Testimonials from clients of Andy Lopata

“I very much enjoyed Andy Lopata's presentation on Building Social Capital. His energy and love for his subject, in which he is clearly an expert, drew in his audience wonderfully. His style of interacting with each attendee, throwing out questions, breaking into small focus groups yet keeping the pace rippling along suited the calibre of the delegates. I also enjoyed the course very much having a lot of fun yet have taken away a wealth of information and contacts. Invaluable. ”

“It was lovely listening to your talk yesterday. 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. I particularly liked: - That your angle, style and approach was what Networking MEANS TO YOU (hence it was unique, individual). - That you described contrast and boundaries eg. difference between Network and Friends. - Hilarious story of the man who stood by the front door and handed out cards. - That it’s ultimately what someone’s willing to do for you. - The quick “breakout” tasks – I actually learnt stuff from my group’s feedback to my own challenge! - Explained what makes the subject special, different. You said you were meeting with someone next week to take the presentation up a notch. In my opinion it’s already broadcast quality. I wouldn’t change anything to structure or content. And I think you’ve got something there with your personal attitude and approach. But there was also oodles of substance and examples in what you said too. If you’re wondering what motivates me to take the time to write this - I’ve been to so many bad presentations that I had to make sure you know that yours was brilliant.”

“"Andy worked with two sales teams at IMG and Wembley Stadium to help us develop a more focused approach to networking and one more likely to deliver a successful return. The teams were mixed in terms of experience, skill and comfort when networking. In the three months since Andy delivered his sessions, I've noticed a clear change in the approach taken by everyone who participated. They are more considered about which events they choose to attend, prepare more thoroughly and are more confident when at the events. Most importantly, their diaries are full with follow up meetings with people they have met at those events, and they have been more focused on building relationships with those people rather than selling to them. We have already received a number of referrals as a result."”

“There was a buzz of anticipation around this event as Andy’s previous talk to our members last year had been incredibly well received. Once again, Andy certainly didn’t disappoint! Our audience was captivated by the engaging way in which Andy delivered his networking tips and they went away inspired, having not only learnt new approaches to networking but also how they could use their networks effectively. Thank you! ”

“Andy delivered two extremely informative and well received sessions at the inaugural Sage World event in 2010. They were so well received, we decided to invite Andy back for a second year to deliver another two insightful sessions. In the feedback from attendees at Andy's two talks in 2011, around 80% of respondents said both that the presentations were excellent and that they received excellent value from the sessions. Andy has been described as inspirational, engaging, informative, fantastic and superb! If you are looking for a motivational networking strategist, we would recommend Andy Lopata every time.”

“Andy Lopata has been presenting a series of referral strategy seminars to mallowstreet clients. The feedback we have had has been exceptional. Andy's approach to generating new business through referrals is simple to understand and easy to implement. Many of our clients have recognised simple steps that they have failed to take which could lift their business to the next level. Andy's style is very engaging and he involves everyone present. There has been a tremendous buzz and positivity after each of his sessions and people have gone away having benefited significantly. ”

“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. We invited Andy to present at our annual Sales Conference how to use social networking to help drive pipeline. In a 40 minute prescriptive tips and tricks pitch, he challenged the audience to see social media as the means to an end goal of targeting individuals with whom they wish to engage. That Andy succeeded was reflected in the very immediate way our sales execs – and others in the audience - responded to his recommendations by taking a long hard look at their social media interactions (and those of their target prospects) rather than just networking or blogging for its own sake. If your company needs some structure and purpose behind its business social networking then I would have no hesitation in recommending you engage with Andy to help you in this fast emerging aspect of the sales and marketing mix.”

“Having worked with Andy on many occasions as a keynote speaker, he has always delivered a fantastic and insightful presentation, to great acclaim and feedback from our clients, across a wide range of corporate and networking events. He is utterly professional, highly knowledgeable in the field of professional networking, but more importantly, knows how to connect and get through to people, whether for effective team-building within an organisation or in the wider context of keynote speaking at large corporate events. He is truly an expert in his field and can accommodate a small bespoke training session or large global projects for multinationals. Phenomenal value delivering far reaching results ... and connections, of course.”

“I was privileged to attend a seminar where Andy was our Guest speaker; He was precise, motivational, inspiring and captivating throughout. ”

“I had the pleasure of hearing Andy speak at the ARC Retail Conference where he made the opening address. I was impressed not only by the quality of his presentation but also by its content. It’s clear to me that Andy is a networking champion. ”

“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. In difficult and challenging times those that master the basics of networking and how to obtain referrals will see a growth in sales and revenue at almost zero acquisition cost. During good economic times those that master these skills will gain market share at almost no cost. So, the question is not why or when you should start working on this. The question is, what are you waiting for? ”

“The consummate professional and down to earth guy whose passion lies in seeing you succeed. ”

“Andy’s ability to understand diverse business sectors very quickly is impressive, but it is his open approach and integrity that mark him out as someone who really understands the value of relationships. ”

“Andy is a brilliant networker and a great source of inspiration to all who come in contact with him. If you want to know anything about Networking Andy is definitely your man. ”

“Andy Lopata has a forensic approach to networking. Having scrutinised intensively the kind of things that work and the kind of things that don't he's in a great position to enlighten any audience on a subject that can propel a business career forward when it's done along the lines he suggests. Andy has the warm personable and entertaining speaking style that you'd expect from a networking guru - and has invaluable things to impart to any business-minded audience. ”

“Andy is a true professional and has a keen insight into the industry of networking. As a writer, Andy is exceptional at representing the sensibilities of the British people when it comes to networking. ”

“I saw Andy present to an audience from a major investment bank. Andy had the audience in the palm of his hand throughout and it was clear that his content had massive relevance to them. There was extensive takeaway value in the presentation and there was no doubt in my mind that Andy's client had achieved tremendous value from the seminar. ”

“There are few Networkers that have the range of contacts and refined Networking skills as this man has. Andy's integrity is second to none only surpassed by his activity and selfless support of others. A master at off-line networking.”

“Andy is a true expert in Networking. I've had the benefit of being mentored by Andy and he has provided enormous value. He is excellent at helping you create a strategic networking plan and getting you to focus on which networks will help you achieve this. His approach fits with both my business and personal goals, yet grounded in the practicalities of what is achievable. His style is both supportive and challenging whilst being very engaging, and the techniques he teaches are extremely practical and valuable. Andy has a huge amount to offer, so if you or your organisation wants to achieve more from your networking I would thoroughly recommend talking to Andy ”

“Andy is a highly persuasive catalyst for change whose ability to spot synergy between people from different fields is matched by his personable style of motivating them to work together for a common goal. He is an accomplished speaker with a proven track record of leading by thoughts, words and deeds. ”

“Earlier this year we made the decision to expand our business and spoke to Andy about changing our networking strategy. He helped us to identify what benefits we were looking for from our networks and which organisations would give us the right support. We set revenue targets which I felt were just about achievable, and have smashed them after only 6 months. Highly recommended! ”

“Andy connects at the nuclear level. He is always looking to help anyone he is talking with - and he has connections, who have connections, who have connections. His drive is to help people to network strategically, and he is a true master at this work. If you have any need to meet person X, acquire service Y, visit place Z - talk to Andy. If you want your business enhanced, hire him, you won't be disappointed, you will be amazed. ”

“I have worked closely with Andy for 9 years. When I started my business in 1999, the biggest challenge for me was finding clients and referrals, especially as I had been out of the country for over two years. Andy's training and support, both personally and through the organisation that he was a director of, revolutionized my business. Not only did I receive a plethora of referrals, but also many of the contacts were Professional Connections who still provide a constant stream of clients to my business. ”

“Andy gave a highly enjoyable interactive talk at a Swedish Chamber of Commerce networking event. His ideas changed my attitude towards networking and as a direct result of his talk one of the other guests recommended me to a client of hers and within two weeks she was a client of mine! A big thank you to Andy for an inspiring and educational talk, with immediate benefits! ”

“I've worked with Andy at events where we were both speaking, and also as a delegate at one of his seminars. Not only is he a great guy to be around, (as he's always very considerate, amiable and fun,) his depth of knowledge of networking strategies is staggering. When presenting or speaking he has an easy to listen to style that grips the audience from the off and holds them. His insights are fascinating and more importantly he cares about helping the people he meets get the results they need. I cannot recommend Andy highly enough. ”

“As an event and seminar photographer I get to hear lots of different speakers at nationwide events. I was really inspired and educated at Andy Lopata's talk. Andy really knows his stuff and helps people focus on why they are attending networking events, what are the best networking strategies and how to implement them. ”

“I very arrogantly thought that there wasn't much anyone could teach me about networking. However, when invited to one of Andy's seminars, I decided to go. What I learned there has completely changed the way in which I approach networking. I've moved from an 'ad hoc' approach to making my networking activities strategic and goal orientated. I would urge anyone seeking new business to tap into Andy's knowledge first. You'll be far more effective as a result." ”

“I have known Andy for some years and admired his creativity and abilities as an entrepreneur focusing on networking. I have also seen him grow to be a highly competent professional speaker. Follow this man he will always add value. ”

“If you are looking to get the most from your referral marketing and networking activities you should look to Andy. ”

“I have always known as a giving networker and he has been a great champion of my speaking and presenting. More recently I have seen him emerge as a great conference chairman and facilitator. At THE BIG EVENT Andy skilfully connected the different sections with great introductions and summations of the people who were taking part. A kind, humorous and gentle manner often missing from those who take on this role. Highly recommended. ”

“The Swedish Chamber of Commerce has had Andy Lopata as guest speaker for three consecutive years and the seminars have attracted several hundreds of attendees. The hands-on advice and Andy’s inspiring way of conveying his message have been very much appreciated amongst the Chamber’s Members, to whom the art of networking is essential in times like these. We are already planning for Andy’s return in 2010!”

“Having asked Andy to be the chairman of The Retail Conference 2008 (www.retailconference.co.uk) I was so delighted with the results I invited him back to chair again in 2009. His success was measured on the quality of our delegate's feedback with regard to his style, ability and opening remarks - and that feedback was exceptional. He introduced the concept of networking for personal and business benefits to an amassed crowd of c. 200 senior representatives from the UK retail sector - a topic not typically on their radar - and it was very well received. This year we look forward to taking his opening remarks to the next step in networking for business benefit, considering how online networking has become a potentially lucrative marketing aspect for retailers. On the personal side of networking Andy will be exploring how this can be critical to finding your next career move, particularly in tough times. A great speaker who can really engage an audience, and an equally great trainer and consultant - I would strongly suggest finding out more about how his services can benefit you! ”

“Andy did a superb job managing the entire flow of the conference. His insights at the beginning and end of presentations were accurate, and more importantly, brief! He picked up on lots of detail and did a wonderful job tying different presenters concepts together to show how they all complemented each other and added to the value of the day.”

“A networking event about networking is an ideal platform to challenge common issues and perceptions. Andy’s barrier breaking approach to networking had the audience enthralled and eager to try out their new found skills. Highly entertaining, and with the ability to engage every member of the audience, Andy showed the difference between ‘networking’ and ‘networking for business gain’.”

“One of the biggest challenges ISES faced was the lack of interaction between our members at our networking events. Andy Lopata helped us to change that with an interactive networking skills talk that was highly successful. We received fantastic feedback from our Members following the talk and we have noticed a clear shift in the quality of networking at our events ever since. ”

“Hi Andy, I want to thank you for a very inspiring day at the Oscars Theater in Stockholm two days ago. I have worked in sales and marketing for 10 years now and I am now about to start my own business so your lecture was very important to me. I have been on many sales courses and seminars but never hade a chance to learn about how to build a network professionally. Thank you for giving me a chance to see online communities as a powerful business tool for both developing my business but also connect with other people seeking for opportunities to help and inspire them and be helped and inspired. You delivered your message clearly and it was easy to understand what you wanted to say (even though we was not the English speaking audience, your message came through) As a result of your lecture I: 1. Created a profile on different online community sites 2. Started networking more professionally 3. Will do my best to pass your message forward ”

“Andy is simply the most authoritative, sincere, entertaining and inspiring speaker on the subject of networking I have ever heard. His presentation at the Professional Speakers Association in Wetherby was first class and caused me to completely rethink my networking strategy.”

“Andy recently led a networking event at One Alfred Place entitled Riding the Recovery Wave. It was informative, entertaining and offered plenty to anyone who might have thought they already knew everything there is to know about networking. There was a truly cohesive feeling amongst the attendees at the end of the event and I've already noticed many of them putting into practice what they learnt. In addition, of all the events I've organised at One Alfred Place, I have never received so much unsolicited thanks and positive feedback as I did following this. I'd recommend Andy's services - whether for presentations or more intimate training sessions - wholeheartedly.”

“Andy Lopata is by far the best speaker we have had in Sweden when it comes to business networking. His way of communicating generates immediate bonds between people. We need to see more of Andy Lopata in Sweden.”

“Andy Lopata gave a 30 minute talk on 'Acquisition of Business Through Introductions'. This was one of the high points of the Academy for Chief Executives Southern Regional Conference held at Warren House and over 100 Academy members went away richer for the experience of listening to Andy's talk on getting referral business. Referral selling really came to life with Andy's inspirational style and his content laden talk brings great value to any audience where sales are important. ”

“I approached Andy while CEO & Founder of ClassJet Europe. Andy helped us come-up with the branding strategy and was key in helping us develop an innovative strategy to serve the High Net Worth Individual market. Andy also helped in recruiting some of the team that worked on the project ClassJet. If you're a business start-up and/or need to turn your business around Andy is your man with his connections and business savvy he'll make you a winner!”

“I invited Andy to share his knowledge and insights around networking with all our Footdown leaders. His inspiring and passionate contribution has shifted our whole approach to the way we engage and enthuse leaders who work with us to be the best they can be. ”

“Andy is a true expert in his field and has a very good approach to drawing out the most important messages on networking and referral strategies and helping members see how they can be applied directly to their own businesses. Members are left in no doubt that generating new business via networking and referral activities should be regarded as a fundamental sales activity like any other and should therefore be properly planned, measured for effectiveness and evaluated on the basis of return on investment - it's much more than simply going to networking events and should be taken much more seriously by business leaders and not left to chance - a great message and a skilled presenter combined to deliver a highly valuable session. Lots of practical take-away value with some highlights being 1) Make sure you're clear about your objectives for your networking and referral activities. 2) Develop a proper strategy for networking activities supported by an allocated budget and a clear commitment in time - don't leave it to chance 3) Measure the results and evaluate your investment - if it's not working change the strategy and try a different approach ”

“Ever since I first met Andy in September 2007 when he did an opening keynote at my office building I have been impressed with him as a speaker. However, I have had the pleasure of working with him now as the chairman of 3 events I have run. His background and expertise in networking gives him a unique approach to tackling this task. Andy's approach focuses on the people - so in the case of a conference he is keen to understand both who the attendees / audience are (what they have been promised / what they expect) and who the speakers are. He introduces each speaker as if he had known them for years - and he manages to do this because he has invested time in researching their backgrounds or in many cases from having had a phone conversation with them. On the day he keeps the conference to time, facilitates questions from the audience and ensures all speakers are at ease, can use the equipment and that the support staff are ready to deal with issues arising. He is exceptionally good at the opening and closing words - setting the ethos of the event, again with some reference to his subject expertise, networking. Finally the key "take out" points he captures during your conference provide you with an invaluable set of notes from which he can write an accurate and engaging review for you! So, if you want to hire the ultimate conference chairman for your event I cannot recommend him highly enough. Given the cost of producing a typical conference Andy's fee is without a shadow of a doubt a totally worthwhile investment in success - buying his services is like buying a guarantee that your event will run smoothly.”

“After joining a teleseminar with Andy as the guest speaker, I implemented a number of the ideas Andy raised when going to a networking event later that week. Using Andy's techniques, I found myself more at ease approaching people and more focused on what impression I wanted others to form of me. Problems that had previously made networking difficult were no longer an issue. From just that one event I have made two key connections and have follow up meetings with both. I'm confident that I would have made neither of those connections without Andy's advice and support. ”

“I have heard Andy speak on the subject of using networking to gain referrals and he manages to simplify the process so that everyone goes away with some easily defined actions. We then worked together on a special event on making the most of using LinkedIn for referrals and we had a brilliant half day session. Those who attended rated Andy with top marks and we all got a huge amount out of it. It was very hands on and therefore even more effective. Thanks Andy!! More of that in 2011please!!”