This presentation/workshop was delivered as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Qatar to tackle the importance of networking with a focus on entrepreneurs. It covers the importance of networking for entrepreneurs, provide some valuable networking tips and finally a tool to help maintain and grow connections in a personal network.

1. for entrepreneurs
POWER OF NETWORKING
Emad Saif
Center for Entrepreneurship, QU

2. Networking

3. A B
A introduce your self to B
in 1 minute

4. A B
B introduce A to anyone else
in 1 minute

5. Networking ??

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

7. HELP!
Sarah
CHALLANGES

8. Networking = Support System

9. Sarah
YES!

10. PEOPLE are your most
important assets

11. Without proper support
system you will fail!

12. Why Network?

13. Free Food
Free Stuff
Business Cards

14. Find partners, customers
& investors
Learn, find opportunities
& stay motivated
Promote idea, receive
feedback & gain support

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

16. Personal Elevator Pitch

17. Who are you?
[ First name and Current situation ]
My name is Mariam, I’m in my last year of
environmental science studies 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 ]
I’m very passionate about the environment & green
technologies. I’ve done extensive research in that field,
especially 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 ]
I’m looking forward to learn as much as possible from
all the industry experts here and make interesting
contacts to collaborate with them on future projects!
Conversation
[ Share something interesting and
encourage others to join in ]
So can you tell me about you? What do you do and
what brings you to this conference? Oh… me too!
Call to action
[ Thank them for their time, ask how
to connect and follow up ]
It was lovely meeting you! May I have your business
card and add you on LinkedIn to stay connected? Great!

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
67% 33%
Listen More

27. Hand Shakes

28. Business Cards

29. Hand Positions

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

31. Personal Space

32. Power Positions

33. Kennedy vs. Nixon
Presidential Debate [1960]

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

35. NETWORKING TOOL

36. Build your network
and stay in touch

37. Why Join
?
Create your personal brand &
public image
Access to many jobs postings
Get discovered by employers
Find & maintain connections of
interest
Get news & updates of key
companies
Contribute to your network
with updates & articles

38. Sample Profile

39. Create Your Profile
www.linkedin.com

40. Summary
GET OUT THERE
Network using positive body language
SUPPORT OTHERS
Offer your help & connect people
GROW NETWORK
Maintain & grow your network

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

42. THANK YOU
Emad Saif
Center for Entrepreneurship, QU
emadsaif@qu.edu.qa
@esaif