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

Social networking

Is a LinkedIn profile likely to cost you your job?

Yesterday's Daily Telegraph reported the case of John Flexman who has taken his employer to a tribunal for constructive dismissal. According to the report, Mr Flexman was disciplined for 'inappropriate use of social media' after putting his CV onto LinkedIn and ticking the box saying that he is interested in 'career opportunities'.

Broom Army Demonstrates Social Networking's Positive Side

This blog originally appeared in The Huffington Post

 

Pic: Sarah Hilton

 

For me, one of the most evocative pictures to come from the events of the last week in London and around the UK was taken by a friend of mine.

Did Social Networks bring about the end of the World?

 

Shortly after I finished presenting at a B2B Marketing Symposium last night news filtered through of the demise of The News of the World. Following the phone hacking scandal that has dominated news in the UK this week, the decision has been taken to close the doors of the newspaper, which has been published since 1843, after this weekend's edition. 

Facebook Groups - Where choice goes out of the window

It's not how you want to start your Sunday. Waking up on a rainy morning, checking your phone and finding your email inbox inundated with messages from strangers. Overnight you've been subscribed to a Facebook group by a well meaning friend and now every message posted on that group's forum has found its way into your email inbox. 

The problem is, you didn't ask to be subscribed to the Facebook group. You weren't invited to join, you had no option or decision to make. Someone else took that decision away from you and just put you in there.

Are networking events becoming redundant?

With the growth of online networks allowing people to connect with ease, is the popularity of networking groups close to peaking and are they in danger of becoming redundant? What role do they play in the modern, inter-connected environment?

 

Stop! You're wasting your time

 

I was recently asked to provide this guest blog for Warren Cass's excellent new site, full of social media and networking advice. 

 

What could you be doing instead of reading this blog? Did you pick it up from Twitter or Facebook? If so, how long have you spent on either site today? What else could you have done otherwise?

If you’re going to a networking event later, why are you bothering? You might be doing something far more productive.

How much time do you need to invest in social networking?

Following my recent webinar on using networking effectively to grow your business, I received an email from one of the participants. He asked me "how much time would someone need to invest, daily or weekly into online networking through platforms like LinkedIn, FaceBook etc...?

The Last Word on Twitter

Numbers following you are important if you use Twitter to build your profile. In which case, you want people to follow you for the right reasons.

When people click onto a profile to decide whether or not to follow someone on Twitter, they will very often just look at their last tweet and decide if it catches their interest. I know I do.