Date: 21 May 2015

Today's organisations are under pressure to become ever leaner and dynamic as they respond to client demands for 'better, faster, cheaper' products and services. As a result, their structures have also evolved to be more agile, with people often working in a matrix structure of temporary teams, rather than a rigid, functional hierarchy. In this environment, the skill of forging good working relationships has become more valuable than ever to getting the work done or securing that promotion. It's important then, that the job of extending a professional network is taken seriously.

At its heart, networking simply means getting to know other people, and their abilities and interests in the anticipation that this may - in the future - provide mutual benefit. Your network can help you solve a work problem, achieve a promotion, expand your influence, build your reputation, or achieve your dreams. And the good news is that we all have one, built from current and former colleagues, clients and suppliers. So why do we have such a fear of formal networking events?

In this webinar, we will explore why formal networking events can be so challenging for a Business Analyst and the simple, pragmatic steps we can take to build our self-confidence to make the most of the opportunities for professional development that they provide.

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand what 'professional networking' is - and what it isn't
  • Appreciate why this skill is so important to Business Analysts
  • Identify obstacles to successful networking at formal events
  • Gain a range of personal tips for building self-confidence
  • Be able to create clear goals and objectives for networking
  • Use a range practical strategies for improving outcomes


After an early career in IT, Philippa Thomas has specialised in learning and development for over twenty years. Her executive level experience with FTSE 1000 companies, of providing a wide range of learning services to global blue-chip organisations, has equipped her with a unique insight into the people skills challenges faced by today's professionals. Since forming her own learning consultancy in 2013, Philippa has focussed on offering creative, flexible, pragmatic training solutions to support her clients in addressing these challenges. Passionate in her belief that people skills are a critical enabler of change, she is an advocate for them becoming an integral part of professional qualifications.

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