Dynamic Leadership · Level 3 · Project 1
Make Connections Through Networking
How to network authentically and build meaningful professional relationships
Speech Timing
Target time for this project: 5–7 minutes
5 min
Green Light
Start of range
6 min
Yellow Light
Midpoint warning
7 min
Red Light
Maximum time
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Prepare a 30-second personal introduction (elevator pitch)
2
Attend a club mixer, professional event, or networking session
3
Practice starting 3 conversations with people you don't know
4
Follow up with at least one connection within 48 hours
5
Give a 5–7 minute speech about what you learned or experienced
5 Tips for Success
- ✓Ask questions and listen — most people love to talk about themselves
- ✓Have a simple, memorable answer ready for "What do you do?"
- ✓Networking is about giving value, not just collecting contacts
- ✓Follow up with a specific reference to your conversation: "You mentioned..."
- ✓Quality connections beat quantity every time