“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
“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
“"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 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 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
“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
“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
“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
“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
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Tracy Johnson, Marketing Services Director, Eventia
“Andy certainly made a difference on how I normally approach / perceive events such as this. ”
Ann Azzopardi, Category Buying Manager, Pret a Manger
“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

lead generation

Why do you refer others?

This article originally appeared in The National Networker

In this extract from my new book, due out later this year, I look at the importance of understanding why we refer others to help us inspire others to refer us.

How do you make introductions without losing friends?

One of the biggest challenges facing many people when they look at how they can refer other people is the fear that they will upset friends in the process.

Before last week's BrightTalk seminar on how to generate referrals, I was asked how to make introductions without losing friends. The full question read:

Free webinar on referral strategy - 24th June 2010 1pm BST

Four Steps to Using LinkedIn as a Referral Tool

Based on the Six Degrees of Separation Theory, LinkedIn helps users to see how they can connect with other members through mutual networks. Put simply, if you want to be introduced to someone else who is a member of LinkedIn, the site shows you the people you know who are connected to that person.

Six Degrees of Separation suggests that we are no more than five steps from anyone in the World. LinkedIn works on the first three degrees. You can see your network through the site. You can also get linked to your network’s connections and even to another level beyond that.