What is the Number One Skill that Can Build Trust?

It is NETWORKING!

Are You Dissatisfied with Your Networking Results?

Do you wonder what to talk about, how to remember names, or how to answer, “What’s new?” Do you wish you knew how to promote what you do?

For the majority of my working life, networking was a struggle for me. These are exactly the questions I asked myself, over and over. Maybe you have some of the same concerns.

In reality, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been networking. You may have been in business for years, or maybe you’re about to graduate from college. It can simply be hard to network effectively if you’re not sure how to go about it.

While I have always understood that networking is critically important, I’m an introvert and most days would rather be at home with my family, reading a book or enjoying a great meal.

What if You Are an Introvert like Me and/or Dread Networking?

Some of the most successful networkers are shy. Sometimes you may feel like you have a touch of Inhibited Social Contact Initiation Syndrome where it’s hard to talk to people you don’t know.

Fortunately there is a method that takes the mystery out of networking, and actually shows you how to overcome the difficulties you have experienced.

You Can Make Networking an Art, Not an Accident!

There are networking strategies you can learn that are easy and comfortable, and most importantly, they work! Instead of going to an event and hoping for the best, you can use simple techniques to make each networking encounter more effective.

You can learn how to:

Join a conversation with people already talking
Answer “What do you do?” in a way that attracts attention
Let people know what you are interested in
Exit a conversation tactfully, particularly when you are stuck with a person who won’t stop talking
Go up to people you don’t know and start a conversation

What Is the Program that Can Show You How to Network?

For over 11 years, I was an executive director of a chamber of commerce. I’d watch our members struggle with networking but couldn’t find an approach that really helped them. Then I discovered Contacts Count, a nationwide training company helping people learn how to network strategically.

I read the book, Make Your Contacts Count, by networking experts, Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon, and was blown away. Here, FINALLY, was an approach that made sense, was entertaining, and so human. I loved it so much that I became a Certified Contacts Count Presenter.

The best part is that this program shows you how to network. Too often you’ll be told, “Just go out and meet people.” For me, this was not enough. I was thrilled to learn exactly how to make my conversations more meaningful and how to make my relationships grow using the Contacts Count method.

Experience a Contacts Count Seminar

Since the Contacts Count method is not my creation, I feel very comfortable providing a “testimonial” about it.

Not too long ago I went to a networking event. I was tired, didn’t have much enthusiasm, but had made the commitment to go. So I concentrated on what I teach about Contacts Count and focused on those techniques. Even though I didn’t "feel like" networking, the tools and skills carried me through anyway.

It turned out to be one of the most productive meetings I’ve attended, simply because I could fall back on the skills.

I present these seminars because they give you tools you can use immediately and an approach that will forever change how you view networking. After working with businesspeople for so many years at the chamber, I am only interested in teaching a method that is specific, and proven to work.

Contacts Count is that program.

You can learn these techniques too. There are different length programs to meet your needs.

Choose from among these topics:

The 3 Key Moments in a Conversation

Remembering Names and Teaching Others Yours
Answering “What do you do?” to attract interest
Being prepared to answer “How are you?” and “What’s new?”

The 6 Stages of Relationships: How to Demonstrate Your Character and Competence

How to Join a Conversation with People You Don’t Know and What to Say

Why is it that I’m Networking? How to Set Goals and Find Groups to Join

Follow Through: How to Stay in Touch or Reconnect

The Introvert’s Guide to Networking

These topics can be presented alone in 30-60 minute segments, or combined for a half day (3 hours) or full day (6 hours) seminar. Each seminar is upbeat, interactive and fun. Participants will practice each skill in a safe, supportive and comfortable environment.

My Clients

I present seminars to businesspeople, young professionals and college students. My audiences include professional associations, governmental agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

My recent clients have been:

Maryland Works
Washington College of Law, American University
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Johns Hopkins University
New York Life Insurance Company
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Anne Arundel Community College
Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP)
Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce
Chesapeake Chapter Young Financial Professionals
Commercial Real Estate Women Inc.
Diversity Business Network
eWomenNetwork
Federal Asian Pacific American Council
Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce
Loyola College
Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington (PPSGW)
Library Ambassadors Series Division of Library Development & Services Maryland
State Department of Education
Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce
Southern Maryland Regional Library Association
The Risk Management Association - Maryland Suburban
Women Out n About
Maryland Bankers Association

Read What Others Say About the Seminars:

I find Marcia Hall’s seminars to be an invaluable resource for my ongoing education and development as a business owner. When I see she is the presenter, I don’t even bother to check out the topic, I just automatically say, “I’m going!” Even after 10 years of networking, there are still refinements to make and new tools to acquire. You get even more than your money’s worth from Marcia’s seminars!
Dorothy Vitrano, Fruition Gifts

What a wonderful workshop on networking! I thought I had networking down to a science, and have named myself “networking queen,” but Marcia gave me many new ideas. Holly Blackett, Zuriana’s Elegant Occasions, LLC

I did not realize how much I didn’t know about effective networking until Marcia Hall spoke on the subject at our Small Business Start-up workshop. The information she presented was well to the point and demonstrated that there is much room for improvement in correctly knowing how to interact with one another in a business networking environment. Can you really afford to be ineffective? Find out how much you didn’t know about networking when you attend one of her workshops. It was well worth the time effort and cost to our would-be entrepreneurs. Tom Francovitch, Small Business Counselor, SBDC Anne Arundel County

This was a phenomenal experience. I never thought I could learn so much valuable information in such a short amount of time! Kristin Foster, Bevans Group

Training for What You Need

Individual or group training is available for companies, nonprofits and colleges, customized to meet your needs. Contact Marcia Hall at marcia@reputationcounts.com or 410-987-0857 to discuss your requirements.

If you do not see your topic about business networking in the list above, please contact Marcia Hall to discuss your area of interest!

Fees

Speaking fees are based on the length of the keynote seminar and preparation time that is necessary to provide you with a presentation to meet your needs. Please contact Marcia Hall to discuss your requirements.

To book Marcia Hall Click Here

CONTACT:

Reputation COUNTS
Marcia Hall
The Reputation Pro
410-987-0857
marcia@reputationcounts.com