What is networking? Why is important? What are some common mistakes entrepreneurs do at networking events? What are the good networking practices? What tools exist to build a professional network and maintain your connections?

1. Power of Networking
for entrepreneurs
Emad Saif
Center For Entrepreneurship, Qatar University

2. Agenda
Networking ??
Networking Tool
Networking Tips

3. Entrepreneur vs. Barriers
HELP!

4. Networking = Support System

5. Networking ??

6. “ A supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest ”
NETWORKING
[net-wur-king]

7. PEOPLE are your most important assets

8. Without proper support system you will fail!

9. Why Network?

10. Find partners, customers, investors or support community
Learn, discover new opportunities and stay motivated
Promote idea, receive feedback and gain support
Why Network?

11. Networking Cycle
1. Meet people
2. Listen & Learn
3. Make connections
4. Follow Up
5. Stay in Touch

12. Exercise

13. Introduce Your Self
1

14. Introduce Someone
1

15. Personal Elevator Pitch

16. Who are you?
[ First name and Current situation ]
My name is Mariam, I’m in my last year of environmental science degree at Qatar University
Mariam’s Personal Elevator Pitch
Your experience
[ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ]
During my studies, I’ve worked on several environmental focused projects, the most recent on Qatar’s waste management challenges.
Your goal
[ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ]
My goal is to graduate and join a company where I can use my knowledge to propose practical solutions to make Qatar greener.
Conversation
[ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ]
Did you know that Qatar’s lack of recycling creates over 2.5 million tons of waste annually?
Call to action
[ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ]
It was great to meet you and I hope we can connect. May I add you on LinkedIn?

17. Write Your Personal Pitch
5

18. Who are you?
[ First name and Current situation ]
Your experience
[ Previous work experience, other relevant things you’ve done, the achievement you’re most proud of ]
Your goal
[ Who you want to help, the clients you want to work for, the people you want to work with, the innovation you want to create ]
Conversation
[ Share something interesting and encourage others to join in ]
Call to action
[ Thank them for their time, ask how to connect and follow up ]
_________’s Personal Elevator Pitch

19. NETWORKING

20. •
Don’t ask them to do something for you

Offer them your services if you can help
•
Don’t stick with them or follow them around

Make it short & sweet
•
Don’t ask personal questions or joke too much

Stay professional and give time for rapport
Meeting Someone New

21. •
Don’t use negative words (i.e. problems)

Use positive words (i.e. challenges)
•
Don’t ignore them if someone distracts you

Regain eye contact and add them to your conversation
•
Don’t leave suddenly from your conversation

Excuse your self politely & thank them
Meeting Someone New

22. Personal Communication

24. Smile 

25. Eye Contact

26. 1x
Listen More!
67%
33%

27. Hand Shakes

28. Hand Positions

29. Third person not accepted by first two
Open triangle position for accepting third person
Open Formation Gesture

30. Personal Space

31. Power Positions

32. Kennedy vs. Nixon Presidential Debate [1960]

33. Business Cards

34. Remembering People
Mary likes photography
John teaches business

35. Network Again
5

Use body language

Find things in common

Always think “How can I help them?”

36. Networking Tool

37. Build your network and stay in touch

38. Why Join
?
Create your personal brand & public image
Access to many jobs are posted on LinkedIn
An online portfolio to be discovered by employers
Find & maintain connections of interest
Follow companies of interest for news & updates
Gain influence over your network

39. Sample Profile

40. Create Your Profile
www.linkedin.com

41. Start Networking!
Meet new people at networking events & practice your pitch
Offer your services & help connect people
Maintain your new connections & grow your network (500+)

42. Learn More

43. It’s not WHAT you know It’s WHO you know

44. THANK YOU!
Emad Saif
Center for Entrepreneurship
QATAR UNIVERSITY
emadsaif@qu.edu.qa