This page was translated from Dutch with AI.
Networking & Relationship Building
You are at a gathering where you do not know anyone and you want to make contacts without sounding pushy. In this in-company training you learn to network in a human, warm way and you build relationships that last. The training consists of 2 half-days for 6 to 12 participants, in Dutch or English.
Do you recognise this?
The reception after the trade fair is in full swing. Everyone is already talking in groups and you are standing by the table with your coffee, looking for an opening. You resolve to talk to someone, but the minutes tick by.
At home there is a pile of business cards in your coat pocket that you do nothing with. You feel that networking matters, but it takes effort and feels rather forced.
Networking is part of your job, but it does not always feel natural:
- you feel pressure to make new contacts, but also fear of rejection;
- you do not know how to start a conversation with people you do not know;
- you do not dare to make yourself vulnerable;
- your contacts remain superficial and fizzle out after one meeting.
That is rarely your fault. Usually there is a lack of an approach that brings networking back to what it is: getting to know people.
Why does networking remain so uncomfortable?
If networking takes effort, you will avoid it. You cancel a gathering or you stick with the people you already know. As a result, few new conversations are added and the contacts you have remain superficial.
That gnaws at you in the long run. You know that a good network helps, in your work and in your feeling that you are not alone, and yet every next occasion feels heavier than the last.
It does not have to stay that way. Networking is not a talent for extroverted people, it is a way of interacting with people that you can learn.
How do you make contacts that do last?
You can learn to network, step by step, in your own style. You do not have to become a different person for it.
Our coaches know that moment by the coffee table. They help you bring networking back to what it is: genuinely getting to know someone, listening and showing who you are. We work in an experience-oriented way, so you practise in real conversations instead of just hearing about them.
In two half-days you learn the essence and modern techniques, you discover how your behaviour comes across and you build your network step by step. This is how you achieve the results below.
What you can do after the training
After the training you can:
- explain why a strong network matters for your career and your well-being;
- use modern networking techniques in real conversations;
- understand how your behaviour comes across to others;
- use listening, empathy and emotional intelligence to gain trust;
- build a network step by step that suits you.
This is how we approach it
The training consists of 2 half-days, with a lot of practice instead of a lot of listening.
- The essence of networking: understand the importance and the benefits.
- Modern networking techniques: learn practical tips and techniques.
- Self-awareness: understand how your behaviour comes across.
- Build your network: practise building a strong network.
Afterwards you keep practising
Every training is extended in the THOC Learning Space. Your material remains available and you get an AI Coach who knows the lesson.
We work in an experience-oriented way: you immediately get to work with the material in exercises that resemble real situations.
Who gives this training
Our coaches can give this training. Do you, as an HR employee, L&D manager, manager or business leader, want to make your team stronger as networkers? Tell us what you need, and we will put together the programme together.
Frequently asked questions
For everyone who has to make and maintain contacts and prefers to do so in a natural way: employees, managers and entrepreneurs. It is an in-company training, so we work with your team and with situations from your work.
The training consists of 2 half-days: the essence and techniques of networking, and self-awareness and building your network. We align the schedule with your agenda and questions.
With six to twelve participants per group, so that everyone can practise and receive feedback. The training is available in Dutch and in English. Let us know which language your team prefers.
Every training is tailored, so we work with a quote after we have heard your question. If you want to combine networking with other skills, request a tailored training.
Your material remains available in the THOC Learning Space, together with an AI Coach who knows the lesson. This way you can continue to practise your networking conversations at your own pace.
Practical details
- Formula: In-company training
- Languages: English, Dutch
- Half-days: 2
- Participants: 6 to 12