Let’s be honest: we all hate networking. It can incite anxiety and more often than not we find ourselves doing our best to circulate a room once and then make a swift exit. Fear of rejection, and feelings of awkwardness and uncertainty, are all valid reasons that can prevent us from making connections.

And while we’re being honest, you already know that networking is an essential skill when it comes to doing business, meeting a new romantic partner, and fostering personal and professional relationships.

Social and cultural anthropologist Jean Smith will teach you the subtle - yet powerful - nuances that will make you a master of networking, without losing sight of who you are and what you stand for. She will show you essential techniques for making your next social event painless, useful and even fun. She will also take you through the five steps you can employ to make socialising easy, no matter the event.

Whether you need to do it with industry professionals or you want to learn how to present yourself at a wedding at which you only know the bride, this practical masterclass will equip you with the necessary skills to turn awkward experiences into long-term relationships.

Course content

• How to maximise your time at events, whether you’re there for half an hour or all day

• Why mindset is key

• The first thing to do upon entering an event

• How to approach individuals and groups

• The perfect opener

• Moving on from small talk

• The anatomy of a good question

• Reading body language as a success monitor

• Building rapport

• The graceful exit

Jean Smith is a social and cultural anthropologist. She is the author of two books, an international speaker and a social intelligence coach. She has worked with a number of brands around the globe including American Express, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, General Motors, Stella Artois and Unilever. While her clients include big names, her passion for building confidence, social skills and connectivity, means she enjoys sharing these teachings from individuals, to startups, and everyone in between. In addition to contributing to (and being featured in) The Times, The Telegraph, Australian Financial Review, Psychologies, and Marie Claire, among other publications, Jean makes frequent appearances in the media, including the BBC, Radio 4, Itv, Sky, Channel 4, and CBS America. She gives lectures at places such as: The Guardian, London Business School, The Royal Society of Medicine, and her TEDx talk has 6 million views.