#016 - Simon PhilLips - 10 magic tips to networking
'Give the relationship breathing space' [Simon Phillips]

Nicholla speaks with Simon Phillips who is an author, trainer, keynote speaker and coach; an expert in running his own networks and in teaching other people how to network. He runs his own company, Simesco, specializing in the people side of business improvement and covering leadership development, personal effectiveness and sustainable business performance improvement.  He is also a passionate Career Mentor.  His latest book; "The Complete Guide to Professional Networking: The secrets of online and offline success" is the result of two years research with some of the greatest networkers on the planet.  (Link below)

Nicholla says 'As an expat one of the key skills to help us connect with our new community is the ability to network or start to build relationships with members of our community.   For some of us (the lucky ones) networking is natural and open while for others its hard. It creates anxiety, fear related thoughts and worry.  BUT.... all isn't lost.  Simon has spent the past two years talking to some of the world’s greatest networkers to find out how they do it and now he is sharing what he has discovered with us.  In  my interview with Simon he breaks downs those barriers and simplifies the process with his 10 magic tips to networking. Get familiar with these and you will succeed at networking.'  
Inside this Episode


  • Simon starts by telling us a little bit about himself.  In the first part of Simon's career with Accenture he was involved in the process of Change Management.  In the second of his career he started his own business and started training, consulting and writing books.  His passion is helping people and focusing on the individual needs through career mentoring,  one to one coaching or training so that they can get the best out of themselves and create their greatest contribution.
  • The catalyst to start his own business was because of the big ideas that he had but to keep the money rolling in he continued his training and consulting.  He discovered in the early part of his own entrepreneurial journey was the passion to help people and now this is his full time occupation.
  • Simon shares with us his first book called 'Mastering Time' which is about helping you recognize the time challenges we face in our day to day lives and the critical problem of 'poor discipline. Simon's books offers you time management solutions which will help you focus your own personal effectiveness.  
  • Simon's current book 'The Complete Guide to Professional Networking. The secrets of online and offline success'  had two key drivers behind it.  a) This is the second book in his series of books all focused on giving people the tools and techniques to be a success in their own life but also to equip them to help other people. b) He identified that people were struggling to link their online and offline activities.
  • Through Simon's research and interviews Simon developed this list called the 'The 10 Magic Tips to networking' which was developed out of Simon interviewing 50 networking experts from around the world. He has identified them as being the glue that holds the networking process together.
  • Simon also shares his favourite definition of networking and why it resonates more with him.

Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active 
through regular communication for mutual benefit. 
Networking is based on the question "How can I help?" and not with "What can I get?"

Read more: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/networking.html#ixzz3JJNCAsgg

The 10 magic tips to networking


  • IDENTIFYING: Who do you really want to meet and how are they going to be found?  And how you will use your networking to connect with them. Be clear on what it is your want to achieve.
  • CONNECTING:  Simon explains how setting the mindset of 'How can I Help'  when entering a room of strangers, one is encouraged to be curious and start to create those connections.  Being curious about the individual you are stood in front of.
  • MEETING: Setting a time and get back together to talk in more depth. Its a brilliant idea not to have an agenda and just get the conversation flow and remembering is all about 'how can I help you'
  • LISTENING: Its the number one relationship skill builder to have.  Its critical to building relationships.  Listening allows you to listen out for those ques to when you can ask your questions in order to learn more about the individual.  We also briefly touched on body language and Simon shares his view on how we can misinterpret body language. 
  • HELPING: this is about demonstrating your commitments to the other individual you are engage with and adding weight to the importance of 'how can I help you'. 
  • SUPPORTING: Support networks are critical throughout your life and it something that is under spoken about in networking terms.  Simon emphasis the importance of being aware in your network of who needs support and lending that help and support when needed.
  • TRUSTING: Trust really is another cornerstone of networking.  Simon clarifies why folk will refer you if they trust you and to build trust we need to be doing all of these key tips within our networks.  Trust is also your overall reliability and your integrity.
  • CHEERING: A great tip to remember as its important that we do share in others people moments and cheer them on for whatever success they may have had.  
  • ASKING: Never assume that people around you know exactly what you do.  There are always grey areas and Simon recommends that is always important to be clear about what you want, what you are looking for and the type of clients you need. 
  • THANKING: Its important not to forget to say thank you. When people have entended their helping hand or referred someone along then its important to step back and say thank you for the help.

The 10 Magic Tips discussion ends at 32 minutes & 30 seconds.

At the end of the Magic Tips Chat Simon and I had a chat about a couple of case study examples to get more of an insight into networking thinking.  Here was the key points.
  • Simon shares that his book isn't just business related networking. The principles apply to everyone in everyday life. From Stay at home Mums to Community activities and initiatives.  His book is about getting the best out of relationships
  • Simon shares his recommendations on what to do when you have one word or a few word response.
  • Simon offers up tips on getting over the nerves of networking.
  • That awkward moment when you want to end the conversation so you can move on. Been there? Yep, me too and Simon has his recommendations here too.
  • Simon tells us the best piece of networking advise he has ever been given.
  • We end our interview with Simon's opinion on networking in 10 years.  

Simon's New Book is available via Amazon.com. 
Click on the image to BUY the book NOW.
Networking is a skill that many people recognise as critically important, but which many find difficult, boring or fear-inducing – or even all three. Yet, if you master the techniques that really work, networking can pay dividends for you, your business and your career.

Simon Phillips has spent the past two years talking to some of the world’s greatest networkers to find out how they do it and now he is sharing what he has discovered with us. As an OD Director, career mentor and author of The Complete Guide to Professional Networking, Simon has also developed some unique insights that will transform the effectiveness of your networking – online and in the live arena! But don’t expect another dull business book, this one is filled with cartoons and caricatures by the renowned illustrator Simon Ellinas. You need never fear networking again.

Also Available in KinoKuniya Book Store in Dubai Mall.
Show Notes
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