encouraging, such as “Lots of people will find me interesting, too,” or “I
always know just what to say,” or “I can learn how to remember names.”
Then reverse and repeat this process.
Explain the importance of changing one’s attitude—to start believing
that networking will indeed be a positive experience, to stand tall, and to
walk confidently into all group experiences.Step 4: Tell the group that they must start identifying what they want from the
connection. Distribute Handout 31.1, Networking Tools.
Explain this by saying, “Good networkers are clear about what they
need from others, as well as about what they can offer others.
“For example, an individual once told us what her personal agenda
was. She said she needed someone who could show her how to transfer
data from her computer to her new palm pilot. This same individual
identified something she could share with others: ‘I just read the best
book on networking! Who’s interested?’ We are going to identify our
own agendas, and practice pursuing them with the others in this group.”
Step 5: Pass out two different-colored name tags per participant. On one name
tag, each participant should write two or three infinitives that answer this
sentence stem: “I NEED{{ellipsis}}(to find, to connect with, to create, to
learn, and so on).”
Examples: “I’m new in town and need... .” or “I’m hoping to find
someone who... .”
Once participants have completed their first name tags, they should
move around and read everyone’s tag. When they find someone who
can meet their need, they should make note of that person’s name and
follow up with them later on.
Explain, “Good networkers readily share what they know, who they
know, and what they know about that can help others.”
“On the second name tag, write down two or three things you have
to give other people, such as:
accomplishments
resources
skill
enthusiasmThen move around and read these new tags. Make notes when you
discover someone who has something to offer that you need.TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE^169