“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
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Tracy Johnson, Marketing Services Director, Eventia
“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
“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
“"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 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
“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
“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
“Andy certainly made a difference on how I normally approach / perceive events such as this. ”
Ann Azzopardi, Category Buying Manager, Pret a Manger
“Andy Lopata’s insights into referrals and networking should be taught in all induction programmes. Networking and referrals should not be thought of as another sales skill or tactic, but as part of the company’s values and culture. ”
Ignacio Hernandez Managing Director, EMEA, Currencies Direct Limited
“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
“I've had the benefit of being mentored by Andy and he has provided enormous value. His style is both supportive and challenging whilst being very engaging, and the techniques he teaches are extremely practical and valuable. ”
Derek Bishop, Culture Consultancy ltd

Who is Andy Lopata?

I believe that networking is a vital tool in business, from sales generation to career development. Unfortunately, it's still not treated with the same strategic consideration as other business methods, leaving many companies and individuals failing to realise the potential their networks offer.

By knowing why you are networking and what you want to achieve, it is possible to plan accordingly and get great, measurable results.

A business networking strategist, I work with companies on how to use networking tools to develop their businesses. Networking is not just about sales. Whether for lead generation, breaking down silos internally, recruitment and retention of top staff or developing future leaders, networks and collaboration have a key role to play. I work with my clients to help recognise that role and put the strategy and skills in place to leverage it.

I have a regular blog in The Huffington Post and have been quoted in national press, including The Sunday Times, The Financial Times and The Guardian. I have also co-authored two books on networking, with my third book published by Financial Times Prentice Hall in August 2011.

For eight years, I was Managing Director of Business Referral Exchange, one of the UK's leading referral-focused networking groups with over 2,000 member companies.Since leaving BRX, I have worked with companies from one-man bands to global names such as NatWest Bank, Merrill Lynch and Mastercard to help them realise the full potential from their networking.

To find out more about how I can help you network more effectively please have a look at our range of services here

When I'm not networking, speaking or training I have the dubious pleasure of being an avid Charlton Athletic football fan. I like sports generally, attending British athletics, Wimbledon and the cricket most years and having been to the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup Final.

I also try my hand (very badly) at golf, where my handicap is my swing, and waterskiing. I also swim regularly, although that's also what I spend most of my time doing when I waterski!

Culturally, I love music and have a very eclectic range of taste. I was a typical moody teenager listening to The Doors, Hendrix, Lou Reed and Bowie while at Uni. I hasten to add, they had all long disappeared from the scene by then! My taste these days ranges from classical to punk, with a lot in between. But certainly not Coldplay!

I also go to see films on a regular basis and enjoy going to the theatre several times a year.

My other passion is cooking. I make a mean Chocolate Truffle Torte!

You can read some of my articles and comments in the media, as well as press coverage here