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Effective Business Networking
Learn how to network like a pro
With John Bourdage, founder of Bourdage Consulting
Networking Training followed by Networking Cocktail Hour
Don't miss this exciting speaker presentation and hands-on workshop addressing the fundamentals of effective business networking.
John Bourdage, founder of Bourdage Consulting and graduate of the internationally renowned Ivor Spencer School for Butler Administration and Personal Assistants in London, will lead an information-packed hour of business networking basics, followed by a practical session where knowledge gained can be applied and tested.
Topics covered include:
Principles of Networking
o Theory of networking
o Networking strategy
o The process of networking
o Social capital
o Principle of engagement
Conversation that builds relationships
o Use a professional handshake
o The skills of conversation
o Topics to avoid
o Tips for making a good impression
o Active listening: the two way process of conversation and information
o Importance of small talk
o The do’s and don’ts of good conversation
o Conversation at large and small functions
o Leading a conversation
o Closing a conversation
Networking Skills
o What is networking?
o Principles of networking
o Building rapport with small talk
o Networking strategies
o Different types of networks
o Diversity in networking; your people resource
o The dangers of stereotyping
o Qualifying a contact
o Developing assets and network capital
o Practical psychology of dealing with people
o The elevator pitch
o Business card use
o Elements of an effective business card
o Giving and asking for a business card
o Name tag etiquette
o Tips for working a room
o Maintaining your network
o Staying in touch with contacts
John Bourdage biography:
John Bourdage, founder of Bourdage Consulting, has dedicated his life’s work to the improvement of interpersonal relationships, whether casual or business, through a renewed understanding of social skills and personal brand. John teaches the skills that are critical for success in this image-conscious world; skills that are necessary yet commonly overlooked by other programs.
Mr. Bourdage is a graduate of the internationally renowned Ivor Spencer School for Butler Administration and Personal Assistants in London, a Five Star Diamond award winning school. Ivor Spencer, recognized as the foremost expert of entertaining, etiquette and protocol, was toastmaster and event coordinator for Buckingham Palace. Under the tutelage of Ivor Spencer, Mr. Bourdage received training in such areas as manners and etiquette, food and wines, entertaining, British style butler service, and the fine arts. Mr. Bourdage studied clothing with various tailors on Savile Row, restaurant and hotel management at the Ritz and Savoy hotels, cigars and tobaccos at Alfred Dunhill, wines under a master sommelier, and specialty shopping at Harrods. John is a life long member of the Guild of British Butlers.
While in London Mr. Bourdage served as associate project director for a “Royal Gala and Ball” in honor of her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent. The event, which benefited the Samaritan Society, was held at Harrods. Along with coordinating event logistics, John helped secure contributions from companies such as
Moet & Chandon, Remy-Martin, Jaguar Motors, Christian Dior, and Godiva Chocolates.
Mr. Bourdage founded Bourdage Consulting and began his consulting business by teaching businessmen to become more skilled at business etiquette, networking, and projecting a professional image in formal and informal settings. John also consulted with a number of candidates for public office at the federal,
state and local levels on public appearances, donor relations, and coordinated various campaign events. John has written several articles on manners and etiquette that were published in various magazines and local newspapers through Gannett Publishing.
Bourdage Consulting is built upon the custom design and delivery of training and other services that meet the specific needs of the client. John has delivered his training to universities, schools of hospitality, businesses and associations, hotels and casinos. He works tenaciously with his clients to improve their business goals and customer service. John’s seminars combine the soft skills and technical proficiency needed to promote personal and business excellence necessary for success in today’s marketplace. His service offerings are designed to provide clients with the edge they need to establish trust and credibility in their business and personal interactions.
Mr. Bourdage served as technical advisor during the creation of training DVDs for Leading Hotel Schools of the World, and conducted remote training for students internationally. He has presented training on wine tasting, wine service, and food and wine pairing to various businesses and wineries in the Western New York area and hosted a local television show, Wine, Wit, and Wisdom.
Mr. Bourdage is available for seminars, lectures, workshops, one-on-one or group training, and personal consultation in the areas of manners, social skills, networking, and personal brand.
Effective Business NetworkingDate and Time
Wednesday Oct 18, 2017
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDTWednesday, October 18th
5:00 - 7:00 pmLocation
Corning Country Club
