Baltimore, MD (September 15, 2012) -- Emmelie De La Cruz, founder of The Branding Muse, served as a conference presenter at the Woman Owned & Managed Enterprise Network (W.O.M.E.N.) NEXT conference on Saturday at Morgan State University. The day-long program was developed for emerging women entrepreneurs of color ages 17-24. Emmelie presented the Young Professionals Connected Session on how to make your network your net worth by building relationships to grow your business and portfolio.

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Young Professionals Connected
Emmelie De La Cruz
#womennext

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Introduction
Networking Toolkit
Stages of Networking
Networking Etiquette

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Networking’s Biggest Secret
Networking is successful
with Confidence and through
the elimination of Confusion

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Networking Myths
“No one is interested in
what I have to say. There is
going to be an awkward
silence. I’m introverted.”

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Networking Toolkit
What you need to have prepared when you network

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Networking Toolkit
Business cards
LinkedIn Profile
Elevator Pitch
A purpose
A plan

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Elevator Pitch
Who are you?/ What do you do?
Who do you serve?
How can you solve my
problem/address my needs?

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Where are you
networking?
In class
Events
Within your
organization
Office
Online

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Plan
 Checklist:
 Stand Out
 Start a conversation
 Listen – People love to talk about themselves,
especially entrepreneurs
 Connect what they say to your business
 Briefly talk about yourself
 Come prepared with questions
 You must PUSH yourself outside your boundaries. If
you are complacent, you will not excel.

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Plan
 What challenges are you facing in your
business?”
 “Why did you start your business?”
 What are you looking forward to learning at
this event?”
 How did you hear about this event?

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Stages of Networking
Introduction
Finding Value in the Connection
Courtship
Exchanging of Messages
Relationship
Development of mutual understanding

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Networking Etiquette
 Wait to be asked for resume or business card
 Build relationships first
 Be genuine
 Fortune is in the follow-up
 Give Selflessly to Receive Abundantly

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Conclusion – ABCs of Networking
1. Attract – Attain
2. Brand – Blueprint
3. Confidence – Confusion
~
 You only attract what you believe you can attain
 Build your Brand with a Blueprint
 Convey Confidence and Clear Confusion

14. Contact Me