Workshop: Polishing Your Networking Skills

A network is all the people you know. Networking is interacting with those people and ultimately enriching your life and getting things done. In this workshop, we provide an overview of the factors affecting networks and networking. In the early activities you will summarize and critique your current network and identify areas to work on. An overview is given of the principles and attitudes used in networking; examples and activities to practice these are provided. Five ideas are given for developing your network: spend time, apply the principles, develop a positive attitude, take the initiatives and consider some practical applications. The downsides of networking are addressed. Ideas for nurturing your network are explored, with practical examples and applications and activities. If time permits we will explore practical suggestions for drawing on your network to provide a rich life. Suggestions for drawing on your network to get things done will be given. This is not about online social networking using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,YouTube or Skype. This is a workshop, and papers are not solicited for this session.