dec 2011, the NNP self-study program is no longer available for individual purchase. If you are interested in a live speaking event for a group, teaching the Principles of Networking Naturally, please contact Carol [at] myalumnilink [dot] com for information on group programs.
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When was the last time you heard someone say, "I love networking and I'm good at it!" In this economy, smart folks know that networking is a proven way to find a job, keep a job, and bring in new business.
For most people, great networking doesn't come naturally. In fact, ask yourself the following questions:
Does the word, “networking,” conjure up images of sterile ballrooms, suits with name tags, and skimpy appetizers?
- Does the thought of attending a networking event make your palms sweaty and increase your pulse?
- Do you worry about how to start a conversation with a stranger and keep it going without making a fool of yourself? Do you think to yourself, “Who would want to talk with me?”
- Do you connect with strangers easily but never seem to be able to leverage those connections?
- Do you have piles of business cards that collect dust in a corner of your office?
- Does online networking feel like a "can of worms" that you aren't sure you want to open up?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the Networking Naturally Program can help.
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Now ask yourself the following:
- Do you have friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who continually bring you ideas, perspectives, opportunities, encouragement, and wisdom?
- Does your online presence give you another way to meet the people you want and need to meet?
- Can you easily ask your network for help, whether it’s the answer to a simple question or an introduction to someone you want to meet or advice on a tough problem?
- Are you continually building and adding value to your network?
If you answered no to the above questions, the Networking Naturally Program can help turn a no into a yes.
Successful networking is a process of deepening relationships, initiated through curiosity, unattached to outcome, guided by energy, and driven by the possibility of what can be created with another human being. It unfolds over time and rewards us with allies, collaborators, clients, and better lives.
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“I loved the Networking Naturally Program. For a shy, new business owner, it was wonderful. Made me feel much more confident! Thanks!”
Amy Lemen
www.ALLInOneMarketingUSA.com
Discover a natural networking style that is key to more opportunities. Whether you are looking for a job, charting a new course for your business or career, or simply want to improve your networking abilities, this program will help you create and nurture valuable relationships.
The Networking Naturally Program: What Is It?
The Networking Naturally Program is a self-study course, using recordings of a webinar series that was originally presented to a live audience of alumni from three major universities across the US. This live webinar series was referenced in a New York Times article,"On the Job, But on the Lookout for Work" by Cathy Stembridge, Executive Director of Northwestern University Alumni Association. In the article, Stembridge points to this Program as one way Northwestern is meeting the career needs of alumni in a tough job market.
Each webinar is 75 minutes long, consisting of 60 minutes of presentation and 15 minutes of Q+A:
- Webinar #1, Avoid Common Traps in Networking. We cover the foundations of great networking. If the basics are not done well, you can unknowingly sabotage your best networking efforts. We look at myths and beliefs around networking and help you create a plan to meet your professional and personal goals.
- Webinar #2, Create Meaningful Conversation and Develop Lasting Connections. We address the two most cited networking challenges: 1) starting a conversation with a stranger and 2) staying in touch afterwards. We also cover sticky situations as well as the etiquette and nuances of great networking.
- Webinar #3, In-Person + Online Networking: Put It All Together. You'll learn how social networking fits with in-person networking efforts in a world of limited time and attention. We also look at keeping momentum going, making the best use of your existing network, and continuously expanding your network.
“The Networking Naturally Program helped me think consciously about how networking is giving to others before asking for help. I highly recommend that anyone looking to hone their networking skills participate in this program--whether you think you have it mastered already or not.”
--Jenny Hightower, Manager of Alumni Relations, Johnson and Wales University
To find out more about the presenter, Carol Ross, check out the About page, where you'll find articles Carol has published on networking as well as her own results from networking.
How Is This Program Different?
Start with Principles. Many programs focus on the steps, techniques, and tactics used in networking. But without understanding the underlying principles, networking activity can feel like you are just going through the motions—all mechanics with no meaning. With the Networking Naturally Program, you’ll learn principles that successful networkers follow, independent of specific tools and techniques.
Use Tools and Techniques That Work For You. Once you’ve learned the principles, we’ll look at how to apply them in any networking situation, and in a way that’s congruent with your own personality and style. Some people like to connect over lunch. Others thrive on big gatherings. Still others would rather connect online or over the phone. There is no one mix that works for everyone. But once you've learned the principles, you can choose how and where you apply them based on your personality.
Move into Action. It's seductive to learn the theory and expect to see results, just from knowing what to do. But results come from moving into action. You will be asked to apply what you are learning to real-life networking interactions--whether it's in-person, over the phone, at a coffee shop, or online at a social networking site. We provide the motivation, support, and inspiration for you to put into practice what you are learning.
Network With Other Participants and Learn as a Community. You will have access to a participant-only site where you'll find out more about fellow participants and have the opportunity to network with them. The site also serves as a place to ask questions and participate in conversations about networking situations.
“I am extremely impressed with the Networking Naturally Program. I have trouble starting conversations with people. Your program gave me the confidence to make the move and start networking with people. In the past couple of weeks, I have put some of the Principles of Networking Naturally to work in two networking settings. I plan to use these Principles regularly to network in a variety of settings.”
Keith, Attorney, Chicago, IL
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How Will I Benefit?
As part of purchasing the recordings, you will have the opportunity to network online with fellow participants from major universities.
After listening to the recordings, you will have a personalized plan that will cover the following:
- how to network
- networking objectives
- who to network with
- where to network (in-person and online)
- what value you bring to others
- how to articulate what you can offer to others (elevator pitch)
- questions to start a conversation with a stranger (and keep it going!)
- how to follow up and stay in touch with your network
Photo by The Consumerist
You will also be able to:
- Identify myths and beliefs that sabotage effective networking
- Put into practice underlying principles that all successful networkers follow, whether they realize it or not
- Make connections more easily to people who you value
- Begin to integrate in-person networking with online networking
- Network with more confidence and less anxiety
The NNP self-study program is no longer available for individual purchase. If you are interested in a live speaking event for a group, teaching the Principles of Networking Naturally, please contact Carol [at] myalumnilink [dot] com for information on group programs.
“Before taking this class I thought networking was attending a one day event, or asking a friend if they’d heard anything about a job. So I have learned a lot! I’ve got lots of practice ahead of me. Thanks to you, I will go forward not quite so blindly into the networking world.”
Julie Blanchet
“After procrastinating going to a potentially rewarding networking event for three months, I finally went AND enjoyed myself. You gave an introvert tools to be more outgoing in groups. This Program was the very best bargain I have had in over 45 years of trainings!”
—Elizabeth Stirling, psychologist, www.elizabethstirling.com
"The Networking Naturally Program has been a worthwhile experience. Both seasoned and novice networkers will benefit from the Networking Naturally Principles. These principles provide a powerful framework for not only successful networking, but they can also be applied holistically in our roles as spouse, parent, friend, or colleague."
Don Nelson
Click here to see what other participants have to say about the Networking Naturally Program.
Have questions? Contact carol [at] myalumnilink [dot] com or 303.666.0580.
