In this presentation, Shanna Kurpe shares tips for effective business networking with web design, web development and marketing students. Learn how to find the right networking events, write your introduction, trade business cards and more.

1. Effective Business Networking
Presented by Shanna Kurpe

2. Networking is the Most
Expensive Form of Marketing

3. Time + Opportunity Cost +
Event Fees & Dues

4. So Learn to
Make the Most of It

5. Agenda
Finding the Right Events
Setting Goals
Personal Introduction
Working the Room
Business Card Etiquette
Follow-Up

6. Objectives & Goals
What are you trying to
achieve?
Who do you want to meet?
What type of people do you
want to meet?
How many people do you
want to talk to?
What do you want to talk
about?

7. Goals
Objective Goals Notes
Find Employment
Meet Potential Clients
Extend Professional Network
Give Back to the Community

8. Find the Right Event
Ask Your Advisor & Instructors
Check the Social Networks
LinkedIn
MeetUp
Check with Local Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Advertising Federation
American Marketing Association
Business Groups

9. Who’s Going to the Event?
Check Demographics
Ask Colleagues
Check Social Networks
Who’s Going?
Business Owners
Sales People
Other Students

10. Objectives & Goals
Objective Goals Notes
Give my Card to 3 Top Executives Look for the Creative Director of
Find Employment
Schedule a Meeting with 1 Executive Smith & Co Marketing Group
Get the Cards of 3 Business Owners Ask Robert Jones for an Introduction to
Meet Potential Clients
Schedule a Meeting with 1 Owner the Owner of FiberLights
Talk to 5 Interesting Professionals
Extend Professional Network Introduce Karen Reed to Jim Jones
Find a Way to Help 1 Professional
Meet the Organization President Ask Jane Wright if she needs help
Give Back to the Community
Find Volunteer Opportunities planning the Summer Conference

11. Write Your Introduction
Keep it Short and Simple
30-45 Seconds
What to Include
Your Name & Occupation
The Problems You Solve
A Question at the End

12. Write Your Introduction
Hi, My name is Shanna Kurpe. I’m a
business owner and marketing
strategist. I meet a lot of companies
who have the best intentions of
launching creative and effective
marketing campaigns, but they often
struggle with finding the right
message, the right people or even the
right time to complete the job. I try to
make it simple for these businesses,
by managing their brand and
marketing projects so they don’t have
to. I don’t know - has that ever
happened to you?

13. Write Your Introduction
Hi, My name is Anne Smith. I’m
a student and freelance
designer. I meet a lot of business
owners who are looking for
quality design work, but they
don’t have budgets to hire a
full-time designer or an agency.
Instead, they like the flexibility
and one-on-one attention from a
personal freelancer. Does that
make any sense?

14. Write Your Introduction
Hi, My name is Ryan Jones. I’m
a design student at IADT. I
know there are a lot of great
business organizations out there
that need talented and dedicated
volunteers. I’m always looking
for great opportunities to get
involved, give back meet new
people and practice my design
skills. Are you involved in any
exciting programs?

15. Practice Your Introduction
Get in front of a mirror
Practice “but” and “um”
Keep it natural and relaxed
Be confident
Practice several versions

16. Work the Room
Don’t Gravitate Toward the
People You Know
Say “Hello” but Move On
Meet Strangers
Ask for Introductions
Give Introductions

17. Business Cards
What to Include:
Name
Job Title
Number
Email
Website/Portfolio

18. Don’t Give a Card Unless
You are Asked for a Card

19. Don’t Ask for a Card
Unless You Plan to Use It

20. What if You Get STUCK?
Politely Introduce them to
Someone Else
“Amber, have you met
Roger - he’s an engineer.”
Then Quietly Slip Away

21. Follow Up
The Day After the Event
Connect via LinkedIn or Email
Remind Them of How You Met
If You Want to Meet Again
Pick Up the Phone & Call
Weeks and Months Later
Refer them to Someone
Congratulate Them
Send Them an Invite

22. Photo Credits
Best Design Options. Graphic Designer Business Cards: 30 Creative Business Cards. 20
August 2010. Web. Accessed 20 June 2012.
Keitt, Jennifer. Mirror Mirror...Who’s the Prettiest of them All?Is it me? 5 June 2012. Web.
Accessed 20 June 2012.
Kell, Rita. Create a Buzz About Your CPA Firm at Networking Events. 15 October 2011.
Web. Accessed 20 June 2012.
Local Shop Rewards. 15 May 2012. Web. Accessed 20 June 2012.
Scott, Marc. 5 Tips for Working with First Time Voice-Over Clients. 12 June 2012.
Accessed 20 June 2012.
Sheehan, Rob. The Importance of Goals. 18 January 2012. Web. Accessed 20 June 2012.
Social Media QuickStarter. Introduction to LinkedIn. Web. Accessed 21 June 2012.