Package 1 Become a confident and effective networker

Why this? In these lean economic times,  it’s crucial that opportunities for business development aren’t missed through a lack of strategy, skill and support.

Who is this for? Professionals with a responsibility for business development and those who want to brush up on their basic networking skills. It is also suitable for other staff who are either inexperienced or reluctant networkers.

What does it cover? Session 1 focuses on what do before, during and after a typical event to maximise the time and opportunity. Delegates will learn how to:

  • Take a strategic approach to developing new relationships
  • Prepare so that they’re networking with a purpose – using a checklist
  • Get started in busy room when they don’t know anybody
  • Get in and out of conversations easily
  • Have the effective 5-step networking conversation
  • Demonstrate their credibility through using conversational stories
  • Follow up professionally without being a pest
  • Use on and offline channels to generate leads
  • Avoid making the one mistake that will ruin their chances of being successful.

8 – 10 week practice period where delegates will:

  • Use all their session 1 learning in real-life networking scenarios
  • Record their experience

Session 2 focuses on further developing their strategy and skills.  This bespoke session will address any challenges faced and further increase your lead-generating ability. Typically this will also include some online networking training.

What format does it take?

  • Two half day sessions, 8-10 weeks apart, at your premises
  • Fortnightly networking tips reminding you of points covered (for a 6 month period)
  • A telephone coaching call with each individual. 
  • A review meeting to monitor progress.

How many can attend the session?

Typically 10 – 12 people


“I recently attended Melissa’s networking workshops and found them to be invaluable, and have certainly helped me in building confidence and ideas to use when networking with external clients.

As a result, the bank hired her to talk at one of our conferences to a room of managers looking to imporove their skills. The talk was well prepared, extremely relevant to our business, and certainly provoked a lot of thought within the room. The feedback received after the event was extremely positive, due in part to Melissa’s unique and interesting presentation style.

I would have no hesitation at all in promoting Melissa’s services to anyone looking to improve their skills in business networking and winning over new business, and I am sure we will look to work with her again.” Steve Jones Premier Relationship Manager HSBC

Package 2: Make yourself Memorable: Ensure key people remember you and the value you create.

Why this? Our lead generating ability is directly correlated to the way we describe our proposition. Given its importance, it is rarely given the attention it deserves by technical professionals. This can mean opportunities are missed as people don’t remember what we do or why we’re different. 

Who is this for? Professionals who struggle to convey their proposition in a concise, interesting and memorable way. It will be valuable for managers, leaders and those involved in sales or marketing.

What does it cover? Having studied what make some people and their propositions more memorable than others I have pulled together 7 principles.  This communications skills workshop shows you how to apply them to your unfolding business development conversations.

By the end of the session you will have:

  • Techniques to ensure people want to hear what you have to say
  • 3 concise, clear and conversational introductions that you feel confident using
  • A formula for stories that demonstrate your credibility
  • A memorable metaphor to illustrate your offering or positioning
  • Identified ways to keep strengthening your key relationships – without being a pest
  • An understanding of how to avoid being remembered for the wrong reasons
  • Increased your confidence, motivation to get out there and meet more prospects.

What format does it take?

  • One half day session at your premises
  • Fortnightly tips reminding you of points covered (for a 6 month period)
  • A telephone coaching call with each individual. 

How many can attend the session?

10 – 12 people

“the open workshop was so valuable that I have organised for the rest of my team to go on the programme.  It has stimulated a whole new way of talking about our offer – one which is going down much better with prospects.  Not usually one to be gushy…this was one of the best sessions I have attended.”

David Waldman, MD Five Hats International Ltd