Question 1
a) There are 8 important skills that are needed to enable networking (Trainingmag, 2013). Networking enables communication that helps in building success. The skills needed for social networking are as shown below:
- Knowing and understanding your personal style: Interpersonal skills help everyone to network.
- Strategy: networking events are usually not equal and, therefore, it is important for a person to know when to pitch their ideas.
- Adequate planning: a person should properly plan before attending a networking event. Planning will enable a person to predict the actions of other people.
- Establishing relationships with time: strong relationships require time for them to be established and strengthened.
- Keeping others engaged: It is important to remember the names of people and make meaningful conversations with them.
- Display your area of expertise: talk about your accomplishments without appearing as if you are bragging.
- Assessing opportunities: Choosing those activities that are important and have potential.
- Delivering value: It is important to give out quality information as well as ensuring the information received is also valuable.
b) The networking skills listed on bidsketch.com website has similarities with this resource because they are both talking of the same skills. The only difference is the wordings. They are all headed towards the same point. The skills mentioned in the website include networking on a regular basis; being you; knowing your audience; talking positively; having a contact list that is powerful; emailing; not expecting anything; and only network with those people who bring value to you (Bidsketch, 2013).
Question 2
Scott Bernard is the franchise owner of COBS bread at Royal Oak in Victoria BC. He has been the owner from February 2011. He is also the president of SPG Enterprises. Bernard got his MBA at University Canada West. He has worked as a director, chief operating officer, manager, assistant director, learning consultant, and president.
Paul Barron is the portfolio manager of Odlum Brown Ltd. His job is to manage investments while studying the market carefully so as to make sure that his clients are happy. Paul Barron studied Fine Arts at the University of Victoria. He has worked as a maritime surface officer, investment assistant, investment advisor, marketing executive, associate portfolio manager, and now he is a portfolio manager.
Craig Sorochan is working as a program manager at the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification Program. His job involves the delivery of the program according to the goals and mission of the organization. Craig Sorochan studied communications at the Royal Roads University. He has worked as a producer and correspondent of a talk radio; radio host; producer of WestShore Unlimited; manager, and presently as program manager.
Question 3
There are various associations that allow networking with a view of making its members learn more about the available jobs in marketing and sales. Three examples of such associations include Incentive Marketing Association (IMA); American Marketing Association (AMA); and Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE).
The Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) gives its members a directory, information and any news that would be helpful to the members. IMA represents all segments of the market. IMA has strategic industry groups that help members to meet their needs (IMA, 2014). These groups prepare newsletters; sponsor educational programs; and organize trade shows, events and seminars (IMA, 2014). In addition, IMA holds annual executive summits. A person needs to sign in as a new member at the association’s website for them to network with other members. Inside the website, there is a directory that enables a person to network with the people he chooses. The contact address for IMA is: 9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 210, Rosemont, IL 60018. The phone number is 847-447-1082. Their email address is
The American Marketing Association (AMA) has many members from all over the world. These members are specialists in various marketing fields. Members of the association can gather information concerning jobs, names of contacts that they are interested in networking with, chapters of the association and their locations (AMA, 2014). Events are organized by the organization so as to allow the members to network with other people and among themselves. The website of this association provides members with a calendar that shows the scheduled events and their venues (AMA, 2014). A person has to register into the website of the association to become a member. The association has groups that are known as chapters, and it is through these groups that members are able to meet up and network with the other members within their locality (AMA, 2014). AMA also has a resource center for careers. Members are able to get access to job opportunities and important tips on how to excel in interviews. The contact address for AMA is: 311 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 5800, Chicago, IL 60606. The phone number is (312)542-9000.
The Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) provides a forum for all those people that are experts in sales and marketing. AIMSE provides information about education, conventions, and membership. The association purposes to satisfy the needs of the sales and marketing professionals. Members are able to network through forums and mentorship programs (AIMSE, 2014). Information is also availed through newsletters. The mentorship program enables new members to learn the tools of trade and ways of avoiding mistakes. Membership is acquired by signing up at the website of the association. The association organizes events to allow the members to meet. The website shows a schedule of the dates of the events and their venues. The contact address for AIMSE is: 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 130, Reston, VA 20190. The phone number is (703)234-4098.
Question 4
Building connections and networking are important skills in marketing and sales (Bidsketch, 2013). The internet provides an opportunity to establish these connections. Today marketing and sales are conducted globally so as to reach everyone. The internet has made this possible through use of viral marketing (Kalpaklioglu & Toros, 2014). The consumer behavior is very dynamic and networking gives the marketers an opportunity to learn their customers and provide them with what they require. The global market has challenges that are political, economical, social and technological. Building connections and networking, therefore, provides an opportunity for the marketers to understand and update the customer needs regularly. Networking should involve establishing relationships that are going to last (Entrepreneur, 2003). Building connections and networking are important because they create a relationship between two people, and this leads to success (Strategic Business Network, 2014).
Question 5
It is important to use proper techniques when approaching business people. Some of the effective techniques include face-to-face interactions; via phone; participating in networking websites; and via emails. The choice of the technique to use will depend on whether it is a social gathering or there is a lot of distance between the people who are networking.
A business mixer is an event that provides an opportunity for the members to meet up and interact with each other. If I was to attend a networking event such as the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, I would first plan on what I want to achieve from that event. I would then approach the business people and network with them on a face-to-face basis. I would focus on building a relationship with the people that I see can bring value to me. Interactions will be based on what direction I want my business to take. There will be plenty of people with different areas of expertise; therefore, I will have to identify the expertise that I need to gain value.
References
Trainingmag, (2013). Interpersonal networking skills make leaders more effective: 8 critical skills needed for effective social networking. Retrieved from: http://www.trainingmag.com/content/interpersonal-networking-skills-make-leaders-more-effective
Bidsketch, (2013). 8 Networking skills that every professional needs to have. Retrieved from: http://blog.bidsketch.com/marketing/networking-skills/
IMA, (2014). Strategic industry groups. Retrieved from: http://www.incentivemarketing.org/?page=SIGs
AMA, (2014). Marketer. Retrieved from: https://www.ama.org/membership/Membership-Benefits/Pages/Marketer.aspx
AIMSE, (2014). Mentorship Program. Retrieved from: http://aimse.org/succeed/mentorship.cfm
Kalpaklioglu N. U. & Toros N. (2014). Viral marketing techniques within online social network. Retrieved from: http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/69910047/viral-marketing-tecniques-within-online-social-network
Strategic Business Network, (2014). Importance of networking. Retrieved from: http://www.strategicbusinessnetwork.com/about/importance
Entrepreneur, (2003). Build relationships that last. Article 62140.
