“There are many motivational speakers on the circuit who leave behind them just a short lived glow and then there are the subject matter pragmatic, passionate presenters who can potentially change the long term way their audience thinks or operates. I’d put Andy Lopata in the latter category. ”
Trevor Salomon – Director, Corporate Marketing, IFS
“"In the three months since Andy delivered his sessions, I've noticed a clear change in the approach taken by everyone who participated. We have already received a number of referrals as a result." ”
Andy O'Sullivan, Head of Sales - Hospitality, Wembley Stadium
“Andy has a can do and flexible attitude and is happy to develop and shape the content in line with the clients changing needs. Feedback from participants on Andy's workshops has been consistently very positive. ”
Una Murphy, Manager BBC Careerlink
“Andy has successfully elevated networking into more of a strategic arena ...................rather than it just being a "skills" thing. ”
Phil Jesson, Director of Speaker Development Academy for Chief Executives
“It was the best talk I’ve ever been to. Loved the content, pacing, delivery, structure. Your message was very memorable (imparting that much information can leave listeners forgetting what was said) and you managed the balance between substance, detail and memorability well. ”
Rebecca Aguilar, BBC Worldwide
“Andy is an energetic presenter who quickly captured our audience's attention. The content of his presentation was excellent and fostered lively commentary and questions. We will definitely have Andy back for another session and are looking for other ways to partner with him. ”
Jennifer Rademaker, Head of Strategy Development Europe, MasterCard
“Of all the events I've organised, I have never received so much unsolicited thanks and positive feedback as I did following this. ”
Emma Mortimore Membership Secretary, One Alfred Place
“Andy was a guest speaker at one of European Young Professionals networking events in London in 2007. The 400 people who showed up were blown away by Andy's presentation and it was in fact one of the key reasons behind EYP London's early success. ”
Nick Jonsson, Founder, European Young Professionals
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with you! Your balance of information, practical interaction and anecdotal evidence was perfect for the delegates – they seemed enthralled! ”
Tracy Johnson, Marketing Services Director, Eventia
“Andy worked with my business partner and me for a number of months as a referral and networking coach. Our business has demonstrably grown due to the new techniques and skills learned through working with Andy. ”
Dan Hall, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
“The striking thing about Andy is that he writes a book on networking that demystifies the process and shows you all the things you know you should be doing - but never really get round to. Then he surprises you by practising what he preaches! ”
Russ King, Product Manager, Monster.com
“Several people were surprised to find out that Andy didn’t work in our sector as he related his knowledge so well and confidently, which was key to getting the audience to buy into his advice. ”
Suzanne Rowse, Director, British Boarding Schools Workshop
“Andy certainly made a difference on how I normally approach / perceive events such as this. ”
Ann Azzopardi, Category Buying Manager, Pret a Manger

Blogs, Networks and Sites - Useful Links

Here are a selection of websites and blogs which provide great advice on networking and general business, as well as links to people I highly recommend. There are many more links I could include, so please don't see this as a comprehensive list.

 

Networking

BusinessNetworking - Blog from US founder of BNI and best selling author Ivan Misner 

Business Networking Blog - Short and snappy networking tips and podcasts from CEO of UK based NRG Networks Dave Clarke

The Networking Coach's Opinion - Blog from Belgian author of 'Let's Connect' and 'How to Really Use LinkedIn' Jan Vermeiren

Million Dollar Networker - A networking resource site from Rory Murray, who has estimated that he has earned a seven figure sum through networking

Networking Insight - Straightforward and simple networking advice from Chicago's Jason Jacobsohn

Social Media Marketing and Business Promotion – blog from Warren Cass including a host of excellent guest bloggers

Just Professionals - Great blogs on how to use social media for business development from UK architect Su Butcher

Business Scene - Your guide to finding networks around the UK, together with some pretty good events they run themselves

Joined Up Business Networking - Networking tips from Heather Townsend, author of the forthcoming 'FT Guide to Business Networking'.

Find Networking Events - UK-wide directory of networking events, split by region. Also has regional section for Women's events

 

Business Networks

The Professional Speaking Association - for anyone who speaks for a living

NRG Networks - Monthly meetings in various UK locations

Academy for Chief Executives - Peer-to-Peer mastermind groups for CEOs, senior directors and entrepreneurs

BNI - weekly referral-focused business networking meetings

BRX - my old company. Referral-focused networking

4Networking - An online community and regular breakfast meetings, without the level of commitment of a BNI or BRX

Business4Breakfast - Regular referral-focused breakfast meetings

European Professional Womens Network - A network focused on the development of professional women. Very proactive with a range of events.

Women in Technology - Career opportunities and excellent events for women in IT industries

Women in Banking and Finance - Professional organisation committed to empowering its members in the banking and finance industry

Sister Snog - Women's Networking with attitude

1230 The Womens Company - Local women's network for both support and referrals.

The Athena Network - For women in a business development role

International Special Events Society - Excellent network if you are in the events industry. Chapters worldwide

London Launch - for the events industry and meeting planners in London

LinkedIn - The online platform for generating business referrals

Ecademy.com - Online networking, predominantly for profile building among smaller businesses. Very strong in the UK

Twitter - Great for spreading your message quickly and virally.

Xing.com - Good business network with strong membership on the European continent

 

 

General Business

Rubber Cheese - The excellent designers of our website and products

Hatton Marketing - The wonderful developers behind this site

Dave Speaks - Entertaining musings from David 'Magnificent' McQueen

Positive Ground - The new business from co-author of '...and Death Came Third' Peter Roper

Fresh Business Thinking - A range of excellent advice for business owners

Enterprise UK - Great advice and support for young entrepreneurs

The Media Coach Newsletter - In my opinion, the best newsletter around. With tips on handling the media, giving presentations and social networks...as well as The Media Mug award

The Book Midwife - Looking to get in print? Mindy is the power behind my third book and well worth speaking to

Jo Parfitt - Another great resource for budding authors from the editor of 'Building a Business on Bacon & Eggs' and co-editor of '...and Death Came Third!'

Web Copy that People Read - Great advice from co-editor of '...and Death Came Third!' Lesley Morrissey

Position Ignition - Excellent blog for careers advice

6 Figure Career Management - Another excellent career blog

The Retail Conference - A must-visit event for anyone in retail, chaired by yours truly!

Corporate Soul Woman - One of my favourite UK speakers, Molly Harvey

Incisive Edge - One of our Business Partners, helping businesses build to an exit position in 2-5 years.

Corporate Toolbox - A one-stop shop for business training e-books, books, audio and video tools - all focusing on growing your career, your team, your business and your results.

Beer and Partners - a leading source of venture capital and business angel investment for growing businesses and start ups in the UK.

Working with Accountants - excellent support for any businesses looking to connect with accountants as introducers or clients from a man with years of experience at the top of his profession.

Round Earth Leadership - fascinating profiles of visionary leaders

Careers City  - Job Board for female talent in London from the amazing founder of WearetheCity.com Vanessa Vallely