GWEN RHYS

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Becoming an effective networker

A personal journey

I’m a born networker, it comes easily to me, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s when “networking” became something of a buzz word that I realised I had a powerful skill.

People began to say things like:

  • How do you know so many people?
  • How do you keep in touch with everyone?
  • You’re a fantastic networker, how do you do it?
  • Can you help me become a better networker?

I could answer the first and second questions, but I really didn’t know how I did it,  let alone help someone else improve their networking skills.  

Understanding “how” to be an effective networker

I discovered that networking was something social scientists studied and I began to read up on the subject from an academic point of view.

Next, I asked an experience NLP Practitioner to analyse the personal skills, behaviours and underpinning values that enabled me to be what others described “a highly effective networker” and together we developed a model of networking excellence.  Our next task was to test this model by  interviewing other “great networkers”.  We were both delighted to find it was robust and provided a valuable Framework of Excellence which could help others to become more effective networkers. 

Defining networking

For many, networking has negative connotations – schmoozing, superficial, glad-handing, insincere, not very ‘British’. I needed to reframe it as something positive. 

My definition took some time to develop.  It has lasted both the test of time and has enabled many reluctant and sceptical networkers to accept effective networking as a force for good and help them develop their skills and personal network of relationships.  Every single word has equal importance, but the three that really stand out for me are Process, Relationships, Opportunities.

Definition 

Networking is the process of building, nurturing and leveraging relationships in order to maximise opportunities for yourself and others.  

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Who I am

  • 40+ years business experience
  • resilient, tenacious, pragmatic
  • relationship-builder and connector
  • track record of intra- and entre- preneurship
  • speaker, conference chair
  • award-winning diversity and inclusion champion

discover more

Gwen Rhys

read about gwen rhys

Who I am

  • 40+ years business experience
  • resilient, tenacious, pragmatic
  • relationship-builder and connector
  • track record of intra- and entre- preneurship
  • speaker, conference chair
  • award-winning diversity and inclusion champion

My Livery Companies

  • Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers
  • Worshipful Company of Needlemakers
  • Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
  • Livery Company of Wales

My Ward Clubs

  • Aldgate Ward Club
  • Broad Street Ward Club
  • Ward of Cheap
  • Queenhithe Ward Club

Women in the Livery and High Civic Office in the City of London

Read more here

Connect (Livery & City)

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  • Flickr

Out and About

I have a busy schedule of Livery and work-related events.

Check out what I get up to. 

Photo Gallery Slideshow

DilipPatel and Family
Gwen and Christine at Welsh Livery Dinner
Presentation of Painting to Lord Mayor October 2017
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
Court and Livery Dinner
Glass Sellers
Glass Sellers
Glass Sellers
Needlemakers Installation Dinner 30th September 2015 - 8 of 63
MastersTower
Winners
MasterMugShot
Court and Livery Dinner
Livery Dinner 2015
Livery Dinner 2015
Glass Sellers Banquet
Glass Sellers Banquet
GRLiverymancropped
DilipPatel and Family
  • Shrieval Candidature 2017-8
  • Why I’m seeking your support
  • Campaign Team
  • My Supporters
  • Messages of Support – Liverymen
  • Messages of Support- Wider City
  • The Election Process
  • Role of Sheriff
  • Job Description

© Gwen Rhys, 2017-18

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