PowerPoint Presentation

Startup Networking and LeadershipMichael FrenchFounder and CEODirect Marketing SoftwareBizeo

Why do we network?

Customers

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Business Partners

Bill Gates and Steve Balmer met at university, so did Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.Many founders meet at other workplaces etc. Read and learn about other businesses4

Suppliers

Advisors

Resellers/distributors

e.g. tradeshows-other exhibitors7

Build your Brand

Example of State Govt Open Data day led to premiers office8

Employers

Employees

Internships

Investors

Board Members

Advocates

Paul Russel promoting Bizeo to Tiger TempleRachel - HRPeople like him are telling others about Bizeo even if they havent used it themselves14

Friends and peers

Being a business owner is lonely15

Ideas

Steve Jobs Xerox PARC16

Test Ideas

Team building

SilverChef founder networking within his own businessSteve Jobs with his engineers18

Competitive Intelligence

Tradeshows are great places for thisNever build a business without learning everything you can about others19

Other peoples networks

Business Partnerships

Businesses to invest in

Angels and venture capital22

Businesses to buy

How To NetworkOnlineBlogsSocial mediaEmailPhoneEventsTradeshowsAnywhere there are relevant peopleIncludingAt University!

Call or email authors and columnists you like24

Where to network

River City LabsQueensland LeadersTEC The Executive ConnectionPitcher partnersIT Qld eventsMicrosoft Innovation CentreiLabBizspark ExpresswayQueensland Business GroupDigital Economy QueenslandDigital BrisbaneMeetupsMacquarie TelecomIBMQueensland Small Business activitiesMicrosoft user groupsXeroconADMA forumFIA eventsLeaders in BusinessAlumni events

The BIG problemIts not natural to most of us!

Many people have skills in other areas e.g. technical but not people skills. Some just feel uncomfortable or unsure, particularly early on in their careers.

Mention my fear of public speaking etc.

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Face to Face ConsiderationsGet over your shyness but dont be too overbearingPut the relationship before the saleListenAdjust to your audienceBe genuineAlways follow upMake sure you get their business card or contact details, dont rely on them calling youIf they dont have a business card make sure you write their details on one of yours. Keep a pen handyHave a pitch but dont pitch unless asked toListenHave great storiesListen

Practice and it will get easierIts like asking someone out27

Be memorable

Tomi video28

Tradeshows

Know what your pre, during and post event plans are ahead of time.You dont always have to exhibitMake sure you go to the dinners and networking events

Dont be afraid to ask about people they might know.Develop key referrersUse a sales pipeline tool or equivalent; make sure you follow up long term as well.Build and maintain a database.

Key Referrers - talk about node theory30

Focus on Quality over quantity; expect to walk away with a couple of good leads rather than hundreds.

Have confidenceListenReviewLearnRefine

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http://www.rebekahcampbell.com/2013/07/30/sole-founder-vs-co-founders/Have you worked on a joint project? Imagine your destiny being locked into that group.Pros & Cons of joint business

Your areTeam SelectorCoach and motivatorManagerFinancial ControllerMarketerChief Sales PersonHuman Resources ManagerThe Oracle of all knowledgeThe Solver of all problemsResponsible for making sure the bins get emptied

Second Last slideEmpathy towards staffSalesDeterminationIgnorance Steve Jobs Reality Bubble

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Are you a psychopath?

http://www.smartcompany.com.au/entrepreneurs/057195-hannibal-lecter-ceo-new-research-likens-entrepreneurs-to-psychopaths.html?utm_source=SmartCompany&utm_campaign=1de7e04963-Tiesday_27_August_201327_08_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_234118efee-1de7e04963-93636037

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Any questions?Email: mike@dmsw.com.auPhone: 07 3510 9555Thank you