Interactive Session with Shital Kakkar Mehra on ‘Convert Contacts into Contracts’

Most businesses can survive the threats of competition, economic cycles, changes in technology, or other factors, but the inability to network can devastate the business and tear apart its client base.

In the words of Peter Drucker “More business decisions occur over lunch and dinner than at any other time, yet no MBA courses are given on the subject”

Turning contacts into contracts is what makes business happen. It is just one part of the overall marketing strategy for a business. Unfortunately, most businesses do not utilize their contacts fully.

Given this backdrop, FICCI Ladies Organisation organised an Interactive Session on ‘Convert Contacts into Contracts’ with renowned corporate etiquette practitioner, international protocol consultant and author Ms Shital Kakkar Mehra.

The key takeaway from the session was the importance of using social media for networking, things to avoid talking about during networking meets and ways to follow-up once a business contact is established.

In her Welcome Address, Ms Neeta Boochra, President FLO said ‘In this age of globalisation, ability to develop and use contacts has indeed become an art and an important skill. Relationships are the catalyst for success as people do business with those they like and trust’.

Talking about the two key skills for successful business networking, Ms Mehra said ‘Networking is the combination of both communication and public speaking skills. These two skills are very important to both your life and business’ adding that ‘Unfortunately, Indian education system never focuses on the development of these skills and they are completely ignored’.

Speaking about why one should network, Ms Mehra said ‘It is one of the most effective ways of expanding your database of business contacts. Business networking offers tremendous possibilities and it is essential to convert your contacts into contracts’.

Talking about how networking is perceived in India, she said ‘In our culture, networking is like farming. It takes investment of your time and energy and year later, you get the return in form of an opportunity or business deal.’

Ms Mehra spoke about the importance of business card, how it plays an important role of the most economic form of an advertising tool. She also stressed on the need to have an updated LinkedIn profile as it acts like a permanently updated black book of information for the world.

The session provided a wonderful opportunity for the members to gain insights into Women & Networking; topics to talk about & topics to avoid; Barriers and Roadblocks to Networking; Body language and the importance of Staying in touch – how to follow-up etc.

Archana Garodia Gupta, Sr Vice President, FLO gave the vote of thanks. Sandhya Sethi, Governing Body Member hosted the programme.