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

Networking Groups

Alan Sugar and Networking: Why the 'Entrepreneurs' Champion' could lead them to disaster

5th January 11 — andylopata

I've never been totally convinced by the rise of Alan Sugar to the role of 'Enterprise Champion' over recent years. His re-emergence as the star of the BBC version of The Apprentice was followed by a role with the Labour Government and a place in the House of Lords for the former computer magnate. Since then Lord Sugar has become the media's primary source of business advice, particularly for entrepreneurs.

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Networks that Fit

24th November 10 — andylopata

Networks, and networking, are thriving in these tough times. More than ever people recognise that they need to look to others for support if they are to achieve their career and business goals.

The ‘dog-eat-dog’ world of business painted by TV programmes such as The Apprentice is not necessarily the way forward in business today. Instead businesses are more likely to achieve positive results through collaboration. Sharing experiences, expertise, ideas and contacts is essential to business success.

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Networking by Numbers.....or how NOT to run a networking event

27th August 10 — andylopata

I really thought networking events had moved on. It turns out that I might have been wrong.

I met with a corporate lawyer this morning. Earlier this week he attended an event run by his local Chamber of Commerce. The event was billed as 'Networking by Numbers' and, as he outlined the format to me, I was horrified.

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Stop playing the numbers

12th August 10 — andylopata

Networking is not a numbers game and I don’t want to be a notch on someone else’s networking bedpost.

A culture has developed around networking where the aim seems to be to gain the maximum number of business cards, connections, ‘friends’ or ‘followers’.

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What, if any, are the benefits of gender specific networks?

14th July 10 — andylopata

Women's networking groups have grown in popularity in recent years, both for entrepreneurs and within large companies. As they have grown, so they have polarised opinion. I have worked with a number of such networks and forged relationships with many others and have come across many women who feel they do a fantastic job. I have also met women who have been very critical and feel that they play a negative role by reinforcing gender roles and pigeon-holing.

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