As well as building my own networking skills I have learned some valuable truths and skills to improve my performance for the bank. In such a competitive banking market across Australia some of the things I have learned regarding adding value to our clients legitimately with no other agenda will cement long term relationships between us and our clients. Keeping our clients and other contacts top of mind and always seeking opportunities to connect people and be connected will be of great benefit. The KWAN course has given me tools and information which I am now working with my area manager to download and teach the other members of my team.

That I found challenging and to provide some feedback. The words that come to mind when I reflect on the program are thought provoking and stimulating. Thought provoking because while the basic idea of being connected is not new, the concepts you present have started to make me think more deeply about the way I am going about my role in Mercer and how I can be more effective. The most important part of the program for me is the opportunity to reflect on the concepts that you put forward and how they create value.

It gave me new perspective on framing networks and the values we should try to give and derive from them and the people they involve - this was a highlight for me. I feel I have a better understanding now of the need to be versatile in dealing with people in order to develop relationships in a way that is comfortable and natural for the other person and not pushing a boundary without being invited to do so. The presentations by industry leaders were very valuable due to their stark honesty and willingness to discuss themselves and all aspects of their careers. They raised a number of very interesting items including positional power, networking and connecting strategies and the fact that most people do find networking difficult and need to develop an approach and attitude they are comfortable with. Jon's presentations were dynamic, passionate and highly engaging.

About 'networks' and building relationships. The program challenged me and provided me with a a structure on how to manage, track and approach network opportunities. Networking is something which people are often assumed to know all about, yet seldom taught. Great platform for this valuable skill"

Following the session. You can probably tell, I am getting a lot of the sessions and am enjoying thinking / learning about better ways to manage networks and relationships. In relation to feedback in regard to the Immersion Connection Program. In a few words - I think it is great! Three things I have learnt:-

1. Everybody matters. I think I have been too short term focused in my networking. If I can't see a deal in the next 12 months I tend to move on and discard the contact.
2. My networking is not about me but about how people see me (my brand) and how I can think about them
3. I realise I have a wider network than I thought but I have not effectively used it and have not invest the time to harvest longer term relationships.

And develop my current network and meet likeminded people. It has increased my confidence in which allows me to step out and meet new people whom I can help in and out of banking. The ability to change my mindset and uncover what a real opportunity means results in win/win for all parties that I connect with. It has reiterated that "knowing your client" involves understanding how you can help them beyond just their banking needs. It has also taught us that by looking at opportunities to connect clients we can benefit our business and the clients. This practice will also differentiate our service offering from other banks, keep us top of mind and strengthen our client relationships.

Then just 'networking' . 'Connecting' with people makes for long term changes to the way people think and therefore sustainable rather than an ad hoc approach to achieving short term targets through the 'what's in it for me' approach.