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Business Fundamentals

Effective Networking

Elke StJohn, Lora Scott, Terry O'Sullivan, Hugh Reynolds, and Joanne Battelley

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for anyone looking to enhance and develop their professional network in order to open up opportunities and strengthen their professional relationships. The course does not require any previous experience of studying networking. For further information about registration, the final assessment course, your eligibility and the BA in Business Management, visit the Open University website . If you are aiming to use your study of courses in the Business and Finance Fundamentals program to obtain academic credit, please be aware that the final planned presentation of the Open University Assessment Course BXM191 Business and Finance Fundamentals in Practice starts October 2020. Please ensure that you allow yourself enough time to obtain all eight Certificates of Achievement from courses in the program before registering for the Assessment Course. Details of runs of the relevant FutureLearn courses in 2019 and 2020 are available here .

Topics Covered

Nature and benefits of networking
Barriers to networking and how to overcome them
Frameworks for self-assessment and communicating professional strengths and interests
Interpersonal skills including giving and receiving feedback, listening and using appropriate body language
Online communication in a professional context
Fundamentals of brand equity as applied to individuals
Monitoring, evaluation and planning for improving the mutual value of networking activity

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Reviews summary

Networking: foundational skills for professionals

According to students, "Business Fundamentals: Effective Networking" is a highly beneficial course for those new to formal networking, serving as an excellent foundation. Learners frequently praise its practical approach, offering actionable strategies and step-by-step guidance that demystify the process. Many highlight the valuable insights gained on personal brand equity, overcoming networking barriers, and developing genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. The instructor's clear explanations and relatable examples also contribute to a positive learning experience. However, some experienced professionals found the content to be too basic and somewhat repetitive, suggesting it's primarily suited for beginners or those seeking a refresher rather than advanced techniques.

Ideal for new learners, but less so for seasoned professionals.

"Some of the material felt a little basic for someone with a few years of professional experience..."

"Perhaps it's better for absolute beginners, but for someone already active in their profession, it offered little new insight."

"The information is sound, but it didn't push me much beyond what I already knew. Might be useful for someone completely new to the concept..."

Covers personal brand equity, communication, and overcoming barriers effectively.

"The content on personal brand equity was particularly insightful, making me rethink my approach."

"I appreciated the modules on body language and giving/receiving feedback, which are crucial for effective interactions."

"The sections on developing a professional brand and leveraging online platforms were particularly relevant in today's digital age."

Emphasizes building genuine connections over mere contact collection.

"The focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting business cards was a key takeaway."

"The course reinforced the idea that networking isn't just about finding jobs, but about creating mutual value."

"I feel empowered to network authentically."

Offers actionable tips and exercises for immediate application.

"The practical exercises really helped solidify the concepts. Highly recommend for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their professional connections."

"Very practical and well-structured. ...helped me identify my networking weaknesses and provided actionable strategies to improve."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Provides a clear and practical introduction for networking novices.

"Absolutely brilliant! As a complete beginner to formal networking, this course demystified the whole process."

"This course was a fantastic refresher and provided several new strategies for networking..."

"Good foundational course. It covers the basics of networking effectively, from preparing for events to following up."

Career center

Learners who complete Business Fundamentals: Effective Networking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Business Fundamentals: Effective Networking.

The Definitive Book of Body Language

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Classic in the field of body language and has been translated into over 20 languages. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering everything from the basics of body language to the more advanced techniques used by experts. This book must-read for anyone who wants to master the art of body language.

Business Fundamentals

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Networking: foundational skills for professionals

Career center

Reading list

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